Vietnam Northern Travel 6 Days 5 Nights

This 6 day the color of North reveals the best of Northern Vietnam.
Boarding luxurious overnight junk and enjoy stunning scenery of
Halong Bay. Exploring Sapa, the land of colorful hill tribes with
their unique cultures...

Highlights

Hanoi: Hanoi is Vietnam‟s capital city and home to seven million people. Traditional and refined with French
colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, scenic lakes and a bustling Old Quarter, Hanoi has a sophisticated
charm. Observe locals practicing Tai Chi by the lake, with barbers and food vendors plying their sidewalk trade.

Sapa: The former French hill station of Sapa is characterized by rocky mountain ridges, terraced rice paddies
and lush green valleys. Sapa is located in the picturesque Hoang Lien Son mountain range on the border with
China. Colorful hill tribe minorities inhabit the surrounding mountains, each with their own distinctive style of
dress. From early childhood girls learn to grow and weave hemp, dye cloth, and Juneorate the family's clothing
with traditional embroidery motifs.

Tour Information

 Tour Route: Hanoi - Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van villages – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa- Ma Tra – Ta
Phon - Hanoi
 Tour type: Private tour
 Special offered to : Ms.Gillian Ong
 Tour Length: 6 Days 5 Nights
 Depart from: Ha Noi
 End in: Hanoi
At a glance:

Day 1 [11th Sept] :Hanoi arrive

Day 2 [12th Sept] :Hanoi city tour – Night train to Lao Cai station (B,L)
Day 3 [13th Sept] : Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van villages (B, L, D)
Day 4 [14th Sept] : Tavan – Giang Ta Chai Village – Sapa (B, L, D)
Day 5 [15th Sept] : Sapa – Ma Tra & Ta Phin Village – Night train to Hanoi (B, L, D)
Day 6 [16th Sept] :Hanoi arrive – Noi Bai airport departure

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

Day 01 [11th Sept] :Hanoi arrive

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by the friendly tour gudie and driver of
TrekkingSapa.com and transferred to Hanoi City, the capital city of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the
banks of the Red River with tranquil Restored Sword Lake at its heart.

North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take
place there.

Much of the city was transformed by the French when it became a French protectorate in the 1880s and there
are wide boulevards and large colonial buildings which are now home to government departments and foreign
embassies.

During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Hanoi, answer any questions you have, and make
arrangements for the following day. Transfer to hotel in the city center to refresh. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
City.
What’s included: Private mini van, hotel in Hanoi.
Day 02 [12th Sept] :Hanoi city tour – Night train to Lao Cai station (B,L)

You‟ll have your breakfast at the hotel and then the local tour guide will pick you up to take you into the capital
city of Vietnam. Hanoi is over 1,000 years old and during your day tour you‟ll get to explore many of its
fascinating cultural and historical sites. You‟ll visit the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the
preserved body of “Uncle Ho” has been laid to rest, the delicate One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple and
the Quan Thanh Pagoda.

After lunch you can go to the Temple of Literature where you‟ll get to see ancient Vietnamese relics, then take
a cyclo tour in 1 hour through the bustling and exciting Old Quarter to explore marketplace shops and foods.
You‟ll end your day with a show at the water puppet theater – a beautifully unique cultural performance from
northern Vietnam.

After Hanoi city tour, you will travel to a mini hotel and receive a room for shower.You will have dinner by
yourself free time until about 21h00, I myself will come to pick you up and transfer to the station for the night
train to Lao Cai station. We‟ll get you situated in an air-conditioned, 4-berth cabin with soft sleepers for an
over-night train to Lao Cai. You will arrive at Lao Cai at about 6:00am the next day.
What’s included: Private mini van, English speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, water puppet tickets, mini hotel
for short break in Hanoi. entrance fees, train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai.

