Sapa Explorer – Heart of the Highlands

Duration

4 days

Every other week

on Thursday

Guaranteed

with 2 travellers

Max group size

16 travellers

From R11,334

WHAT TO EXPECT

This 4-day journey from Hanoi to Sapa offers a blend of cultural immersion and stunning natural landscapes. Travel by overnight train to the mountainous town of Sapa, nestled near the Chinese border. Highlights include a scenic Fansipan Cable Car ride to Vietnam’s highest peak, visits to traditional ethnic villages such as Ban Khoang and Ta Giang Phinh, and breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, valleys, and waterfalls. Experience local life through guided walks and savor the tranquility of northern Vietnam before returning to Hanoi.

Sapa Explorer – Heart of the Highlands

  • Day 1: Hanoi Arrival to Sapa

    Arrive in Hanoi, where your local guide greets you and escorts you to the railway station. Settle into your overnight train journey north, a classic experience that takes you out of the bustling capital and toward the misty mountains of Sapa. As the train rolls through the countryside, relax and anticipate the landscapes and cultural encounters that await.

    Overnight in Chapa Express Train (or similar)

  • Day 2: Sapa (B)

    As dawn approaches, arrive early into Lao Cai station, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic mountain scenery. Located in the far northwest of Vietnam in the mountains bordering China, Sapa is home to deep mountain valleys and traditional villages. After enjoying a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers, you will spend your morning admiring the beauty of Sapa on-board the Fansipan Cable Car that will take you 3000m to the upmost peak of Fansipan to explore the many temples as well as admire the natural beauty of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley.

    Overnight in Bamboo Sapa (or similar)

  • Day 3: Sapa (B/L)

    This morning, you will be met at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms. Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life.

    Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness the local's daily activities such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or simply housework. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends mid-afternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.

    Overnight in Bamboo Sapa (or similar)

  • Day 4: Sapa to Hanoi Departure (B)

    After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Sapa to soak up the mountain air or take a final stroll through town before beginning the scenic return drive to Hanoi. From the vibrant valleys to the timeless traditions of the hill tribes, your journey has offered unforgettable glimpses of northern Vietnam’s beauty and spirit — memories to carry with you long after departure.

  • IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION

    We recommend arriving in Hanoi one day earlier, depending on your point of origin, to acclimate yourself before the tour begins. The evening train to Sapa departs late, so a pre-night stay in Hanoi can be arranged if needed. On the final day, please note that you will arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon. We advise planning your onward journey accordingly to ensure a smooth transition. Let us know if you'd like assistance with booking an extra night's stay.

Inclusions

  • Insider Experiences

    - Fansipan Peak: ride the cable car to Vietnam’s highest summit, with sweeping views of Muong Hoa Valley
    - O Quy Ho Pass: pause at one of Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain roads framed by waterfalls and forested cliffs
    - Ban Khoang Village: meet the Red Zao community, known for cardamom farming and distinctive traditional dress
    - Ta Giang Phinh Valley: walk among Black Hmong villages where daily life unfolds beside peaceful streams
    - Sapa Town Vibe: enjoy free time to soak up the mountain charm, colorful markets, and cool alpine air

  • Accommodation

    2 nights in 3-4 star hotels
    1 night on a train

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast
    1 local lunch

  • Transport

    Arrival Transfer
    Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicles

  • Touring

    English speaking tour guide
    Tipping for Guide and Driver

SKU: IJDB-SGJ-63-Vietnam-2024, 2025, 2026 Category: Tags: , ,

Departure Dates

START DAYEND DAYPRICE TWIN ROOMPRICE SINGLE ROOM
Thursday, 11 December 2025Sunday, 14 December 20251133413529
Thursday, 25 December 2025Sunday, 28 December 20251133413529
Thursday, 08 January 2026Sunday, 11 January 20261133413529
Thursday, 22 January 2026Sunday, 25 January 20261133413529
Thursday, 05 February 2026Sunday, 08 February 20261133413529
Thursday, 19 February 2026Sunday, 22 February 20261133413529
Thursday, 05 March 2026Sunday, 08 March 20261133413529
Thursday, 19 March 2026Sunday, 22 March 20261133413529
Thursday, 02 April 2026Sunday, 05 April 20261169614002
Thursday, 16 April 2026Sunday, 19 April 20261169614002
Thursday, 30 April 2026Sunday, 03 May 20261169614002
Thursday, 14 May 2026Sunday, 17 May 20261153313595
Thursday, 28 May 2026Sunday, 31 May 20261153313595
Thursday, 11 June 2026Sunday, 14 June 20261153313595
Thursday, 25 June 2026Sunday, 28 June 20261153313595
Thursday, 09 July 2026Sunday, 12 July 20261153313595
Thursday, 23 July 2026Sunday, 26 July 20261153313595
Thursday, 06 August 2026Sunday, 09 August 20261153313595
Thursday, 20 August 2026Sunday, 23 August 20261153313595
Thursday, 03 September 2026Sunday, 06 September 20261153313595
Thursday, 17 September 2026Sunday, 20 September 20261153313595
Thursday, 01 October 2026Sunday, 04 October 20261169614002
Thursday, 15 October 2026Sunday, 18 October 20261169614002
Thursday, 29 October 2026Sunday, 01 November 20261169614002
Thursday, 12 November 2026Sunday, 15 November 20261169614002
Thursday, 26 November 2026Sunday, 29 November 20261169614002
Thursday, 10 December 2026Sunday, 13 December 20261169614002
Thursday, 24 December 2026Sunday, 27 December 20261169614002
Thursday, 07 January 2027Sunday, 10 January 20271169614002
Thursday, 21 January 2027Sunday, 24 January 20271169614002
Thursday, 04 February 2027Sunday, 07 February 20271169614002
Thursday, 18 February 2027Sunday, 21 February 20271169614002
Thursday, 04 March 2027Sunday, 07 March 20271169614002
Thursday, 18 March 2027Sunday, 21 March 20271169614002

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