Sapa Photography Tour

Trip Highlights

Explore the less-known regions of Hanoi

Trekking through the dense bamboo forests of Hoang Lien National Park

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cao Son Market

Trip Summary

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour > Night Train to Lao Cai

Begin your adventure with a morning pickup from Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, which showcases the distinctive architecture of ancient Hanoi. Enjoy a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter, dive into the bustling Dong Xuan Market, and conclude your day with a captivating water puppet performance. After checking into your hotel for a short rest and freshen up, dinner will be at your leisure. Later, transfer to the train station for your night train to Lao Cai. Overnight accommodation will be on the train.

Temple of Literature in Hanoi

Day 2: Lao Cai > Cao Son Market > Sapa

Arrive in Lao Cai in the morning for breakfast before heading to Cao Son Market, located approximately 2.5 hours away. Although small, this lively market is a gathering place for the Flower H’Mong, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung ethnic minorities, offering local products such as food, agricultural materials, and textiles. Visitors can enjoy warm hospitality, local wines, and the vibrant social atmosphere as friends and relatives reconnect. Afterward, travel back to Muong Khuong for a local lunch, then proceed to Sapa. Spend a free afternoon exploring Sapa at your own pace. Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay in Sapa.

 Sapa town

Day 3: Sapa - Trekking to the Villages

Start your day with a local breakfast in Sapa, home to various Vietnamese ethnic groups, before embarking on a trek to nearby villages. Venture through the bustling market before leaving the town for the serene Cat Cat village. Take a break at a picturesque waterfall and a hydroelectric station, then continue hiking along dirt trails flanked by rice terraces and stunning landscapes. Arrive at Y Linh Ho village, where you can relax and enjoy a river-side lunch. Following this, proceed to Muong Hoa valley, passing through Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority and Ta Van village of the Giay minority. Spend the night in a traditional Giay homestay, where you can take in breathtaking valley views and swim in a nearby river. Dinner and homestay will be provided with local families.

 Cat Cat village in Sapa

Day 4: More Trekking - Sapa > Night Train Back to Hanoi

After breakfast, depart for Giang Ta Chai village, home of the Red Dao community. Trek through the picturesque bamboo forests of Hoang Lien National Park, stopping by a romantic waterfall for some relaxation and photography. Find a charming spot for lunch before continuing toward Su Pan, a small village along the main road. Return to Sapa for some free time before transferring to Lao Cai train station for your night train back to Hanoi. Dinner is at your leisure, followed by another overnight journey on the train.

 Waterfall in Giang Ta Chai - Photo: @maria.bui

Day 5: Hanoi Departure

Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning, marking the end of your memorable journey.

Street vendors selling flowers in Hanoi