How do you define: easy trekking, intermediate & hard trekking?

Trekking: Is a category of adventure travel, typically involving visits to remote areas, with overnight lodging in tents or other minimal accommodation. It is less strenuous than hiking but more strenuous then walking.

In comparison to trekking in Nepal or India, the trekking in Sapa is easy. But, because of the rapid weather changes, and the severe ups and downs on some of the trails; we have to classify the trekking as moderate. Please be aware of the time it takes to reach each destination so that you can confirm that it will suit your abilities.

Easy trekking: Harder than walking, trekking trail is not steep, has some ups and downs, often in a short time.

Moderate trekking: Trekking trail has ups and downs, but not so steep. Trail will become more difficult in poor weather.

Intermediate to Hard trekking: Trekking route has a steep incline and often is off road in remote areas, very difficult during periods of rain.

Every situation depends on weather, especially in Sapa.

Tip: We can always tailor the trek to adapt to the weather changes, sometimes you would like to hire the support jeep / vehicle to bring you from point to point, and this is possible at Sapa-Travel too at a reasonable extra.

Is your local guide waiting for us at the train station of Lao Cai?

Yes, your guide will be waiting outside the train station with a Sapa-Travel sign and with your name. Together with your driver they will take you safely to Sapa. The guide that we use is a local guide from the Sapa area.

We provide telephone numbers of our local guides and tour operators in advance, just in case.

Tip: There are so many people outside at Lao Cai train station when you get out, please make sure you look for the sign Sapa-Travel Travel and our local guide welcoming you.

How far is that from Lao Cai to Sapa and mean of transport?

It is 38 km from Lao Cai to Sapa, the road is constantly zigzag with steep up hills. As we approach Will gain about 1000m in elevation and reach Sapa town at 1600m. The views are spectacular.

It is comfortable by AC can or car, our driver will bring you to Sapa in about one hour.

Your guide will be waiting outside the train station pick you up. Look for the Sapa-Travel Travel sign with your name on it.

Tip: Please get the guide’s name & his cell phone number from our tour operators in Hanoi, if not you can always call your travel operators to get this once you are in Lao Cai.

Any other means of travel to Sapa except train?

The best mean of transport to Lao Cai and Sapa is still the train, however, car or van can be also good to reach to this beautiful mountain town.

It will take about 10 hours (not including possible traffic jams) in a distance of 400 km from Hanoi. Although, there is not much of sightseeing we can make en route.

We strongly recommend to travel by train, but for some reasons, you would wish to travel there by car, please check with one of our travel consultants to see the road conditions since it sometimes has construction and will make your journey to Sapa even longer than 10 hours.

Road travel should be at day time.

Tip: We hardly see people traveling by road to Sapa, night train simply the best option so far.

Is there a day train to Lao Cai (Sapa)?

There is one train that journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai and vise-versa in the day, but there is no sleeper train during the day. It only has seats and no air-conditioning. We recommend you not take this train,

Tip: We highly recommend taking the night train to save you time, visit more places in Sapa.

When is the best time to visit Sapa?

The best time to visit is from April to September. Although, each season has its own special qualities and surprises.

During this period the temperature is ranging from 15 – 25 Degree Celsius, it is not a raining season in Sapa so the trekking routes are dry and bear great opportunity to do longer treks and to conquer Mount Fansipan. During the winter months, the temperature is much cooler and it is advised to bring a some warm clothing (hat, sweater, wool socks) for after you days fo trekking. Also, during the winter months there are periods of light rain, which brings in the fog. This puts Sapa in the clouds and allows for some fantastic photo opportunities.

Tip: If you could not visit Sapa during a certain time, there are always some alternatives near Hanoi to visit. Excellent value you will find from SapaTravelGuide.com .

Best of Sapa 3 Days / 4 Nights

Best of Sapa 3 Days 4 Nights, visiting moutainous Sapa Town, Lao Chai village of Hmong hill tribe,Dragon mountain,Tavan village - Giang Ta Chai,Silver waterfall-Tramtron Pass Fanxipang valley. Lots of exciting treks and discovery in Sapa.

