Welcome to Hanoi - one of the most lively citiites in Vietnam. Hanoi is a unique mix between modern and traditional lifestyles but still keeps its antique charm.

Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. This evening you will be picked up by your local guide from your a hotel located in Hanoi's Old Quarter (advised prior to departure), between 6.00 pm- 6.30 pm. Then, you will have a chance to know more information about Sapa region while having an included dinner.

After dinner, you leave for the train station and have an 8-hour-train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai. The journey is overnight and you will sleep on the train. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided.

You’ll be met on arrival into Lao Cai in the early morning and transferred to Sapa by minibus, passing through dramatic scenery along the way. You have a free morning to relax and explore this fascinating hillside town. If the weather is feeling generous, enjoy unhindered views out towards the giant staircase of rice terraces that cascade down the side of the mountains.

Otherwise, delight in the enigmatic mists that often shroud the Sapa hillsides. In the afternoon, begin a guided 2-3 hour moderate trek down to the hilltribe villages of Cat Cat, often taking a paved path and passing a waterfall. The villages are home to the H'mong people who originated from China about 300 years ago. The H'mong people are easily recognisable by their dark-blue or black clothing. The dye is made from the indigo plant, which is native to the area. H'mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waist-coats and have their hair rolled up into a turban-like hat, while the men wear a black skullcap.

You are likely to encounter local H’mong traders, who are often described as persistent and aggressive in their sales techniques. Please respect that this approach is usually the result of the competitive nature of business, and only purchase items if you wish too. In the late afternoon, return to Sapa to spend the night in a hotel.

 Notes: Those booked on the Original style Short Break will stay in Chao Long Hotel, while those booked on Basix style will stay in Cat Cat Hotel. Accommodation is subject to availability and if these properties are unavailable we will stay in the equivalent level of accommodation.

This morning set off on a six hour guided trek (approximately 6 kilometres), passing along buffalo paths and trails, as well as through several hilltribe villages and resident minority groups such as Red Zao and Tay people. This is a spectacular walk, winding through stunning scenery and elegant rice paddy terraces. Be sure to watch your footing here as there can be uneven slopes, muddy patches, and rocky inclines.

The idyllic countryside scenes are like something out of a storybook, and you will encounter some of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way, and finally spend the night in the home of a Zay family in Ta Van Village. Perhaps take some time to explore the village after you arrive, wandering down to see the locals paddling in the Mua Huon River and the Hmong guys cruising around on their motorbikes. You’ll enjoy an included meal of delicious Vietnamese dishes for dinner tonight, prepared by your hosts.

 Notes: A day pack is recommended for the trek and overnight in the homestay, as your main luggage can be left at your hotel in Sapa. Tonight’s accommodation is in a simple family homestay in mixed-gender dormitory style accommodation, with basic facilities. Both Original and Basix style Short Break travellers will stay at the same homestay.

After a hearty, energy-giving early breakfast, set off on a 2-3 hour walk to Su Pan Village. Today’s trek is shorter, but the scenery is still beautiful. Take the road to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao minority via the paths between terraces and through bamboo forests. Walk past waterfalls where buffalo might cool themselves from the heat and cross a suspension bridge.

Be sure to take it all in and make the most of the last of your time in these incredible surroundings. Cross Muong Hoa River, then head up to the mountain to visit the last village of the trek – Su Pan. Maybe grab a quick bowl of pho before meeting up with your vehicle for the 30 minute drive back to Sapa. Arriving in Sapa, you have a free afternoon to explore the town.

Maybe get a massage to sooth trek-tired muscles, check out the local market selling produce, herbal remedies, and (very fresh) meats, pick up any Hilltribe crafts you might have had your eye on, or sit back with a drink while you look over the misty mountains. Then you’ll transfer to the to the train station in the evening, where you catch the overnight train to Hanoi (approximately 8 hours).

Your adventure ends upon arrival at Hanoi train station in the early morning (around 5am). The rest of the day is free for you to soak up the grace of this dynamic city that's the epitome of modern Vietnam. If you would like to stay a little longer in Vietnam, we can book additional nights for you.

(If you wish to have the room available on your arrival, you may need to book the night before as check in time is usually midday). Please note that it's not possible to organise a transfer from the train station, so please make your own way to your hotel or the airport.