Hiking in Sapa Independent Short Break - 5 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
12 - 99Start / End
- Hanoi
- Hanoi
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
6Highlights
- Start your adventure in Hanoi, discovering the Old Quarter, delicious food and gorgeous landmarks in your free time.
- Stay in a traditional homestay for one night – the perfect way to access the remote parts of Vietnam and get a real glimpse into local life. You’ll also be treated to home-cooked meals, among breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Hike through the rolling rice terraces, waterfalls, mountains and lush green hills of Sapa and you’ll quickly realise why this has become an iconic image of Vietnam.
- Discover Sapa town on a walking tour with a local guide, tasting local snacks along the way – a trademark of the local lifestyle.
- Meet a community of hilltribe people who have been in Vietnam for over three centuries. Having emigrated from China, the H'mong settled in Cat Cat Village and will invite you to learn about their rich culture.
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Summary
Northwest Vietnam is a captivating mix of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourfully clothed hilltribes. Set on the slopes of a beautiful green valley, Sapa is the heart of this unique piece of Vietnam. Travel to this peaceful land and meet resplendently dressed ethnic minorities at the local market, visit neighbouring villages and hike through rice terraces, witnessing how the current of life has thrived here for centuries. This five-day trekking adventure is full of opportunities to get to know traditional hilltribe culture and cuisine, while relishing the landscapes of Sapa and its surrounds.
Itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. If you arrive in Hanoi early, why not dive into the bustling world of bikes and boulevards and explore the French architecture in the laneways. Maybe grab a Vietnamese coffee and people-watch from a local cafe or step back in time in the Old Quarter. Tonight, you’ll be picked up by your local guide from your hotel at around 9 pm and transferred to the train station, where your guide will give you your tickets for the return train journey to Sapa. Say goodbye to your guide before you board the overnight sleeper train bound for Lao Cai.
Day 2
Sapa Trek
Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning and travel to Sapa via minibus, passing through dramatic scenery. When you arrive in the hillside town, you’ll meet your local guide for a breakfast of bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) among the views of rice terraces cascading down the mountain. After, check in into your hotel. Later in the afternoon, go on a guided orientat walk.You will explore the central market and explore the local produce and handicrafts, while tasting some local snacks along the way. Try a few favourites that are popular in Sapa and learn about the culture and lifestyle from your guide.
Day 3
Sapa Trek
This morning after breakfast, set off towards Lao Cai to the starting point of today’s trek. From here, you’ll follow a narrow trail that leads uphill for about 2 hours, headed for the Sa Seng. At the pinnacle, take in the breathtaking sights of Fansipan Peak and Muong Hoa Valley. Continue to Hang Da Village – a Hmong community nestled at an altitude of 1800 m, which provides an incredible vista of the valley. Soak in the views, then sit down for a satisfying picnic lunch to refuel. Continue to Hau Thao village, enjoying the panoramic views of the valley along the way. When you arrive at the commune, take the opportunity to rest and get to know the local Black Hmong community who live here. The trek then continues to Giang Ta Chai village – your homestay accommodation for tonight. After settling in and introducing yourself to the Giay community, you’ll be treated to a homecooked dinner with the locals.
Day 4
Sapa/Overnight Train
After a hearty, energising breakfast, you’ll set off again on a 2 to 3 hour walk to Su Pan Village. Your guide will lead you to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao minority via the paths between terraces and bamboo forests. Walk past waterfalls, where buffalo might cool themselves from the heat and cross a suspension bridge. Cross Muong Hoa River, then head up to the mountain to visit the last village of the trek – Su Pan. Maybe grab a quick bowl of pho before meeting up with your vehicle for the short drive back to Sapa. Arriving in Sapa, it's time to say goodbye to your local guide. You'll then have a free afternoon to explore the town. Maybe get a massage to sooth your tired muscles, or check out the local market selling produce, herbal remedies, and (very fresh) meats. Pick up any hilltribe crafts you might have had your eye on or sit back with a drink while you look over the misty mountains. Tonight, you’ll take another overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 5
Hanoi
Your adventure ends at Hanoi train station in the early morning (around 5 am). The rest of the day is free for you to soak up the grace of this dynamic city in modern Vietnam. If you’d like to extend your stay or need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night), Hotel (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfasts: 3, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 25
from £301Nov 25
from £301Dec 25
from £301Jan 26
from £270Feb 26
from £270Mar 26
from £270Apr 26
from £270May 26
from £270Jun 26
from £270Jul 26
from £270Aug 26
from £270Sep 26
from £270Oct 26
from £270Nov 26
from £270Dec 26
from £270
- Save 2%Fri 2 Jan 2026 > Tue 6 Jan 20266+ spaces of 12 left£275Best offer£270Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Sun 4 Jan 2026 > Thu 8 Jan 20266+ spaces of 12 left£275Best offer£270Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Wed 7 Jan 2026 > Sun 11 Jan 20266+ spaces of 12 left£275Best offer£270Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Fri 9 Jan 2026 > Tue 13 Jan 20266+ spaces of 12 left£275Best offer£270Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Great trip, most stunning area. Definitely pack shoes with excellent grip for the hike if it rains.
Aaron Aug, 2023 VerifiedThis was my first Short Break Adventure, having been a regular Intrepid traveller for many years. The trip was well-organized and I was the only guest, making it essentially a private tour! I strongly recommend booking ahead for early check-in at the hotel in Sapa upon arrival off the train and also before getting on the overnight train back to Hanoi - a hot shower makes a world of difference, especially as it was rainy and muddy for my last day of hiking. My Hmong guide May was a wonderful guide and she was both knowledgeable and also considerate and attentive to my needs. The meal before boarding the train in Hanoi was simple local fare, but the highlight meal for me was at the homestay. Despite the on and off rain throughout the trip, I loved walking through the villages and rice terraces and experiencing the peaceful countryside in Sapa. I’d definitely do this trip again!
Sung Jul, 2023 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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