Sapa in remote corners, in the land of Dzao, Mong, and Tay.

Sapa
Sapa in remote corners, in the land of Dzao, Mong, and Tay.

Overview

This excursion offers a hike through villages less frequented by tourists: Hang Da - Hau Thao - Giang Ta Chai - Seo Trung Ho - Ban Den - Nam Toong - Nam Sai.
Sapa in remote corners, in the land of Dzao, Mong, and Tay.
  • Exploration of the lush vegetation and wild nature of Hoang Lien National Park
  • Spectacular landscapes of the Hoang Lien Son massif and the terraced rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley
  • Discovery of the unique customs and way of life of Ethnic Minorities: Red Dzao, Black Hmong, Dzay
  • Overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, an original, authentic, and unique experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. (earplugs recommended)
  • Return from Lao Cai to Hanoi by bus

Itinerary Expand All

Departure in the evening to catch the night train from Hanoi Railway Station. Departure in the evening to catch the night train from Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai. The departure will be around 10:00 PM. You need to be at the station an hour before the train's departure time.

Please have dinner before boarding. Lao Cai Station is the terminus, so you can sleep peacefully knowing that you won't go further than Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.

Trekking off the beaten path through Hmong villages of Sa Seng and Hau Thao, enjoying beautiful views of the Muong Hoa rice valley.

Arrival at Lao Cai station early in the morning. Coach trip to Sapa. Upon arrival in Sapa, you can freshen up and have breakfast at a local restaurant.

Your guide will be waiting for you and will accompany you by private car to the trekking point. You'll follow a wide rocky trail that gradually ascends, passing through small woods and the narrow valley between two high mountains to the village of Sa Seng. Discover the still authentic way of life of the black Hmong people who inhabit the region.

Continue your walk for about an hour to Hang Da, a Catholic black Hmong village at an altitude of 1700m overlooking the Muong Hoa valley. Meet the local inhabitants. Lunch will be provided by the locals.

After leaving Hang Da, enjoy an easy walk for about thirty minutes. Then, the trail becomes steeper and narrower as you descend towards the villages of Hau Chu Ngai and Thao Hong Den. The trek follows along the mountain with beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, small valleys, terraced rice fields, and the Muong Hoa valley. This route is perfect for those seeking a beautiful authentic discovery with spectacular landscapes of the Hoang Lien Son massifs.

Overnight stay with a local family in Giang Ta Chai.

Optional: Herbal bath with your hosts to help you recover from your efforts during the day!

1h00, 40km
5 to 6h00, 16km 
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the homestay.

Visit to Giang Ta Chai and Seo Trung Ho, where the Red Dzao people live, known for their craftsmanship and medicinal herb baths. You'll have the opportunity to discover their culture and customs. There's a chance to swim in the river or at a waterfall.

You'll also witness the various processes involved in hemp fiber production, weaving, or embroidery. Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Continue the hike to the Tay village of Ban Den in Ban Ho. Explore the village of the Tay ethnic group with its beautiful stilt houses.

Overnight in Ban Ho.

5 to 6h00, 15 km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning departure for a delightful trek through the villages of the Dzao, and Tay ethnic groups, featuring beautiful terraced rice fields and stunning mountain scenery.

Stop along the way to interact with locals, learning about their culture and way of life. You'll have the opportunity to see women embroidering to create magnificent traditional costumes.

Enjoy the beauty of nature, passing through forests and terraced rice fields during the journey.

Transfer back to Sapa.

14:00: Return to Hanoi by shared Limousine bus.

7h00, 330km
3h00, 8 km
Breakfast, Lunch

Prices and Accommodation

  • To find a property that suits your whole group at the exact same price, we need to know the children's ages at check-out

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: Homestay in dormitory, rustic conditions
  • Transportation from Sapa to Hanoi by Collective Limousine Bus
  • Meals as mentioned in the program: B = Breakfast, L = 1 Lunch, D = Dinner
  • English-speaking guide
  • Visiting fees and entrance fees to the sites
  • One liter of bottled water per day per person
  • Administration fees
  • Round-trip overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, in a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin

Excluded

  • Travelers' personal insurance
  • Bank charges
  • Beverages, telephone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the "What's Included" section
  • Tips

Useful Information

  • This circuit combines moderate and difficult hikes for experienced hikers. This trip can be organized throughout the year. The landscapes are stunning from May to September when there is rice on the terraced fields and corn in the fields. However, it can be hot and humid during these months, especially in July and August. The weather is pleasant in October, November, and the first week of December. January and February are cold and foggy. The weather improves in March and April.

  • For your safety, please bring insect repellent, hiking shoes, and a headlamp. Personal luggage should not exceed 6 kg during the hike. The itinerary may be modified for the safety of clients in case of bad weather.

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