Best Sapa Tour | Adventure by Train & Shuttle Bus from Hanoi

04 Days   View Prices  
  (01 Reviews)   
Sapa - Hau Thao village
Sapa - Hau Thao village
Sapa - Ta Phin Village
Sapa - Ta Phin Village
Sapa - Silver Waterfall
Sapa - Silver Waterfall
Overview
best-sapa-trekking-routes.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Sapa - Lao Cai - Lai Chau
  • Duration: 04 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Active, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour guide in: English, Français
Highlight

By train (Hanoi - Sapa) and limousine van (09 seats / Sapa - Hanoi) is a wonderful combination to explore and discover Sapa. Get lost in this paradise for trekking activities and experience the cultural diversity of the ethnic mountain minorities in northern Vietnam

  • Experience the overnight train
  • Visit the villages of Red Dao, Black H'mong, Lu and Laotian people
  • Beautiful scenery of rice terraces and mountains
  • Less touristic trekking path
Notes
  • Train to Sapa is very traditional with soft bed but at times may be noisy and uncomfortable for some guests.
  • Shuttle limousine picks up guests from different hotels, sometimes you may have to wait your turn. 
  • Winter season ( December to January) is cold and foggy on some days. 
  • Bring trekking shoes.
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • An overnight on traditional train from Hanoi to Lao Cai

    In the evening, pick up by driver from your hotel (in the Old Quarter) for a short transfer to Hanoi Train Station.

    Included:
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Train:SP3 (Hanoi - Lao Cai) / 22:00 - 05:55 - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 02 tickets
    Video:
  • Easy trek in Na Tam, Can Ho B villages, visiting Laotian, Lu & Red Dao people, Silver Waterfall

    Arrive in Lao Cai train station in the early morning. Private guide and car will escort you an hour trip up-hill to Sapa. Enjoy the beauty of nature and rice terraces after every turns and meet H’mong, Red Dao people along the way. Have a breakfast at local restaurant before exploring the town.

    8:00 AM: Travel from Sapa along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. At the exit of Tam Duong, we will turn right to visit Na Tam Village where the Laotian and Lu people live. This is a beautiful, tranquil landscape. Traditionally, the local women are distinguished by black teeth and indigo colored clothing encrusted with silver pieces. Take a 2 hour hike through the river, villages, rice fields, and hills and meet the locals. On the way back, have a break at the Tram Ton pass with stunning views of the Fansipan Mountain and valley (if the weather permits).

    Have a break for lunch at local restaurant then visit the Silver waterfall, which is the biggest one in Sapa. Hike up 200 steps and cross the bridge to get as close as possible to the waterfall, enjoy the views (if the weather permits).

    In the afternoon we will drive on the newly discovered path to the Can Ho B village where the hamlet of over 60 friendly Red Dao families reside. They are not only well-known for the most beautiful attire in Sapa, but also for the unique tradition “No eyebrow” women after getting married. Visit their homes to learn how their traditional wooden houses are built and organized.

    Get a transfer back to Sapa in the late afternoon and explore city on your own.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Off-the-beaten track from Sau Chua, Sa Seng to Hau Thao, best views of Muong Hoa valley

    8:00 AM: Depart to Sau Chua hamlet to start off the beaten trek of 15km up-downhill that is your challenge but the reward is worth it. Towards a hill-tribe village of Sa Seng where you will be able to see the authentic lifestyle of the Black H’Mong people who originated from China since and have been in Vietnam from the 11th century.

    Enjoy a picnic lunch or a meal at a local restaurant before trekking uphill along the side of mountain to get the most wonderful views of the Muong Hoa valley at the elevation of 1,800m. Descend into the valley on a trek to the Hau Thao village, consisting of only a few houses and church scattered on a rocky point. You will get the best scenery in the area with rice terraces, small villages nestled on the huge Hoang Lien mountain range and even the peak of Indochina, Fansipan peak (when the weather permits). Keep trekking down the trail to Muong Hoa valley.

