Summary:
You want to find out our culture in the mountainous area? the best way is to get in touch directly with the local people, talk to them - let's begin your journey!
Details:
Day 1: Lao Cai/ Ethnic Market/ Sapa:
Upon arrival at Lao Cai train station, you’ll be met and greeted by your local guide and driver. Have breakfast at restaurant before transferring to the Ethnic market. On the way, you will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road. It is a small market situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and near the border with China. The market epitomizes the cultural values of the minorities in remote mountainous areas in Vietnam. Enjoy seeing the ethnic people dressed in colorful costumes representing their culture. The market is also an opportunity for them to chat and bargain with people from different ethnic groups. You can talk to the locals using the guide as your interpreter.
After exploring the market, you’ll have the opportunity to make a short walk to a Black Dzao village. You’ll then head back to town where you have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, you get on the car for journey back to Sapa where you’ll spend your overnight.
Day 2: Sapa/ Lao Cai/ Hanoi:
After having breakfast at your hotel, you can drive further into the rolling mountains and rice paddy fields to Ta Van or Giang Ta Chai village to explore the local lifestyle of ethnic minority groups. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Once on the valley floor you can really appreciate the wonderful scenery that surrounds you. The valleys are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields and scattered villages. Return to Sapa for your lunch, and then to Lao Cai railway station to get a night train to Hanoi. The guide sees you off at Lao Cai train station and takes you on the train.