SAT 20:05 hrs pick up at hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Hanoi train station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in shared sleeping compartments of regular train (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). Train departs at approximately 21:15hrs.
Please note that the train is a local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Communal rest rooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.

SUN Early morning (approx. 06:00AM), arrival at Lao Cai, the border town to Yunnan. Transfer to local restaurant for refreshment & breakfast. A 2-hour drive through scenic mountain areas brings you to Muong Khuong, a small settlement bordering China's Yunnan province. Every Sunday the otherwise sleepy town is transformed into a bustling place full with various ethnic minorities. Here visitors can meet more of Lao Cai’s colourful Flower H’mong people, plus Nung, Dzao Tuyen, Tu Di and a number of other ethnic groups such as the Thu Lao, the Pa Di, the La Chi and the highly-photogenic Lo Lo. Drive back Laocai. Lunch at local restaurant then continue to drive (38km) on winding roads up the mountains brings you to Sapa. Arrival & check in hotel. Overnight in Sapa.

MON In the morning, short hike to visit it’s mystic rock formations ( Ham Rong Mountain), rare orchids and flowers. Enjoy a minority show performed by the young minority ladies and men. On clear days you also get a good view over Sapa town. Visit the so-called “stone forest”, then walk back to Sapa. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Ta Phin village. Lying in a hillside meadow, it is home to Red Dzao and Hmong people. Return to Sapa for overnight.
Overnight in Hue.

TUE At leisure for own activities (check-out time at hotel is 12:00 noon). Late afternoon, pick-up and transfer to Lao Cai. Explore the Lao Cai market, then transfer to train station. Overnight train trip to Hanoi in shared sleeping compartments of regular train (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). Train departs at approximately 20:15hrs.
Explore Lao Cai market, then transfer to train station Overnight train trip to Hanoi in shared sleeping compartments of NORMAL TRAIN (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). Train departs at approximately 20:15hrs.

WED Early morning (at approximately 06:00AM), arrival in Hanoi. Transfer to hotel in Hanoi (breakfast and accommodation in Hanoi is not included. Supplement if requested) or to airport for departure flight (with surcharge).