Lao Cai
6 days, 5 nights
AH-LC43
7/10
$305 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want a true long-distance trekking experience in the Sapa highlands. Over six days, the route takes you from the better-known valleys of Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van into much more remote mountain areas such as Seomity, Den Thang, Ta Trung Ho, Thanh Phu, Sin Chai, and finally toward Lao Cai. Along the way, you will walk through rice terraces, rainforest, bamboo forest, suspension bridges, and remote valleys while staying in local homes and meeting the Black H’mong, Giay, Red Dao, Xa Pho, and Tay communities. It is an ideal journey for trekkers who want both dramatic mountain scenery and deep cultural immersion.

Highlights

  • Trek through the most beautiful valleys and remote mountain areas of Sapa
  • Visit Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Seomity, Den Thang, Ta Trung Ho, Thanh Phu, and Sin Chai
  • Stay overnight in local homes of the Giay, Black H’mong, Red Dao, and Tay people
  • Walk through rice terraces, bamboo forest, rainforest, and jungle trails
  • Cross old suspension bridges and follow scenic riverside paths
  • Enjoy stunning views of Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien Son Range
  • Visit villages of the Xa Pho minority, one of the smaller ethnic groups in northern Vietnam
  • Finish the journey directly in Lao Cai, convenient for onward travel
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Lao Cai

  • Duration: 6 days, 5 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 – Tavan (-, L, D)

Meet your local guide at your hotel in Sapa and begin trekking through the market area, leaving the busy town behind.

After a short walk, 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 terraced rice fields. This section also offers beautiful scenery along a narrow river.

Arrive at Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black H’mong people, where you can take a rest and enjoy lunch near the river.

After lunch, continue trekking through Muong Hoa Valley. The route passes through Lao Chai Village of the Black H’mong and then Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people, following one of the most popular trekking routes in the Sapa area.

Tonight, stay overnight in a local Giay house. In the late afternoon, you may take a short walk to enjoy the valley view or swim in the nearby river.

* Approximate duration:

  • Walking: 6 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tavan - Seomity (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, begin today’s trek, which is mostly uphill until lunchtime. Along the way, every 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 becomes even more impressive. Arrive at Seomity Village, home to the Black H’mong people, where you will stay overnight with a local family.

* Approximate duration:

  • Walking: 4–5 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Seomity – Den Thang - Ta Trung Ho (B, L, D) 

Today’s trek takes you through beautiful rice terraces and across old suspension bridges. Follow small trails winding through the rainforest.

Arrive at Den Thang Village of the Black H’mong around midday. Lunch will be served either near a river or at a local school, depending on the weather.

After lunch, the trek becomes more demanding, with narrow footpaths going up and down through the mountains and requiring more concentration. Arrive at Ta Trung Ho Village, home to the Red Dao people, where you will spend the night in a local house. The experience is made even more memorable by the warm hospitality of the Red Dao community.

* Approximate duration:

  • Walking: 6 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Today you are trekking along the edge of the rainforest beneath the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

Begin the day by climbing to Nam Toong Village, home to the Red Dao people. Lunch will be prepared at a local school.

After lunch, descend into the valley to My Son Village, where the Xa Pho people live. From there, continue on a short walk to Thanh Phu Village, home to the Tay community.

Tonight, stay overnight in a traditional Tay house. You may take a short walk around the village to observe local daily life before dinner.

* Approximate duration:

  • Walking: 6 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Thanh Phu  - Nam Cum – Sin Chai (B, L, D)

Today’s trek is shorter and easier than the previous days. After leaving Thanh Phu, follow a trail along the bottom of the valley, where you can enjoy 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. Tonight, stay overnight in a local house in the village.

* Approximate duration:

  • Walking: 4 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Sin Chai - Nam Ket –Ben Den – Lao Cai (B, L, -) 

Wake up early for breakfast and prepare for a long trekking day toward Lao Cai.

After leaving Sin Chai, the route leads into one of the most remote mountain areas of the Sapa region. Along the way, you may notice the curious eyes of local children, as this is still a very quiet route with few outside visitors. The area is inhabited mainly by the Red Dao people.

The trail passes through fresh bamboo forest and jungle before reaching Nam Ket for lunch.

After lunch, continue trekking, mostly downhill. About half an hour later, you will reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the whole journey, overlooking a green valley stretching toward the Red River.

Eventually, arrive at Ta Thang Village, home to the Tay people. From here, transfer by car to Lao Cai. End of the tour.

* Approximate duration:

  • Driving: 1 hour
  • Walking: 5 hours
  • Lunch: 1 hour

* 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