Sapa Extension

OUR INSIDER EXPERIENCES

Perched on a mountain‘s edge, stay at the charming Topas Ecolodge, recently acknowledged by National Geographic as a ’unique lodge‘, and help support Sapa‘s hiltribe communities and the environent.

Delve deeper into the lives of the Red Dzao people, one of Vietnam‘s most facinating minority groups. Take a memorable walk through the breathtaking rice terraces of Nam Cang and gain insights into many mountaindwelling communities that call Sapa home.

Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi to Sapa by train On arrival in Hanoi, be met by your local guide and transfer to the Fanxipan Overnight train to begin your onward journey to Sapa. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Fanxipan Overnight Train (or similar).

Day 2 Sapa As dawn approaches, arrive early into Lao Cai station, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic mountain scenery. Located in the far northwest of Vietnam in the mountains bordering China, Sapa is home to deep mountain valleys and traditional villages. On arrival to your hotel, check in and enjoy a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers. Spend your afternoon admiring the beauty of Sapa on-board the Fansipan Cable Car that will take you 3000m to the upmost peak of Fansipan to explore the many temples as well as admire the natural beauty of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Bamboo Hotel (or similar). (B) Day 3 Sapa Enjoy a full day of guided touring with a journey to discover the rich culture of the many hill tribes that call Sapa home. Gaze at the beautifully terraced rice paddy fields and stunning vistas as you drive to the villages of the Xa Pho and Tay people. Discover the fascinating culture and heart-warming hospitality of these unique people before departing to indulge in a leisurely walk through the expansive rice terraces of Nam Cang. Take a break and further indulge in the peaceful surrounds at the Nam Cang Riverside Lodge for lunch. Continue your afternoon with a visit to one of the area’s most colourful minority communities, the Red Dzao. The Red Dzao women wear bright red turbans, shave their heads and eyebrows, and are known for their knowledge of local medicines and embroidery skills.

As late afternoon approaches arrive at the Topas Ecolodge for check in and your overnight stay. Perched over the surrounding valley and built using sustainable principles, in collaboration with the Red Dzao, its environmentallyfriendly features include solar power, waste water treatment and a natural water source from the nearby mountains. The property has been recognised by National Geographic as a ‘unique lodge’. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Topas Eco Lodge (or similar). (L)

Day 4 Sapa to Hanoi After breakfast, enjoy a morning of free time exploring Topas Eco Lodge before your return drive back to Hanoi for your onward journey. (B)

SAPA BY TRAIN

4 DAYS FROM

£ 453 PER PERSON*

UPGRADE FROM £23/DAY

Tour prices includes

• 2 nights hotel accommodation • Overnight train from Hanoi to

Sapa • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles • Entrance Fees • English-speaking Tour Leader • All tips on tour • Return arrival and departure transfers (conditions apply) • Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

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