http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/ Sapa Tours - Vietnam Open Tour Homepage en-us Copyright (C) Vietnam OpenTour VietnamOpenTour (3 days/ 4 nights). A former French hill station, located in the middle of the break taking landscapes in the north of Vietnam , Sapa is one of the most wonderful places in Asia and is a magical combination of landscapes, ethnic cultures and bracing mountain air. There are excellent areas for hiking through lush mountain valleys to the remote villages of different minorities, including the Black H'mong and the Red Dzao ....       ITINERARY   21:00 pickup at the hotel. Transfer to railway station for a night train LC1 at 22:00 to Sapa.   Day 1 : Lao Cai Station - Sapa - Hau Thao AM : 7h30 arrive Lao Cai Pick up at Lao Cai Station then transfer to Sapa .Check in and have breakfast in the hotel before the trip starts .We walk along the main road for a while then take a small path up hill to get to Hau Thao village of the Black H'Mong tribe. The trek brings you through the upper mountain rage of Sapa overlooking down to its valley. Our guide will prepare lunch in a local house while you walk around the village to meet the tribe and visit their catholic church. After lunch the guide take you back to Sapa on a different way which goes further to the other side the mountain.   Day 2 : Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai Have breakfast and check out before the trip starts. Trek down to Lao Chai village to visit the Tay and Day tribes. Have a picnic lunch on the way then keep going along the bottom of the Sapa valley to get to Ta Van village, which is supposed to be the most beautiful one in the area. Afterward you head up to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Zdao tribe where you will see the amazing scenery and beautiful waterfall. Stay overnight in a local family.   Day 3 : Giangtachai - Banho - Sapa Rise up early in the morning for breakfast then head to Ban Ho. You will trek up and down hills through a jungle and pass the Muong Hoa River and waterfall .Ban Ho village where you have lunch there live the Tay tribe with their special wooden house on stilts will amaze you, let alone the peaceful scenery and friendly people. And the last 45 min,climbing up hill to get to the waiting point is really a challenge for you. You get back to Sapa by motorbike/jeep.   Day 4 : Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai Breakfast in hotel, the rest of the morning is free to explore the town on your own. After lunch you check out and leave your luggage in the hotel then get yourself ready before heading down to Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages of Black H'Mong tribe. Enjoy the waterfall in Cat Cat and beautiful scenery along the way. Back to Sapa and get fresh with a shower in the hotel's day room then transfer to Lao Cai Station for the night train back to Hanoi. App .4 hours trekking - 8 km * Meals: B - L * Accommodation: Overnight train.   Daily Inclusive services : Accommodation, transport, entrance fees, meals and guide, Train ticket (soft-sleepers 2 ways) http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-by-train---difficult--.html (2 days/ 3 nights). A former French hill station, located in the middle of the breaktaking landscapes in the north of Vietnam, Sapa is one of the most wonderful places in Asia and is a magical combination of landscapes, ethnic cultures and bracing mountain air. There are excellent areas for hiking through lush mountain valleys to the remote villages of diffirent minorities, including the Black H"mong and the Red Dzao ....       ITINERARY   21:00 pickup at the hotel. Transfer to railway station for a night train LC1 at 22:00 to Sapa.   Day 1 : Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai AM : 7h30 arrive Lao Cai, pick up at Lao Cai Station then transfer to Sapa.You will have breakfast in the hotel and some time for R& R, check in before 12h00 o'clock. .After lunch trek to Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages of Black H"Mong tribe .Enjoy the waterfall in Cat Cat and beautiful scenery along the way .Back to hotel for dinner and enjoy the night in Sapa town . App .4 hours trekking - 8 km .- Meals: B - L - D Accommodation: Hotel.   Day 2 : Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van After breakfast you check out and leave your luggage in the hotel, get ready for the trip. Trek down to Lao Chai village to visit the Tay and Day tribes then keep going along the bottom of the Sapa valley to get to Ta Van village, which is supposed to be the most beautiful one in the area .Have a picnic lunch on the way .You go back to Sapa by motorbike/jeep. Get yourself fresh with a shower in the hotel"s day room before transfer down to Lao Cai Station for the night train LC2 back to Hanoi. App .7 hours trekking - 15 km - Meals: B - L . Accommodation: Overnight train.     Joined group tour : Daily Inclusive services : Accommodation, transport, entrance fee, meals and guide, Train tickets soft-sleeper air-conditioning (Royal/ RATRACO train) 2 ways         http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-by-train--easy-.html (3 days/ 4 nights). A former French hill station, located in the middle of the breaktaking landscapes in the north of Vietnam, Sapa is one of the most wonderful places in Asia and is a magical combination of landscapes, ethnic cultures and bracing mountain air. There are excellent areas for hiking through lush mountain valleys to the remote villages of diffirent minorities, including the Black H"mong and the Red Dzao ....       