Sapa, appeared as a quiet mountain town, is actually the top tier travel destination of north-west Vietnam. This global travel hub is located in Lao Cai province, undoubtedly the best place for tourists to discover the hill tribal culture of the ethnic communities along with awe-inspiring natural landscapes such as cascading rice terraces, unique stilt villages and Indochina's peak, the Fansipan. Travelers are invited to enjoy the best of Sapa all year around with different tastes of seasons and exciting outdoor activities.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and after clearing customs, please proceed to the Meeting Point area at “Gate 02” at the arrival hall of Terminal 2 to meet our local tour guide. Transfer to hotel for checking-in. In the afternoon, you take a half day tour Hanoi including the Presidential Palace – a grand colonial building that houses the living and working headquarters for the French Governor General of Indochina; Saint Joseph Cathedral – Hanoi’s oldest Roman Catholic Church which was completed in 1886 and emulate the architectural visage of the famous Notre Dame in Paris; as well as Hanoi Opera House – one of the most famous architectural landmarks of Hanoi. Later, continue on with a rickshaw around the heart of the old city; experience around The Old Quarter – a maze of quaint narrow streets dating back to the 13th century, each named after the craft or goods that was specifically traded there. Later, you enjoy the performance of Water Puppet Show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Sapa (B/L/D)
In the morning, you pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 - the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue on to the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda at West lake - one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, then Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam, see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070 - it’s gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
In the afternoon, you’ll transfer directly to Sapa. Upon arrive Sapa, you’ll check-in hotel and overnight in Sapa.
Day 3: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Heaven Gate (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we’ll trek along a meandering path through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van of the Black Hmong and Day people. Home visits are included to discover local life. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a village on the trek route then return to town. Take a moderate climb up the Ham Rong Mount for a great view of Vietnam’s highest mountain range, Fansipan, filled with terraced rice paddies and deep valleys. There’s also a chance to enjoy a show by ethnic minority artists. On the way back to Sapa, you stop at Heaven Gate to take great view down to the valley at moment of sunset. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Sapa – Fansipan – Hanoi (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit Fansipan Mountain by the cable car. As you know the cable car in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from sleepy Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province to the peak of 3,143-meter Fansipan Mountain, known as Indochina’s rooftop. Enjoy the view from the highest point of this incredible mountain. The lush green and subtropical vegetation make this mountain really very beautiful. Take some pictures for unforgettable experience from the top. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa. Around 3pm, you’ll transfer back to Hanoi via highway. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Departure (B)
Relax at hotel until transfer to the airport for a flight departure.