Highlights: Stay at the Topas lodge, located two cone-shaped hills set deep in the spectacular Sapa valley. Mount Fan Si Pan, the highest Peak in Vietnam (3143m) is home of a great variety of plant and animal species and from its top you will be rewarded with absolutely amazing views of Laos and China. Note: Climb a 3413m ASL Mountain in just two days takes some effort, endurance and plenty of high spirit. The night will be spent in tent with toilet tent provided.The trip is not recommended in bad weather due to safety.
(Daily departure on private tour, with meals as specified)

ITINERARY:
Tour Code: VTN6047 AT15

Day 01  Hanoi - Lao Cai     (D)
In the evening pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to the train station. Board the night train bound for Lao Cai. Overnight on train (4berth Superior cabin on a local train).
  
Day 02  Lao Cai - Sapa     (B/L/D)
Upon arrival in Lao Cai frugal breakfast in a local market. Transfer from the train station to Sapa to visit the market. Check in at the Topas Eco Lodge around noon. Lunch in the lodge. A short walk will take you in the afternoon through the town of Sapa and along a dirt trail through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests you will get to the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Matra, a very small village that still hides from civilisation. As you keep walking you will discover rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery on your way to the church of Taphin, where your car will take you back to Sapa. Transfer to the Topas Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 03  Sapa - Tram Ton - 2900m   (B/L/D)
Breakfast. Travel by car towards the Silver Waterfall where you will be able to take a short walk to the waterfall. Drive further to Heaven Gate, the highest peak road in Vietnam. From here you can see Fan Si Pan, the highest peak in Indochina. The trek is easy before we stop in the forest at lunchtime. After lunch the walk heads back towards the campsite, offering you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and magnificent views to Sapa and the beautiful landscape of Lai Chau province. Campsite is at 2900m above sea level. Dinner and overnight.

Day 04  2900m - Top of Mt. Fan Si Pan - 2700m (B/L/D)
Breakfast. Start climbing to the top of mount Fan Si Pan. From the summit you will enjoy the best views of the valley. The descend starts. Lunch at a nice spot on the way down. After lunch the trek goes downhill though the rainforest. This part of the trek requires full attention ad concentration. Dinner after having reached the campsite at 2700m. Overnight in tents.

Day 05  2700m - Sin Chai - Sapa - Lao Cai  (B/L) 
Have breakfast before heading back to civilization. The trek runs through well protected forest until lunch. Afterwards, continue descending towards Sin Chai village, home to the Hmong minority. From here, a car will take you back to Sapa, where you will enjoy some spare time (time permitting) before the transfer to Lao Cai train station to board the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 06  Hanoi
Early morning arrival in Hanoi train station.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
The newly developed Topas Ecolodge is located 18 km from Sapa, deep in the Hoang Lien Mountains. The 25 lodges overlook the entire valley with the ethnic minority villages of Ban Ho and Than Phu 400 altitude meters below you.
There are no restaurants and entertainments around the lodge. Rooms are simple, but clean and enjoy stunning views over the valley.

PRIVATE PACKAGE TOURS - US Dollar
Number of passengers (Per person in half-twin room)								SUP SGL
Hotel	1	2	3-5	6-9	10-14	15-19	20 Up
Topas Lodge & Tent	1035	695	591	525	481	475	471	60
Validity: 01 November 2009 - 31 October 2010

Cost includes:
• Accommodation with meals as indicated in the programme
• Transfers, tours with English/French/German speaking guide
• Train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi (local train - 4berth cabin)
• Entrance fees
• Service charges, room tax and handling fee

Cost excludes:
• International airport tax in Hanoi at USD 14 per person
• International airfare to/from Vietnam and visa charges
• Personal insurance
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry & etc.
• Accomodation in Hanoi

Government Service tax 2.575%

Remarks:
• These tours can suit anybody who is a little fit and in good shape. They are not aimed to especially well-trained people. Do not forget to pack light, easy-to-dry clothes and a good pair of comfortable shoes/sneakers.
• Minor programm changes are sometimes necessary, depending on road conditions and room availability.
• Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increase.