ITINERARY   20:30 pick up at the hotel. Transfer to railway station for a night train SP3 at 22:00 to Sapa.   Day 1: Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van AM : 7h30 arrive Lao Cai , pick up at Lao Cai Station then transfer to Sapa. Have breakfast and shower in hotel before the trip starts .Treking to Lao Chai village to visit the Tay and Day tribes. Have a picnic lunch on the way then keep going along the bottom of the Sapa valley to get to Ta Van village, which is supposed to be the most beautiful one in the area, where you stay overnight in a local family. App 7 hours trekking 15 km - Meals: B- L - D - Accommodation: Home-stay.   Day 2 : Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai - Sapa We start the trip after breakfast, heading up to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Zdao tribe where you will have lunch. Amazing sceneries and beautiful waterfall are to be seen in the afternoon before going up to the main road where you will be picked up by motorbike/jeep. Ride back to Sapa and you might stop some times on the way to take photos of the fabulous valley of Sapa .Check in and have dinner in hotel .Enjoy the night in the mountain town. App .6 hours trekking about 12  km.- Meals: B - L - D. Accommodation: Hotel.   Day 3: Sapa - Cat Cat and Sin Chai - Lao Cai Station Breakfast in hotel, the rest of the morning is free to explore the town on your own. After lunch you check out and leave your luggage in the hotel then get yourself ready before heading down to Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages of Black H'Mong tribe. Enjoy the waterfall in Cat Cat and beautiful scenery along the way. Back to Sapa and get fresh with a shower in the hotel's day room then transfer to Lao Cai Station for the night train back to Hanoi. App .4 hour trekking about 8 km.- Meals: B - L - Accommodation: Overnight train.   Day 4 : 5.00 Arrive in Hanoi. Tour end.   Inclusive services : Accommodation, transport, entrance fee, meals and guide, soft-sleeper 2 ways. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-by-train--moderate-.html CanCau, BinhLu, TamDuong, MuongKhuong, BacHa market. The weekly markets of the north are a kaleidoscope of colour and excitement, bustling with weird and wonderful activities. Vietnam OpenTour can take you to them so you can witness the trade and camaraderie of the local minority people. A perfect add-on to the last day of your Sa Pa trip!   ITINERARY + Can cau market on Saturday : CanCau - a small market situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and only 7 km from China. The market deeply shows the typical cultural features of the minorities in remote mountainous areas in Vietnam. Further more, you can enjoy seeing boys and girls in colourful costumes - different colours of the mountains. They attend the market in the hope of finding "the other halves of their lifves" and this is also the time for them to chat, to exchange everything among different ethnic peoples through cups of wine sold in the market. + CocLy market on Tuesday : Leaving Sa Pa early in morning or picked up in Lao Cai arriving with the train from Hanoi. The ride from SaPa will take us approx. 2 1/2 hours. We visit the market on Tuesday with all it"s colourful ethnic people such as Flower H"mong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen who gathers to buy and sell.  We explore the market in full swing before  boarding  a sampan on wild reiver though breathtaking scenery. We visit Tay village and have picnic lunch by the river bank. From Coc-Ly you will experience the magnificent sight of the beautiful landscape and daily life in the mountain. We return to Sapa or to Lao Cai train station for your overnight train back to Hanoi. From Sapa the ride tour takes between 8 & 10 hours + Muong Khuong Sunday market Leaving Sa Pa early Sunday morning. We ride on the craziest dirt road around Sapa to Muong Hum market. The ride takes approx. 2 -3 hours 40Kilometers to reach Muong Hum. The scenery is amazing and no tourists are going by that way because the road is stuck for a year by a landslide and only motorbike can pass by that way. All the long the way you will see different minorities Black H"Mong, Red Dao.  