Sapa - Bac Ha by jeep

4days

highlights

Colourful hill-tribes of Sapa and Bacha

Mountainous areas' cool climate

Can Cau hilltribe market

Breathtaking views along the way

itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 1 Hanoi - Sapa

Early this morning our guide will pick up up from hotel and leave for a 10 hour drive to Sapa. Stop along the way for taking photos of panorama of Vietnamese countryside and meet hilltribes people, have lunch in Yen Bai, arrival in Sapa late in the afternoon.

At an elevation of 1600 meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became unbearable. 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 some legacies of the French period.

Overnight: Chau Long hotel or similar

ETHNIC MINORITIES OF VIETNAM

There is nothing better than walking amongst the rice paddy patchwork that makes up the mountains of northwest Vietnam . To awake and wander off from the village among the clouds and watch as the mist rises from the mountaintops is unforgettable. Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic minorities and a number of these have made the mountainous region of the north their base. During our time here we’ll meet many of these fascinating people and have the privilege of staying as guests in their villages. As we wander through the mountains we're constantly met by the delighted squeals and smiles of children and we'll see many members of the ethnic groups who still wear their traditional dress. We'll meet people dressed in exquisite hand-embroidered clothes,and others weaving fabrics, embroidering ancient patterns, dying cloth with indigo and using beeswax to create a batik design. The ethnic groups are well adapted to the harsh life on

hillsides, and you will see many terraces built into the slopes where rice and vegetables are grown.

Day 2 Sapa trekking

After breakfast, you set off for a two hour trek to Lao Chai village 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, your guide will assist you communicating with the localswhile visiting around the village. Take a ride back to Sapa for around 30 minutes and you might stop some times on the way to take photos of the fabulous valley.

Many photo stops and "Kodak moments"are awaiting for you a long the way back to Sapa.

In the afternoon we take a short walk to Catcat village, the village of H'mong tribe in the valley, which remains very generally uncorrupted outside forces. Excellent views of the valley, the magnificent limestone and paddy fields of H'mong village. Enjoy some visits to local families and reach their customs. After the village down into the valley, 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 marvellous place for picturesque photos and sunbathing during good weather…

Overnight: Chau Long hotel or similar

Meal: breakfast

Day 3 Sapa – Bacha - CanCau market

This morning we bid farewell to Sapa and catch our jeep for a 120 km drive to Can Cau market, basic but full of the hill tribes with colorful customs. The morning CanCau Market is close to China border and home to many ethnic minorities such as Flower H’Mong, Nung, Dzao they all come down from mountainous, isolated villages taking along with horses, buffaloes, cats, dogs, chickens for sales, at the market place you will be surprised and impressed by what they trade and their colorful clothes. You will have a real discovery on the cultures and lifestyles of the hill tribes here because they live in a remote and isolated region and far away from the modern life. Back to Bac Ha around noon, after checking into hotel we can enjoy a walk to visit the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where villagers make the potent local maize alcohol.

Overnight: Sao Mai hotel or similar

Meals: breakfast

Day 4 Bacha- Hanoi

Following breakfast we embark on the return drive to the capital. Along the way we will make numerous photo stops as we pass through different hill tribe villages. Lunch en route, back to Hanoi in the early evening

Meals: breakfast

Before you travel it is essential that you read carefully this dossier which you can download from our website.

We regularly update our dossiers. Please check our website to ensure that you have the most up to date copy

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and Vietnam Spirit Travel