 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Hanoi
 We can't recommend enough that you arrive early before our actual trip begins. Hanoi is one of Asia's most vibrant and interesting historical cities. an worth spending a couple of days exploring.
Kayaking on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable experience and should be part of your travels in the north. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
Day 1
|
|
Hanoi to Lao Cai
 Hanoi, the cultural and political capital of Vietnam has slumbered unchanged since the sixties. Step back in time on the French-built, tree-lined boulevards and old quarter, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years.
Hanoi's cuisine is heavily marked by Chinese influence and tradition more than other regions and we'll delve straight into the heart of it, rising before dawn to explore the local markets with Neal Fraser and Hanoi culinary expert, the charming Ms. Diep To, shopping for ingredients to create a uniquely northern dinner banquet.
Between shopping and preparing dinner, we'll sightsee at Hanoi's more interesting landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where Uncle Ho lies in state and enjoy a delicious lunch of Cha Ca, a 5th generation fish specialty, at Cha Ca Va Long. Also stopping to visit "le chef" Didi Corlou at his French-Vietnamese restaurant La Verticale, touring the kitchen, sample dishes and hearing about chef Didi's interesting take on Vietnamese spices.
 At 9:30 PM, board overnight train to Lao Cai on the Chinese border in luxury couchette (sleeping car) for a nine-hour journey.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Day 2 |
|
Lao Cai to Sapa
Arrival around sunrise in Lao Cai (around 5:00 AM), deboarding train and transferring to Sapa by car (about 90 minutes)
The views are magnificent the further and higher we ascend from Lao Cai. Looking back over the border into China, seven different mountain ranges can be seen. We'll also see our first hilltribes - mostly Hmong - dressed in traditional, Indigo-dyed clothing and we may stop to visit their villages and farms en route to Sapa. Upon arrival in Sapa, having breakfast at the Victoria Resort, overlooking the breadth of Sapa's mountain range, including Fansipan - Vietnam's highest mountain. Let's hope for sunshine otherwise Sapa will be chilly, perhaps wet (pack appropriate gear for the time of year you are visiting--see below).
After bike check and tuneup, mount our bikes we ride by bikes (or jeep) riding through town we will see the few remaining French colonial buildings, including a large church, that were severely damaged during the Chinese invasion in 1979, then continue on a gradual uphill to Silver Falls and Dinh Deo Pass, which at five thousand feet is Vietnam's highest paved road and to the source of Sapa's morning fog - Qui Ho Lake. After admiring the views of the Silver Falls and refreshments, we can enjoy a picnic lunch and begin hiking into the villages near the Silver Falls, or cycle back to Sapa for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoying a shorter, leisurely hike into the valley for two to three hours. The are Black H'mong villages and farms we may visit here. In the late afternoon, returning to resort to freshen up before apertifs and dinner at the Victoria.
 Optional (difficult) 4-5 hour bike ride from Lao Cai into the "Tonkinese Alps" to Sapa. The climb, at 19 miles long, gains over four thousand feet and you may ride as little or as much of the distance — there will be a support van always nearby to hop into whenever you prefer.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Day 3 |
|
Sapa
After a restful night and sumptuous buffet breakfast, visting the morning market before we embark for continued trekking in the area, driving (or biking) six mile to the trailhead for a hike to a Ta'van hilltribe village about four miles away which is situated in a wide, scenic valley.
If we're here in late October, the terraced rice fields are most beautiful, ablaze in yellow and orange hues of the harvest season. In the village, we'll meet and observe the Ta'van in their day-to-day activities. After return to the Victoria an freshening up, in the afternoon return to Lao Cai to return to Hanoi by overnight train. After 4:30 AM arrival in Hanoi, meet escort for transfer to hotel, airport, Halong Bay or other destinations.
 Duration: 3 to 4 hours at a reasonable pace
Difficulty
Level: Moderate.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accommodation
Sapa's finest and only semi-luxury hotel, a rustic lodge with fabulous views over the area. The hotel also operates a quality coach for the train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Web: www.victoriahotels.asia/en/overview-sapa
When to Go?
At over 1,000 meters, Sapa can cool dramatically in Winter, although having little rain (December through February are the driest months of the year). On average, the coldest month is December (Sapa is the only place that snow falls in Vietnam) and the warmest month is April, with June through August being wet, monsoon climate.
Pre-Departure Notes
A comprehensive departure packet, with packing list and other details will be sent to you before departure. |
|
 
QUESTIONS? Call us at or or Email
us.
We are happy to answer questions or inquiries. |
|
