Lao Cai
4 days, 3 nights
AH-LC36
6/10
$254 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This four-day journey reveals a quieter and more remote side of the Hoang Lien highlands, far beyond the usual Sapa trekking routes. Walking through bamboo forest, deep valleys, and ethnic minority villages, the route combines authentic local homestays with rich cultural encounters and dramatic mountain scenery before finishing in Ban Ho and returning to Sapa by road. Sapa is widely recognized as one of Vietnam’s leading trekking areas, set against the Hoang Lien Son range and known for its mountain trails and ethnic communities.

Highlights

  • Start the trek directly from Lao Cai without returning to Sapa first
  • Walk through remote bamboo forest and jungle trails
  • Stay overnight in Sin Chai B, Nam Sai, and Ta Trung Ho
  • Visit villages of the Red Dao, Tay, Xa Pho, and Black H’mong communities
  • Enjoy beautiful views over Nam Sai Valley and Nam Cang Valley
  • Experience daily life in traditional local homes
  • Trek through one of the more remote areas of the wider Sapa / Hoang Lien region
  • Finish in Ban Ho and return to Sapa by car
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Lao Cai

  • Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Lao Cai - Ben Den - Trek from Ta Thang Village to Sin Chai B Village

07:00 Arrive in Lao Cai at around. Meet your guide at the railway station and have breakfast at a local restaurant (optional).

After breakfast, transfer for around 1 hour to Ta Thang, where the trek begins. Today’s route is a long and rewarding walk through bamboo forest and green jungle in one of the most remote trekking areas in the north.

Along the way, stop for lunch in Nam Phang Village. After lunch, continue trekking toward Sin Chai B Village, home to the Red Dao people. During the walk, you may meet local Red Dao villagers working in the forest or tending their fields. The route also offers beautiful views over the surrounding valley.

Dinner and overnight in a local house in Sin Chai B.

* Approximate duration: Driving: 1 hour/ Walking: 8 hours/ Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Sin Chai B Village – Thanh Phu Village – Nam Nhiu - Nam Than - Nam Sai Village

08:00 After breakfast, leave Sin Chai B.

Today’s trek passes through several small ethnic minority villages, including communities of the Red Dao, Tay, Xa Pho, and Black H’mong. This part of the route offers beautiful views over Nam Sai Valley and Nam Cang Valley, as well as many chances to observe daily life in the remote northern highlands.

Along the way, you may see local people farming, carrying forest products, or working around their homes.

Arrive at Nam Sai, a Tay village, where you will stay overnight in a homestay. After check-in and a short rest, enjoy an easy walk around this peaceful and charming village.

* Approximate duration: Walking: 7 hours/ Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Nam Sai - Nam Sang - Nam Ngan - Ta Trung Ho

After breakfast, leave Nam Sai and begin ascending through the valley toward Nam Sang Village, home to the Xa Pho people. Visit local homes and learn more about their unique way of life.

From there, continue uphill for around 1.5 hours through the forest to Nam Ngan Village, a Red Dao village.

Lunch will be served in the forest at the top of the mountain.

In the afternoon, continue on a more challenging route along a narrow dirt trail crossing steep hillsides and sharp canyons, climbing from about 950 m to nearly 1,700 m. This is one of the toughest but also most impressive sections of the trek.

Arrive at Ta Trung Ho Village, home to the Red Dao people, where you will stay overnight in a local house.

* Approximate duration: Walking: 7 hours/ Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Ta Trung Ho – Nam Toong – Ban Ho – Sapa.

Today you are trekking near the edge of the rainforest below the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, where Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, is located.

Begin the day by descending to Nam Toong Village, a village of the Red Dao people. Lunch will be prepared either in a local house or at a local school.

In the afternoon, continue toward Ban Ho. Before the final descent, there may be a chance to stop at a waterfall for a short break and to refresh.

Arrive at Ban Ho, where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa. 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