 

Hanging over 5000 km square with the population of 6000 people, with lush greenery of mountain ranges is just the beginning of your expedition to the jade of Far East. Imagine a land lush in tropical forest and emerald rice terrace fields and a land alive with very colorful tradition and culture.

 

The trek brings you though the excellent views of the valley, the magnificent limestone and paddy fields of H'mong village will be introduced, visits to local families and reach their customs and the Cat Cat waterfall will be visible.

 

Tour Highlights:

 

• You find the beauty of nature in valleys, mountains, streams, water falls and the warmly welcome of the ethnic people.
• Enjoy the breath-taking landscapes.
• Free time travel aroud Sapa town to know about the local’s daily life.

 

 Night 1 : Hanoi -Laocai ( Overnight on the Victoria Express train )

 

Vietnam TripAdvisor’car pick you up from your hotel then transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for the Victoria Express train  to get to Laocai Station. Sleep on the train.

 

Day 1 : Silver waterfall-Tramtron Pass Fanxipang valley ( B,L,D ) 

 

Picked up at Laocai Railway station  early in the morning by bus. Arrive at Sapa round 8:00 AM. Check in hotel, breakfast and shower. You will be taken by jeep or car or van to the Silver Waterfall; from there you can see stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. continue by car or van uphill to Heaven's Gate, the highest stretch of road in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Here you will have a fantastic opportunity to view the magnificent scenery.

After the Pass, take off the car to trek down to Fanxipang valley. You follow the paths of the local people in the mountain & reach Sin Chai village. Visit Sin Chai & Cat Cat village of the H’mong people. Then the car wait for you in Catcat & take you back up to Sapa roughly 4:00 PM. Overnight at Victoria hotel.

 

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

 

Day 2 : Lao Chai - Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai ( B,L,D )

 

Get the show on the road in the morning from the hotel to head for the valley where to visit 2 villages of the H’mong and the Dzay. Picnic lunch on the way or in a local family. Go on visiting the Red Dzao in GiangTaChai village, visiting a waterfall and a suspension bridge. Walk up to the road for the car back to Sapa. Overnight at Victoria hotel.

 

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

 

 

Day 3:  Sapa - Hanoi ( B,L,D )  

 

After breakfast and check out hotel,We start to visit Dragon Mountain near by the Church. free to explore the town in the afternoon with lunch  . Leave Sapa for Laocai Station in the afternoon by bus. Dinner at Lao Cai Station then get the night train to Hanoi.Overnight on the Victoria Express train.

 

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

 

 

Day 4: Hanoi arrive

 

Arrive in Hanoi early morning,our tour guide will come to pick you up then transfer to your hotel.Tour ends.

• Our prices are competitive while you are offerred services worth every money of yours.
• Our clients ever had wonderful experiences in Vietnam. Most of them have applauded and highly appreciated the services we provided.
• At our pleasure, we do a refund to you in any case the services does not satisfy you.
• Book shortly and then we will be able to make arrangements perfect.

Price Per Person (US$) Valid from 1st Oct 2009 to 31st Sep 2010
Cost/pax (US$)	2	3 - 4	5 - 8
	590	555	530

Trip Included :

• Private car pick up from your hotel to Hanoi train station.
• Returns train tickets in  04 berths canbinet, A/C Wooden Softsleeper
• Local English speaking guide, Other languges upon your request
• Twin /Double sharing Room at hotel in Sapa
• Meal as mentioned in program ( B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner )
• Sightseeing fees
• Purified water and wet towel
• Transport as programe
• Taxes

Trip Excluded :

 

• Insurance
• Personal expense (drinks, telephone…)
• Tips and gratuities

What to bring :

• Sun Block
• Wide brim hat
• Camera + Film
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain gear
• Warm clothes
• Insect Repellent
• Original Passport

Sapa Trekking 5 Days / 6 Nights

At a elevation of 1600 meters, Sapa is a delightful old French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnams' northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minorities groups all wearing their traditional and colourful attire. This trip includes a 4-day trek through the hills and valleys in the Sapa region. Average walking time for each day is around 6 hours, passing through H'mong, Day, Tho, Tay, Nhang, and Red Dao communities. Three nights are spent in these minority villages so be warned, you will have to do without some modern comforts on this one. Often there is no electricity or running water and bedding can be a layer of straw covered with a mat in some cases. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer.