Arrive in Muong Hum we visit this very interesting local market frequented by Tu Di, Dao Tuyen, Ha Nhi,  Flower Hmong and Giay minorities. We enjoy in a small local restaurant and after lunch we visit Ha Nhi village.In the afternoon the ride trough the incredible landscape will bring us to Sa Pa or to Lao Cai train station depending of your wishes. + Binh Lu market &  Tam Duong market (Sapa - Heavens Gate - Binh Lu - Tam Duong- Phongtho - Sapa) ( Day trip or 2 day trip from Sapa) We do organize the trip every days not only on Sunday for the market, because we pass trough some minorities villages and we can enjoy theirs daily life and be amazed by the landscape. From the beginning of the day it is uphill, where we will use a lot of energy. We have to rise about 350 m, which will led us to the highest piece of road in Viet Nam, the Tram Tom pass, also called Heavens Gate. We start out from Sapa at around 8.30 am, ready to explore some of the most fascinating scenery in Vietnam. From Heavens Gate the scenery and views are amazing. We now begin a sometimes steep descend towards the Nam Mu River. The road conditions here are bother good and bad. We take it easy, we reach the village of Chu Va which is inhabited by the Black Hmong minority. It is still going downhill. And the ride will bring us to Binh Lu. In Binh Lu we make a break for a glass of local beer and after look around in the village and enjoy the local life. From Binh Lu we restart to Tam Duong, on the way you will appreciate that amazing scenery and discover all the long the way the Tai Lu, Tai Laos minority people whose textiles are intriguing. After the village of  Tam Duong will still have 15 Kilometers before to reach Phong tho, where we will stop to take our lunch (visit the market on Sunday). In the afternoon we will return to Binh Lu by inside land. A long day of activity, adventure, friendly people and off course a fantastic nature experience is almost over. It is now time for us to  ride back to SaPa.    + Bac Ha market - Sunday morning Rising to the sounds of morning coming to life for another lovely day, we  have breakfast and head out for a stunning spectacular of bobbling bazzar. Bac ha"s considered  one of the most wonderful and colorful markets in extreme north Vietnam where thousands of local people in their traditional attires busily buy and sell the local produces. Dog, cat, pig, horse... are all on sales. This is golden opportunity to take best shots! Afternoon we have a pleasant walk to Flower Hâ mong village of Banpho we then transfer back to Sapa. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-add-on-weekly-hill-tribe-markets.html (2 days / 3 nights)- From : 245 /per (Twin sharing) . Travel aboard the Victoria Express Train and visit picturesque Sapa with the Victoria Sapa Resort Sapa Weekend Package (2 days / 3 nights; from Friday to Sunday)         Experience the Tonkinese Alps diversity of cultures and scenery with the Sapa Weekend Package; you will have the chance to visit the Lao Chai village of the Black H'mong minority to Ta Van village of the Giay minority.   Itinerary: Friday:     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Saturday:     * Transfer Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort     * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival     * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on Saturday or Sunday)     * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant with Minority Tribe show     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Sunday:     * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort     * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on on Saturday or Sunday)     * Transfer to Lao Cai     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi Package includes of:     * Roundtrip ticket Ha Noi - Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort) on Victoria Express Train (Superior cabin with dining carriage)     * Return transfers Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort     * 1 night accommodation in superior room including breakfast     * 1 dinner at Ta Van restaurant with Minority Tribe show     * 1 dinner on Victoria Express Train     * 1 excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages Added value:     * Welcome drink and breakfast upon arrival     * Early check-in & late check-out upon availability     * Upgrade to Deluxe room upon availability Note: Optional tours to other minority markets: Coc Ly, Lung Khau Nhin … can be arranged at Victoria Sapa Resort and upon availability Package rates: * SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS:     * Due to the proximity to the Chinese border ALL guests are required to present their passport and visa upon check-in at Victoria Sapa Resort and will be refused otherwise.     * All prices are net per person based on double occupancy in a superior room (upon availability)     * Prices include tax and service charge     * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions     * 25% discount for children from 5-12 years old, extrabed will be provided upon availability     * Children under 5 years old: Free of Charge (sharing the same bedding as parents).     * Package rates are valid from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008.   http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-weekend---victoria-train---hotel-on-friday.html (3 days /3 nights) - From : U$ 308 /per (Twin sharing) . ITINERARY      Discover the hill tribe life in Sapa, Vietnam, with the Victoria Sapa Resort’s Muong Hum - Between Luxury & Authenticity package (4 days / 5 nights) Discover authentic hill tribe life, this package will allow you to truly live like a local, you will sleep in the home of local minorities in the village of Muong Hum and visit the tiny Muong Hum Market (Sunday's Only) and Can Cau Market (Saturday's only) where you will meet a large variety of ethnic minorities such as Ha Nhi, Giay, Red H'mong, Flower H'mong and Red Dao. A truly unique and charming experience!   