Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy a cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Lao Cai
Today we spend a half day exploring the charming Hanoi City . The first stop is Ho Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow it with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. Afterwards we drive back to the town center to visit the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant old quarter streets. The reminder of day is free for your own exploration of town. By mid evening you are transferred to Hanoi rail station and board a night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers. O/N on board .(B)

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sa Pa
The train journey ends once arriving at Lao Cai Station. You are greeted by our local guide and wind your way on a scenic drive uphill to Sa Pa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa has warm days and cool evenings. This mountainous region is home of many ethnic minority groups including Hmong, Dao, Xa Pho , Tay and Zay people. On arrival in Sa Pa we check in hotel and have breakfast a local restaurant. This day will give us a chance to soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Upon leaving Sa Pa Town set off on a half day walk visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. This remote hamlets are home of the Hmong and Zay ethnic minorities. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 4: Sa Pa - Phansipan Trek
The exciting and real adventure begins as we depart Sa Pa Town. There are several routes to Phan Si Pan Summit but the best one is from Cat Cat Village. Along the way we pass through many hill villages and make stop to see the local people as well as explore their simply life style. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. After a short rest at the peak of 1300m, we trek up to the peak of 1650m. Here we pitch tents and enjoy our dinner around camp fire in exotic nocturnal sound of the forest. O/N at Base Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Phansipan Trek
Today we continue our walk along the undulating and steep mountainsides. The trekking is therefore difficult at times; however some physical preparation will enable you to maximize enjoyment from the walk. On arrival at the ridge of 2200m we make stop to stretch our legs and admire the panoramic views from the rugged and verdant mountain to the far valley. The mixture of the hill villages and terraced rice fields is inmaginable. We then walk up to the peak of 2900m where will set up our tents. O/N at Base Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Phansipan Trek
The mountain range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam's highest peak and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. We spend few hours walking uphill and reach our goal of Phan Si Pan Summit at noon. The steep path is very challenging as we walk through bamboo forest, but the exciting impression of standing on the roof of Vietnam and Indochina makes the hardship all worthwhile. We have time to catch some wonderful shootings and enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before descending to our camping place of previous night. O/N at Base Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Phansipan Trek - Sa Pa
Upon leaving the peak of 2900 m we mainly walk downhill back to Sa Pa Town. The steep trails are somewhat arduous but we have a chance to get some fantastic views over the surrounding mountains and the sleepy villages in the far distance. The memorable expedition ends once arriving in Sa Pa Town. We check in hotel to get proper shower and enjoy a farewell lunch at one of the many famous eating spots in town. This is a perfect way to thank the support team. The remainder of day will be free for your own exploration of the town and catching up on many shopping areas. O/N in Sa Pa. (B,L)

Day 8: Sa Pa - Lao Cai - Hanoi
The journey back to Hanoi is also by rail but we travel by day train this time. Heading out of town we are transferred to Lao Cai Station and board a train for a full day trip to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic; however this journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the 'real Vietnam' and explore the landscape changing all along the way. The food on board is not the best you will have in Vietnam, so we recommend you to prepare some foods, water and snack. On arrival at Hanoi train station, you are greeted and drive to hotel. O/N in Hanoi. (B)

Day 9: Hanoi - Departure
There is a free time to relax and further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)