Sa Pa Trek – 1 Day to Hidden Hmong and Red Dzao Villages

Itinerary

Day 1 ~14km
On Day 1 we will leave Sapa at 9.30am and trek down to Cat Cat village, taking in the picturesque waterfall at the bottom of the hill. After a slight retrace of steps (but not all the way back up!) we will take a turn towards Y Linh Ho and begin a 2km walk through rice terraces. Y Linh Ho is home to the Hmong minority, and their hereditary rice terraces are around 100 years old. This is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in true Hmong culture! From Y Linh Ho we will make our way to Lao Chai, an established Hmong minority village which has been inhabited for centuries. See the products of this minority at its best, with established rice terraces, homes and a vibrant community. we will spend the night at a Hmong people’s homestay and have dinner here.

Day 2 ~16km
When you awake on Day 2, open the window and have a look outside – weather permitting – you will be treated to amazing views across the rice terraces in the valley. After breakfast you will make your way to Ta Van where you will visit the Giay minority people. This tribe traditionally fished for a living and as a result established themselves close to rivers. They have mastered the art of fishing with bamboo sticks, and cook the fish inside bamboo. Nowadays however you are more likely to see the Giay working in fields planting or harvesting rice. We will continue our walk through an impressive bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, and then on to the village of Su Pan where you will be able to rest your legs and take in the stunning mountain scenery as we stop for a picnic lunch.
Feeling revitalized we will hike the final 6km to Ban Ho village where we will spend the night at a Tay people’s homestay. Their houses are particularly special as they are built on stilts overlooking rice terraces. Dinner will be cooked on an open fire, and some local speciality rice wine will be on offer to help you wind down!

Day 3 ~8km
On Day 3 you will know when it’s time to wake up when you hear the patter of feet on bamboo as the household comes alive. After a filling breakfast in the homestay we will walk 3km to Nam Toong village, home to the Red Dao minority. Providing the weather is nice you will be able to cool off with a swim in the river (and if the weather’s not so nice you still can if you’re feeling brave!). Lunch will be provided back at the Ban Ho homestay, after which we will drive back to Sapa, arriving at around 3pm with a great sense of achievement!