Lao Cai
2 days / 1 night
AH-LC27
4/10
$84 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want a deeper trekking experience in Sapa, combining beautiful valley scenery, ethnic minority villages, and an overnight stay in a local home. The route takes you from Cat Cat through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van, then continues through bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan on the second day. With rice terraces, rivers, waterfalls, village life, and a homestay with the Giay people, this is a great experience for guests who want both nature and culture in one memorable trek.

Highlights

  • Trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley
  • Stay overnight in a village homestay
  • Enjoy rice terraces, rivers, and mountain scenery
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Sapa

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Group Size : 2 - 20 pax

  • Best Season: Year-round

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sapa - Cat Cat - Y Linh Ho – Tavan

07:30 Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa for a brief briefing. Enjoy a short drive to the starting point near Cat Cat Village, where your trekking journey begins.

07:45 Walk downhill into Cat Cat Village. Stop to admire the scenic waterfall and the historic French-built hydroelectric station. Afterward, leave the main paved path and head onto a dirt trail winding through stunning terraced rice fields along a narrow, picturesque river.

10:30 Arrive at Y Linh Ho Village, a beautiful settlement of the Black H’mong people. Take a rest and enjoy a fresh, hearty lunch by the riverside.

11:30 Resume your trek deeper into the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley—one of Sapa's most famous trekking routes. Walk through the sprawling rice terraces of Lao Chai Village (Black H’mong) and continue onward to Ta Van Village, home to the Giay ethnic community.

14:30 Check into a traditional Giay stilt house that will serve as your homestay.

15:00 Enjoy your free time with a relaxing stroll around the village paths to admire the valley view, or take a refreshing swim in the nearby river.

18:30 Enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner, then spend a peaceful night at the homestay.

* Approx. Duration: Walking 5 hours/ Lunch break 1 hour

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tavan - Giang Ta Chai - Su Pan - Sapa

07:30 Wake up to the fresh valley air and enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by your Giay hosts. Pack your gear and get ready for another scenic day on the trail.

08:30 Leave the homestay and begin trekking toward Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao community. The trail leads you through a stunning, lush bamboo forest protected under the Hoang Lien National Park.

10:30 Deep in the forest, stop by a scenic mountain waterfall. Take a short break here to rest your legs, enjoy the crisp mountain breeze, and soak in the peaceful natural surroundings.

11:30 Continue a short stretch to a pleasant, open spot along the trail for lunch. Enjoy a fresh, energy-packed meal prepared by your guide while taking in the views.

13:00 Resume your trek along the valley ridges toward Su Pan, a small, quiet village located near the main road. Enjoy the final panoramic views of the terraced fields below.

15:00 Reach the roadside at Su Pan Village, where your private comfort vehicle will be waiting. Settle in for a 1-hour drive winding back up the mountains.

16:00 Arrive back at your hotel in Sapa town. Trip ends.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 1 hour/ Walking 3 hours/ Lunch break 1 hour

* Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • English speaking guide 
  • Porters (to carry food and luggage)
  • All meals indicated in the daily itinerary.
  • All needed transportation
  • 01 night at village homestay
  • Drinking water & snack 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

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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.
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Terrain: Expect a beautifully diverse landscape that shifts from cascading rice terraces and rustic suspension bridges to narrow, winding trails beneath the rainforest canopy. The route combines gentle valley walks with rugged, uneven footpaths that include steep ascents and descents requiring steady footwork. While physically demanding in parts, the entire trek follows natural dirt tracks and mountain paths, with no technical climbing or specialized gear required.
  • Suitability: Perfect for active travelers and nature lovers who enjoy a good physical challenge. No previous trekking experience is required; however, participants should be in good health and possess decent stamina to comfortably manage the steep terrain and daily hiking hours.

2. Homestay

  • Overnight Stay: True to traditional highland hospitality, the homestay features a warm, communal setting. Guests will sleep in comfortable, well-appointed beds arranged in a spacious shared room (dormitory-style), or across separate traditional bedrooms within the house. Each sleeping area is fully prepared with clean linens, cozy blankets, mosquito nets, and pillows to ensure a restful night's sleep in the mountain quiet.
  • Facilities: While the homestay embraces a simple and rustic lifestyle, it is equipped with clean, modern, and fully functional shared bathrooms and western-style toilets. Hot water is available, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing shower and unwind comfortably after your ride.

3. Food & Water

  • Meals: All meals showcase authentic, hearty local cuisine designed to replenish your energy. Breakfasts are served hot at the hotels, lunches are enjoyed at handpicked local restaurants along the cycling route, and dinners feature diverse regional dishes.
  • Water & Energy: Clean, safe drinking water and energy-boosting snacks (such as fresh fruits or local treats) are supplied daily during the tour. 
  • Hot Beverages: Complimentary hot tea or coffee is generally available during breakfasts at the homestay.

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.