Day 03 [13th Sept] : Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van villages (B, L, D

The train arrives at around 6:00 am. Look for the “Trekking Sapa’s Logo & Your Name” sign when you exit
the train station, as our guide will pick you up there and transfer to the former hill station of Sapa.
In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its
hill tribe population - flashes of shining silver jewelry from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H'mong and the
scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen.
It is here you will find hands stained with color from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately
embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.
After having breakfast at local restaurant, you start to trek to visit Lao Chai & Ta Van village. Today‟s
trekking offers more stunning views of rice terraces and gardens as well as Mt Fansipan, whose summit rises
10,312 feet (3,143 meters) above sea level.
After crossing a suspension bridge, marvel at the breathtaking scenery as you continue through the Golden
Stream valley, stopping at Lao Chai village for lunch.
After your meal, follow your guide on a walk through this village where Black Hmong people reside, and
continue on to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay tribe. This part of the hike is relatively easy, though the trail
can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended.
You‟ll visit with some local families and learn about their daily lifestyle and fascinating culture. After check in
the room then you have 1 hour party for dinner ( listening to music, enjoy a little wine & soft drinks).
What’s included: Private mini van transfer, English speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees,
private homestay

Day 04 [14th Sept] : Tavan – Giang Ta Chai Village – Sapa (B, L, D)

Following a hotel breakfast, meet your guide in the morning and Then trekking through the paths to enjoy
wonderful scenery and visit Giang Ta Chai Village, inhabited by ethnic Red Dzao people. Continue on to trek
along wonderful small paths and rice fields and bamboo forests. Passing the rattan bridge and waterfall. Trek
further down the Muong Hoa River, you have more opportunities to see ethnic people living here in the Su
Pan village. You will take a car from Su Pan village direct to Sapa. The rest of day is free time for relaxing or
exploring local market. Stay overnight at hotel.
What’s included: Private mini van transfer, English speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees,
hotel in Sapa.

Day 05 [15th Sept] : Sapa – Ma Tra & Ta Phin Village – Night train to Hanoi (B, L, D)

Following a hotel breakfast, meet your guide in the morning start trekking from Sapa to Ta Phin valley.
Walking through the town for about 20 minutes before turning to a dirt road to Ma Tra Village, where
inhabited by Black H'mong ethic. Continue trekking up the village and getting through paddies fields will lead
you to an ancient Catholic abbey, built by French colonists. Walk 2 km more to reach Ta Phin Village for
exploring the daily life of Red Dzao. Here you have a good choices to buy woven and textile brocades, which is
made by ethic people and having picnic lunch before exploring village and Ta Phin Cave and small hamlet of
Black H'mong people. At the end of day, return to Sapa by van with group to check in to your hotel. Rest of
the day at leisure for explore the town, its market and sloping streets with all the colorful handicrafts.
In the late afternoon, The car will pick you up for the night train back to Hanoi. Arrive at Lao Cai train
station and take the night train back to Hanoi.
What’s included: Private mini van transfer, English speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees,
Train tickets in 04 berths cabinet, A/C Wooden Soft sleeper

Day 06 [16th Sept] :Hanoi arrive – Noi Bai airport departure

Getting back to Hanoi from Sapa trip so early at around 5h20am.I myself will come to pick you up from station
and go to our private mini van at the gate of station.Our driver will pick you up and direct transfer to the Noi
Bai international airport for your flight departure. Finish unforgettable Vietnam Tour with TrekkingSapa.com.
Good bye & see you in the next time! TrekkingSapa.com can arrange additional customized trips for you if the
above itinerary does not match your expectations.
What’s included: Private mini van transfer

Finished our services

What is included in the tour cost : What is not included in the tour cost :

 Private mini van for airport pick up  Vietnam Visa Stamp fee
 Mini hotel for shower  Other meals and drinks at meals
 Tour guide pick up from your hotel to Hanoi  Hotel early check in /Late check out
train station and back.  Personal expenses
 Returns train tickets in 04 berths in a cabinet,  Travel insurance
A/C Wooden Soft sleeper  Tips & gratuities
 Private local English speaking guide  Supplement for French, Spanish, Italian and
 Private homestay in the valley German speaking guide
 Double or twin or triple rooms at 3* hotel in  Possible Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24& 31
Hanoi and Sapa Juneember
 Meal as mentioned in program ( 4B=  Other services not listed in inclusive column
Breakfast, 4L = Lunch, 3D = Dinner )
 Sightseeing fees What to bring:
  Purified water and wet towel  Camera + Film
 Transport as program  Sun block
 Taxes  Insect repellent
 Original Passport
 A wide brimmed hat
 Swimming costume
 Sun glasses

