Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi (Breakfast)
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. (If time permit) we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Day 2: Ha Noi - Lao Cai (Breakfast)
Today we enjoy a half day city tour, seeing the mausoleum of the nations founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minhs House. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. We also visit the Temple of Literature and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple before continuing on to the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnams 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. The reminder of the day is free for your own exploration of Ha Noi until transferring to the rail way station for a night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers.
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa (Breakfast)
The train journey arrives in Laocai this morning. After breakfast at local restaurant we embark on a scenic drive uphill to SaPa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering around this charming town and seeing some legacies of the French period.
Day 4 : Sapa - Fansipan Trekking (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
The range of Fansipan boasts Vietnams highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. The expedition begins as we depart the town and walk through many hill villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor but have an interesting culture and a colorful history. After a short rest at the peak of 1300m, we trek up to the peak of 1650m. Here we pitch tents and enjoy our dinner around the camp fire in exotic nocturnal sound of the forest.
Day 5: Fansipan Trekking (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Today we spend a full day trekking mountain sides. The walk is very strenuous at times so some physical preparation will enable you to maximize enjoyment from the trip. On arrival at the ridge of 2200m we stop to have lunch, stretch our legs and catch a breathtaking views over the valley of Sapa. The next stop of our trip is the peak of 2900m where will set up our tents.
Day 6: Fansipan Trekking (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
The expedition continues leading us towards Phan Si Pan Summit at 3143 m. The steep path is very challenging as we weave our way through bamboo forest, but the impression of standing on the roof of Vietnam makes the hardship all worthwhile. After lunch and rest at the summit, we descend to our camping place of previous night.
Day 7: Fansipan Trekking - Sapa (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Upon leaving the peak of 2900m., we begin walking downhill back to Sapa Town. The steep trails is somewhat arduous but we have a chance to get some fantastic views over the surrounding mountains to the valley and the quite villages in the far distance. The memorable expeditions ends as we arrive in Sapa Town. A farewell dinner held at one of the many famous eating spots is the perfect way to thank the local team.
Day 8: Sapa Lao Cai - Hanoi (Breakfast)
The journey back to Hanoi is also by rail but this time day train. After breakfast we transfer to Lao Cai and set off on a full day journey to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic; however this journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the 'real Vietnam'. The food on board is not the best you will have in Vietnam, so we recommend you to prepare some foods, water and snack.
Day 9: Hanoi - Departure (Breakfast)
There is free time to relax and further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
