Offbeat Trails: 7-D Uncovering Sapa’s Remote Ethnic Villages

Enjoy 7-day trek through rice terraces, meet local minority tribes, and experience traditional homestays

This immersive journey takes you deep into the heart of Hoang Lien National Park, where you’ll not only experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of the Sapa region but also contribute to the sustainable development of local villages. By participating in this tour, you are actively involved in preserving the unique cultures of the minority tribes and providing them with income through responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Trek through picturesque rice terraces, encounter local communities, and experience the warmth of traditional homestays, all while making a positive impact on the communities you visit. Get ready to discover the hidden gems and lesser-known corners of Sapa while leaving a lasting and meaningful footprint.

Sapa trekking, Vietnam

Tour Details

Country

Vietnam

Price

Locations

Duration

7 Days

Difficulty

Moderate, Challenging

Trip Highlights

  • Visit numerous authentic ethnic minority villages of Vietnam
  • Promote sustainable community based tourism
  • Escape the tourist crowds and venture into lesser-known areas of Hoang Lien National Park.
Sapa in the mist
Day 1

Sapa Trekking - Meat Black Hmong tribe – Y Linh Ho

Embark on an off-the-beaten-track adventure as we trek from Sapa, leaving the bustling town behind. Descend through the local market to reach Cat Cat village, where a stunning waterfall awaits. Walk amidst captivating rice paddy terraces, following a narrow river to Y Linh Ho village, home to the Black Hmong tribe. After lunch, we continue along the picturesque Muong Hoa valley and spend the night in a local house by the river.

Trekking distance: 12km

Shared homestay Lunch, Dinner
Sapa Hill tribes costume
Day 2

Trekking to Ta Van and meet the Giay minority

Continue your trek along the picturesque Hoang Lien mountain range, treating yourself to panoramic views of the vast rice paddy terraces in the Muong Hoa valley. After a delightful lunch, descend into the valley and pass through Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority. Following a popular trekking route, we arrive at Tavan village, home to the Giay minority. Immerse yourself in their culture as we spend the night in a traditional Giay house.

Trekking distance: approx. 11km

Shared homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sapa waterfalls
Day 3

Tavan – Stunning landscape & waterfall – Su Pan

After breakfast, embark on today's trek, which offers breathtaking views from the highest point overlooking a vast valley. Descend to a magnificent waterfall, where we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Take breaks to soak in the scenic beauty of the valley and river. In the afternoon, traverse hills and gently sloping terrain, revealing more stunning landscapes. Spend the night in a homestay in Hoa Su Pan village, belonging to the Black H'mong minority.

Trekking distance: approx. 15km

Shared homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sapa remote village
Day 4

Su Pan – Meet Red Dao minority – Ban Ho

Bid farewell to the warm-hearted Black H'mong tribe as we embark on an uphill trekking journey. Follow a well-crafted trail through the depths of the valley, offering captivating vistas of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a delightful lunch break before tackling a more challenging route towards a village of the Red Dao minority. Descend towards Ban Ho, where we'll spend the night in a local house, immersing ourselves in their remarkable hospitality.

Trekking distance: approx. 15-18km

Shared homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sapa remote trails
Day 5

Ban Ho – Meet Xa Pho minority – Thanh Phu

After breakfast, embark on a challenging morning trek along a narrow dirt trail, ascending steep hill sides from 950m to nearly 1,632m. Take a lunch break in the lush rainforest at the top of the mountain. Continue the trek downhill through the rainforest of Hoang Lien National Park to a village inhabited by the Red Zao people. Explore the quiet and charming village before following a larger dirt path to another village of the Xa Pho people. Finally, reach Thanh Phu Valley, where we'll have dinner and spend the night in a homestay.

Trekking distance: approx. 14km

Shared homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sapa hill-tribes
Day 6

Thanh phu – Meet Red Dao & Tay minorities – Sin Chai

Prepare for a long day of trekking as we ascend to Nam Toong village of the Red Dao minority. Descend to the valley where a village of the Xa Pho minority is located, offering a beautiful river for relaxation and swimming. Trek uphill to Nam Sai village of the Tay minority for a lunch break. Afterward, continue along a small trail to the Red Zao village of Sin Chai, where our homestay is located. Take a walk to explore the local village life before enjoying a dinner of Vietnamese dishes.

Trekking distance: approx. 15-17km

Shared homestay Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sapa hill-tribe kid
Day 7

Sin Chai – Bid farewell to Sapa and transfer to – Hanoi

After an early breakfast, begin the long trek towards Lao Cai. Explore the remote and mountainous area inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic minority. Enjoy the fresh air of bamboo forests and jungles. The trek will mostly be downhill, providing a stunning view of the green valley along the Red River. Finally, arrive in Ta Thang village of the Tay minority, where you'll be transferred back to Hanoi via Lao Cai.

Trekking distance: approx. 8km

N/A Breakfast, Lunch

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Offbeat Trails: 7-D Uncovering Sapa’s Remote Ethnic Villages

from

7 Days

Includes

  • Experienced English speaking local guides.
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle for transfer.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Drinking water during sightseeing tour.
  • All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in shared homestays

Excludes

  • Visas where required.
  • Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home.
  • Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
  • Tips for guide, driver, porters.
  • Beverage and alcoholic drinks.
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.

More Information

  • Varied Prices Based on Group Size
  • There is surcharge for travelling on Lunar New Year, Christmas, regional New Year, Tet and other public holidays throughout the region please check with your consultant for date confirmation.
    Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change.
  • Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel.
  • All cycling and trekking/walking distances displayed are approximate and subject to the guests’ ability and availability of the route, the guide will use his discretion to ensure safety and comfort for all participants.
  • Singles Joining – If you are joining a trip as a solo traveler please add the single supplement to the trip price. If you are willing to share a room please let us know and we will do our best to find someone for you to share with, we will inform you before finalizing the final payment of the trip.
  • Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed in the proposal, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes made as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to flight schedules or other operational factors.

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