We’ll travel by jeep and on foot in Vietnam’s lush northern hills, the little-known “Tonkinese Alps,” walking in 4000-foot hills, past emerald rice paddies and riots of bamboo, pine, and orchids, through small farms and villages, staying in delightful small hotels and guesthouses. Postcardy Sapa is our base for day hikes and village visits, and then we’re off to equally engaging Tam Duong for another couple of wandering days before we board an overnight train for Hanoi.

Day 1: depart Hanoi via overnight train for Lao Cai • Day 2: arrive in Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa, hike to Matra and Ta Phin villages • Day 3: Bac Ha market, cruise the Chay River • Day 4: hike to Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Tavan villages, transfer to Ecolodge • Day 5: hike to Su Pan, Ban Ho, and Thanh Phu villages, Ban Ho village homestay • Day 6: amble around Ban Ho Valley, then drive to Lao Cai via Sapa, and board overnight train • Day 7: arrive in Hanoi early morning.

Laos is available for this trip

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