Lao Cai
3 days / 2 nights
AH-LC01
8/10
$255 USD
WHY THIS TOUR?

Designed for true adventure enthusiasts, this expedition offers a definitive high-mountain experience in Northern Vietnam. Your journey converges a thrilling conquest of the 3046-meter Bach Moc Luong Tu summit with dramatic ridge lines, pristine cloud forests, and the region's most spectacular cloud-viewing viewpoints. After witnessing unforgettable sunrises and sunsets over the endless seas of clouds, the adventure concludes perfectly with a restorative, traditional Dao herbal bath back in Sa Pa. It is the ultimate high-altitude challenge on the Lao Cai–Lai Chau boundary, balancing rugged exploration with well-deserved relaxation.

Highlights

  • Trek from Ky Quan San Village to conquer Bach Moc Luong Tu Peak (3,046 m)
  • Overnight stay at a mountain camp at 2100 m
  • Stop at a beautiful cloud-viewing point at around 2,800 m
  • Enjoy sunrise, sunset, and sea-of-cloud views over Muoi Mountain
SUMMARY
  • Start / Finish Point: Sapa

  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Group Size : 2 - 20 pax

  • Best Season: Sep - Apr

  • Difficulty level: 8/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sapa – Sang Ma Sao - Muoi Summit

07:00 Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel for a scenic departure from Sapa. You will head toward Sang Ma Sao, the gateway to your adventure, located approximately 60 km from the town center. The drive itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking vistas of majestic mountain ranges and winding passes that carve through the dramatic highlands of Northern Vietnam.

10:00 Arriving at Ky Quan San village, you will meet your H'Mong porter team. From here, begin your ascent toward the summit, navigating a diverse terrain that shifts from steep dirt trails and bamboo forests to rocky ridges and open grassy slopes.

12:30 We will stop along the way to rest and have lunch, replenishing our energy for the afternoon journey.

17:00 Arrive at the 2100m wooden hut at Nui Muoi by sunset. Store your bags in the shared dorm area and refresh. You can then relax, watch the sunset, or help with dinner before spending the night in the mountain shelter.

18:30 Enjoy dinner and chat around the campfire. If the weather is clear, you can stargaze in the quiet mountain atmosphere before spending the night in the wooden shelter.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 1,5hrs/ Treking 5-6 hours/ Lunch break 45 mins

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2: Nui Muoi – Summit - Nui Muoi

06:30 Wake up early for breakfast. Enjoy a hot coffee or warm ginger tea before heading out.

07:30 Start the final climb to the summit. Leave your heavy bags at the shelter, carrying only essentials. Along the way, pass the trail's best cloud-viewing viewpoint at 2,800m, navigating steep trails and rocky ridges.

12:30 Reach the 3,046m peak. Take photos, enjoy the mountain views, and have lunch at the summit before descending.

17:30 Arrive back at the 2,100m shelter. Refresh and relax, watch the sunset, or help the porter team prepare dinner.

18:30 Have dinner and socialize around the campfire. If the sky is clear, enjoy stargazing before spending the night in the shared dorm-style wooden hut.

* Approx. Duration: Treking 7 hours/ Lunch break 1 hr

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Nui Muoi - Sapa

06:30 Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the ridges and enjoy breakfast with a hot drink.

07:30 Enjoy the spectacular views of the legendary sea of clouds at the Nui Muoi viewpoint.

08:00 Pack your personal belongings and begin the trek down, navigating the slopes back to the starting point at Ky Quan San village.

13:00 Have a light lunch at a homestay and rest before boarding the vehicle for the drive back to Sa Pa.

16:30 Arrival in Sa Pa. Trip ends.

* Approx. Duration: Treking 7 hours/ Lunch break 1 hr

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • English speaking guide 
  • Porters (to carry food and luggage)
  • All meals indicated in the daily itinerary.
  • All needed transportation
  • 02 nights at mountain shelter 
  • Drinking water everyday
  • Trekking poles
  • All entrance fees and permit
  • Domestic travel insurance

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • First-aid kit 

What to bring: 

  • 20L trekking backpack 
  • Trekking shoes or boots
  • A pair of sandals to use at the mountain shelter at night.
  • Clothing by season:
  • + Summer: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved clothing, sun hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and trekking gloves. 
  • + Winter: Warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece jacket, down jacket), a beanie/warm hat, and insulated gloves.
  • Raincoat or poncho.
  • Spare clothes
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Folding knife or multi-tool
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Terrain: the terrain is highly diverse—transitioning from shaded forest tracks and steady mountain slope pathways on the first day to steeper, moss-covered inclines and dwarf bamboo slopes nearing the summit. While it includes challenging uphill sections, the trail features well-maintained footpaths and steps, eliminating technical climbing risks.
  • Suitability:This trek is perfect for active travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and beginners looking for their first high-altitude mountain conquest. No prior mountaineering experience is required; a basic level of physical fitness and stamina is sufficient to enjoy the journey.

2. Overnight on the mountain

  • We will spend the night at the 2,800m mountain shelter. This is a rustic, communal wooden lodge equipped with basic restroom facilities and showers. To ensure a comfortable night's rest in the chilly mountain air, you will be provided with insulated mats or air mattresses, along with cozy blankets or sleeping bags.

3. Food & Water

  • Meals: Dinner will be freshly prepared on-site by our talented porter team. Breakfast features hot options like fried rice, instant noodles, or crepes. Lunch along the trail typically consists of pre-packed, energizing cold meals.
  • Water: Safe, boiled spring water is provided daily by our team at the campsite. Please bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder to refill before setting off each day.
  • Hot beverages: Complimentary hot tea and coffee will be available at the shelter during breakfast and dinner.

4. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment.
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

5. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.