 

Tour Highlight

 

• Night train soft sleeper 4 beds with AC to Sapa
• See Vietnam's most intriguing ethnic minorities
• Relax or wandering around Sapa town,shopping in Sapa market

 

Detailed Intinerary

 

Night 1 : Hanoi -Laocai ( Overnight on the train )

 

Vietnam TripAdvisor’car pick up you from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train  to get to Laocai Station. Sleep on the train.(4 people/cabin or 2 people/cabin on request).

 

Day 1:Sapa -Lao Chai - Ta Van. (B,L,D)

Picked up at Laocai Railway station  early in the morning by bus. Arrive at Sapa round 8:00 AM. Breakfast and relax. Walk around Sapa and then start trekking from Sapa at 10:00 AM to visit a village of the Black H’mong (LaoChaiSan). Go though hillsides along MuongHoa river. Cross the river by a suspension bridge to reach LaoChai village. Take the paths across the paddy fields to get to the 3rd village of the Dzay minority (TaVan) and stay the night at a Dzay family in this village. Picnic lunch on the way and dinner at the family.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

 

Day 2:Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Ban Ho.(B,L,D)

Breakfast with the local family and then get to a village located at the foot of HoangLienSon range via bamboo forests. Visit a waterfall and a rattan bridge. After the village, get down to the river, cross it and keep going to SuPan village for 2 minorities – The H’mong and the Red Dzao. . Get off the road to go down hill to BanHo village. Overnight at Ban Ho with a Tay family who have houses on stilts. Picnic lunch on the way and dinner at the family

.Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner
 

 

Day 3: Nam toong – Thanh Phu – My Son .(B,L,D)

 

Get up early in the morning for fresh air and peaceful daily life of the people. Breakfast and leave the village for a hard day. Walk uphill to a smallest and almost untouched village of the Red Dzao (Namtoong). Go further to another village on the same side of of the mountain range to see the XaPho ethnic group in NamKen. Get down to the river and go up to MiSon to visit the XaPho again. Spend the night in ThanhPhu village at a Tay family. Picnic lunch on the way and dinner with the local family.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

 

Day 4: Thanh Phu – Sapa.(B,L,D)

Breakfast at ThanhPhu village. Walk back to SuPan village where to take a jeep back to Sapa. On the way back, visit the ancient stone circle (stones decorated with ancient car or vanvings which are said to have described the life of the people lost in the mists of prehistory) Check in hotel. Lunch at SuPan and dinner in Sapa.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

 

Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi (B)
 

 

Breakfast, free to go around and explore the town .Leave sapa for laocai Station by Vietnam TripAdvisor's bus in the afternoon. Dinner on your own at Lao Cai Station , get the night train to Hanoi.

Meals : Breakfast, 

 

Day 6: Hanoi arrive

 

Arrive in Hanoi early morning,taxi to hotel on your own.Tour ends.

• Our prices are competitive while you are offerred services worth every money of yours.
• Our clients ever had wonderful experiences in Vietnam. Most of them have applauded and highly appreciated the services we provided.
• At our pleasure, we do a refund to you in any case the services does not satisfy you.
• Book shortly and then we will be able to make arrangements perfect.

Class	2	3-4	6-8	Single Sup
Standard 2*	225	205	190	20
Superior3*	240	215	200	30
Deluxe  4*	300	280	265	85
4* on weekend	325	305	290	85

Accommodation	Standard 2 *	Mid-range (3*)	Superior (3* + )	Deluxe (4*)
Sapa hotels	Roya Hotel, Mountain View Hotel	Bambo Hotel,Royal View Hotel, Holiday Hotel	Chau Long Hotel	Victoria Sapa

 

Trip Included :

• Private car pick up from your hotel to Hanoi train station.
• Returns train tickets in  04 berths canbinet, A/C Wooden Softsleeper
• Local English speaking guide, Other languges upon your request
• Twin /Double sharing Room at hotel in Sapa
• Meal as mentioned in program ( B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner )
• Sightseeing fees
• Purified water and wet towel
• Transport as programe
• Taxes

