Traveling by limousine Van (09 seats / Hanoi - Sapa & Lao Cai - Hanoi) is a great budget way for you to explore Sapa & Bac Ha. This private trip in the Sapa region invites you to experience cultural diversity, visit small villages nestled in the enchanting rice terraces and visit traditional colourful markets.
6:30 - 7:30 AM:6:45 - 7:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Once everyone is on board, we’ll set off for Sapa via the Hanoi - Lao Cai Highway. The drive takes about 6 hours, with a few optional stops along the way for coffee breaks. As we travel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the rural countryside, mountains, and river landscapes. We expect to arrive in Sapa around 1:00 PM. If your accommodation is in the town center, the driver will drop you off at your hotel, or at a location of your choice within Sapa.
2:00 PM: Meet your private tour guide at hotel then drive to Tram Ton pass with stunning views of the Fanxipang Mountain and valley. Countinue to 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).
After that set off the trek to Sin Chai village, which is home of over 60 Black H’mong families. Immerse yourself into the beauty of nature with flowers, vegetables, medicine plant farms and amazing rice terraces. Walk along the path to Sin Chai village and discover the story of the Black H’Mong people who immigrated to these mountains centuries ago. The distinct of cultures, languages and lifestyles that make this group is so fascinating. Visit a primary school and an authentic H’mong house then get a transfer back to the town.
8:00 AM: Travel from Sapa on direction to Silver waterfall. Travel on a less touristic road to the isolated up-hill Ban Khoang village. Today we will take an off the beaten track of 12 km up and downhill on a new trail to explore the primitive culture of the Red Dao who is well-known for the most beautiful attire in Sapa.
After a picnic lunch (or early lunch at a local restaurant) in the village, follow a small hill path, trek through the corn–farm to a rainforest with amazing views of rice terraces, and on season, you may see local people and buffalos work on the field. Stop to visit orchid gardens that supply even the biggest of cities' demands for the New Year decorations. As you walk towards the Ta Phin village, be greeted as family members by villagers. Explore the unique culture and daily life of the Red Dao people who immigrated to this mountain from China, even have a special traditional herb bath.
Pick up by driver then transfer to Bac Ha. Located at an altitude of 1000m, Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups such as the colorful Hmong, Phu La and Tay. Bac Ha region is well known for its weekly, colorful markets surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery. The markets are not only for the exchange of goods but also for the cultural exchange of the ethnic groups for centuries.
7:00 AM: Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, Coc Ly Market on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesdays, Lung Phinh Market on Fridays, or Can Cau Market on Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups.
Please note that the market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 am. To fully experience it, it's best to arrive early.
After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, typical of the Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum gardens, decorated by H'Mong women in their colorful dresses, will accompany you throughout your journey.