Lao Cai
2 days / 1 night
AH-LC28
4/10
$115 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to explore a quieter and more authentic side of Sapa through a longer trekking route and meaningful village experiences. The journey takes you through beautiful valleys, rice terraces, and mountain trails while connecting several ethnic communities, including the Red Dao, Xa Pho, and Tay people. It is especially appealing for guests who want more than a scenic walk, with local homestays, village visits, and a deeper look into daily life in the highlands. Sapa is widely known for its ethnic diversity, including the H’mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho communities, and Ban Ho is one of the notable trekking destinations in the area.

Highlights

  • Trek through beautiful valleys and mountain villages in Sapa
  • Walk through Thanh Phu and stay overnight in Sin Chai B
  • Discover My Son, home to the Xa Pho ethnic group
  • Enjoy homestay experiences and authentic local life
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 – Ban Lech - Thanh Phu - Sin Chai B

07:30 Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa. Enjoy a scenic 18km drive deep into the southern valley to Ban Lech Village, home of the Red Dao people, where the trek begins.

08:30 Start trekking downhill along a narrow, beautiful valley for about 2 hours. Enjoy the fresh air and hillside views as you head down to the Ngoi Bo River.

10:30 Cross the river area and begin a steady 1-hour uphill climb. The trail leads you directly into Muong Bo Village in the center of Thanh Phu Commune.

11:30 Arrive at a traditional local house in Muong Bo. Rest and enjoy a fresh, home-cooked lunch prepared with local ingredients by your hosts.

13:00 Resume the trek with a gradual uphill climb deeper into the countryside. Walk through scenic farming ridges and pass through Nam Cum Village.

15:30 Complete the final stretch of the day as you arrive at Sin Chai B, a remote and authentic Red Dao village. Check into your local homestay and relax in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

18:30 Gather with your hosts for a traditional Red Dao dinner around the hearth. Share stories from the day before retiring to your cozy sleeping area for a quiet night.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 1 hour/ Treking 6 hours

* Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Sin Chai B - Nam Nhiu - My Son - Nam Toong – Sapa  

07:30 Enjoy breakfast at the homestay and pack your gear, ready for the final day of trekking through diverse ethnic villages.

08:30 Start the day with a gentle 1.5-hour downhill walk toward My Son Village. This is home to the Xa Pho people, one of the smallest and most traditional ethnic groups in northern Vietnam.

10:00 Leave My Son and continue trekking toward Nam Toong Village, a scenic settlement of the Red Dao people. Enjoy the beautiful valley views along the route.

11:30 Arrive at Nam Toong Village and stop for a freshly prepared lunch at a local spot. Take some time to rest and interact with the villagers.

13:00 Resume the trek with a scenic descent toward Ban Ho Village, a well-known community tourism area in the valley basin.

14:30 Arrive at Ban Ho Village. If weather and river conditions permit, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the river.

15:00 Meet your driver at the main road and board the private vehicle 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/ Trekking 5 hours

* 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 nights at village homestays
  • 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 Stays: 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.