Lao Cai
5 days, 4 nights
AH-LC39
7/10
$254 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want a deeper and more adventurous experience in the Sapa highlands. Over five days, the route takes you through some of the region’s most scenic and less-visited landscapes, from the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley to remote mountain villages and rainforest trails near the Hoang Lien Son range. Along the way, you will stay in local houses, meet different ethnic communities, and enjoy a rich combination of nature, culture, and rewarding trekking, making this journey far more immersive than a standard Sapa trek.

Highlights

  • Trek through remote valleys, rice terraces, and rainforest trails around Sapa
  • Visit Ta Van, Seo My Ty, Den Thang, Ta Trung Ho, Muong Bo, Sin Chai, Ban Ho, and Su Pan
  • Stay overnight in local homes of the Black H’mong, Red Dao, and Tay people
  • Walk through beautiful mountain scenery and suspension bridges
  • Discover the culture of the Black H’mong, Red Dao, Tay, and Xa Pho communities
  • Enjoy scenic waterfalls, rivers, and bamboo forest along the route
  • Experience one of the more remote and less-touristy trekking routes in Sapa
  • End the journey with beautiful valley views and a return to Sapa
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Lao Cai

  • Duration: 5 days, 4 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 south 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, each stop offers beautiful views over the valley. Before noon, stop at a scenic place for lunch.

After lunch, 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 house.

* Approx.: 30 minutes 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 forest paths through rainforest scenery.

By noon, arrive at Den Thang Village, home to 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.

* 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 by 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: Grade 2 of 5/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Sin Chai – Ban Ho – Su Pan – Sapa (B, L, -)

After breakfast, leave Sin Chai and begin trekking toward Ban Ho. The route follows the riverbank, where there may be an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim near a waterfall.

At Ban Ho, lunch will be prepared and served in a friendly Tay family’s house.

In the afternoon, continue the trek uphill toward Su Pan, enjoying one final look at the beautiful valley scenery. At Su Pan, your vehicle will be waiting for the transfer back to Sapa. Along the way, there will still be many opportunities to enjoy magnificent views of valleys and mountains.

* 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