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Vietnam Travel Guide
Sapa minority market & homestay trekking – 3 days
- Stay overnight in a local ethnic minority homestay
- Visit a traditional ethnic minority market
- Learn about the culture of the hill tribes in this region
- Enjoy a stunning 2 day trekking tour through terraced rice fields and small villages
Day 0
Hanoi - Sapa
Sleeper train
Day 1
Sapa
Sapa minority market tour
Day 1
Sapa
Sapa homestay trekking tour
Day 2
Sapa - Hanoi
Sapa homestay trekking tour - Sleeper train
Itinerary order can change, depending on the market you want to visit and the day you start from Hanoi.
Day 0: Hanoi – Sapa
Sleeper train from Hanoi to Sapa
- Dream Train Express
22:00
To ensure an enjoyable and efficient trip to explore the local market and go trekking, we provide a sleeper train service for your transfer from Hanoi to Sapa. The Dream Train Express is a comfortable tourist train that offers 4-berth cabins with bedding and air conditioning for a restful night’s sleep.
This option not only enhances your travel experience but also saves you some daytime travel hours.
Alternative transfers Hanoi - Sapa
If you do not like to travel by sleeper train, we can offer the following alternative options.
- VIP sleeper bus
- Limousine bus by day time + 1 night extra in Sapa
- Private transfer
Accommodation
Dream Train Express
SP3: Depart Hanoi – Lao Cai: (22:00 – 05:55)
- The bunk berths are pretty comfortable, but if you’re over 6 foot (1.83cm) you won’t be able to fully stretch out, if you are over 6 foot or (1.85cm) you might pull your legs a bit, however the ride is comfortable but it can be noisy of the train track is a bit bumpy ride.
- If you like to have a snack during the night, it is best to bring your own.
Day 1: Sapa market tour
Visit a local minority market
- Maison de Sapa
- Breakfast, Lunch
Upon arriving early in the morning at Lao Cai station, you will be greeted and transferred to Sapa, where breakfast will be provided before starting your Sapa adventure.
Please note that depending on the market you choose and the day of your arrival, the daily schedule may vary. Here are two options:
Option 1:
- Day 1: Visit the market
- Day 2 & 3: Homestay trekking tour
Option 2:
- Day 1 & 2: Homestay trekking tour
- Day 3: Visit the market
You have 4 options for a market visit:
Option 1: Bac Ha market
- Day of the market: Sunday
- Departure from Hanoi: Friday or Saturday
- Distance from Sapa: 100 km
- Driving time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Tour type: private or group tour
Bac Ha market, the busiest and most popular market in the Northern Province, offers a wide variety of goods including livestock such as cows, pigs, buffalo, and horses, as well as everyday items like rice wine, vegetables, and household goods. Tourists are drawn to this market as it provides an excellent opportunity to witness the unique culture of the Flower H’mong ethnic minority, known for their extremely colorful and lightweight traditional dress. The market is often referred to as the most colorful market in Vietnam due to its vibrant atmosphere.
Option 2: Can Cau Markt
- Day of the market: Saturday
- Departure from Hanoi: Thursday or Friday
- Distance from Sapa: 120 km
- Driving time: 3 hours
- Tour type: private
The market of Can Cau, which is situated in a small valley near the Chinese border, is a relatively small and lesser-visited market that can be reached in approximately three hours. The location of the market gives it a distinct and exceptional atmosphere. At Can Cau, you can witness the Dao Tuyen, Phu La, Tay, and Flower H’mong ethnic minorities engaging in business activities.
Option 3: Coc Ly Market
- Day of the market: Tuesday
- Departure from Hanoi: Sunday or Monday
- Distance from Sapa: 80 km
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
- Tour type: private
Coc Ly market, located next to the Chay River, is relatively small and is well-known for the trading of buffalos and horses. Despite its size, the market offers an interesting experience due to its unique location. Visitors have the opportunity to observe various ethnic groups, such as the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Dao Tuyen, and Tay, who come every Tuesday to exchange, buy, and sell goods.
Option 4: Muong Hum Market
- Day of the market: Sunday
- Departure from Hanoi: Friday or Saturday
- Distance from Sapa: 45 km
- Driving time: 1.5 hours
- Tour type: private
This market is the least visited in the area and still retains its authentic charm. To reach it, we will drive for 1.5 to 2 hours east of Sapa via Lao Cai, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. The market is a hub for various ethnic minority groups, such as Black H’mong, Zay, Tay, Red H’mong, Lu, Ha Nhi and Flower H’mong. With its rural setting, there is much to explore and discover at this fascinating market.
Accommodation
Maison de Sapa *
- Authentic mixture between a hotel and a homestay
- Good location: quiet but not far from the center
- Very friendly staff
- Lovely villa with a great vibe and cozy interiors.
* Depending on availability, you will stay in this hotel or similar
Day 2: Sapa homestay trekking
Make a trekking to rice fields and minority villages
- Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning
After breakfast your start your 2 day and 1 night homestay trekking from Sapa. This route takes you to several villages in the Muong Hoa Valley, inhabited by different ethical minority groups including: Black H’mong, Red Dao and Zay. If you are interested in learning more about these hill tribes, this trip is probably the one for you. You trek along the road, along local trails and through terraced rice fields.
