Hiking in Sapa

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
Hiking in Sapa
5 Days
From AUD $915
Trip Type
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(5 reviews)

Hiking in Sapa

Hiking in Sapa

Intrepid Travel · 5 days
Duration

5 days

Tour Type

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Northwest Vietnam is a captivating mix of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourfully clothed hilltribes.

Highlights

  • 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.

Trip Details

Duration

5 days

Transportation

Minibus,Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle

Tour Type

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finishes

Hanoi, Vietnam

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature (70000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Women's Museum (30000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Sapa- Guided Central market visit and local food tasting
  • Sapa- Orientation Walk with local guide

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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.

Included Activities:

  • Sapa- Guided Trek Sapa - Sa Seng - Hau Thao - Hang Da - Giang Ta Chai

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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.

Included Activities:

  • Sapa - Guided Trek Giang Ta Chai - Su Pan

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $915
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 5 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Average

Northwest Vietnam is a captivating mix of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourfully clothed hilltribes.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Sep 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Mei-Ling
Traveled, March 2024

04/18/2024

A must if going to Vietnam, was an amazing experience, the views stunning , people ( really friendly) and food was amazing and delicious. If you have time add Sapa to your trip.

5.0
Lynette
Traveled, November 2023

11/27/2023

Great tour guide. Sapa us a really cool place to visit. Make sure you visit the Hill tribe villages and Mt Fancipan. Two days is not enough if you are doing a homestay - stay longer!!@

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989