Discover Hanoi and Sapa on this 4-day tour, blending cultural insight with northern Vietnam’s striking landscapes. Travel overnight by train to Sapa, near the Chinese border. Highlights include the Fansipan Cable Car, visits to ethnic villages like Ban Khoang and Ta Giang Phinh, and views of terraced rice fields and waterfalls. Explore local life on guided walks before returning to Hanoi.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Hanoi & Overnight Train to Sapa
Hanoi - Sapa. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to the train station. We board the Chapa Express Train for an overnight journey to Sapa, where you can settle in and enjoy the evening onboard.
Please note: Depending on your point of origin, we recommend arriving in Hanoi a day early to acclimatize. As the evening train to Sapa departs late, a pre-night stay in Hanoi can be arranged if needed.
Overnight: Sapa | Dinner
Arrival in Sapa & Fansipan Cable Car
This morning begins with an early arrival at Lao Cai station, where we disembark and transfer to our hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, we take in the sweeping mountain views that characterise this remote region of northwest Vietnam, near the Chinese border. After breakfast with our fellow travellers, we head to the Fansipan Cable Car. This impressive journey carries us nearly 3,000 metres to the summit of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. At the top, we explore mountaintop temples and take in panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son range and Muong Hoa Valley.
After, we will make our way to our accommodation , where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Sapa | Breakfast
Ethnic Villages & Scenic Valleys
Today we set off from our hotel in Sapa with our local guide and driver, heading north along National Road 4C to O Quy Ho. Along the way, we stop to admire the stunning landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai Valley and the vibrant flower and vegetable farms that dot the hillsides. We then turn onto a narrow road that winds through a remote, forested region, passing waterfalls and steep mountains before reaching Ban Khoang, a Red Zao village. Here, we spend over an hour on foot exploring the village, learning about the community’s traditional way of life and its mix of rice farming and cardamom cultivation.
We continue about 10 km to Ta Giang Phinh Valley, home to the Black Hmong people. After an hour’s lunch break by the banks of a stream, we then walk along village paths connecting small settlements scattered through the valley. As we go, we witness daily life—locals ploughing fields, harvesting crops or doing household tasks. During quieter months, men often build or repair homes while women focus on traditional embroidery. Our walk ends in the mid-afternoon, and we return by road to Sapa. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight: Sapa | Breakfast
Sapa to Hanoi
Sapa - Hanoi. After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore Sapa at your own pace. We then set off on a scenic drive through the mountains, returning to Hanoi. As we descend from the highlands, enjoy the shifting landscapes before arriving back in the city, where your journey ends.
Please note: You will arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon; please ensure your departure flight is not booked for earlier.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Chapa Express Train, Sapa
Situated in Hanoi, this overnight service to Lao Cai is ideal for travellers heading to Sapa. With wood-panelled cabins inspired by local culture, each compartment features cosy beds, air conditioning, and complimentary snacks. It offers 4-berth cabins, perfect for small groups. Departing from central Hanoi, it provides a comfortable and atmospheric way to travel through northern Vietnam’s scenic countryside. While onboard facilities are basic, guests can enjoy convenience and charm en route to the mountains
Bamboo Hotel, Sapa
A comfortable and affordable option, the Bamboo Hotel is in the design of a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden decor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace. Its enviable position overhanging a minority village affords great views of the Hoang Lien Mountain range. The beautiful gardens and spa facilities make it an excellent choice for some R&R. The modern rooms provide free WiFi.
At a Glance
