After an early arrival in Lao Cai, a historic town near the Chinese border, you'll enjoy breakfast at a local Vietnamese restaurant before heading deep into the northern highlands.
Today’s adventure takes you to one of Vietnam’s vibrant hill tribe markets, depending on the day of the week:
- Bac Ha Market (Sunday)
- Can Cau Market (Saturday)
- Coc Ly Market (Tuesday)
- Cao Son Market (Wednesday)
- Lung Khau Nhin market (Thursday)
Each of these markets offers a rare cultural experience, where hundreds of Flower H’mong women, known for their bright, handmade costumes and exquisite textiles, gather alongside ethnic groups like the Black Hmong, Dzao, Dzay, and others. These markets are more than just places to trade, they are weekly social hubs, where locals meet, share stories, and celebrate their traditions.
After exploring the market, we drive downhill for about half an hour toward Lao Cai, stopping just before reaching the town for a short walk in Trung Do village, home to the Tay people. Here, you will visit a traditional Tay house to experience local customs and lifestyle firsthand. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise upstream along the scenic Chay River, where the lush landscapes on both sides create a tranquil atmosphere. The boat trip concludes at Bao Nhai bridge, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to Sapa, the mountain town nestled in the Hoang Lien Son range. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight in Sapa
Approximate timing: 5 hours driving. 30 minutes boat cruise/ 30 minutes walking
Note: If the water level is too low for the boat trip, a buffalo cart ride in Trung Do village will be offered as an alternative.
Optional in the afternoon: If we reach Sapa early, we can take cable car to Fanxipan mountain: US$50/ ticket (cable car & muong hoa train).
Currently the highest point of Fanxipan is 3,143m high. As you know the cable in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from sleepy Sapa town to the Peak of Fanxipan Mountain, known as Indochina’s rooftop. Enjoy the view from the highest point of this incredible mountain. The lush green and subtropical vegetation makes this mountain really very beautiful. Take some pictures for unforgettable experience from the top. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa.