Sapa and Bac Ha market – 3D2N

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experience the local culture and daily life of the H’Mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people in Cat Cat Village.
• Trek through the stunning rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain.
• Explore Bac Ha Market, the most typical weekly market in the area, and witness the bustling activities of various ethnic groups selling and buying local products.
• Visit Hoang A Tuong’s palace, which showcases a blend of French and Vietnamese architecture.
• Enjoy free time in Sapa town to discover the local culture and way of life.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 1: HANOI – SAPA BY BUS WITH A SHORT TREK TO CAT CAT VILLAGE (L, D)

6:30am – Pick up from the bus station and board the sleeping bus for Sapa Town.

9:30am – Enjoy your first comfort break before following the highway to Lao Cai city.

11:00am – Second comfort break at Lao Cai city before approaching Sapa.

1:00pm – Upon arrival in Sapa Town, be greeted by the colourful traditional costumes of H’Mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic People, and receive a welcome drink and itinerary briefing. Enjoy a delicious lunch with local Vietnamese dishes.

2:30pm – Embark on a short walk to the gate of Cat Cat village, the home of the Black H’mong ethnic people, and located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trek down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station; stop for a photo with the bridge and waterfall. You will walk uphill for the bus to pick you up to get back to Sapa in the afternoon. Trekking distance is about 2.5 kms and it lasts for 2 hours.

4:30pm – Return to Sapa Town, have dinner, and enjoy night activities.

DAY 2: SAPA DISCOVERY WITH LONG TREK Y LINH HO – LAO CHAI – TA VAN VILLAGE (B, L, D)

7:00am – 7.45am – Have breakfast at the hotel and prepare a light pack for the long trek of 5 kms.

8:00am –  Drive to Y Linh Ho and trek through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Then trek to Ta Van village, home of Dzay ethnic people. Trekking distance is about 9 kms and it lasts for 4 hours.

11:30am – Bus picks you up at Ta Van Bridge to Sapa.

12:00pm – Have lunch and enjoy free time in the afternoon to discover Sapa town by yourself.

Have dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 3: BAC HA MARKET – HANOI (B, L)

6:15am – Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for a day trip to Bac Ha Market.

7:00am – 1:00pm – Depart for Bac Ha Town, which is home to the Flower H’Mong ethnic people. After a 2.5 hour scenic drive, arrive at Bac Ha Market, the most typical weekly market in the area, where you can see the bustling activities of various ethnic groups selling and buying local products.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a short walk to Hoang A Tuong’s palace, which was built in 1914 with a blend of French and Vietnamese architecture. You will also visit “Pho” village of the Flower H’Mong People, where you can learn about their unique culture and way of life. The trekking distance is about 4 kms and it will last for 2 hours.

1:00pm – Depart for Lao Cai City for the shuttle bus back to Hanoi.

3:00pm – Take a comfort break during the 1.45 hour drive back to Hanoi.

8:30pm – Arrive at the bus stop in Hanoi, marking the end of the tour. Thank you for choosing Compass Travel!

PRICE DETAILS:

WHAT TO BRING:

• To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we recommend bringing warm clothing such as a scarf, hat, and cap, as the weather in Sapa can be unpredictable and cold from September to March.
• As Sapa is located at a high altitude, it can also be foggy during December to March.
• Trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also essential items to bring.
• It’s advisable to carry cash in Vietnamese Dong, as the banking system in Sapa may not always be reliable, though US Dollar, Euro, and Australian Dollar are accepted.
• Additionally, we suggest bringing any necessary medication, as there are pharmacies available in Sapa in case of illness.