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Tour code: IDT-VNLT10
Price: $1000 - $1500
Destination: Vietnam
This is a challenging trek that takes you to the remotest villages of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces in the far North of Vietnam. We begin with the colorful Tuesday Coc Ly market, then trek to Tram Ton, the highest pass in Vietnam. This hilly mountain trek takes us through the jungles, mountains and to the untouched villages of the H’mong, Dzao and Thai people. During the trek we stay at their homes get an insight into their culture and traditions which have remained unchanged for centuries. An incredible exploration of some of Vietnam’s remotest hill tribe areas ending in Sapa, a popular retreat in the North of Vietnam.
Trip valid: 01 Nov 2011 to 31 Oct 2013
Duration: 11 Days
Main Activity: Trekking
Trip Type: Small Group Holidays
Suitability: Good fitness
Location: Lai Chau and Lao Cai Province- Northern Vietnam
Best time to travel: October to April
Supported: Porter for trekking days
Product Code: IDT-VNLT10
Guaranteed to depart: From 2 pax
TRIP INCLUSIVE:
v Experienced English speaking guide.
v Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
v Sapaly Express Train ticket Hanoi- Lao Cai- Hanoi on Superior 4 berth cabin.
v Porter(s) for trekking days
v Trek permit
v Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
v Healthy snacks, fresh local fruits for trekking days.
v Bottled drinking water for sightseeing.
v All sightseeing entrance fees as required in the itinerary.
v Accommodation in twin shared room in hotel with daily breakfast. Please note that home-stay accommodation during
treks is simple. You will stay with local ethnic minority families.
v Simple First Aid Kit.
v International flight reconfirmation.
TRIP EXCLUSIVE:
v International flight to/from Vietnam
v Vietnam visa
v Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel before departure.
v Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
v Tips for guide, driver, porters. We recommend 3 USD/person/day for guide, 2 USD/person/day for driver and 2
USD/person/hotel when you check in/out.
v Beverages and alcoholic drinks.
v Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary or trip inclusions.
Day 1. Hanoi
Arrive at Noi Bai airport where you will meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. Depending on your time of arrival, we can take an optional guided stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. In the evening, we’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at one of Hanoi’s best restaurants before transferring to the Hanoi station for the overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight sleeper train.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Soft sleeper cabin train (Sapaly/Fansipan)
Day 2: Lao Cai- Coc Ly- Lai Chau (recommend Tuesday for Coc Ly market)
Arrive in Lao Cai early morning, transfer to Lao Cai hotel for breakfast before driving to Coc Ly to visit the Tuesday market. (Tuesday only) Depart by boat for a cruise on the Chay River. Our boat will take us to Trung Do village - home to the Tay minority people. Explore Trung Do on a short walking tour. Our cruise will end at Bao Nhai Bridge where we rejoin the support vehicle to the new Lai Chau town. Overnight at Muong Thanh Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Hotel
Day 3: Lai Chau- Chan Nua- Ta Co Phin
After breakfast at our hotel, our bus will take us 79 km out of Lai Chau to Chan Nua. From here, our adventure begins. Your guide will brief you about the region and what to expect on the expedition before we start. Following the dirt track from Chan Nua Bridge, we follow the stream, the trail ascends and descends through dramatic scenery of terraced rice paddies with stunning mountain backdrops. Picnic lunch is served in a local home before we continue our journey to Ta Co Phin Village, home to Flower H’mong people. This beautiful village is surrounded by high mountains and you will overnight in a local home. Dinner and over night in local homes
Transfer: 79 km
Trekking 6 - 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay- Basic
Support team: 01 English speaking guide. 01 local guide + 04 porters
Day 4: Ta Co Phin- Ta San – Nam Pe
Enjoy the tranquility of waking in the mountains and after breakfast our trek starts with a descent on the hilly path to a White H’mong village. Stop to interact with hospitable locals and get the insight into their culture and daily lives. Leaving the village, we then continue on tiny trails through rice fields and forests. The trek becomes more strenuous as we get closer to Ta San Village where we stop for lunch and short break. In the afternoon we have a further 3 hour trek through some of the most stunning scenery, as we pass through lush forest, banana plantations and bamboo forests. Tonight we stay in the local home of the Red Dzao people at Nam Pe Village.
Trekking 6 - 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay- Basic
Day 5: Nam Pe- Pa Ha
Today we have a full day of trekking to the lower land of the Lai Chau Province. We will follow ancient trails only ever used by local hill tribes. After 2.5 hours trek, we arrive at Nam Trang village where we have lunch before continuing to Pa Ha. For this section you have two options, you can take the boat for 2 hours or hike alongside the river to Pa Ha Village. (Boat option not available in dry season if water level is low.
