Take the train ride from Hanoi to Lao Cai in Northwest Vietnam close to the China border. Board the Orient Express from Hanoi Railway Station, which is not too far from the old quarters of the city; the train leaves Hanoi at around 9:30 pm to Lao Cai. It is not a high-speed express train, rather it is more of a luxury version of a ‘Clickety-clack’ that sways with rhythmic rocking motion while making its way through the darkness of North Vietnam. While listening to the sweet rattling of the wheel, you will drift into the world of fairy tales and go to sleep under the comfortable blanket on a cozy bed arranged nicely for you in the train.

You wake up early in the morning with the sound of a knock on your door when the train rolls into the last station at Lao Cai. You climb down the train and step outside the small station. Your travel agent has already arranged a taxi or minivan for you to take you to Sapa town. It will be difficult for you to resist a hot cup of green tea or a cup of coffee sitting on a bench at a nearby ‘dhaba’ before you start your spectacular journey to Sapa.