Overnight Train Hanoi - Lao Cai (round-trip)
Air-conditioned 4-berth sleeper compartment with clean linens and secure storage compartments.

This four-day journey by night train from Hanoi immerses you in the preserved valleys of Bac Ha, in the northern highlands of Tonkin. Between plum orchards and mountain ridge trails, you hike to meet Flower Hmong, Tay, and Nung communities.
The itinerary pairs the nostalgic charm of overnight rail travel, a convivial Tay homestay overnight in Na Hoi, a visit to a traditional village corn-whiskey distillery in Ban Pho, and the incomparable energy of a highland tribal weekly market.
In the evening, pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi and private transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to the central railway station. Board the overnight sleeper train heading north toward the frontier mountains.
This exceptional travel experience combines the anticipation of mountain panoramas with authentic human encounters, setting the stage for an unforgettable tailor-made journey into northern Vietnam's soul.
Your French-speaking guide ensures attentive care at every stage of your itinerary, sharing insider insights and local customs for a harmonious, seamless, and memorable stay.
Overnight aboard the sleeper train in air-conditioned 4-berth cabin.
Early morning arrival at Lao Cai station. Your French-speaking guide welcomes you for a traditional breakfast in a local restaurant. Transfer by private vehicle up winding scenic roads to the mountain town of Bac Ha.
Set off on foot through lush valleys and plum orchards toward Ban Pho village, renowned for its ancient corn wine distillation methods. Continue along hillside paths connecting traditional mud-walled and wooden stilt houses.
In the afternoon, reach the peaceful hamlet of Na Hoi. Check in to a traditional Tay wooden stilt house and enjoy a warm home-cooked family dinner shared with your hosts around local specialties.
Hike: approx. 3 to 4 hours. Dinner and homestay overnight in Na Hoi.
After breakfast with your host family, resume hiking along scenic mid-elevation mountain trails. Traverse hamlets inhabited by Tay, Nung, and Flower Hmong communities, famous for the rich geometric patterns embroidered on their traditional skirts.
Along mountain ridges, radiant smiles from children and ancestral farming customs illuminate your steps. A deep, heartfelt human adventure in the heart of Asia's most spectacular terraced landscapes.
In the late afternoon, return to Bac Ha town and check in to your boutique hotel for a restful evening.
Hike: approx. 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at boutique hotel in Bac Ha.
Dedicate the morning to exploring a vibrant traditional highland weekly market (Bac Ha on Sunday, Can Cau on Saturday, Coc Ly on Tuesday, or Sin Cheng on Wednesday depending on the day). Plunge into a dazzling swirl of colors and scents, observing the lively livestock trade (horses, water buffaloes) and intricate handmade embroidery stalls.
In the afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai railway station, pausing at the Chinese border gate for photos before boarding the evening sleeper train back to Hanoi.
Market visit and afternoon transfer to Lao Cai. Overnight aboard the sleeper train.
Travel Log
Selected moments to experience the landscapes, encounters, and rhythm of this itinerary.

Originaire de Nam Dinh, berceau de traditions au cœur du delta du fleuve Rouge, j’ai grandi avec un amour viscéral pour le Vietnam : pour la poésie de ses paysages — des pitons karstiques du Nord aux méandres fertiles du Mékong —, mais surtout pour l’infinie bonté, le sourire et la résilience de son peuple.
Du souffle majestueux des pitons calcaires du Tonkin à la douceur nonchalante des arroyos du Mékong, le Vietnam est une terre de contrastes poétiques. Mon bonheur est de vous ouvrir les portes de nos adresses confidentielles et de dessiner pour vous un itinéraire fluide, vivant et profondément humain.
Designing together
A simple and transparent process to design your dream journey together, step by step.
By clicking "Request a quote", you will access a detailed form. Provide us with all the necessary details to design a tailor-made itinerary.
Upon receiving your request, your local expert will carefully study your wishes and suggest an itinerary tailored to your preferences.
Even with an established program, you can make adjustments. Your travel designer will always be on hand to offer relevant advice.
Your advisor accompanies you from preparation until the end of your trip on site. They will remain fully available to assist you whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this tour here.
Departure from Hanoi takes place around 9:30 PM, arriving in Lao Cai around 5:30 AM. On the return, the train leaves Lao Cai around 9:00 PM to reach Hanoi around 5:00 AM. Cabins are comfortable, clean, and air-conditioned.
Your project
Request a quote by filling out this form and sharing your wishes. We will tailor this tour to your measurements.

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