Trip Excluded :

 

• Insurance
• Personal expense (drinks, telephone…)
• Tips and gratuities

What to bring :

• Sun Block
• Wide brim hat
• Camera + Film
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain gear
• Warm clothes
• Insect Repellent
• Original Passport

Sapa Heaven's Gate 3 Days / 4 Nights

 

Sapa Adventure 3 days/ 4 nights, visiting moutainous Sapa Town, Lao Chai village of Hmong hill tribe,  Tavan village - Giang Ta Chai,Silver waterfall-Tramtron Pass Fanxipang valley. Lots of exciting treks and discovery in Sapa.

Hanging over 5000 km square with the population of 6000 people, with lush greenery of mountain ranges is just the beginning of your expedition to the jade of Far East. Imagine a land lush in tropical forest and emerald rice terrace fields and a land alive with very colorful tradition and culture.

The trek brings you though the excellent views of the valley, the magnificent limestone and paddy fields of H'mong village will be introduced, visits to local families and reach their customs and the Cat Cat waterfall will be visible.

A "White curtain" cascade appears, surrounded by flowery valley and deep - green pines. The rocks near the river and waterfall provide a marvelous place for picturesque photos and sunbathing during good weather.

Tour Highlights:

• You find the beauty of nature in valleys, mountains, streams, water falls and the warmly welcome of the ethnic people.
• Enjoy the breath-taking landscapes.
• Free time travel aroud Sapa town to know about the local’s daily life.

 Night 1 : Hanoi -Laocai ( Overnight on the train )

Vietnam TripAdvisor’car pick up you from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train  to get to Laocai Station. Sleep on the train.

Day 1 : Silver waterfall-Tramtron Pass Fanxipang valley ( B,L,D ) 

Picked up at Laocai Railway station  early in the morning by bus. Arrive at Sapa round 8:00 AM. Check in hotel, breakfast and shower. You will be taken by jeep or car or van to the Silver Waterfall; from there you can see stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. continue by car or van uphill to Heaven's Gate, the highest stretch of road in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Here you will have a fantastic opportunity to view the magnificent scenery.
After the Pass, take off the car to trek down to Fanxipang valley. You follow the paths of the local people in the mountain & reach Sin Chai village. Visit Sin Chai & Cat Cat village of the H’mong people. Then the car wait for you in Catcat & take you back up to Sapa roughly 4:00 PM. Overnight in hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

Day 2 : Lao Chai - Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai ( B,L,D )

Get the show on the road in the morning from the hotel to head for the valley where to visit 2 villages of the H’mong and the Dzay. Picnic lunch on the way or in a local family. Go on visiting the Red Dzao in GiangTaChai village, visiting a waterfall and a suspension bridge. Walk up to the road for the car back to Sapa. Overnight in Hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

Day 3:  Sapa - Hanoi (B) Lunch and Dinner on your own.

Breakfast, free to explore the town. Lunch and check out hotel. Leave Sapa for Laocai Station in the afternoon by bus. Dinner at Lao Cai Station then get the night train to Hanoi.Overnight on the train.

Meals : Breakfast.

Day 4: Hanoi arrive

Arrive in Hanoi early morning,taxi to hotel on your own.Tour ends.

• Our prices are competitive while you are offerred services worth every money of yours.
• Our clients ever had wonderful experiences in Vietnam. Most of them have applauded and highly appreciated the services we provided.
• At our pleasure, we do a refund to you in any case the services does not satisfy you.
• Book shortly and then we will be able to make arrangements perfect.

