Tour Details

Sapa by Train
To the Tokinese Alps of Vietnam!

Come and perch on a beautiful hilltop, deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park at one of the unique lodges of the world – “Topaz Ecolodge”.

Connect deeper with the lives of the Red Dzao people, one of Vietnam’s most fascinating minority groups.

Take a memorable walk through the breathtaking rice terraces of Nam Cang and gain insights into the many mountain-dwelling communities that call Sapa home.

Itinerary

Day 1Hanoi to Sapa by overnight train

Meet & greet by your local guide in Hanoi and transfer to train station to board your train to Sapa. Enjoy your stay for the evening on the Fanxipan Express train.

Overnight on Train (or similar).

Day 2Sapa

As dawn approaches, arrive early into Lao Cai station, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic mountain scenery. Located in the far northwest of Vietnam in the mountains bordering China, Sapa is home to deep mountain valleys and traditional villages. On arrival to your hotel, check in and enjoy a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers. Spend your afternoon admiring the beauty of Sapa on-board the Fansipan Cable Car that will take you 3000m to the upmost peak of Fansipan to explore the many temples as well as admire the natural beauty of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley.

Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Bamboo Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 3Sapa

Enjoy a full day of guided tour to discover the rich culture of the many hill tribes that call Sapa home. Gaze at the beautifully terraced rice paddy fields and stunning vistas as you drive to the villages of the Xa Pho and Tay people. Discover the fascinating culture and heart-warming hospitality of these unique people before departing to indulge in a leisurely walk through the expansive rice terraces of Nam Cang. Take a break and further indulge in the peaceful surrounds at the Nam Cang Riverside Lodge for lunch.

Continue your afternoon with a visit to one of the area’s most colourful minority communities, the Red Dzao. The Red Dzao women wear bright red turbans, shave their heads and eyebrows, and are known for their knowledge of local medicines and embroidery skills.
As late afternoon approaches arrive at the Topas Ecolodge for check in and your overnight stay. Perched over the surrounding valley and built using sustainable principles, in collaboration with the Red Dzao, its environmentally friendly features include solar power, wastewater treatment and a natural water source from the nearby mountains. The property has been recognised by National Geographic as a ‘unique lodge’.

Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Topas Ecolodge (or similar). (L)

Day 4Sapa to Hanoi

After breakfast, enjoy a morning of free time exploring Topas Ecolodge before your return drive back to Hanoi for your onward journey. (B)

Inclusions/Exclusions

INCLUSIONS:

2 nights hotel accommodation
Overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance Fees
English-speaking Tour Leader
All tips on tour
Return arrival and departure transfers (conditions apply)
Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

EXCLUSIONS:

Any flights
Meals not mentioned in the program
Drinks during meals not mentioned
Visa, Personal expenses, Travel insurance
Services other than mentioned

Payment Schedule

Deposit Per Person at Time of Booking: 50% (full-payment if within 120 days of departure).
Final Payment Due: 120 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Fees Per Person

121 days prior to departure or more: 10% of the tour price.
120-91 days prior to departure: 20% of the tour price.
90-61 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour price.
60 days prior to departure or less: 100% of the tour price.

Important Information

HOTEL CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT:
Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the mid-afternoon while check-out is expected by noon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival or late-check-out, it can be arranged for an additional charge.

ROOM UPGRADES/SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Upgrades are available on request at individual hotels. Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. Please note that while every effort will be made to secure a special request, it cannot be guaranteed.

BAGGAGE:
Please note should your journey include internal/domestic flights, your luggage allowance may be less than two (2) pieces of baggage and weight/size restrictions. Standard check-in baggage allowance is 15Kg and additional costs may apply.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the program and is recommended. Please purchase a good Travel Protection Program (which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or stolen or damaged luggage)

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL:
SJ reserves the right to take photographs and video during the operation of any tour and to use them for promotional purposes during the program and thereafter. By booking a program with SJ, guests agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs and video. Guests who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their Resident Tour Director at the beginning of their program.

Sapa by Train – To the Tokinese Alps of Vietnam!