Itinerary: Friday:     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Saturday:     * Breakfast on board the Victoria Express Train     * Transfer to Can Cau Market     * Lunch at Can Cau Market (lunch box provided by Victoria Sapa Resort)     * Excursion to Hanh Hi Village     * Dinner in a local restaurant     * Homestay in Muong Hum Village (with Victoria set-up) Sunday:     * Breakfast in a local restaurant (with croissants from Victoria Sapa Resort available)     * Visit Muong Hum Market     * Transfer to Victoria Sapa Resort around 13:00     * Dinner at Ta Van Restaurant     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Monday:     * Breakfast at Ta Van Restaurant     * Day at Leisure or Excursion to Y Linh Ho Village (can be done on Monday or Tuesday)     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Tuesday:     * Breakfast at Ta Van Restaurant     * Day at Leisure or Excursion to Y Linh Ho Village (can be done on Monday or Tuesday)     * Transfer to Lao Cai     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi     * Dinner on board Victoria Express Train The Muong Hum - Between Luxury & Authenticity package includes:     * Return train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort) on our Victoria Express Train (Superior cabin)     * Roundtrip Transfers Victoria Sapa Resort - Lao Cai     * Breakfast on Victoria Express Train on arrival date     * 1 lunch box at Muong Hum market     * 1 night home stay it the village of Muong Hum with Victoria Set Up     * 2 night accommodation at Victoria Sapa Resort in Superior room     * 1 Breakfast in local restaurant     * Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel     * 1 excursion to Can Cau Market     * 1 excursion to Hanh Hi Village     * 1 trekking excursion to Y Linh Ho Village     * 1 dinner in Muong Hum and 1 dinner at Ta Van restaurant     * 1 Dinner on Victoria Express Train on the return trip     * Welcome drink     * Early check-in & late check-out upon availability     * Upgrade to Deluxe room upon availability * SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS: During the Tet holiday period (1st - 20th February 2008 the Muong Hum Package is not available Due to the proximity to the Chinese border ALL guests are required to present their passport and visa upon check-in at Victoria Sapa Resort and will be refused otherwise.      * All above rates are in US dollars, inclusive of 5% service charges and 10% VAT (subject to change without notice.)     * All prices are per person based on double occupancy     * Package will be offered for maximum 10 persons per week, based on availability     * Choice of set menus for lunch and dinner     * All prices are subject to change without notice     * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions     * Children under 5 years old: Free of Charge (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents).     * Children from 5 - 12 years old: 50 % discount on package price (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents). Extra bed/ seat on boat or train will be provided upon availability.     *  Package rates are valid from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008 http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-monday---victoria-train---hotel.html (4 days /5 nights) - From : 387 /per (Twin sharing) . ITINERARY     Explore the colourful market of Can Cau near the Chinese border where photographic opportunities are at their best (3 days / 4 nights; from Thursday to Sunday) and stay at the Victoria Sapa Resort Thursday:     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Friday:     * Transfer Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort     * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival     * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Saturday:     * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort     * Excursion to Can Cau Market     * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant with Minority Show     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Sunday:     * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort     * Day at Leisure     * Transfer to Lao Cai     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi     * Dinner on Victoria Express Train Package inclusive of:     * Roundtrip train Hanoi - Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort) on Victoria Express Train (Superior cabin, 1 way with dining carriage / 1 way without dining carriage)     * Return transfers Lao Cai – Victoria Sapa Resort     * 2-night accommodation in Superior room including breakfast     * 2 dinners at Tavan restaurant     * 1 dinner on Victoria Express Train     * 1 excursion to Can Cau Market Added Value:     * Welcome drink and breakfast upon arrival     * Early check-in & late check-out upon availability     * Upgrade to Deluxe room upon availability Note: Optional tours to other minority markets: Lung Khau Nhin, Bac Ha … can be arranged at Victoria Sapa Resort and upon availability * SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS:      * During the Tet holiday period (1st - 20th February 2008 the Can Cau Package is not available      * Due to the proximity to the Chinese border ALL guests are required to present their passport and visa upon check-in at Victoria Sapa Resort and will be refused otherwise.      * All prices are net per person based on double occupancy in a superior room (upon availability)     * Prices include tax and service charge     * All prices are subject to change without notice     * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions     * 25 % discount for children from 5 – 12 years old, extra bed will be provided upon availability     * Children under 5 years old are free of charge sharing the same bedding as parents     * Package rates are valid from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008 http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa--victoria-train---bacha-market.html (3 days /4 nights) - U$ 372 /per (Twin sharing) . ITINERARY     Discover the Bac Ha Market with the Victoria Sapa Resort's Bac Ha Market package (2 days / 3 nights; from Friday to Sunday) Bac Ha is the largest and most colourful market in the area. Every Sunday morning, many different ethnic groups such as Flower H'mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. In the afternoon, you will walk to the Tay minority village of Trung Do where you will get onboard a traditional boat and cruise along the Chay River.     Itinerary: Friday:     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Saturday:     * Transfer Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort     * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival     * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant with Minority Show     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Sunday:     * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort     * Excursion to the famous market of Bac Ha     * Transfer to Lao Cai     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi Package inclusive of:     * Roundtrip train ticket Hanoi- Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort)       on our Victoria Express Train (Superior Cabin with dining carriage)     * Return transfers Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort     * 1 night accommodation in Superior room     * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival     * Daily buffet breakfast     * 1 dinner at Ta Van restaurant with Minority Show     * 1 dinner on Victoria Express Train     * 1 excursion to the famous market of Bac Ha     * Upgrade to deluxe room upon availability     * Early check-in and late check-out upon availability Note: Optional tours to other minority markets: Coc Ly, Lung Khau Nhin … can be arranged at Victoria Sapa Resort and upon availability SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS:     * During the Tet holiday period (1st - 20th February 2008 the Bac Ha Package is not available       * Due to the proximity to the Chinese border ALL guests are required to present their passport and visa upon check-in at Victoria Sapa Resort and will be refused otherwise.      * All above rates are in US dollars, inclusive of 5% service charges and 10% VAT (subject to change without notice.)     * All prices are per person based on double occupancy     * Prices include tax and service charge     * Package will be offered for maximum 10 persons per week, based on availability     * Choice of set menus for lunch and dinner     * All prices are subject to change without notice     * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions     * Children under 5 years old: Free of Charge (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents).     * Children from 5 - 12 years old: 25 % discount on package price (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents). Extra bed / seat on boat or train will be provided upon availability.     * Package rates are valid from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008.   http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-adventure---victoria-train---hotel-on-saturday.html (9 days /8 nights) Group tour price : U$ 394 - 686 . 9 days /8 nights - This adventure tour takes you to the top of Mount Fansipan, a 3,143 meter tall mountain that is considered the ‘Rooftop of Indochina.’ It’s a great experience for those who love nature as well as discovering ethnic cultures, and anyone in good physical shape can make the trek to the top.   ITINERARY Day 1   ARRIVAL - HANOI On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam′s capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits, we take a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Overnight : at hotel  Meals :  Breakfast Day 2   HANOI – LAO CAI Today we enjoy a half day city tour, seeing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s House. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. We also visit the Temple of Literature and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple before continuing on to the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. The reminder of the day is free for your own exploration of Ha Noi until transferring to the rail way station for a night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers. Overnight : Overnight on the train.  