Sa Pa Tribes and soft treks
Explore spectacular natural landscapes that are home to some of the most colourful hill tribes in Asia. Trek through the lush countryside of Northern Vietnam and experience the vibrancy of a morning market before continuing through thick forests, past waterfalls and into hill tribe villages. You will visit small communities and have a chance to interact with the locals.
The best trekking conditions in Sapa are during the months between September & November, and from March to May.
- Day 1: Hanoi - Son La
- Day 2: Son La to Dien Bien Phu
- Day 3: Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay
- Day 4: Muong Lay to Sa Pa
- Day 5: Sa Pa
- Day 6: Sa Pa to Hanoi
- Day 7: Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi - Son La
Depart for Son La. The road departing Hanoi through the Red River Delta region is fairly flat however this soon gives away to limestone Karst Mountains. Arrive in Son La in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Son La.
Distances & journey time:
Hanoi to Son La: 320 km, approx 6 hrs
Day 2: Son La to Dien Bien Phu
Continue your journey from Son La to Dien Bien Phu. In one of the most remote areas of Vietnam, surrounded by steep forested mountains, Dien Bien Phu was the city where the Vietnamese decisively defeated the French in a single battle and ended their colonial control of Indochina. Visit the Dien Bien Phu Museum which contains artefacts and exhibits related to the battle. Then head off to Hill A1, where the defenders fought the never ending French forces. Today, there are realistic re-creations of the bunkers and the bomb crater is still visible. Continue the trip to the Bunker of De Castries where the headquarters of this French commander was recreated.
Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
Distance and journey time:
Son La to Dien Bien Phu: 140 km, 4 hrs
Day 3: Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay
Depart to Muong Lay. Boasting some of the remotest community’s in Vietnam and skirting neighbouring Lao's Xa Ly Province, Muong Lay is a stunning area and home to some of the countries most colourful hill tribes.
Overnight in Muong Lay.
Distances and journey time:
Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay: 100 km, 3 hrs
Day 4: Muong Lay to Sa Pa
Drive through spectacular scenery to Sa Pa. Arrival in Sa Pa in the late afternoon for overnight.
Distances and journey time:
Muong Lay to Sa Pa: 180 km, 5 hrs
Day 5: Sa Pa soft trek
Take a soft trekking excursion to the handicraft village of Ta Phin which is inhabited by the Red Dzao people. This ethnic tribe is known for their distinctive red headscarves and handicraft skills. Continue the tour and visit the Ham Rong Mountain and the San May (Cloud Yard). Overnight in Sa Pa.
Day 6: Sa Pa to Hanoi
In the late afternoon transfer back to Lao Cai to catch the night train to Hanoi.
Overnight on the train.
Distances & journey time:
Sapa to Hanoi (380 km): 9 hours by train
Day 7: Hanoi
Arrive into Hanoi to continue with your Vietnam adventure.