    Transfer back to Sapa. Free to explore the town.

    Note: Hard trekking day, when finish 3/4 of trek route, may get pick up by car (7 seats)
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Admiring beautiful valley, Ma Tra, Ta Phin villages

    8:00 AM: After breakfast, set off the trek from Ma Tra hamlet to Ta Phin village. This journey will lead you to the superb rice terrace valley. You have a great chance to meet the local people of the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups. They were originally from Southern China but settled in Vietnam in the 11th century and still live at a high altitude, far away from the modern world. This helps them to preserve their traditions, language and especially their ancestral way of life. Make a stop on the way to visit a Hmong family and school in the Ma Tra Village. After a 3-hour trek, you will reach the Ta Phin village of the Red Dao group. While you are walking, interact with local people to learn about their life and culture.

    2:30 PM:1:00 - 2:00 PM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the central area of Sapa. Once everyone is on board, we’ll begin our journey back to Hanoi via the Hanoi - Lao Cai Highway. The drive takes around 6 hours, with a few optional stops along the way for coffee or a quick break. We anticipate arriving in Hanoi between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. If your accommodation is in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel or any location of your choice within the area.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Sapa - Hanoi
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Video:
Prices
Group size
Sharing Twin/Double Room
Private Single Room

Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.

Group Size 9+
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Sapa - Hanoi
  • Train: SP3 (Hanoi - Lao Cai)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 03, Lunch: 02
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?
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5.0
01 Review
  • Oliver Smith
     

     | 

    Oliver Smith
    Great organisarion
    A beautiful and superbly organized trip by Tracy. Thank you all team. You guys were amazing, everything was absolutely spot-on. Loved your friendly vibes and how you were always there to help. Definitely telling all my friends to book with you!

    Oct 18, 2024

Good to know
  • Passeport & Visa

    Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.

    French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.

  • International flights

    International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.

  • Travel insurance

    Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:

    • Emergency medical expenses (including hospitalization and repatriation)
    • Trip cancellations or interruptions
    • Activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor excursions

    Before departure, please provide us with the following information:

    • The name of your insurance company
    • Your policy number
    • A 24/7 emergency assistance contact number

    Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

  • Weather & best time to visit Vietnam

    Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:

    • North: Cool winters (December to February), hot and humid summers.
    • Central: Rainy season from September to November.
    • South: Tropical climate, warm year-round, with frequent showers from May to October.

    Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.

  • Time zone

    Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.

  • Currency and Payments

    The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.

    • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops.
    • ATMs are widely available in major cities.
    • Currency exchange is possible at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices.

    Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.

  • Domestic flights

    If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.

    Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).

    Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.

    Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.

    Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.

  • Flight Connections

    If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:

    • Collect your checked luggage.
    • Proceed through immigration and customs.
    • Make your way to the domestic terminal (at some airports, this may require a walk or a shuttle transfer).

    Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

    Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
    This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.

    Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.

  • Vaccinations & Personal Medication

    No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.

    However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:

    • Hepatitis A and B
    • Typhoid fever
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster shots recommended)
    • Rabies (in case of prolonged stays in rural areas or possible contact with animals)

    If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
    Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.

  • Malaria & Mosquitoes

    The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.

    However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.

    Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites

    • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin containing DEET (30–50%), icaridin, or PMD (citriodiol).
    • Wear long, covering clothing, especially in the early evening and at night.
    • Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in simple accommodations, natural settings, or places without air conditioning.
    • Use electric diffusers or mosquito coils in the evening in non-air-conditioned areas.
    • Avoid stagnant water near your accommodation, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Airport Pick-up

    Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.

    Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our French-speaking assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
    +84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).

    Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.

    Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.

  • Small Group Tour

    Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.

    To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.

  • Shared and private room

    For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
    You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:

    • You prefer to have a single room.
    • No other traveler wishes to share a room.

    In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
    Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.

Select Date and Travelers

Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$358
  • Adult in single room $400

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