This trip takes you
from the beautiful capital city of Hanoi to the hill town of Sapa
(1,450m), where the French came to relax from the long hot summers.
After a morning spent at the Sunday 'free-love' market you will then
embark on the adventurous trek to the peak of Mount Fansipan. This trip
takes you into a little-explored area and can certainly be described as
a wilderness experience.
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 nation’s
founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s 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 Vietnam’s 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 Vietnam’s 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.
¤ Accommodation
¤ Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai - Ha Noi
¤ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta
¤ English or French speaking guide and local guide for trekking
¤ Meals as mentioned
¤ Entrance fee to indicated sights
¤ Permit and porter for trekking
¤ Water puppet show