Lao Cai
3 days, 2 nights
AH-LC33
5/10
$175 USD
CUSTOMIZE TOUR Book Now
WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want a deeper and more remote trekking experience in the Sapa region. Over three days, the route takes you through beautiful valleys, rice terraces, suspension bridges, bamboo forest, and quiet ethnic minority villages, while also offering meaningful encounters with the Tay, Red Dao, and Xa Pho communities. With overnight stays in local houses and a final trekking day that ends directly in Lao Cai, this journey is ideal for guests who want both cultural immersion and a rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Highlights

  • Trek through remote valleys and mountain landscapes around Sapa
  • Visit villages of the Tay, Red Dao, and Xa Pho communities
  • Explore Ban Ho, Nam Toong, My Son, Thanh Phu, and Sin Chai
  • Stay overnight in traditional local houses
  • Walk through rice terraces, bamboo forest, and jungle trails
  • Cross suspension bridges and follow scenic valley routes
  • Enjoy one of the most beautiful views over the Red River Valley
  • End the journey directly in Lao Cai, convenient for onward travel
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Lao Cai

  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 5/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sapa – Su Pan – Nam Toong - My Son - Thanh Phu

Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa, then transfer to Su Pan.

From here, begin walking downhill through beautiful mountain scenery. Along the way, pass through Ban Ho Village, where you can enjoy stunning views of the valley and terraced rice fields. Take time to explore Ban Ho, a village of the Tay people, before crossing the suspension bridge over the river.

The trek then continues uphill to Nam Toong, a village of the Red Dao people, where your guide will prepare lunch, either at a local school or another suitable spot.

After lunch, descend into the valley to My Son Village, home to the Xa Pho people, one of the smaller ethnic groups in northern Vietnam. From there, continue on a short walk to Thanh Phu Village, a village of the Tay people.

Tonight, stay overnight in a traditional Tay house. In the late afternoon, you may take a walk around the village to observe local daily life before dinner is served.

* Approximate duration: Driving: 1 hour/ Walking: 5 hours/ Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Thanh Phu  - Nam Cum – Sin Chai

Today’s trek is shorter and easier. After leaving Thanh Phu, follow a trail running along the bottom of the valley, where you can enjoy some of the best views of the surrounding mountains.

Stop at a pleasant spot for lunch.

After lunch, continue walking toward Sin Chai Village, home to the Red Dao people. Tonight, stay overnight in a local house in the village.

* Approximate duration: Walking: 3 hours/ Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sin Chai – Nam Ket – Ben Den – Lao Cai

Wake up early for breakfast and prepare for a long trekking day toward Lao Cai.

After leaving Sin Chai, the route leads into one of the most remote mountain areas in the Sapa region. Along the way, you may notice the curious looks of local children, as this is still a very quiet route with few outside visitors. The area is inhabited mainly by the Red Dao people. The trail passes through fresh bamboo forest and jungle before reaching Nam Ket for lunch.

After lunch, continue trekking, mostly downhill. About half an hour later, you will reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the trip, overlooking a green valley stretching toward the Red River.

Eventually, arrive at Ta Thang Village, home to the Tay people. From here, transfer by car to Lao Cai. End of the tour.

* Approximate duration: Driving: 1 hour/ Walking: 5 hours/ Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • English speaking guide 
  • Black Hmong porters (to carry food and luggage)
  • Cook (from group sizes of 6 pax)
  • All needed transportation
  • All indicated meals, plus snacks 
  • Water on the whole trip
  • Sleeping bag and mattresses
  • Waterproof bluebag for luggage
  • Tents if needed
  • Mosquito net
  • All entrance fees and permit
  • Overnight in local house or tent (if any)

Exclusion:

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