Excursion exploring the peaks and valleys of Sapa
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVietnam / Sapa
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AgeFrom 16 - 60 years
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CO₂-Emissions198.66 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
Embark on a 4-day immersion in the heart of the mountains of northern Vietnam , discovering the breathtaking landscapes and living traditions of the Sapa region. From Hanoi , head towards the misty peaks of Hoang Lien Son , where terraced rice paddies create a striking panorama around this ancient colonial town perched high in the mountains.
You'll take the world's longest cable car to the summit of the legendary Mount Fansipan , before strolling through the colorful markets and lively streets of Sapa. An accessible hike then leads you through remote Red Dao villages , immersing you in their ancestral way of life. The experience is further enhanced by a lunch break with a local family and, depending on the itinerary, a visit to a local school for an authentic exchange.
A short stay combining spectacular nature , sincere encounters and cultural discovery , ideal for grasping the essence of mountainous Vietnam.
The highlights
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Enjoy a harmonious balance between scenic routes
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Explore the historical sites and market of Sapa
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Cultural encounters and outdoor adventures
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Tours and excursions often involve various obstacles, which may make this excursion unsuitable for wheelchair users or travellers with reduced mobility.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 5 km
- Predominant type of road : Cliff/Multi-pitch climbing
Management
Program
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Hanoi - Sapa
- Transportation Car - 08h30 - 320km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departing from Hanoi in the morning, the drive to Sapa is approximately 320 km and takes 6 to 7 hours, with a lunch break along the way. The route offers a gradual transition from urban landscapes to rural panoramas. The road winds through rice paddies and villages before climbing into the Hoang Lien Son mountains. As you approach Sapa, terraced hills and misty peaks unfold, culminating in this charming mountain resort nestled high in the mountains.
Day 1 -
Discovering Mount Fansipan and the town of Sapa
- Transportation Car - 09h - 4km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Predominant type of road Cliff/Multi-pitch climbing
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At 9:00 AM, you will be met by your guide and taken to the nearby Fansipan cable car station. The Fansipan cable car holds the Guinness World Record for the longest cable car in the world. The ride up to the mountain station takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a climb of about 600 steps to reach the summit. From the top, once the clouds clear, you will enjoy breathtaking views across the Sapa Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Back in Sapa, your guide will show you around the town: visit the old Catholic church, the Sapa museum, or stroll through the lively local market.
600 steps up / 600 steps down
There may be a wait for the Fansipan cable car, with queues often long on weekends and public holidays.
The summit of Fansipan can be colder than Sapa; please bring a warm jacket.
An additional charge applies if you wish to travel by train and book the Wow Pass – Platinum (return skip-the-line access, welcome drink, snack, tea and coffee at the Fansipan cable car arrival station).
Day 2 -
Hiking to the villages of the Red Dao minority
- Transportation Car - 08h30 - 18km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From Sapa, transfer by vehicle to the starting point of the trek near Thanh Kim. You will then begin your walk along the trails at the foot of Silver Stone Mountain. Throughout the trek, you will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and terraced rice paddies stretching below.
At midday, arrival at the village of Lech, inhabited by the Red Dao minority. You will visit the village and enjoy a local lunch in one of the village houses.
After lunch, you will continue your walk to a nearby Red Dao village. If it is a school day, you can visit the village school and meet the children, from the Red Dao or H'mong minorities, of different ages but sharing the same classroom. From the village, you will follow the hill trails to the main road, admiring the exceptional panoramas of scattered peaks, endless terraced rice paddies, and the beautiful Muong Bo River. Your vehicle will then be waiting for you on the main road for the return trip to Sapa.
Day 3 -
Sapa - Hanoi
- Transportation Car - 08h30 - 300km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll begin your return journey to Hanoi, a trip of approximately 6 to 7 hours with a break along the way. Leaving the tranquil mountains of Sapa behind, you'll descend through verdant valleys and terraced rice paddies, gradually transitioning from rural landscapes to bustling urban scenes. This route showcases the diverse scenery of Vietnam, from the serenity of the countryside to the vibrant streets of Hanoi, offering a striking contrast between the country's natural beauty and the dynamism of city life. As you approach the capital, you'll be immersed in its energetic atmosphere, punctuated by swarms of scooters and colonial architecture.
Day 4
Note
We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the program in the event of adverse weather conditions or situations requiring adjustments to ensure the safety of our clients.
Travelers moving during or around local festivals may face longer than usual wait times, the closure of some sites, and this program may be subject to additional charges;
All times, durations and stops mentioned are given for guidance purposes only and may vary due to unforeseen circumstances, weather conditions or traffic, beyond our control;
The protection of the country's flora, fauna, and historical and cultural treasures is of paramount importance to us. We will not undertake any activity that does not respect our principles of animal, wildlife, and environmental protection.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Tours and transfers with licensed English-speaking guide/escort services
- Accommodation in a double or twin room, to be shared
- Transportation for tours and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, unless otherwise stated
- All entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- All meals listed in the program (food only)
The price does not include
- The Vietnamese visa approval letter and the visa issuance fees
- All domestic or international airfares, airport taxes, and specific fees for cameras/video equipment are excluded.
- Additional transportation costs to and from general pick-up and drop-off areas (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbors, and accommodations located in surrounding towns)
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, purchases, porterage fees and optional visits or excursions, unless otherwise stated
- Any personal accommodation expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Clothing to bring
Please make sure you bring sunglasses, a hat or cap, and high SPF sunscreen on your trip with us. Even on cloudy days, the sun is still very strong.