Sapa Hard Trekking Adventure

4 Nights - 3 Days | Off-the-Beaten-Path Trekking | Overnight Train or Sleeper Bus

Explore the breathtaking valleys and terraced landscapes of Sapa with a hard trekking journey designed for adventure seekers. This itinerary leads you through remote ethnic villages, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain trails with overnight homestays for a fully immersive cultural experience.

Tour Price (per person):

• By Sleeper Bus: $118
• By Night Train: $148

(Shared 4-berth soft sleeper cabin included)

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip overnight train or sleeper bus (Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi)
• Bus transfers in Sapa and to/from Lao Cai
• All meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• English-speaking local trekking guide
• Entrance fees and permits

Accommodation:

• 2 nights homestay in ethnic minority villages
• 1 night on train or bus (each way)

Tour Excludes:

• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, snacks, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guide and driver

What to Bring:

• Sunblock & insect repellent
• Rain gear & warm clothing
• Trekking shoes/boots
• Hat, sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Swimsuit (for the waterfall)
• Personal medication
• Original passport (required for train travel)

Full Itinerary

Night 1: Hanoi - Lao Cai (Train or Bus)

• 19:30-20:00: Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for overnight train to Lao Cai.
  • Train: 4-berth soft sleeper cabin, air-conditioned
  • Bus: Sleeper bus departs at 21:00 from your hotel
• Overnight journey.

Day 1: Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B, L, D)

• 05:00: Arrive in Lao Cai. Transfer by bus to Sapa (~1 hour).
• Breakfast at hotel before your trek begins.
• Begin a 12km trek through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai (Black H’mong villages).
• Picnic lunch by a stream.
• Continue trekking to Ta Van village (Dzay ethnic minority).
• Enjoy dinner and overnight homestay with Dzay family.

Day 2: Giang Ta Chai - Ban Ho (B, L, D)

• After breakfast, begin your trek through rice terraces, bamboo forests, and suspension bridges.
• Pass through multiple ethnic villages: Red Dao, H’mong, Dzay, Tay.
• Picnic lunch by a river.
• Trek to Ban Ho village - a Tay minority settlement in a beautiful valley.
• Dinner and overnight at a Tay family homestay.

Day 3: Ban Ho - Lavie Waterfall - Su Pan - Sapa - Hanoi (B, L, D)

• Morning trek to the Lavie Waterfall, named by the French during colonial times.
• Optional swimming and picnic lunch by the falls.
• Afternoon: 4km uphill trek to Su Pan, then transfer by jeep back to Sapa.
• Freshen up, shower, and have early dinner in Sapa town.
• Evening transfer to Lao Cai Station or sleeper bus station.
• Board night train or bus back to Hanoi.

Day 4: Arrival in Hanoi

• Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station (Tran Quy Cap) or bus stop around 05:00 AM.
• Tour ends. Make your own way back to your hotel.