Sapa is 380km from Hanoi and various options exist to get there. The most popular is to sign up for one of the overnight trips which includes a train journey to Lao Cai followed by minibus transfer up to Sapa. Many such trips are on offer in the travel agencies and hotels of Hanoi but from personal experience we have no hesitation in recommending Handspan Adventure Travel

Their tour itinerary is as follows:

- Depart from the Handspan office (80 Ma May) at 8.30pm by private coach to Hanoi train station.
- Take the 10pm night train for Lao Cai.

DAY 1:

- Arrive in Lao Cai by 6am.
- One hour minibus ride up to Sapa.
- Check into hotel. Lunch.
- Depart at 1pm for 3 hour trek to Cat Cat waterfall & H'Mong village.
- Return to Sapa. Overnight.

DAY 2:

- 5 hour trek along local trails and across rice paddies to visit Black H'Mong, Dzay and Red Dzao minority villages. Picnic lunch.
- Jeep transfer to Sapa.
- Bus departs Sapa at 4.30pm for Lao Cai.
- Take the 6pm night train to Hanoi.
- Arrive Hanoi at 5.30am.

If you want to stay longer in Sapa Handspan will help you to organize accommodation and activities.