Private Trekking Tour in Sapa: Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai & Ta Van
Active
5h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This private trekking tour offers a deeper, more authentic look into Sapa’s famous Muong Hoa Valley. Instead of following the crowded main paths, your guide leads you along scenic, lesser-known trails through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van—giving you uninterrupted views of terraced rice fields, mountain landscapes, and daily local life.
Your guide is a local resident with extensive knowledge of the H’mong and Giay cultures, ensuring real connections and meaningful stories along the way. Because the experience is private, the pace is fully flexible—you can stop for photos, enjoy quiet moments in nature, or adjust the route based on your comfort.
You’ll also enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local home or family-run restaurant, supporting the communities you visit.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a more personalized, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path Sapa experience—far from the typical crowded routes.
Available options
Standard Package
Pickup included
What's included
Transportation back to Sapa town
Bottled water
Lunch
Store your luggage in Sapa town (please let us know in advance).
Detailed itinerary
1
Nestled in the mountains southwest of Sapa, Y Linh Ho is often the first stop on the Muong Hoa Valley trek. This remote Black Hmong village is only accessible by trekking, offering a peaceful and untouched atmosphere. As you walk through narrow mountain paths and bamboo forests, you’ll pass small houses scattered among terraced fields.
Y Linh Ho is known for its dramatic landscapes, quiet beauty, and insight into traditional Hmong life, far from the busier tourist paths.
2
Just a short walk from Y Linh Ho lies Lao Chai, one of the largest Black Hmong villages in the Sapa region. Surrounded by wide terraced rice paddies and flanked by rolling hills, Lao Chai is both scenic and culturally rich. Visitors can observe the Hmong people working in the fields, weaving hemp fabric, or dyeing with indigo.
The village offers deep cultural immersion, with chances to visit local homes and learn about traditional farming and textile techniques passed down through generations.
3
Located further down the Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van is home to the Giay ethnic group, with smaller populations of Hmong and Dao people. Unlike the steep hills of the previous villages, Ta Van lies in a lush, green valley with scenic views and wooden bridges crossing gentle streams.
This village is known for its stilt houses, vibrant community life, and a growing number of homestays, making it a great place to enjoy a local meal or spend a night with a host family. Ta Van showcases a blend of cultures and is a relaxing end point to the trek.
What's not included
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
02 Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street, Sapa Town right at the corner of Thác Bạc Street and Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street
About Sapa
Sapa is a picturesque town in northern Vietnam, renowned for its stunning rice terraces, vibrant ethnic minority cultures, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Top Attractions
Fansipan Mountain
Known as the 'Roof of Indochina,' Fansipan is the highest peak in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It offers stunning views and a spiritual significance to the local ethnic groups.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive (cable car ticket required)
Muong Hoa Valley
A picturesque valley surrounded by rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. It's a popular trekking destination with stunning landscapes.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free to Budget (guided tours available)
Cat Cat Village
A traditional H'mong ethnic village known for its handicrafts, cultural performances, and unique architecture. It's a great place to learn about local traditions.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to Budget (donations appreciated)
Silver Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall located in a lush forest. The waterfall is especially impressive during the rainy season when the water flow is strong.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Ta Van Village
A Giay ethnic village known for its traditional stilt houses and beautiful surroundings. It's a great place to experience the local way of life.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to Budget (homestays available)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Thang Co
A traditional H'mong stew made with horse meat, organs, and various herbs and spices. It's a hearty and flavorful dish.
Main Course
Contains meat and organs, not suitable for vegetarians.
Sticky Rice
Glutinous rice cooked with various ingredients like mushrooms, peanuts, or sesame seeds. It's a staple food in Sapa.
Side Dish
Vegetarian options available.
Salad of Young Corn
A refreshing salad made with young corn, herbs, and sometimes pork or shrimp. It's a popular dish in the region.
Salad
Can be made vegetarian or with meat.
Sapa Hot Pot
A communal hot pot with a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. It's a great way to try a bit of everything.
Main Course
Can be made vegetarian or with meat.
Popular Activities
Trekking
Mountain climbing
Motorbike tours
Horseback riding
Homestays
Herbal baths
Scenic walks
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
September to November and March to May
These months offer the best weather with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and lush landscapes. It's ideal for trekking and exploring the rice terraces.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English, French, Chinese
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sapa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to take precautions, especially in crowded areas and when trekking. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides.
- • Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and motorbike taxis.
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Getting there
By air
- Noi Bai International Airport • 300 km (186 miles) from Sapa
By train
Sapa Station
By bus
Hanoi - Sapa Express, Good Morning Sapa
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are affordable but can be crowded. They are a good option for short distances within the town.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Sapa Town
Tau Chuu Village
Lao Chai Village
Day trips
Bac Ha Sunday Market
50 km (31 miles) from Sapa • Full day
A vibrant market held every Sunday, featuring a variety of stalls selling local products, street food, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and interact with the ethnic minorities.
Bac Ha Terraces
50 km (31 miles) from Sapa • Full day
A scenic area known for its stunning rice terraces and traditional villages. It's a great place for trekking and experiencing the local way of life.
Trung Do Valley
30 km (19 miles) from Sapa • Full day
A picturesque valley surrounded by rice terraces and traditional villages. It's a great place for trekking and experiencing the local culture.
Festivals
Sapa Love Market • Weekends (year-round)
Bac Ha Sunday Market • Every Sunday (year-round)
Gong Culture Festival • Every two years (even-numbered years)
Pro tips
- Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if trekking.
- Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the region.
- Try local specialties and street food, but be cautious with raw or undercooked foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Carry small denominations for markets and street vendors. Bargaining is expected, but be respectful and polite.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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