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Sapa - Return to Innocence
Long known as the "Shangrila" of Vietnam, Sapa is blessed with dramatic emerald green valleys, a hotbed of cultures and traditions of the hill tribes and astounding and endless cascades of rice terraces. Discover Sapa's charm on this less-trodden adventure that takes you on a return to innocence.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in boutique luxury ecolodges with authentic charm of Sapa
Be guided by Sapa Hmong locals
Encounters with the hill tribes of Sapa
Experience the immaculate rustic beauty and charm of Sapa
ITINERARY
DAY 1: HANOI / SAPA
Early this morning, be met at your hotel in Hanoi as we hop onto a comfortable vehicle complete with cushion leather seats and WiFi for a 5hrs drive on the all-new Hanoi-Sapa highway where we then arrive at the stunning Topas Ecolodge.
Be orientated to the beautiful environments and later in the afternoon, meet your Hmong guide as we start a walk from the lodge marvelling at the amazing rice terraces below. On the walk, you will make a visit to Lech village, visit a local wooden house and meet your friendly Red Dao hosts and experience their daily way of life. The Red Dao women, as their ancestors, having hair and eyebrows shaved and wearing colorful attire are famous for their handmade embroidery. Thereafter, return to the lodge where you will walk on small trails passing rice terraces and suspension bridges to immerse in this stunning landscape.
Overnight: Topas Ecolodge
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: SAPA
Begin today in a very special way. There is no fixed itinerary and we do not believe in pre-planned programs. Your Hmong guide will showcase Sapa in discussions with you, your interests - trek, visit the atmospheric minority markets (Bac Ha Market every Sundays), (Can Cau Market every Saturdays) and (Coc Ly Market every Tuesday). There are also opportunities to visit homes of the hill tribes or learn about crafts such as Hmong batik, Hmong jewellery, Qeej bamboo music instrument and more.
Overnight: Topas Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: SAPA / INTO THE SAPA VALLEY
After breakfast, we commence our excursion with a drive deep into Hoang Lien National Park where we will begin our trek near Sin Chai village. Be mesmerized by beautiful views of the high mountains, waterfalls and deep valleys. On the trail, you will be led to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu where you may stop to meet and interact with the villagers before continuing on the trek past more inspiring rice valleys dotted with bamboo huts used by farmers as overnight accommodations during the harvest season.
We then arrive at Nam Cang village where we check into the stunning Nam Cang Riverside Lodge, owned by a local Red Dao family and nestled along a riverbed where we enjoy an amazing stay with your hosts learning the traditions of the Red Dao and Black Hmong hill tribes.
Overnight: Nam Cang Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: SAPA VALLEY
Spend an experiential day with your Red Dao hosts and wind down the clock immersing in the slow life. Enjoy a day of engaging in real village work joining the farmers for rice paddy walks, planting or harvesting lessons, fishing with the locals for your meals, learn the art of archery or visit the village artisans specialized in handcrafted silver jewelry - an important staple of the hill tribe women. Today is yours to create!
Overnight: Nam Cang Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: SAPA VALLEY / HANOI
After breakfast, we bid farewell to your hosts as you are pick up for a comfortable 5hrs drive return to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Topas Ecolodge is a gem located in the mountains 45mins from Sapa well=positioned with panoramic views of the mountains and the rice terraces below. All 25 bungalows offer an experiential and luxurious ecolodge experience that allows you to immerse fully of the rustic countryside.
Located deep in the remote Sapa Valley alongside a beautiful running river and the green forest, experience a mesmerizing stay with your Red Dao hosts and learn about the beautiful traditions of the hilltribes and participate in the daily lifes of the locals.