Price Per Person (US$) Valid from 1st Jun to 30th Jun 2010
Cost/pax (US$)	2	3 - 4	5 - 8	Share
Standard  (2*)	230	210	190	180
Superior (3*)	280	260	240	200
Deluxe (4*)	340	320	290

Accommodation	Standard 2 *	Mid-range (3*)	Superior (3* + )	Deluxe (4*)
Sapa hotels	Roya Hotel, Mountain View Hotel	Bambo Hotel,Royal View Hotel, Holiday Hotel	Chau Long Hotel	Victoria Sapa

Trip Included :

• Private car pick up from your hotel to Hanoi train station.
• Returns train tickets in  04 berths canbinet, A/C Wooden Softsleeper
• Local English speaking guide, Other languges upon your request
• Twin /Double sharing Room at hotel in Sapa
• Meal as mentioned in program ( B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner )
• Sightseeing fees
• Purified water and wet towel
• Transport as programe
• Taxes

Trip Excluded :

 

• Insurance
• Personal expense (drinks, telephone…)
• Tips and gratuities

What to bring :

• Sun Block
• Wide brim hat
• Camera + Film
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain gear
• Warm clothes
• Insect Repellent
• Original Passport

Sapa Coc Ly Market 2 Days / 3 Nights

Although tourism is developing fast in the region, many locals still live a very basic life. Most of them spend all day long working on the fields.It’s so easy to find a small market in any villages,they sell what their families do not need in markets, Cocly market ,too. And with the money they make, they buy something else. It is what experts call a subsistence economy. No luxuries here.

Type of tour: Coc Ly private tour, Easy style
Departure :   Sunday or Monday night

Tour Highlights

• Meet and talking with the Black H’mong tribes in CatCat village.
• Visit CocLy Market open on Tuesday only.
• Enjoy the view of Chay river.
• Vietnam-China International gade.

Detailed Ititnerary

Night 1-Sunday:Hanoi - Lao Cai

Vietnam TripAdvisor’s car will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Hanoi train station for the night train at 8:40pm to Lao Cai station.Sleep on the train with AC Soft Sleeper

Day 1: Lao Cai -  Sa Pa  (B,L, D)

Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 6.30. Take a transfer to Sapa. Having breakfast and relax before explore Sapa Town. In the afternoon, take a 2km short trekking to Cat Cat Village, the home of H'mong Ethic. Meeting & talking with locals to learn more about their daily life.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner

Day 2: Sapa -  Coc Ly - Lao Cai (B, L, D)

Leave Sapa for Lao Cai then Coc Ly tribal market, which offer the chances to see H'mong and Dzao minority people in their most colorful costumes. Take a boat trip down stream on Chay river with picnic lunch. Enjoy scenic view from river and trek to Dzao, Tay minority villages. On the way visit Vietnam - China International Border Gade.  Return back to Lao Cai station for the night train to Hanoi.

Meals : Breakfast, Luch, Dinner 

Day 3: Hanoi :

Arrive in Hanoi early morning,Please call a taxi to your hotel.Tour ends.
VietnamTripAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.

• Our prices are competitive while you are offerred services worth every money of yours.
• Our clients ever had wonderful experiences in Vietnam. Most of them have applauded and highly appreciated the services we provided.
• At our pleasure, we do a refund to you in any case the services does not satisfy you.
• Book shortly and then we will be able to make arrangements perfect.

Price Per Person (US$) Valid from 1st Jun to 30th Jun 2010
Cost/pax (US$)	2	3 - 4	5 - 8
Standard (2*)	195	175	150
Superior (3*)	225	215	200
Deluxe (4*)	280	265	245

Accommodation	Standard 2 *	Mid-range (3*)	Superior (3* + )	Deluxe (4*)
Sapa hotels	Roya Hotel, Mountain View Hotel	Bambo Hotel,Royal View Hotel, Holiday Hotel	Chau Long Hotel	Victoria Sapa

Trip Included :

• Private car pick up from your hotel to Hanoi train station.
• Returns train tickets in  04 berths canbinet, A/C Wooden Softsleeper
• Local English speaking guide, Other languges upon your request
• Twin /Double sharing Room at hotel in Sapa
• Meal as mentioned in program ( B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner )
• Sightseeing fees
• Purified water and wet towel
• Transport as programe
• Taxes

Trip Excluded :

 

• Insurance
• Personal expense (drinks, telephone…)
• Tips and gratuities

What to bring :

• Sun Block
• Wide brim hat
• Camera + Film
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain gear
• Warm clothes
• Insect Repellent
• Original Passport