Sunrise over the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam
Sunrise over the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam
The famous rice field terraces of Northern Vietnam
Stunning setting of the ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam
Hiking through the beautiful landscape in Sapa Vietnam  | Sarah Hunt

Sapa Eco Retreat

Enjoy day walks and a spectacular boutique lodge

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 6 reviews

4 Days from

$790 USD

Trip Code: SER
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Train Upgrade: Private Cabin Hanoi to Lao Cai (twin share pp)
$60 USD
Sapa Eco Retreat Single Supplement
$330 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$530 USD

Duration

  • 4 Days

Activities

  • 3 days adventure touring

Accommodation

  • 2 nights eco lodge
  • 1 night train

Meals

  • 2 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Trip highlights

  • Discover the former French hill station of Sapa
  • Enjoy gentle day walks
  • Spectacular landscapes of Vietnam’s northern highlands
  • Experience the unique culture of the hill tribes

Overview

This short trip has been designed to immerse you in the landscapes of the Muong Hoa Valley. Experience on foot the highlights of northern Vietnam including the ethnic communities with their unique cultures, the deep valleys covered by terraced rice fields and the breathtaking mountain scenery. We overnight at a breathtaking boutique ecolodge perfectly situated to take in the mountain views of the Hoang Lien National Park. From this lodge, sympathetically developed to blend into the natural environment, there is a panoramic vista of the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Thanh Phu below. Enjoy gentle walks through the surrounding area during the day and the impressive cuisine of the lodge in the evening.

Itinerary

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Our team will deliver your boarding pass to the reception of your hotel. The train boarding pass contains essential information including the station address, train carriage details, cabin assignment, and your bed number. To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend that you depart from your hotel approximately 2 hours before the scheduled train departure time indicated on our ticket (usually 22h00). Upon reaching Hanoi's train station, please present your ticket to the staff for boarding. Kindly note that no meals will be served onboard the train, but there will be a snacks trolley available. To avoid any inconvenience, we suggest having dinner before heading to the station. There is limited availability of drinks, snacks, and other essentials at the station prior to departure. If you require anything, please ensure you collect it before arriving at the station. Overnight: four berth soft sleeper cabin.

Meals: Nil

Arrive early at Lao Cai Station (around 06:50) and meet your friendly driver and guide for an approximate one-hour drive to Sapa. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast before starting your hike. Begin by exploring the charming town of Sapa, then follow a dirt trail through vegetable gardens and rice paddy terraces, with the stunning Muong Hoa Valley unfolding before you. Follow the river through the valley to Y Linh Ho, a Black H'mong village, where you'll take a break for a picnic lunch. Continue your hike between Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, with the trail offering expanding views of the valley. In Lao Chai village, visit a local house to experience the traditional lifestyle before continuing to Ta Van village, home to the Giay minority. End your day with a transfer to Topas Ecolodge, nestled deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. Check into your bungalow and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding ethnic minority villages far below. Drive: +/- 1h30min Hiking: 13km ~ +/- 5hrs Overnight: Topas Ecolodge Note: Please be aware that on rainy days the trail is muddy and slippery.

Meals: B,L

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for the day. Your adventure begins with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park, reaching the trek's starting point near Sin Chai village. As you venture off the beaten path, you'll be greeted by stunning views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys. The trail leads you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, where you’ll meet locals, enjoy a cup of green tea in their home, and gain insights into their daily life. From there, a small dirt trail takes you to a breathtaking view of the rice valley, dotted with bamboo huts used by farmers during harvest. Continuing through rice terraces and along a quiet road, you'll arrive at Nam Cang village, one of the most remote areas in Sapa. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the village with your guide. The Red Dao women are known for their vibrant costumes, and you'll learn about their skills in herbal baths, local medicine, and embroidery. You’ll also see how they make rice paper, jewelry, and intricate embroidery. In the mid-afternoon, return to the serene Topas Ecolodge. Hiking: 8.5 km ~ +/- 3.5hrs Overnight: Topas Ecolodge Note: Please be aware that on rainy days the trail is muddy and slippery.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, the morning and early afternoon are yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax at Topas Ecolodge, join an optional activity, or take the scheduled shuttle bus to Sapa town for a visit. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. The Topas Mountain Express departs Topas Ecolodge at 14:30, ensuring a convenient return to Hanoi, arriving around 19:30-20:30. If you're staying in the Old Quarter, you'll be dropped off directly at your hotel. Should you need accommodation, please contact your World Expeditions consultant. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, certain roads in the Old Quarter are closed for the night market and pedestrian activities. Consequently, on these days, we will drop you at the nearest possible location, allowing you to enjoy a brief and enjoyable walk to your hotel. Please be aware that the Topas Mountain Express is only able to drop off passengers at hotels or residences located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Tay Ho District.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis
  • train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai (soft sleeper)
  • shuttle bus transfers as indicated in itinerary
  • sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • local English speaking guide during excursions in Sapa
  • Minibus transfer from Sapa - Hanoi

Not included

  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
  • Personal expenses such as bar, telephone and laundry bills
  • Tips and gratuities
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)

Reviews (6)

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