Accommodation

Hanoi Skylark 3* hotel or similar 01

Night train Train tickets in 04 berths canbinet, A/C Wooden Softsleeper 02

Homestay in Sapa Private Homestay in the calley 01

Sapa town Bamboo Sapa 3* hotel or similar 01

** Regular hotel check-in time at 02: 00pm and check-out time at 12: 00pm

Tour price are in USD based on 11 persons:

Prices quoted are subject to change until booking is confirmed and deposited:

Trip cost per person USD310 person

Total trip cost for 11 persons USD310 x 11 pax = USD 3,410

We're celebrating our 17th anniversary at TrekkingSapa.com. We offer a special discount $50 per person for
your booking of any packge tour with us. So that the total price is USD 3,080 for11 persons.

IMPORTANT NOTES (please read carefully):

All of our tours are designed to include the highest quality hotels and service available at each destination. We
are one of the few agencies which offers close to 100% "all inclusive, nothing more to pay" itineraries on our
tours. There are no hidden costs and all non-inclusive items are clearly identified on each itinerary. Most of our
tours include the services detailed below and any which do not will state this clearly:
  Selective accommodation at the comfort/cost level you specify
 Local English speaking tour guide ( other languages are available upon your request )
 All transport and transfers from the first to last day
 Quality meals in the finest restaurants
 All entrance fees and permits during guided time
The list is long, but not complete as we save some surprises for you to discover!
Accommodation:
TrekkingSapa selects only the best accommodation for our customers. Each hotel we use is carefully inspected
by our staff and customer comment is taken into account. Selection is based on simple criteria: the best
facilities, friendly accommodating staff and fair for the price. Our customers often report that their hotels have
been above their expectations.
Tour guide
TrekkingSapa thinks that your tour guide can make or break your trip so we select our guides with care. Tour
guides who work with us are well-paid, with a university background and with years of experience in tourism.
Most are young and eager to exchange our culture and style of life with travelers, and have a great passion for
their country and understand the personal touch.
Transportation
TrekkingSapa guarantees to offer the best means of transport on all our tours. The safety of our customers
comes first. We use only the latest modern cars, coaches or vans and all our drivers are full time workers,
government licensed in the tourism industry with at least ten years driving experience. We are fully in control
of our quality and service as we own our own transport.
Meals
TrekkingSapa does not and never will provide cheap meals on our tours. Our focus is on cultural tours, and
food is one of the ways we can show this culture to our customers. Travel with us and every evening meal is a
surprise! Our guides ensure that our hand-picked menus are such that you will rarely eat the same food twice in
two weeks. We believe that this will make your nights even more enjoyable after an interesting day's touring.
The overnight sleeper trains used on this trip are the comfortable available although they cannot be compared to
European standards. Please note that whist we always endeavor to secure soft sleeper berths on overnight trains
there may be occasions when we are unable to do this due to circumstances beyond our control. In these
situations we will secure the best available class
Visa on arrival
If you accept to book tour with us, we are pleased to arrange Vietnam Visa Approval without any surcharge for
you. And you only send me all information as your passport and prepare at least 2 photos of passport regulation
