Mt. Fansipan at 3143m and on the border with China. It is Vietnam's highest mountain. It is only 9 km from Sapa town but it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back. Sapa, at an elevation of 1600m, has been described as "Not easily reached... Sees few tourists... Unbelievable mountain scenery... Still retains many French cultural and architectural influences. It has been under the control of at least four countries over the centuries. Unlike other Vietnamese hill towns, different ethnicities co-habitate peacefully here." The region around Sapa is indeed home to various colourful ethnic minorities, wearing traditional attire.The climb is rough, wet and cold, but the views are rewarding. The top is accessible year-round to anyone who is in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way we will be camping out. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The equipment and food will be carried by our porters. Trekking time is 5 - 8 hours per day.
Day 1 : Arrive in Hanoi - Lao Cai (D)
Pick up at the airport. Welcome dinner, catch an overnight train (about 9 hours) to Lao Cai, 346 km to the northwest. Lao Cai is the last station in Vietnam on the French built train line to Yunnan, China. Overnight on the train.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B/L/D)
Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and transfer by minibus to Sapa. All day trekking to visit some minority villages. Lao Chai - Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai. You will meet some different minority people H'mong, Zay, Red Dzao, you can see the different colorful dresses. Free time to visit Sapa market. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Day 3: Start the Climb (B/L/D)
Commence the ascent of Mt. Fansipan by trekking through terraced rice fields and a hill tribe village of the H'mong. You will follow buffalo paths, crossing streams, until an elevation of 1700m, where we break for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to ascend for another 500m where a suitable camping ground is reached. This is the first peak, at 2200m elevation.
Day 4: Camp 1 - Camp 2 (B/L/D)
Breakfast. Continue trekking through a primary forest of giant, centuries-old pine and expanses of yellow bamboo. Continue climbing to a second peak at 2900m where we stop for lunch. After lunch, leave the gear in Camp 2 and push for the summit with just our cameras and water. After taking in the scenery and atmosphere on Vietnam's highest point, stroll back down to Camp 2 for dinner and Overnight there.
Day 5: Camp 2 - Sapa (B/L/D)
After the last breakfast on the mountain, take another route down to the foot of Mount Fansipan to visit and get an understandings of the lifestyles, the traditional customs of the people in a village of the Black H'mong called Sin Chai. Take bus back to Sapa (18 km). Lunch and check in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Sapa - Hanoi (B/L/D)
Free to explore Sapa town. In the afternoon, our bus will take you to Lao Cai Station for the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.
Day 7: Hanoi (B)
Arrive in the early morning and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is for your own exploration. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi (B)
After a week of breathtaking adventure in North Vietnam you can say goodbye with fond memories. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
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Trip Included
Train ticket: (A/C Soft-sleeper cabin of 4 persons ) Hanoi- Lao Cai - Hanoi.
Full transportation as tour program indicated.
Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast
Permission fee to visit Fansipand summit.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
English- speaking guide
Sightseeing fees
Porters, camps for trekking
Trip Excluded
International airfares
Visa & Visa arrangement
Meals not indicated on itinerary
Personal expenses / tips / gratuities
Travel insurance
Equipment we supply:
Sleeping bag
Sheet sleeping bag (silk)
Sleeping mats
Rucksack
Waterproof Blue bag (for your baggage)
Plastic rain coat
Torch / flashlight
Water-bottle
Water-filters (to purify drinking-water)
Cooking-gear
Plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, and chop-sticks
