Lao Cai
5 days, 4 nights
AH-LC41
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 varied trekking experience in Sapa. It begins with some of the area’s best-known valley routes through Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van, then continues into more remote mountain villages such as Seo My Ty and Ta Trung Ho before crossing into the quieter Ban Ho Valley. With stunning rice terraces, rivers, bamboo forest, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and meaningful encounters with several ethnic communities, this is a rewarding journey for those who want more than a standard Sapa trek.

Highlights

  • Trek through both Muong Hoa Valley and Ban Ho Valley
  • Visit Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Seo My Ty, Den Thang, Ta Trung Ho, Nam Toong, My Son, Thanh Phu, Ban Ho, and Su Pan
  • Stay overnight in local homes of the Black H’mong, Giay, Red Dao, and Tay communities
  • Walk through rice terraces, bamboo forest, rainforest trails, and riverside paths
  • Cross old suspension bridges and enjoy beautiful waterfalls along the route
  • Discover ethnic groups less commonly seen on standard trekking tours, including the Xa Pho
  • Enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the Sapa region
  • A great combination of classic valley trekking and remote mountain village exploration
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 – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Ta Van (-, L, D) 

Meet your local guide at your hotel in Sapa and begin the trek through the market area, leaving the busy town behind. After a short time, follow the road downhill to Cat Cat Village. Along the way, stop at a waterfall and a hydroelectric station before continuing on a dirt trail through rice terraces.

The route then follows a narrow river through beautiful mountain scenery until reaching Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black H’mong people, where lunch will be served near the river.

After lunch, continue into Muong Hoa Valley, passing through Lao Chai Village of the Black H’mong and then Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people, along one of the most popular trekking routes in the Sapa area. Tonight, stay overnight in a local house in Ta Van. In the late afternoon, you may take a short walk to enjoy the valley view or swim in the nearby river.

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

* Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Ta Van – Seo My Ty (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, begin today’s trek, which is mostly uphill until lunchtime. 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 trek becomes easier, while the scenery grows even more beautiful. Arrive at Seo My Ty Village, home to the Black H’mong people, where you will stay overnight in a local family house.

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

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: 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. This village remains a remote and special place to experience the warm hospitality of the Red Dao community.

* Approx: 6 hours walking, 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Ta Trung Ho – Nam Toong – My Son – Thanh Phu (B, L, D)

Today you are trekking near the edge of the rainforest below the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

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 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.

* Approx: 6 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Thanh Phu – Ban Ho – Su Pan – Sapa (B, L, -)

Today’s trek is shorter compared to the previous days. On the final day, the route crosses several suspension bridges and continues through beautiful valley scenery.

Along the way, there may be a chance to stop at a waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river before arriving at Ban Ho Village, home to the Tay people. Lunch will be served in a traditional Tay house.

In the afternoon, continue climbing uphill. During the last section of the trek, enjoy one final panoramic view over the valley before reaching Su Pan, where your vehicle will be waiting for the transfer back to Sapa.

* Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 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