size (2in x 2in, or 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm). you (Visa arrive letter for free of charge depend on your
nationality.There are 29 countries are not allowed to option visa on arrival) When I receive your Visa
Approval Letter, I will send them via email for you. You should print it and when you arrive at airport, you
should go to “Landing Visa Counter”, you show your Visa Approval Letter and 2 photos for pick you up your
visa. And please pay in cash for the stamp fee for collecting your visa 45USD for single entry visa or 65USD
for multiple entries visa.
About visa into Thailand, Cambodia & Laos, I would like to let you know that you could fill out all request
about personal information in the form that you will receive at Cambodia & Laos airport at Landing visa desk.
So please set your mind at rest about that thing. But please prepare at least 2 pieces of your picture 4x6cm for
boarding the airplane and pick up your visa at each airport when you arrive. And pay in cash for the stamp fee
for collecting your visa: USD 45 per pax for single entry visa enter Vietnam, USD 20 per pax for single entry
visa enter Cambodia, USD 30 per pax for single entry visa enter Laos and USD 30 per pax for single entry visa
enter Thailand.
Vaccine
There is no compulsory to get any vaccine to visit our countries. But we encourage you to have popular Vaccine
such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio. You may consult your doctor before traveling.
Tippings
Tipping is not compulsory, but it is recommended to tip the guide and driver who go with you at the end of the
trip. The amount is up to you. If you find he is good, friendly, helpful and you are satisfied with his
performance, give him more. If you find his performance is bad, give him less, even nothing. But again it is
recommended to give him some to encourage his job and like lucky money in the New Year. The tips may
ranges from 5 – 15USD/guest/ day for a guide and from 2 –
5USD/guest/day for driver.
Getting to Sapa:
Sapa is 380km from Hanoi and various options exist to get there.
The most popular is to sign up for one of the overnight trips which
includes a train journey to Lao Cai followed by minibus or private car transfer up to Sapa.You can travel to Lao
Cai and return by private car or by speeping bus but the most popular by train.TrekkingSapa offer the train
return tickets in 4 berth sharing cabins or private 2 berth cabins. A/C Wooden Softsleeper. Our vehicles are in
new condition, well-maintained with professional safe drivers - all are air-conditioned.
 We arrange the best local restaurants available in each place in the tour.
 We use only mature experienced local guides.
 Before and when you're in Vietnam, we operate your tour with a high standard of professionalism and
personalised attention. We always keep a close and regular contact with you and your guides to make
sure you're happy with our services.
All clients book tour with TrekkingSapa will be pick up from your hotel in Hanoi then transfer to Hanoi
station.Pick up time depend on the time departure of the train.The tour guide will show you your cabin on train
or give you more information.
On your arrive at Lao Cai station (Sapa) you‟ll be welcomed by TrekkingSapa‟s local tour guide waiting outside
of the train station with a Sapa-Travel sign and with your name. Together with your driver they will take you
safely to Sapa.We provide telephone numbers of our local guides and tour operators in advance, just in case.
What should i bring for the tour in Sapa?
Travelling in Vietnam for few days or more, you may bring much things.We would like to recommend you
should leave your heavy luggages at your hotel in Hanoi. If you bring the luggages to Sapa,you can leave it at
our office in Sapa or hotel in Sapa before trekking.