Whichever option you take, you will enjoy the dramatic scenery along the river. We arrive at Pa Ha village with time to explore. Dinner and overnight at home of Thai people
Trekking: 5.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay- Basic
Day 6: Pa Ha- Pu Sam Cap
Today the trek is demanding with steady uphill climbs, however you will be rewarded with spectacular views. We begin our climb to Pu Sam Cap Mountain. The 4 hour trek to the mountain peak is considerably steep but you will be thrilled by the stunning rugged Mountain scenery once you reach the peak. A stop for lunch gives us a quick break before we continue to Pu Sam Cap village, which is home to White Thai and H’mong people. Overnight at local homes.
Trekking: 6-7 Hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay- Basic
Day 7: Pu Sam Cap- Dong Pao
The day starts with a downhill trek with exceptional views of Mount Pu Sam Cap and scenes of the smiling and cheerful faces of local villagers as they work in their paddy fields or carry wood from jungle. Lunch along the way. The trek concludes at Dong Pao village, where we spend our night.
Trekking: Approx 5.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay- Basic
Day 8: Dong Pao- Ban Bo
Today we follow a path through villages and forests. Plenty of fauna and flora along the way. We arrive at Ban Bo village in the afternoon. Free time to relax or explore before dinner. Overnight in home stay
Trekking: Approx 5.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay- Basic
Day 9: Ban Bo- Than Thuoc- Sapa
Following breakfast, we trek 4 hours to Giang Cau village, take a stroll around the village and have the chance to interact with local people. Lunch before our vehicle takes us to Sapa. The rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Sapa
Trekking: Approx 5.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Free day in Sapa. Train to Hanoi
A freedom day in Sapa before your afternoon transfer to Lao Cai station for the overnight train to Hanoi. Overnight sleeping berth.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 11: Arrive Hanoi. Departure
Arrive in Hanoi early morning, transfer to your hotel/airport for departure
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes! This must cover medical care and emergency evacuation/repatriation. Also keep hardcopy of emergency contact numbers as well as insurance policy number.
Before travel please consult a general practitioner for up to date advice on recommended vaccines and malaria prophylaxis.
Is there anything I can do to better prepare for a situation requiring first aid?
All guides have basic first aid training and carry a small first aid kit. But each client should also bring personal first aid supplies including antiseptic wipes, antiseptic liquid/cream, steristrips, sterile gauze and bandage as well as oral rehydration sachets.
What about the weather?
The climate is hot and humid throughout with some variation between North and South. The South is tropical and warm throughout the year. Hanoi is cooler from November to February with a pronounced wet season in the centre of the country from September to October. For biking, September, October, November, March, April and May are the best times – not so hot and dry enough! Be prepared for anything, though. (That’s part of the fun.)
What gear do I need?
The objective is to stay cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather. Plan accordingly. Basic items are lightweight walking boots; water bottle, eye protection; lightweight shirt and trousers; waterproof jacket; mosquito repellent; sun hat; shorts; sandals; sheet sleeping bag; strong sunscreen; torch; towel; fleece; small backpack for day use; biodegradable toiletries; swimming gear. All of these things are indispensable.
What can I do to improve safety on my trip?
Safety is our most important consideration. Be aware that trekking can be dangerous and accidents can happen. You can never do too much to look out for yourself. Always notify the guide if you feel sick particularly at altitude. And if you don’t know, ask?
What are the accommodations?
We provide two-person tents with sewn-in ground sheets and mosquito nets in the Northwest of the country. Accommodation is mostly in local village homestays. Here the family may supply a simple mattress, mosquito net, pillow, sheet and blanket. Or in the case of more remote locations, bedding will be provided by TITC. The houses are usually on stilts with a bamboo floor – surprisingly comfortable! The facilities are clean but very basic.
All or most meals are included on our trips. You will be treated to an extensive variety of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. We choose the finest restaurants in the cities to give you the opportunity to taste a great variety of local delicacies and flavors. In camps our cooks are experts in preparing nourishing wholesome and delicious meals. We will accommodate any special diet requests you may have including vegetarian, please request prior to the trip.
What sort of transport and support are available?
All equipment and luggage will be carried by porters or by jeep. Please try to keep baggage to a minimum weight. Often a cook will accompany the tour. Depending on the nature of the trek, there will be a private air-conditioned bus, minibus or jeep for transfer between destinations.
Do these tours support responsible travel?
Yes! We try to make sure that these holidays are as socially, economically and environmentally sound as possible. We are affiliate members of the Environmental Certification Green Globe 21 Scheme. Our goal is to deliver trekking tours that do not contribute to the destruction of Vietnam’s unique cultural and natural environment.
The trip has been very well organised with the right balance of cycling, sight-seeing and getting a taste for local culture. Reno always went beyond the duties of a guide to keep us informed and entertained, he has a great skill for interacting with many different people. Tsung was a very safe driver and always very efficient in getting us organised to start riding and never far away at anytime. I look forward to my next trip with Indotrek- Jason Fitzpatrick ![]()