Lao Cai
6 days, 5 nights
AH-LC42
7/10
$305 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want a deeper and more adventurous trekking experience in Sapa. It begins in the famous Muong Hoa Valley, then leads into more remote mountain villages such as Seo My Ty, Ta Trung Ho, Muong Bo, Sin Chai, and Nam Sai, where local life remains peaceful and authentic. With overnight stays in ethnic minority homes, beautiful valley scenery, rainforest trails, and the chance to meet communities such as the Tay and Xa Pho, this route offers a richer and more immersive experience than a standard Sapa trek.

Highlights

  • Trek through beautiful and remote areas around Sapa
  • Explore Muong Hoa Valley, Ban Ho Valley, and Nam Sai Valley
  • Visit Ta Van, Seo My Ty, Den Thang, Ta Trung Ho, Nam Toong, My Son, Muong Bo, Nam Cum, Sin Chai, Nam Nhiu, Nam Than, Nam Sai, and Nam Sang
  • Stay overnight in local homes of the Black H’mong, Red Dao, and Tay communities
  • Walk through rice terraces, rainforest trails, bamboo forest, and mountain valleys
  • Cross old suspension bridges and enjoy spectacular remote scenery
  • Discover ethnic groups less commonly seen on standard Sapa routes, including the Xa Pho
  • A rewarding long trek combining nature, village life, and cultural immersion
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Lao Cai

  • Duration: 6 days, 5 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sapa – Ta Van – Seo My Ty (-, L, D) 

Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa, then transfer toward Muong Hoa Valley. The trek begins from Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people.

The first day’s trek is mostly uphill. Along the way, every rest stop offers beautiful views over the valley. Before noon, stop at a pleasant place for lunch.

In the afternoon, the route becomes easier while the scenery grows even more beautiful. In the late afternoon, arrive at Seo My Ty Village, home to the Black H’mong people, where you will stay overnight in a local family house.

* Approx: 0/5 hour driving/ 4-5 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch

* Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Seo My Ty – Den Thang – Ta Trung Ho (B, L, D)

Today’s trek takes you through beautiful rice paddies and across old suspension bridges. The trail follows small paths winding through the rainforest.

By noon, arrive at Den Thang Village of the Black H’mong people. Lunch will be served either near a river or at a local school, depending on the weather.

In the afternoon, the trek becomes more challenging, with narrow footpaths going up and down through the mountains. Arrive at Ta Trung Ho Village, home to the Red Dao people, where you will spend the night in a local house. The warm hospitality of the Red Dao makes this one of the most memorable nights of the journey.

* Approx: 6 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Ta Trung Ho – Nam Toong – My Son – Muong Bo (B, L, D) 

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 climbing to Nam Toong Village, a village of the Red Dao people. Lunch will be prepared at a local school.

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 Muong Bo Village, home to the Tay people.

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

* Approx: 6 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Muong Bo – Nam Cum – Sin Chai (B, L, D)

Today’s trek is shorter and gentler than the previous days. After leaving Muong Bo, follow a trekking route along the bottom of the valley, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Stop at a pleasant place for lunch.

After lunch, continue walking toward Sin Chai Village, home to the Red Dao people, where the night will be spent in a local house.

* Approx: 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Sin Chai – Nam Nhiu – Nam Than – Nam Sai (B, L, D)

Today’s adventure takes you through several small ethnic minority villages, including communities of the Red Dao, Tay, Xa Pho, and Black H’mong.

This section of the trek offers stunning views over Nam Sai Valley and Nam Cang Valley, as well as many chances to understand daily life in remote highland communities. 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.

* Approx: 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Nam Sai – Nam Sang – Thanh Phu Bridge – Sapa (B, L, -) 

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

The Xa Pho are a subgroup of the Phu La and remain one of the smaller ethnic communities in northern Vietnam. From here, continue following mountain trails toward Thanh Phu.

Once you reach Thanh Phu Bridge, your vehicle will be waiting for the transfer back to Sapa. End of the tour.

* Approx.: 1 hour driving / 5 hours walking / 1-hour lunch

* 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 (B as breakfast; L as lunch; D as dinner)
  • 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