Sapa Muong Hoa Valley Trekking Stunning Rice Terraces
Active
4h - 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
Leaving the busy streets of Sapa, you begin a full-day trek into open mountains, quiet trails, and village life untouched by time. The journey takes you through bamboo forests and terraced rice fields, revealing the natural beauty of the Muong Hoa Valley.
Following local paths, you trek through Black Hmong villages such as Y Linh Ho, surrounded by some of the most impressive rice terraces in the region. Along the way, enjoy wide valley views and learn about the farming traditions and daily life of mountain communities.
At midday, stop for a home-cooked lunch at a traditional Hmong house, made from fresh local ingredients. The trek then continues to Lao Chai San village before a private car brings you back to Sapa in the late afternoon, ending a meaningful day of nature and culture.
Available options
Sapa Muong Hoa Valley Trekking Stunning Rice Terraces
What's included
Hmong Local Guide
Bottled water
pick up from village back to sapa
A traditional lunch at a Hmong local home, freshly prepared and cooked by the host family.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your adventure begins at 9:00 AM, when our guide meets you at Sapa Church or directly at your hotel. After a brief introduction to the day’s plan, you’ll leave the busy town center behind and step straight into the open mountains, where sweeping valleys and towering peaks set the stage for an unforgettable trek.
2
Your first destination is a Black Hmong village, reached by winding trails through bamboo groves and beautifully sculpted terraced rice fields overlooking the legendary Muong Hoa Valley. After about an hour of gentle trekking, you arrive at the quiet village of Y Linh Ho, surrounded by some of the largest and most impressive terraces in Sapa. Here, your guide will share insights into the Hmong community’s farming techniques, their rice cultivation cycle, and the traditions that shape their daily life.
3
Stop 3
From Y Linh Ho, you’ll follow narrow footpaths used by local families—walking directly along terraced fields and village trails that reveal the rhythm of life in the mountains. Around 12:30–1:00 PM, you’ll reach a traditional Hmong home, where a fresh, home-cooked lunch awaits. Enjoy simple yet delicious dishes made from ingredients grown in the family’s garden, while you relax and take in panoramic views of cascading rice terraces all around you.
4
After lunch, the journey continues to Lao Chai San Village, known for its dramatic terrace landscapes and warm local atmosphere. Along the way, your guide will explain how villagers do rice fields, raise their families, and preserve their culture.
Around 3:00 PM, a private car will pick you up in Lao Chai and bring you back to Sapa, ending a full day of nature, culture, and genuine local connection.
What's not included
Tip for Guide & Local Family ( optional )
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
VI
EN
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Please meet our guide in front of Sapa Stone Church at the scheduled time. The guide will arrive on time and actively look for you at the meeting point.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