From Sapa you trek through beautiful countryside via Y Linh Ho to the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai where you spend time looking around and learning about village life. You enjoy a picnic lunch in Lao
Chai or in a suitable place.
Afternoon
After lunch, you will hike through rice terraces and on local trails to the Zay village of Ta Van. This is the only village in the Sapa area where the Zay people live. You spend time looking around the village.
You meet your local Zay hosts at their home. The hosts and guide will prepare our evening meal, and the rest of the evening can be spent learning about family life in Ta Van or strolling around the village.
Overnight at a local homestay in the Ta Van village of the Zay minority.
Day 0: Sapa - Hanoi
Sleeper train from Sapa to Hanoi
- Dream Train Express
- Breakfast, Lunch
Morning
After breakfast there will be more time to look around and experience life in Ta Van. You continue your trekking in the valley stopping for a picnic lunch at a suitable spot along the way.
After lunch you head up the side of the valley to the final place where the jeep is ready to take you back to Sapa.
Evening
In the evening you will be transferred to the train station for the train back to Hanoi.
Alternatives
- VIP Sleeper bus
- Limousine bus by day + 1 extra night in Sapa
- Private transfer or alternative destination (ex. Ha Giang)
Booking information
Tour options
1) Transfer options between Hanoi – Sapa
- Sleeper train (standard)
- Luxury train
- VIP Limousine bus bay day + extra night in Sapa
- Private transfer
2) Market options
Option 1: Bac Ha market
- Day of the market: Sunday
- Departure from Hanoi: Thursday or Saturday
- Distance from Sapa: 100 km
- Driving time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Tour type: private or group tour
Option 2: Can Cau Markt
- Day of the market: Saturday
- Departure from Hanoi: Wednesday or Friday
- Distance from Sapa: 120 km
- Driving time: 3 hours
- Tour type: private
Option 3: Coc Ly Market
- Day of the market: Tuesday
- Departure from Hanoi: Saturday or Monday
- Distance from Sapa: 80 km
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
- Tour type: private
Option 4: Muong Hum Market
- Day of the market: Sunday
- Departure from Hanoi: Thursday or Saturday
- Distance from Sapa: 45 km
- Driving time: 1.5 hours
- Tour type: private
Planning
- Start tour: Hanoi train station
- End tour: Hanoi train station
- Duration: 3 days and 4 nights
Including
- All accommodation described in the itinerary
- All meals described in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Diner)
- All transfers described in the itinerary
- Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and Lao Cai back to Hanoi
- Transfers between Sapa and the train station in Lao Cai
- Local guide
- Transport on site
- Overnight stays
- Trekking tour
What to bring
- Camera
- Good walking shoes
- Money for own expenses
- Protection from the sun (hat / sunscreen) or rain (raincoat) – Tip: check the weather forecast
- Clothing and toiletries
- Small backpack for hiking and day trips
Excluding
- Meals and services not describer in the itinerary
- Personal expanses
Additional information
- Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation immediately after booking. You will receive a voucher by e-mail within 3 working hours. If you have not received your voucher, please check the Spam or notify us via email or chat.
- Voucher:Save a digital voucher on your phone. As a sustainable company, we would like to ask you not to print the voucher..
- Itinerary: The itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather and other conditions.
- Pick-up:Please arrive at the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to departure. Please be patient on shared / group tours in case of unforeseen delays along the pick-up route.
- Cancellation:View the cancellation conditions here.
FAQ
What is the best minority market to visit near Sapa?
The biggest and most famous minority market is Bac Ha market. It also has join-in tours available, giving you a cheaper option to visit this market . However, this means that it is also the most visited market by other travelers. If you prefer something less visited by other travelers, choose one of the other minority markets near Sapa.
Should I do the 1 day or 2 day trekking tour in Sapa
If you have no problem walking for 2 days, this is always the most recommended option. Firstly because you go beyond the day tours and thus go more off the beaten track. Secondly, because you have the unique opportunity to spend the night in a homestay of ethnic minorities.
Is the trekking tour difficult?
The walk itself is not very difficult. The only difficulty in it is the distance. You don’t have to be extremely fit, but we do recommend that you are in good shape.
Where can I leave my luggage?
It is possible to leave your luggage safely in our storage room in Sapa and only take the things you need for a 2-day hike with an overnight stay.
What should I bring on a two-day trek?
We recommend not to bring too much so that walking is comfortable. Use good walking shoes, sun protection and clothing that you can wear in layers so that you can easily put it on and take it off.
What is the homestay like?
Don’t expect too much comfort and luxury. Staying with a local ethnic family is mainly for the unique experience. However, there are western toilets, mosquito nets and hot showers.
Booking & Information request
Ask for booking, availability, pricing or general questions about this tour.
Need help?
Use the booking form to ask your questions
Book local
Book directly with a local travel agency without a middleman
Pay in your own currency
Possible to pay in: EUR, USD, AUD, SGD, CAD, GBP
Local support
Local team in Vietnam for questions and help on the spot
Deposit possible
Pay 30% now and the rest to your guide at the start of the tour.
Alternatives
- 10 days
Hanoi – Sapa – Halong – Ninh Binh – Hoi An – Saigon – Mekong Delta 10 days
From $797.00