Orientation
Sapa is an incredibly picturesque, tranquil village that lies a mile high on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in Northwest Vietnam along the Chinese border.

Although the Sapa means "sand village" in Chinese, Sapa is located within Vietnam and is home to a wealth of colorful, diverse hill tribes, who have steadfastly resisted integration into Vietnamese society and modern life. In fact, the hill tribes, including the Hmong, the Dao, and the Dai, comprise the majority of inhabitants in the area, outnumbering the Vietnamese who prefer the warmer low lands. Sapa's central market is a main gathering place for hill tribes from the surrounding villages. They congregate there not only to sell handicrafts, jewelry, orchids, mushrooms, and honey, but to also cultivate relations with other groups, play games, and perhaps find a sweetheart. On some weekend evenings, singing courtships and marriages take place. We will immerse ourselves in this hill tribe culture while exploring Sapa's beautiful expanse.

The Tours
Our three-day tour originates from Hanoi and is ideal as an extension to our full length tours, although may be booked apert. A scenic train ride along the Red River will takes you to the Chinese border and into the high mountains and Sapa -- your base for of exploring the area. Highlights include exploration of Sapa's natural wonders and peaceful surroundings. We can expect cool weather and early morning fog blowing off Qui Ho Lake high above Sapa. Accommodations are at a newer first-class Victoria Hotel overlooking the breadth of Sapa's mountain range, terraced rice fields, and deep river valley. A local guide with accompany you in Sapa. Two half-day treks are part of the tour.

This three-day tour is the perfect compliment to a visit to North Vietnam, a comfortable overnight train ride from Hanoi.

Three-day Itinerary
Day 1: Evening departure Hanoi train station on first-class Victoria coach overnight to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Early morning arrival in Lao Cai on the Chinese border and one-hour transfer to Sapa Victoria Hotel. After breakfast, exploration of Sapa town and market. Following lunch, hiking to a Black H'mong village. Overnight at Victoria Hotel.

Day 3: After breakfast, continued exploration of Sapa's natural scenery and hilltribe villages. Late afternoon departure back to Lao Cai for the Victoria Express overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 4: Arrive Hanoi early morning.

The Tonkinese Alps
Nicknamed "the Tonkinese Alps," the area features vaulting rice terraces, lush vegetation and the highest peak in Vietnam, Mount Fansipan, which towers over the small town, swirled in fog from across a deep valley. The town was discovered by Jesuit missionaries in 1918. Attracted by the cool and temperate climate, Western arrivals transformed Sapa into a pleasant hill station. Along with a church, they constructed hotels, tennis courts, airport, hydro-electric station and summer villas. Many were abandoned or destroyed during the subsequent war for independence with the French and the 1979 Chinese invasion, but the colonial influence remains. More...

Switzerland? No, Vietnam	Qui Ho Valley
Hmong pausing near town	Hmong girl over Qui Ho Valley
Victoria Express Luxury Coach	Twin cabin on the Victoria Coach
The Victoria Sapa	Victoria Sapa Accommodation
Dzay hilltribe gathering	To Sapa market
Images Indochina Travel Company and Victoria Hotels