Vietnam · Trekking

2-Day Sapa Trekking Tour from Hanoi with Ethnic Villages and Rice Terraces

2 Days Round trip from Sa Pa Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H'mong ethnic minority, and experience traditional rural life
02 Trek through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van villages surrounded by rice terraces and mist-covered valleys
03 Meet local ethnic communities and learn about their customs, handicrafts, and unique way of life
04 Enjoy authentic Vietnamese meals featuring local mountain specialties
05 Capture breathtaking photos of waterfalls, wooden bridges, and terraced rice fields

Discover the charm of northern Vietnam on a 2-day guided Sapa trekking tour from Hanoi. Travel in comfort through scenic mountain roads to Sapa Town, where rolling rice terraces, misty valleys, and colorful ethnic villages await. Explore Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H'mong people, and trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van. Meet local ethnic communities, learn about traditional crafts and customs, and enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Explore Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H'mong people, and trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Hanoi, Sa Pa, Lào Cai

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Journey to Sapa and Trek to Cat Cat Village

6:30 AM Pick up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Board a comfortable bus and begin your journey to Sapa.
9:30 AM First rest stop on the highway for refreshments and relaxation.
11:00 AM Second rest stop in Lào Cai before continuing to Sapa.
1:30 PM Arrive in Sapa Town. You will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink, a short briefing on the itinerary, and a delicious lunch featuring authentic Vietnamese dishes.
2:30 PM Begin a leisurely trek to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H'mong ethnic minority. Nestled in a deep valley at the foot of Mount Fansipan, this charming village offers insights into traditional life.
Walk through narrow village paths and observe the daily activities of the H'mong people.
Trek down to the valley bottom, where you'll find a picturesque waterfall and the remnants of a French-built hydraulic power station.
Stop for memorable photos at the wooden bridge, waterfall, and rice terraces.
Ascend back uphill, where your bus will be waiting to transfer you to Sapa. (Trekking distance: approx. 2.5 km - duration: 2 hours).
5:00 PM Return to Sapa Town. Free time to relax, explore local shops, or join in the lively night atmosphere. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 02

Trek through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van before Returning to Hanoi

7:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and prepare a light pack for trekking (large luggage can be stored at the hotel).
8:30 AM Morning trek: Set off on a scenic trek through breathtaking landscapes.
Begin at Y Linh Ho Village, where you will walk along rice terraces carved into the mountainsides.
Follow the Muong Hoa Stream down to Lao Chai Village, home of the Black H'mong people. Enjoy sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and rice valleys.
Continue towards Ta Van Village, inhabited by the Dzay ethnic minority, known for their warm hospitality and distinct culture. (Trekking distance: approx. 9 km - duration: 3.5 hours).
12:30 PM Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant in Ta Van.
1:30 PM Board the bus at Ta Van Bridge and return to Sapa.
2:00 PM Free time to relax or refresh with a quick shower at the hotel's public bathroom.
2:45 PM Meet your group in the hotel lobby and get ready for departure.
4:30 PM Depart Sapa by bus. Two rest stops will be arranged along the way.
9:30 PM Arrive in Hanoi. End of tour. Guests return to their hotels independently.

Where this trip takes you

Cat Cat Village, the valley at Mount Fansipan, Y Linh Ho rice terraces, Muong Hoa Stream

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Sa Pa 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Modern air-conditioned bus from Hanoi to Sapa
Comfortable bus in Sapa with a licensed driver
English-speaking guide and local guide
Meals: 1 dinner, 2 lunches, and 1 breakfast
1-night stay at The View Sapa Hotel (or similar, twin sharing)
Insurance while traveling by bus

What's Not Included

Beverages
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Other expenses not clearly mentioned above
Public holiday surcharge (e.g., Lunar New Year)

What to bring

Warm clothes, a scarf, a hat, and a cap - Sapa's weather can be unpredictable and cold (September to March).
Trekking shoes - essential for uneven, sometimes slippery terrain.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent - for comfort while trekking.
Cash in VND - local banking can be unreliable; USD, EUR, and AUD are accepted in some places.
Personal medicine - although pharmacies are available, it is advisable to bring your own essentials.

Know before you go

Start time: 6:30 AM.
Round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter.
Not recommended for children under 3 years old, handicapped travelers, or elderly guests who may find the 9 km trek challenging, especially in rainy conditions.
On Day 2, travelers who do not wish to join the Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van trek may visit an alternative site (tickets and transport at their own expense).
Weekend surcharge (Friday & Saturday): Additional 50,000 VND per person per hotel night.

Logistics