trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

4 Days$790USD

Activities
  • 3 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 2 nights eco lodge
  • 1 night train
Meals
  • 2 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts
2
Adventure touring

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Discover the former French hill station of Sapa
  • Enjoy gentle day walks
  • Spectacular landscapes of Vietnam’s northern highlands
  • Experience the unique culture of the hill tribes

This short trip has been designed to immerse you in the landscapes of the Muong Hoa Valley. Experience on foot the highlights of northern Vietnam including the ethnic communities with their unique cultures, the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields and the breathtaking mountain scenery. We overnight at a breathtaking boutique ecolodge perfectly situated to take in the mountain views of the Hoang Lien National Park. From this lodge, sympathetically developed to blend into the natural environment, there is a panoramic vista of the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Thanh Phu below. Enjoy gentle walks through the surrounding area during the day and the impressive cuisine of the lodge in the evening.

Trip Code: SER

Our team will deliver your boarding pass to the reception of your hotel. The train boarding pass contain essential information such as the station address, train carriage details, cabin assignment, and your bed number. To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend that you depart from your hotel approximately 2 hours before the scheduled train departure time indicated on our ticket (usually 22h00). Upon reaching Hanoi's train station, please present your ticket to the staff for boarding. Kindly note that no meals will be served onboard the train, but there will be a snacks trolley available. To avoid any inconvenience, we suggest having dinner before heading to the station. Additionally, you can purchase drinks, water, tissue paper, and snacks from the train station prior to your departure.

Meals:  Nil

Arrive in Lao Cai Station early (approx 06h50) in the morning and meet your friendly driver, who will transfer you to Sapa, upon arrival in Sapa, enjoy breakfast before embarking on your hike. Begin your adventure by strolling through the charming town of Sapa, immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere. As you venture further, a dirt trail will lead you through lush vegetable gardens and enchanting rice paddy terraces. Prepare to be amazed as the stunning scenery of Muong Hoa valley as it unfolds before your eyes. Following the river that runs along the valley's bottom, you eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black H'mong minority, take a well-deserved rest and savor a delightful picnic lunch. After lunch, your adventure continues with a walk between the Black H’mong ethnic minority villages, Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai. The trail winds along the hillside, and with each step, the valley's expanse expands, revealing a wide panorama. Embrace the opportunity to visit a local house in Lao Chai village, gaining insights into the authentic lifestyle of the local community. Then, follow the dirt path that connects Lao Chai with Ta Van village, a unique place inhabited by the Giay minority. As the day winds down, prepare for a transfer to the Topas Ecolodge, a haven nestled amidst the natural splendor. Check into your bungalow and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. . The ecolodge is located deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. The bungalows overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Thanh Phu, 400 altitude meters beneath. Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 30 minutes driving/ 5 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch Note: Please be aware that on rainy days the trail is muddy and slippery.

Meals:  B,L

Today you excursion begins with transfer deep into the heart of Hoang Lien National Park, starting near Sin Chai Village. Today's journey takes you to the lesser-explored gem of Nam Nhiu Village, where the Red Dao people reside. Immerse yourself in their warm hospitality as you enjoy a cup of tea in their traditional houses, gaining valuable insights into their daily way of life. Leaving the village, you'll venture into a small dirt trail that leads you to breathtaking vantage points. Be captivated by the sweeping views of terraced rice paddy valleys adorned with charming bamboo huts used by farmers during the harvest season. As you continue your trek, rice terraces and a serene river accompany your path. The quiet road eventually takes you to Nam Cang Village, nestled amidst a jungle backdrop. Here, you'll enjoy lunch at a riverside lodge. Nam Cang Village is renowned for being one of the most remote areas in Sa Pa, and the Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes among Vietnam's ethnic groups. Herbal baths, local medicines and embroidery are some of the skills the Red Dao are renowned for. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, delve deeper into the village's charm, discovering the fascinating processes of rice paper making, jewelry crafting, and embroidery. As the mid-afternoon approaches, you willbe transfered back to the serene haven of Topas Ecolodge. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge. Grade: Moderate / approx. 3-3.5 hours walking

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast, the rest of your day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You have various options to make the most of your time in this stunning region. Relax at Topas Ecolodge, join an optional excursion, or take the scheduled shuttle bus to Sapa town for a visit. Check-out is at 11:00 AM, and the Topas Mountain Express departs from Sapa at 14:00 and from Topas Ecolodge at 15:00, the bus takes you directly back to Haoni ensuring a convenient and timely arrival at approximately 19:30-20:00. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi if staying in the Old Quarter area. Please speak to your World Expeditions consultant if you would like us to arrange accommodation for you. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, certain roads in the Old Quarter are closed for the night market and pedestrian activities. Consequently, on these days, we will drop you at the nearest possible location, allowing you to enjoy a brief and enjoyable walk to your hotel. Please be aware that the Topas Mountain Express is only able to drop off passengers at hotels or residences located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Tay Ho District.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis
  • train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (soft sleeper)
  • shuttle bus transfers as indicated in itinerary
  • sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • local English speaking guide during excursions in Sapa
  • Minibus transfer from Sapa - Hanoi

  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
  • Personal expenses such as bar, telephone and laundry bills
  • Tips and gratuities
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)

Accommodation


Departure dates

Departs daily year round

Notes

HS
Holiday Season
H
High Season
P
Sapa Eco Retreat Peak Season Surcharge per person twinshare
1
Vietnamese Lunar New Year surcharges will be advised at time of booking.
2
Holiday Surcharge applicable for following dates - 22 Dec 2023 - 02 Jan 2024; 09 - 19 Feb 2024; 18 - 21 Apr 2024; 30 Apr - 02 May 2024; 31 Aug - 03 Sept 2024, 23 - 25 Dec 2024; 30 - 31 Dec 2024, will be advised at time of booking.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$790USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sapa Eco Retreat Single SupplementUSD$320
  • Single Traveller SurchargeUSD$470
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Sapa Eco Retreat trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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