Meals :  Breakfast Day 3   LAO CAI - SAPA The train journey arrives in Laocai this morning. After breakfast at local restaurant we embark on a scenic drive uphill to SaPa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering around this charming town and seeing some legacies of the French period. Overnight : at hotel  Meals :  Breakfast Day 4  SAPA - PHANSIPAN TREK The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. The expedition begins as we depart the town and walk through many hill villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor but have an interesting culture and a colorful history. After a short rest at the peak of 1300m, we trek up to the peak of 1650m. Here we pitch tents and enjoy our dinner around the camp fire in exotic nocturnal sound of the forest. Overnight : in tents  Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Day 5   PHANSIPAN TREK Overnight : in tents  Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Day 6   PHANSIPAN TREK The expedition continues leading us towards Phan Si Pan Summit at 3143 m. The steep path is very challenging as we weave our way through bamboo forest, but the impression of standing on the roof of Vietnam makes the hardship all worthwhile. After lunch and rest at the summit, we descend to our camping place of previous night. Overnight : in tents  Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Day 7   PHANSIPAN TREK - SAPA Upon leaving the peak of 2900m., we begin walking downhill back to Sapa Town. The steep trails is somewhat arduous but we have a chance to get some fantastic views over the surrounding mountains to the valley and the quite villages in the far distance. The memorable expeditions ends as we arrive in Sapa Town. A farewell dinner held at one of the many famous eating spots is the perfect way to thank the local team. Overnight : at hotel  Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Day 8   SAPA – LAO CAI - HANOI The journey back to Hanoi is also by rail but this time day train. After breakfast we transfer to Lao Cai and set off on a full day journey to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic; however this journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the ′real Vietnam′. The food on board is not the best you will have in Vietnam, so we recommend you to prepare some foods, water and snack. Overnight : at hotel  Meals :  Breakfast Day 9  HANOI - DEPARTURE There is free time to relax and further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. Meals :  Breakfast * All prices inclusive of taxes and hotel service charge, unless stated otherwise in the Exclusions below No extra charges and no minimum for credit cards ** - Viet Nam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Road conditions are poor and accommodation may be basic in mountain region. At village, we stay overnight in dormitory type or tribal huts; there are no western toilet, no current water nor electricity. - Weather conditions in this region can be very cold from December to March. We recommend you to bring rain jacket, walking boots, warm clothes (in winter) and lamp torch. The good weather for trekking in Sapa is from September until June. - The intinerary is corrected at the time of viewing. Occasionally, our itineraries change as we make improvement that stem from our past travellers′ comments and our own research or due to local conditions or circumstances beyond our control. This includes festival, public holidays, weather and flight delay,... that may effect the itinerary. Inclusive services : - Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses (twin sharing room), village huts - Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai - Ha Noi - Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta - English or French speaking guide and local guide for trekking - Meals as mentioned :B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner - Entrance fee to indicated sights - Permit and porter for trekking - Water puppet show Exclusive services : - Other meals - Tips - Drinks - Airport Tax - Single room - Personal Expences - Insurance - International flights. http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/treks/phansipang-conqueror.html . 3 days/ 4 nights -  We now offer you the physical challenge of trekking to the summit of Fanxipan, a half or full day trek We offer a unique adventure with quality and professional services to maximize your comfort and experience.    Sapa H' mong Girl  ITINERARY 21:00 pickup at the hotel . Transfer to railway station for a night train LC1 at 22:00 to Sapa. Day 1: From Sapa we travel by jeep, stopping at Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) before going through Tram Ton pass. From here we start our trek through the National Park and to the campsite situated at a level of 2,200 metres. The trek today goes both up and down hill – good preparation for the steep climb tomorrow. At the campsite a simple but hearty dinner is prepared by the porters and guide and we sleep overnight in a tent.                                                                          Day 2: After a warming breakfast, it is time to attempt the summit. The climb is steep and challenging. taking approximately 5 hours and reaching an elevation of 3,143 metres. At the peak – the rooftop of Indochina – there are rewarding views, even on cloudy days. There is some time to rest before starting the descent back to the campsite to collect our equipment and then a different route through the National Park to Sin Chai village where our jeep awaits to take us back to Sapa in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Sapa.   