One day by motorbike, one day on foot, with a night in Ta Van
The best of both: a motorbike day through Cat Cat, Ta Phin and the Muong Hoa Valley, a homestay night with a cooking class in Ta Van, then a 6 km morning trek to the Red Dao villages of Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan.
Pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter and board the bus to Sapa via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway, with views of the northwest mountains and terraced fields. A 30-minute rest stop on the way.
Arrive in Sapa. Your guide meets you at the bus station; lunch at a local restaurant.
Set off by motorbike with your driver and guide. Ride through Cat Cat and Sin Chai, H'mong villages about 8 km from town, with panoramic views of Hoang Lien Son National Park and the Muong Hoa Valley.
Continue to O Quy Ho and Ban Khoang, home to Black H'mong and Red Dao families, then on to Ta Phin, about 20 km from Sapa, to see the old Ta Phin monastery. Return through Sa Seng, Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai.
Arrive in Ta Van village and check in at the homestay.
Cooking class with your hosts: prepare local dishes together.
Dinner with the dishes you cooked. Overnight at the homestay.
Breakfast at the homestay.
Trek about 6 km to Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan, two Red Dao villages known for their colourful dress and traditional customs.
Lunch and a rest at a local restaurant in Giang Ta Chai.
Transfer by car to Sapa town.
Board the bus back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi. Tour ends.