In the evening our guide picks you up from the hotel. Transfer to railway station for a 10 hour night train to Sapa. 

Day 2 : Sapa
We are met on arrival into Lao Cao in the early morning and transferred to Sapa by minibus, driving through dramatic and breathtaking scenery. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this fascinating town. You can take some exercise with a walk to Cat Cat village, set in a beautiful valley just outside Sapa. Cat Cat is home to the H'mong people who originated from China about 3000 years ago. The H'mong people are easily recognisable by their dark blue or black clothing. The dye is made from the indigo plant which is native to the area. H'mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and have their hair rolled up into a turban-like hat, while the men wear a black skullcap, long waistcoat and loose trousers. As you walk to the village nestled in the valley below Sapa, you will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people walk to Sapa to trade at the markets - always an exciting place. As well as the H'mong, you can expect to see the Dao (pronounced Zao). Dao women are particularly striking as they wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewellery, and shave their hair and eyebrows.

Day 3 Sapa Trek- Ta Van homestay 

trekking route - click to zoom

Following breakfast you embark on a six hour trek which takes you along buffalo paths and trails and through several hilltribe villages. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can hope to meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch along the way, you spend the night with a family in Ta Van Village, inhabited by the Zay people. These people have become very adept at rice cultivation, in marked contrast to the H'mong, and have a higher living standard as a result. 

Day 4 Giang Ta Chai - Sapa, Overnight train back to Ha Noi
After breakfast, you set off for a two hour walk to Giang Ta Chai village where you meet up with your vehicle to take you back to Sapa town. Arriving back in Sapa around lunchtime, you have a free afternoon to further explore the town before your transfer to the train station for the night train to Hanoxi.