SAPA VIETNAM: 2 NIGHTS ON TRAIN & 2 NIGHTS AT HOTEL

Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa (Overnight Train)

• Evening:
  • Depart from Hanoi to Sapa via overnight train. The train usually departs around 9:00 PM. Enjoy the scenic journey as you head towards the northern mountains of Vietnam.
  • You will travel in a soft sleeper cabin, providing a comfortable overnight experience.

Day 2: Arrival in Sapa – Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai & Ta Van

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Sapa early in the morning (around 5:00 AM). You’ll be greeted by your guide or driver and transferred to your hotel in Sapa town.
  • Check-in to your hotel, freshen up, and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

• Late Morning:

  • Visit Cat Cat Village: After breakfast, head out to Cat Cat Village, which is about 3 km from Sapa. This traditional H'mong village offers picturesque views of the rice terraces and streams. Take a leisurely walk through the village to learn about the local culture and customs of the Black H'mong people.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages: After Cat Cat, continue your journey to Lao Chai and Ta Van, located about 8-10 km from Sapa. These villages are home to the Black H'mong, Giay, and Dzao people. Explore the villages, walk through the terraced rice fields, and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
  • Lunch in Ta Van or Lao Chai village, where you can enjoy authentic local dishes.

• Evening:

  • Return to your hotel in Sapa town for some relaxation after a day of exploration.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant, with options like Sapa hotpot or grilled meats.
  • Overnight stay in Sapa.

Day 3: Fansipan by Cable Car, Silver Waterfall, Tram Ton Peak

• Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Take the cable car to Fansipan Mountain, known as the "Roof of Indochina" (3,143 meters). The cable car offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. At the summit, you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views and visit the temple at the top.

• Late Morning:

  • After descending from Fansipan, head to Silver Waterfall, a beautiful and famous waterfall located about 12 km from Sapa. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the region and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit Tram Ton Peak (also known as Heaven’s Gate), the highest point on the road to Sapa. The views from here are stunning, offering a wide panorama of the valleys and Sapa town.
  • Lunch near Silver Waterfall or at a local restaurant on your way to Tram Ton Peak.

• Late Afternoon:

  • Return to your hotel in Sapa to relax.

• Evening:

  • Dinner in Sapa, perhaps trying more local dishes such as thang co (a traditional hotpot) or BBQ skewers.
  • Overnight stay in Sapa.

Day 4: Free Time & Border Gate Visit (Sapa to Hanoi)

• Morning:

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Free time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore Sapa at your leisure. You can visit the Sapa Market, wander around Sapa Lake, or explore any local attractions you might have missed.

• Late Morning:

  • Visit the Border Gate: Before heading to the train station, take a trip to the Vietnam-China Border Gate. It’s located about 25 km from Sapa, at the town of Lao Cai, and marks the international border between Vietnam and China. This is a fascinating spot where you can take photos and learn more about the region’s history and geographical significance.

• Afternoon:

  • Return to Sapa and have lunch at a local restaurant, trying something light before the long train ride back to Hanoi.

• Late Afternoon:

  • Check out of your hotel and transfer to the train station for your return overnight train to Hanoi.

• Evening:

  • Dinner on the train or a packed meal, depending on the train schedule.

Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning:
  • Arrive back in Hanoi early in the morning, completing your 4-night, 3-day adventure in Sapa.

Tour inclusion and tour exclusion refer to the services, activities, and expenses that are either included or excluded in the price of a travel package or tour. Understanding these terms helps travelers know what to expect from a tour package and whether there will be any additional costs they need to plan for.

Tour Inclusion:

These are the services, activities, and expenses that are included in the cost of the tour package. They are provided by the tour operator as part of the agreed-upon price. Common inclusions might include:

• Transportation:

  • This could include transportation from one location to another, such as buses, trains, flights, or transfers between airports and hotels.

• Accommodation:

  • The cost of lodging for the duration of the trip, whether it’s in hotels, resorts, hostels, or other types of accommodations.

• Meals:

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner may be included, or only specific meals might be offered (e.g., breakfast only, or lunch and dinner on certain days).

• Guided Tours:

  • A professional tour guide may be included to provide information about the places visited and lead the group during excursions.

• Entrance Fees:

  • Fees for visiting museums, attractions, parks, temples, or historical sites are often included in the tour price.

• Activities/Excursions:

  • Any pre-arranged activities, such as sightseeing tours, cultural performances, boat trips, or hikes, are included.

• Taxes and Fees:

  • Some packages may cover local taxes, service charges, or resort fees.

• Travel Insurance:

  • Some tours may include basic travel insurance for coverage of unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or luggage loss.

Tour Exclusion:

• International Flights:

  • The cost of flights to and from the destination is often not included, unless specifically mentioned.

• Meals Not Specified:

  • If meals are not mentioned in the itinerary, such as lunch or dinner on certain days, those meals will be at your own expense.

• Personal Expenses:

  • Costs like souvenirs, snacks, or personal items are typically not covered.

• Optional Activities:

  • Additional excursions or activities that are not part of the itinerary, such as optional guided tours, adventure activities (e.g., skydiving, scuba diving), or extra excursions, may be excluded.

• Tips/Gratuities:

  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, or restaurant workers are usually not included and are expected to be given by the traveler.

• Travel Insurance:

  • While some packages offer basic insurance, comprehensive travel insurance, especially for specific needs (e.g., medical emergencies), is typically excluded and may need to be purchased separately.

• Luggage Fees:

  • Additional baggage fees for flights or transport may be excluded and should be paid separately.

• 5-day guided tour of Vietnam
• Transportation (train, bus, or flight as per the itinerary)
• 4 nights of hotel accommodation
• Daily breakfast and 2 dinners
• Guided city tour of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay cruise, and Mekong Delta excursion
• Entrance fees to all attractions
• Airport transfers and taxes

• International flights to and from Vietnam
• Lunches and meals not specified in the itinerary
• Optional activities (e.g., kayaking in Ha Long Bay)
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)