Sapa, Y Ti, and Muong Hum Ethnic Market
Overview
- Trek through Sapa and Y Ty ’s iconic terraced rice fields
- Explore Y Tý and the traditional Ha Nhi village, nestled near the Chinese border
- Experience the vibrant Muong Hum ethnic market
- Meet Northern Vietnam’s ethnic minorities: Hmong, Dzao, and Ha Nhi communities
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Lao Cai Station – Exploration Of Muong Hoa Valley – Sapa (B, L, D)
Trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, then off-the-beaten-path trek from Hang Da to Sa Seng for a panoramic view of Muong Hoa Valley.
Arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning. Your car and guide will accompany you for about an hour to reach Sapa. Enjoy the beauty of nature and terraced rice fields along the way. Upon arrival in Sapa, freshen up and have breakfast at a local restaurant where you can rest.
8:00 AM: Transfer by vehicle to Muong Hoa Valley, enjoying a beautiful view of the valley surrounding Y Linh Ho village, the home of Black H'mong people. Follow a trail that crosses the stream cutting through the valley and terraced rice fields. Descend and meet friendly Hmong women and children living in houses nestled in the valley. Cross a suspension bridge. Take a leisurely walk along the Muong Hoa River, from Lao Chai Valley (Black Hmong) to the Dzay village of Ta Van.
Short transfer by vehicle to Hang Da, a Catholic Black Hmong village and its parish (altitude of 1700m). Visit the village, then hike to the village of Sa Seng along the mountain to admire beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, Muong Hoa Valley, small valleys, and terraced rice fields.
Continue your 2-hour walk downhill along a trail through small woods and Hmong hamlets. Short transfer to Sapa.
Overnight at a hotel in Sapa.
Day 2Sapa – Ta Giang Phinh, Immersion In The Culture Of Dzao And Hmong - Muong Hum (B, L, D)
Trek through isolated villages far from Sapa to Can Ho B and Ta Giang Phinh, meeting with the Red Dao and Hmong.
Transfer by car to the isolated village of Ban Khoang, nestled in the high mountains. Start a 2.5-hour walk through a fish and salmon farm, then cross the Dao Red village of Can Ho B, populated by more than 60 Red Dao families. This group is known in Sapa for its beautiful embroidered costumes and its unique tradition of "Eyebrowless" married women's faces.
Visit some traditional wooden houses and understand how their houses are built and organized.
Follow the trail to the chief town of Ban Khoang, passing through a stream. Have a picnic lunch along the stream, then cross the rice fields.
Afternoon: Hike for 2 hours to visit the Hmong village of Ta Giang Phinh. This beautiful isolated village is nestled in the middle of a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. You may encounter Hmongs from this region during your walk. Discover the local life of the Hmongs and the stunning picturesque landscapes, between terraced rice fields and rocky plateaus. Make stops at the local school, homestays, and more to learn about their unique way of life and culture. Overnight in Muong HumDay 3Muong Hum Market - Y Ty, Hike In The Villages Of Ha Nhi (B, L, D)
If it's a Sunday, take a few hours to walk through the Muong Hum market, the main meeting place to exchange products, buy goods they need, and meet acquaintances from other local ethnicities living in the Bat Xat district of Lao Cai Province. This market is frequented by several ethnic minorities easily distinguishable by their traditional costumes, such as the Flower H'mongs, Red H'mongs, Black H'mongs, Red Dzaos/Dzao Tuyens, or Giays, Tays, and Ha Nhis.
Drive to Y Ty, crossing the Den Thang forest.
Upon arrival in Y Ty, take a walk to visit the mountainous village with floating clouds and misty layers. If you are drawn to beautiful landscapes, stop anywhere to capture and take beautiful photos of Y Ty.
Overnight in Y Ty.
Day 4Y Ty – Lao Cai – Train Hanoi (B, L, D)
Discover the customs and traditions of the Ha Nhi Ethnicity.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a short drive to the Choen Then village, where you will start your trek through villages with original earth houses of the Ha Nhi Ethnicity. Due to extreme weather conditions, the Ha Nhi must build their houses from earth, with a simple architectural design using soil and clay to build walls 40-50 cm thick and a thatched-grass roof. Discover their way of life and daily activities.
Then visit the Hmong village of Ngai Thau. Discover beautiful grandiose landscapes: terraced rice fields, mountains, and more. Enjoy beautiful walks in these villages and discover their customs, culture, and way of life.
Transfer in 3 hours from Y Ty to Lao Cai to take the night train to HanoiPrices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- Accommodation
- Transportation in a private vehicle with a driver for your group ONLY
- Meals as mentioned in the program: B = breakfast, L = 1 Lunch, D = dinner
- English-speaking guide
- Visiting fees and entrance fees to the sites to visit
- One bottle of water per day per person, Administrative fees
- Round-trip Hanoi – Lao Cai night train in a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin
Excluded
- Personal traveler's insurance
- Bank fees
- Drinks, phone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the "This price includes" section, Tips.
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