Lao Cai
5 days, 4 nights
AH-LC40
7/10
$254 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want to explore a more remote and less-visited side of Sapa. Over five days, the route takes you deep into mountain valleys, bamboo forest, jungle trails, and small ethnic villages where local life remains peaceful and authentic. With overnight stays in local houses, encounters with the Black H’mong, Red Dao, Tay, and Xa Pho communities, and a final trekking day that ends directly in Lao Cai, this is a rewarding journey for those who want both cultural immersion and a true trekking adventure in northern Vietnam.

Highlights

  • Trek through one of the most beautiful and remote areas of Sapa
  • Walk through landscapes protected by Hoang Lien National Park
  • Visit Ta Van, Seo My Ty, Den Thang, Ta Trung Ho, Nam Toong, Thanh Phu, Nam Cum, Sin Chai, Nam Ket, and Ta Thang
  • Stay overnight in local homes of the Black H’mong, Red Dao, and Tay communities
  • Enjoy rice terraces, rainforest trails, bamboo forest, and mountain valleys
  • Discover ethnic groups less commonly seen on standard Sapa routes, including the Xa Pho
  • Experience daily life in remote villages and warm local hospitality
  • Finish the journey directly in Lao Cai, convenient for onward travel
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 – Ta Van – Seo My Ty (-, L, D)

Meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa, then transfer toward Muong Hoa Valley. The trek begins from Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people.

The first day’s trek is mostly uphill. Along the way, every stop offers beautiful views over the valley. Before noon, stop at a scenic place for lunch.

After lunch, the route becomes easier while the scenery grows even more beautiful. In the late afternoon, arrive at Seo My Ty Village, home to the Black H’mong people, where you will stay overnight in a local family house.

* Approx: 0,5 hour driving/ 4-5 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch

* Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day 2: 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 forest paths through rainforest scenery.

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.

* Approx: 6 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Ta Trung Ho – Nam Toong – Thanh Phu (B, L, D)

Today you are trekking at the edge of the rainforest below the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, where Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, is located.

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, home to the Tay people.

Tonight, stay overnight in a traditional Tay house. In the late afternoon, you may take a short 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 4: Thanh Phu – Nam Cum – Sin Chai (B, L, D)

Today’s trek is shorter and gentler than the previous days. After leaving Thanh Phu, follow a trekking route along the bottom of the valley, offering 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, where the night will be spent in a local house.

* Approx: 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 

Day 5: 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 in the Sapa region. Along the way, you may notice the curious looks 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. Around half an hour later, you will reach one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the trip, overlooking a green valley stretching along 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.

* Approx: 1-hour driving/ 5 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

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Note: The trek is tough. The itinerary can be changed due to high water level in the river between Seomity and Ta Trung Ho. There will be no toilet facilities in the National Park area. Toilet tent will be provided. This trip will easily combine with the transfer to Lao Cai railway station without repeating the way or passing by Sapa.