For the homestay, there is not much preparation. Making sure that
you have packed everything you need to make your stay more
confortamble is most important. Bring a small bag with the clothes
and some necessary. You should bring something warm, as the
nights will cool off, sometimes dropping as mush as ten degrees.
Other things you might want to bring with you are a mirror, toilet
paper, your favorite tea or snack, flashlight, and a book.
Further preparations to make your stay even more special would include learning a short song to sing after
dinner. It is a cultural tradition to sing after dinner, and if you start off by saying you would like to sing a song,
then all the better. You can bring gifts for the homestay owner, things like pens, pencils, and books. Other great
things to bring with you to the homestay, and all over asia, are pictures of your home, you and your family. The
pictures always become a great converstaoin piece.
Where I can get changed, take a shower and leave the bag before trekking?
For your comfort, we have arranged a clean place at our office in Sapa for you to shower and take a short rest.
Breakfast is at the local restaurant in Sapa on your arrive date.Next breakfast usually at hotel or homestay.
For your convienience you may also store your big bags at the hotel or at our office if you overnight at
homestay. We will check out of the room you use to shower the last day before you get the night train return-
unless otherwise planned in your itinerary.
There is also a good place in Lao Cai for a shower and breakfast in case you have Juneided to not travel to Sapa
that day (e.g. travel to Bac Ha Sunday market).
Note: The places for shower and changing is not for sleeping the whole day, it is just available for short rest ans
have a shower before or after trekking.
What should I need to bring a gift for local family?
Good small gifts that are appropriate include: something special from your country (for example: a pin,
calendar, small trinket, small t-shirts, a baseball cap, or a picture book); school supplies (for example:
notebooks, pens, calculator); something fun for the kids (for example: a kite, board game, or a soccer ball); or
something for the adults (for example: a tea set, tools, picture frame, or a bottle of special wine).
What kind of activities should we expect for homestay?
There is a wide range of activities that we have participated in. Some of our guests have gone out in the fields
and actually got into the mud and planted rice. Others, have befriended one of the young women and was taken
to her house to have tea. Sometimes the guest are up for some more trekking and we go for a short walk in the
mountains. And, others prefer to just sit and relax. Helping out with the cooking and some of the chores is
encouraged so that you can get a better understanding of local life.
The people at the homestay are quite shy. Especially with their English. They can speak a little English and
actually it is enough to have a conversation. Although, they do need.
some encouragement. We ask you to be active in communicating with the family, askin them questions about
their lives. They are always happy to answer, oftem showing you and getting you involved in order for you to
better understand.
What is the weather like in Sapa? Will it be cold?
The average temperature in Sapa during the winter months
(November to March) is about 10 degrees celsius
During this time it would be wise to bring a good jacket and be well-
layered. It is highly recommended to not bring cotton clothes in the
winter months if possible. If you are trekking to the remote villages,
please note that the temperature in the village is always warmer than
in Sapa, about 3 - 7 degrees different.
What kind of trekking shoes should we use for SaPa trip?
There are different types of trekking in Sapa and its surrounding mountains, so when booking Sapa tours or
Vietnam tours including Sapa, you will need to check with our travel consultants to see which kind of shoes will
work best.
For the light or easy trek, we recommend using good sandals or walking shoes, but for intermediate and hard
trekking trips, we have to use really good shoes or sport shoes which must have really strong grips for hiking up
and down. Many of our past clients use their expert hiking boots which often become very muddy in rainy
weather. The best footwear during periods of rain are definitely the local rubber boots bought at the local
market. They grip in mud and do not cause blisters. Although, these boots do not breath at all.
Basics
There are few problems with mosquitoes in the towns and cities of Viet Nam, so there is no need to bring large
quantities of repellent. However, a couple of tubes would be advisable if your itinerary involves trekking or
travel in forested areas. We advise those based on natural ingredients because 'deet' based preparations
sometimes cause rashes and allergic reactions in hot, humid conditions.
Good sun protection is important. Bring your own, as the ratings of locally obtainable preparations are not
reliable. If you have sensitive skin, you should also bring an anti-inflammatory lotion in case of allergic
reactions in addition to high factor lotion or sun block. The same applies to soaps and toiletries.
Women who use tampons should bring an adequate supply, as they can be difficult to locate in Vietnam, even in
the cities. Sanitary towels are freely obtainable.
Another essential item is a good sun hat - wide-brimmed to shade
both face and the nape of the neck. There are plenty to choose from
in Vietnam, but if your head size is much above average, bring your
own. Also, if you use sunglasses, bring your own - local ones are
either genuine and exorbitant, or cheap and fake (good fakes can
also be expensive!).
There's no need to stock up with films for conventional cameras.
Unless you use unusual formats, all the popular ranges, including APS, are available at reasonable prices. Print
film developing is fine in Vietnam, but it's wise not to risk slide films. Digital camera batteries are easy to find.
Don‟t forget a universal adaptor because Vietnam sockets are not standard.
Other
 Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to
availability. Where flights are cancelled or delayed TrekkingSapa.com will endeavor to secure
alternative arrangements of similar value as noted in our booking conditions.
 This quotation is valid until 2014. Any bookings made after this date are subject to change, as local
economic conditions require.
 Please bear in mind that you will have to carry your luggage when you are trekking so we recommend
that you bring a small rucksack. For accommodation in homestays please bring your own towel and note
that some homestays do not have western style toilets and shower facilities. Accommodation is „dorm‟
style with mattresses and mosquito nets.
 The overnight sleeper trains used on this trip are the comfortable available although they cannot be
compared to European standards. Please note that whist we always endeavor to secure soft sleeper berths
on overnight trains there may be occasions when we are unable to do this due to circumstances beyond
our control. In these situations we will secure the best available class.
 The traveling times mentioned within this dossier are approximations only. These times will vary
according to weather, road, traffic or any other prevailing conditions.
 This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time
of writing. However it DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and TrekkingSapa.com
 We are not responsible if you enter a country and do not have the correct visa. TrekkingSapa.com can
organize your visa on arrival for Vietnam, please ask us for more information.