Day 3 : Free day to explore Sapa town. PM : Afternoon bus transfer to LaoCai railway station for night train back to Hanoi at 20:20   5.00 arrive Hanoi. Tour end.     http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/treks/sapa-by-train---fanxipang-adventure--.html Sapa Topas Eco Lodge.   Night 1 : 8.30pm - Pick_up at the hotel. Transfer to Ha Noi Railway Station and catch the night train to Lao Cai (soft sleeper with airconditioning). Day 1 (L,D): 5.30am - Arrive in Lao Cai.  The bus ride uphill to Sa Pa takes a little over an hour, giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces.  7.30am - Arrive Sa Pa. 9.30am - Take the shuttle bus transfer to Topas Eco Lodge.  Lunch in Topas Eco Lodge. PM - Take it easy and walk around the area or go on one of our guided tours (Optional tour to LaoChai_TaVan : U$ 49/ per including lunch).  Overnight at Topas Eco Lodge. Day 2 (B): Breakfast in Topas Eco Lodge.  Take it easy and walk around the area or go on one of our guided tours (Optional tour to Catcat -SinChai : U$ 35/ per including lunch). 2pm - Take the shuttle bus transfer to Sa Pa. Rest of the day is free in Sa Pa to explore the town and go shopping in the market.  5pm - Bus to Lao Cai Station (6pm).  9.20pm - Night train back to Ha Noi (soft sleeper with airconditioning). Day 3 : 5am - Trip ends at Ha Noi Railway Station. Package includes : Transfer Lao Cai - Sa Pa - Lao Cai Soft sleeper train with air conditioning Deluxe bungalow with great mountain view Meals as indicated http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-topas-eco-lodge.html .   Travel aboard the Victoria Express Train and meet various Minority Tribes such as Flower H'Mong, Black Dao, Phu La, Nung and Tay at the small market of Coc Ly with Victoria Sapa Resort's Coc Ly Market Package (2 days / 3 nights; from Sunday to Tuesday) Itinerary: Sunday:     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Monday:     * Transfer Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort     * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival     * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant     * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Tuesday:     * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort     * Excursion to Coc Ly Market     * Transfer to Lao Cai     * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi     * Dinner on Victoria Express Train Package inclusive of:     * Roundtrip train Hanoi - Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort) on Victoria Express Train (Superior cabin, 1 way with dining carriage / 1 way without dining carriage)     * Return transfers Lao Cai – Victoria Sapa Resort     * 1-night accommodation in Superior room including breakfast     * 1 dinner at Tavan restaurant     * 1 dinner on Victoria Express Train     * 1 excursion to Coc Ly Market   Note: Optional tours to other minority markets: Lung Khau Nhin, Bac Ha … can be arranged at Victoria Sapa Resort and upon availability Added Value:     * Welcome drink and breakfast upon arrival     * Early check-in & late check-out upon availability     * Upgrade to Deluxe room upon availability * SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS:     * All prices are net per person based on double occupancy in a superior room (upon availability)     * Prices include tax and service charge     * All prices are subject to change without notice     * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions     * 25 % discount for children from 5 – 12 years old, extra bed will be provided upon availability     * Children under 5 years old are free of charge sharing the same bedding as parents    http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa--victoria-train---cocly-market.html .   Victoria Sapa Resort's Sapa Weekday #1 Package hot deal package Travel aboard the Victoria Express Train and visit picturesque Sapa while enjoying great savings with the Victoria Sapa Resort Sapa Weekday #1 Package (3 days / 4 nights; from Monday to Thursday)   The "Sapa Weekday #1 Package" will give you the chance to visit Black H'Mong and Giay minority villages while taking in the picturesque scenery that the Sapa region has to offer.  Itinerary: Monday:   *  Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Tuesday:    * Transfer Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort    * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival    * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)    * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant    * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Wednesday:    * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort    * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)    * Transfer to Lao Cai    * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant    * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort  Thursday:    * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort    * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)     * Transfer to Lao Cai    * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi    * Dinner on board the Victoria Express Train The Sapa Weekday #1 Package (Monday to