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MOUNT FAN SI PAN TREK — 6 Days/5 Nights (EVN/MFSPT)

This trek is not for everyone as there are rough terrains, long hikes, very basic amenities (camping). Fansipan is Vietnam's highest mountain (3143 meters), and is 9 km from Sapa, accessible only by foot, and offers spectacular views of surrounding countryside.

Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa
Leave Hanoi by road for the picturesque day's journey to Sapa, in the far northwestern corner of Vietnam. There are many photo opportunities along the way and after a lunch stop at Yen Bai visit Black Dao and Flower H'mong villages en route. Arrive at Lao Cai in the late afternoon where you can gaze across the Red River at China on the opposite bank. From Lao Cai the road winds up the terraced hillsides to Sapa, a former French hill resort and home to some of Vietnam's most colourful ethnic groups. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 2: Sapa - Forest Camp (L,D)
An early start for the first day's climb through the H'mong village of Cat Cat and on to cross the Linh Ho River on a bamboo village before reaching the forest. Pitch camp at an altitude of 2200m in the forest. The evening meal is prepared by the cook around a camp fire while the nocturnal sounds of the forest provide an exotic soundtrack in the background. Overnight at Forest camp.

Day 3: Forest Camp - Base Camp (B,L,D)
Breaking camp after breakfast continue onwards to 2400m where the forest gives way to huge groves of bamboo and up to a ridge at 2900m which offers breath-taking views over the Sapa valley. Descending from the ridge the porters set up camp at 2400m. This will be base camp for the next two nights. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 4: Base Camp - Summit - Base Camp (B,L,D)
Break camp after an early breakfast and start the final ascent arriving at the summit 3143m above sea-level. From this, the highest point in Vietnam, there are stunning views to China in the north, and to Laos in the west. There is time for a well-earned rest before descending back down to Base Camp for the night. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 5: Base Camp - Sapa (B,L)
Enjoy morning coffee and the sounds of nature as the porters break down the camp and leave in advance back to Sapa. Trekking back down across well-known terrain always goes more quickly and arrival time back in Sapa should be in the late afternoon. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa - Hanoi (B)
Return to Hanoi after breakfast via Lao Cai and Yen Bai.