Lao Cai
1 day
AH-LC12
4/10
$26 USD
WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want a full-day cultural trek in a quieter and more authentic part of Sapa. The route takes you through scenic mountain trails, pine forest, and lush vegetation to Ma Tra Village, where you can learn about traditional H’mong craftsmanship such as flax weaving, blacksmithing, and silver carving. The journey then continues to Ta Phin Village, home to both the Red Dao and H’mong communities, where the cultural atmosphere is especially rich and colorful. With village life, local crafts, caves, and a historic monastery all included in one trip, this is a perfect experience for travelers who want more than just a scenic walk.

Highlights

  • Trek through mountain trails, pine forest, and beautiful countryside
  • Visit Ma Tra Village of the H’mong people
  • Discover traditional flax weaving, forging, and silver carving
  • Continue to Ta Phin Village, home to the Red Dao and H’mong communities
  • Enjoy lunch at a local family house
  • Explore the unique Ta Phin cave system
  • Visit the old French-era monastery
  • Stop at a local arts and crafts house
SUMMARY
  • Departure Point: Lao Cai

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Special Interest

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

ITINERARY
Sapa – Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Sapa

Meet your local guide, who will give a short introduction to the tour before the trek begins.

We leave the main road and follow hilly mountain trails through lush vegetation, pine forest, and fresh mountain air. This route offers a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Sapa countryside.

Our first destination is Ma Tra Village, located about 5 km from Sapa Town. This small village is home to around 50 H’mong households. Here, traditional crafts such as flax weaving, forging, and silver carving have been preserved and are now part of the local tourism experience.

After around 3 hours of walking from Ma Tra, we reach Ta Phin Village, where both the Red Dao and H’mong communities live. The mix of these two ethnic groups creates a vibrant and colorful cultural atmosphere. Lunch will be served along the way at a local family house.

You will also have the chance to visit the cave system in the Ta Phin area. The caves are small and winding, with passages leading in different directions before connecting again. The village is also home to an old monastery built during the French colonial period, as well as an arts and crafts house where authentic local jewelry is displayed and sold.

In the late afternoon, return by vehicle to Sapa Town. End of the tour.

* Approximate duration:

  • Driving: 30 minutes
  • Walking: 4 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour
INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • English speaking guide 
  • All needed transport
  • Water, snack and fruit
  • Entrance fees
  • (Lunch on full day walk)

Exclusion:

  • Tips
  • Soft drink (beer, coca cola…)
  • Medical Insurance
  • All other services not indicated above