Thursday) includes:    * Roundtrip ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort) on the Victoria Express Train (Superior cabin with dining carriage)    * Return transfers Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort    * 2-nights accommodation in Superior room    * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival    * Daily buffet breakfast    * 2 dinners at Ta Van restaurant    * 1 dinner on Victoria Express Train    * 1 excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages    * Early check-in & late check-out upon availability    * Upgrade to Deluxe room upon availability  Note: Optional tours to other minority markets: Coc Ly, Lung Khau Nhin … can be arranged at Victoria Sapa Resort and upon availability   * SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS:    * Due to the proximity to the Chinese border ALL guests are required to present their passport and visa upon check-in at Victoria Sapa Resort and will be refused otherwise.    * All above rates are in US dollars, inclusive of 5% service charges and 10% VAT (subject to change without notice.)    * All prices are per person based on double occupancy    * Prices include tax and service charge    * Package will be offered for maximum 10 persons per week, based on availability Choice of set menus for lunch and dinner    * All prices are subject to change without notice     * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions    * Children under 5 years old: Free of Charge (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents).    * Children from 5 - 12 years old: 25 % discount on package price (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents). Extra bed / seat on boat or train will be provided upon availability.     *  Package rates are valid from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008 http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-weekend-vitoria-train-hotel-weekday-1-package.html . Victoria Sapa Resort's Sapa Weekday #2 hot deal package Travel aboard the Victoria Express Train and visit picturesque Sapa while enjoying great savings with the Victoria Sapa Resort Sapa Weekday #2 Package (3 days / 4 nights; from Tuesday to Friday)   The "Sapa Weekday #2 Package" (Tuesday to Friday) will give you the chance to visit Black H'Mong and Giay minority villages while taking in the picturesque scenery that the Sapa region has to offer.   Itinerary: Tuesday:    * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:55 - Hanoi to Lao Cai Wednesday:    * Transfer Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort    * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival    * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday)    * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant    * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort Thursday:    * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort    * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday)    * Transfer to Lao Cai    * Dinner at Ta Van restaurant    * Overnight at Victoria Sapa Resort   Friday:    * Breakfast at Victoria Sapa Resort    * Excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages (choice to do excursion on on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday)    * Transfer to Lao Cai    * Departure on Victoria Express Train at 21:05 - Lao Cai to Hanoi   The Sapa Weekday #2 Package (Tuesday to Friday) includes:    * Roundtrip ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (Victoria Sapa Resort) on the Victoria Express Train (Superior cabin without dining carriage)    * Return transfers Lao Cai - Victoria Sapa Resort    * 2-nights accommodation in Superior room    * Welcome drink and Breakfast upon arrival    * Daily buffet breakfast    * 2 dinners at Ta Van restaurant    * 1 excursion to Lao Chai & Ta Van villages    * Early check-in & late check-out upon availability    * Upgrade to Deluxe room upon availability   Note: Optional tours to other minority markets: Coc Ly, Lung Khau Nhin … can be arranged at Victoria Sapa Resort and upon availability   * SPECIFIC TERMS & CONDITIONS:    * Due to the proximity to the Chinese border ALL guests are required to present their passport and visa upon check-in at Victoria Sapa Resort and will be refused otherwise.    * All above rates are in US dollars, inclusive of 5% service charges and 10% VAT (subject to change without notice.)    * All prices are per person based on double occupancy    * Prices include tax and service charge    * Package will be offered for maximum 10 persons per week, based on availability    * Choice of set menus for lunch and dinner    * All prices are subject to change without notice.    * Not applicable for public holidays and not in conjunction with other promotions    * Children under 5 years old: Free of Charge (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents).    * Children from 5 - 12 years old: 25 % discount on package price (sharing the same room & all services (except massage services) with their parents). Extra bed / seat on boat or train will be provided upon availability.     *  Package rates are valid from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008         http://www.vietnamopentour.com.vn/vietnam-tour/mini-breaks/sapa-weekend-victoria-train-hotel-on-tuesday.html