Sapa & the Far North Holidays

Close to the Chinese border, the jagged peaks of the Tonkinese Alps soar above shimmering valleys of steeply terraced rice fields and tiny villages. This dramatic region is home to several ethnic minority groups including Hmong and Dao, many of whom still live in wooden stilt houses and wear brightly coloured traditional dress. Sapa is the centre of tourism in this area, this former hill station has developed into a large hub but is still retains unique charm and is a great base for exploring the region with a number of excellent trips possible from here. Trekking is very popular with options ranging from easy day walks to local villages to more challenging mountain hikes.

Several hours from Sapa you will find the little known province of Ha Giang and Hoang Su Phi, where life has changed little in centuries. Often called Vietnam's 'final frontier', this region has a timeless air and, due to its isolated location, offers probably the most authentic hill tribe experiences in Vietnam. This area also boasts spectacular landscapes and fantastic trekking.

When travelling to some of these more remote destinations the journey itself is part of the adventure. Alongside enjoying the magnificent scenery found on the mountain roads it's also possible to get an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (a popular transit point for Sapa). If you are visiting the far north of Vietnam it's definitely worth considering taking this journey and embracing the romance of train travel, there is something quite magical about waking up and disembarking at dawn to vistas of misty mountains and cascading of rice fields. The carriages are simple but charming and it's possible to book private cabins.

Trailfinders offers a range of Sapa holidays and we have a dedicated team of specialists who are mines of information about the country, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore the country on a private tour with an expert guide, join a sociable small group tour, or are simply looking for advice on the best place to stay on a luxury beach break – they are the perfect people to ask.