Ban Ho Village in Sapa, Vietnam

In Sapa, there is a village that every tourist visits because of its beautiful nature, well-kept ethnic traditions, and the kindness of local people. This is Ban Ho Village – one of the places you must see in Sapa, and it’s definitely worth exploring, Location: 20 kilometers southwest of Sapa town, Sapa, Lao Cai.

Key Takeaways

• Ban Ho Village, 20 km southwest of Sapa, offers stunning natural beauty and rich traditions.
• Enjoy terraced fields, scenic streams, and cultural activities like herbal baths in Ban Ho.
• Best times to visit Ban Ho are April, May, June, September, and October for pleasant weather.
• Respect local customs, ask for photo permissions, and avoid giving money to children.

Table Of Contents

Overview of Ban Ho Village

Ban Ho village is at the heart of Ban Den village, where the Muong Hoa and La Ve streams meet. It is around 20 kilometers southwest of Sapa town. The village is split into three main parts: Xeo Trung Ho, Ta Trung Ho, and Hoang Lien, where the Dao, Mong, and Tay ethnic groups live.

Even though Ban Ho is not as close to the tourist center as other places in Sapa, it has stunning natural views. Visitors can see beautiful waterfalls, large terraced fields, and experience unique cultural traditions. Recently, Ban Ho has focused on tourism, drawing thousands of visitors each year and becoming one of the key tourist spots in Sapa.

Tucked away in a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Ban Ho Village offers a true escape into nature and culture. Unlike the more crowded tourist sites in central Sapa, Ban Ho remains a quiet gem where time seems to slow down. The soothing sounds of rivers, the gentle rustle of bamboo forests, and the sight of farmers tending their fields paint a picture of rural harmony. Trekking through the village reveals breathtaking scenery, from misty mountains to hidden waterfalls. Visitors are warmly welcomed into traditional stilt houses, where they can share meals, stories, and customs with local families. Each ethnic group here—the Tay, Dao, and Mong—brings its own colors, clothes, and customs, creating a rich tapestry of traditions. Ban Ho is more than just a stop on a map—it’s an invitation to experience Sapa’s heart and soul in its purest form.

What to Do in Ban Ho Village?

Ban Ho Village is the perfect place to slow down and discover the beauty of both nature and culture. Here, you’ll find more than just amazing views—you’ll experience real village life, meet friendly locals, and take part in meaningful activities that you can’t find in the busy city.

Trek Through Stunning Rice Terraces

One of the best things to do in Ban Ho is trek across the terraced rice fields that stretch along the valley. The trails lead you through green hills, small streams, and peaceful forest paths. Along the way, you’ll meet villagers working in the fields or children waving hello.

Visit Local Homes and Learn About Ethnic Cultures

Ban Ho is home to the Tay, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups. You can visit traditional stilt houses, join daily activities like weaving or farming, and listen to stories about village life. Many families welcome guests warmly and are happy to share their customs.

Swim in Natural Streams and Waterfalls

The cool, clean waters of La Ve and Muong Hoa streams are perfect for a refreshing dip, especially after a long hike. If you visit during the hot season, don’t miss the chance to swim or relax near one of the hidden waterfalls surrounded by trees.

Join a Homestay and Enjoy Local Life in Ban Ho Village

Staying overnight in Ban Ho gives you a chance to join local meals, enjoy traditional music, and watch cultural dances. It’s more than just a place to sleep—it’s a full experience of Sapa’s village life. The quiet nights, the sounds of nature, and the warmth of your hosts will stay in your memory for a long time.

Discover the Peaceful Beauty of Ban Ho’s Streams and Waterfalls

Ban Ho Village is where two scenic streams, Muong Hoa and La Ve, meet to form a peaceful, picture-perfect landscape. Surrounded by terraced rice fields and bamboo houses, the area feels like a living painting. La Ve stream flows from high mountains, creating a small but beautiful waterfall known by locals as Jumping Fish Waterfall. Here, fish swim under the waterfall like dancers, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers. The peaceful trails are lined with wildflowers and bamboo water pipes, adding to the charm of the walk. It’s an ideal escape for travelers who enjoy nature and quiet moments.

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Enjoy Swimming and Relaxing in Ban Ho Warm Waters

Unlike many other villages in Sapa, Ban Ho has a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. This makes it one of the best places for swimming in natural streams. In the afternoon, visitors can swim in the cool waters of La Ve Stream and the Jumping Fish Waterfall. The Muong Hoa River surrounds the village, adding to the peaceful vibe. Whether you enjoy a light splash or just relaxing by the water, Ban Ho offers a refreshing experience that’s perfect for families and solo travelers alike.

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Explore Tay Culture Through Local Life and Handicrafts

Ban Ho is home to the Tay ethnic group, known for their stilt houses and deep connection to rice farming. The village is large and full of cultural charm, making it a great place for a homestay. Guests can take part in daily activities, learn how to weave traditional fabric, or even join in local festivals and dances. The Tay people are friendly and always happy to share their customs. Traditional crafts like cotton planting, silkworm raising, and brocade weaving are still practiced here. These colorful fabrics are used for clothing and home decor, giving you a chance to see or even buy authentic handmade items.

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Rejuvenate with a Traditional Red Dao Herbal Bath

A visit to Ban Ho isn’t complete without trying a herbal bath with the Red Dao people. After a long day exploring the village, guests can hike to a nearby Red Dao community in the mountains. There, the locals prepare a hot herbal bath using leaves and roots from the forest. The herbs are soaked in wooden tubs, and guests relax in the water for about 15 minutes. The bath helps reduce muscle pain, improve sleep, and refresh your mind. This traditional practice is not only relaxing but also offers a deeper look into the healing culture of northern Vietnam.

Admiring the Natural Scenery

When visiting Ban Ho, tourists will be amazed by the large, beautiful terraced fields. The view is even more special with the bamboo houses scattered along the stream banks. Ban Ho, where the Muong Hoa and La Ve streams meet, has its own unique beauty.

Muong Hoa Stream is surrounded by pretty landscapes, with cool weather and traditional Tay villages, creating a peaceful and lovely scene. This stream plays a big role in the everyday life of the Tay people here.

La Ve stream flows from the high mountains and deep forests to Ban Ho, creating a clear waterfall. Because of this, many stream fish gather here, swimming under the waterfall like dancers on a stage. That’s why locals call it Jumping Fish Waterfall. This place is perfect for those who want to catch fresh fish with a net and enjoy grilled fish right by the waterfall.

On the way to the waterfalls, named by locals after seeing fish jump in the past, visitors will pass brooks flowing through bamboo pipes, which locals use to bring water to their terraced fields, wooden houses on the hills, and wildflowers along the path.

Swimming in the Streams

Ban Ho has a warmer climate than Sapa, with temperatures around 20-25°C. In the afternoon, you can swim in Lave stream and Ca Nhay waterfall. The Muong Hoa River flows around the village, making it a peaceful and beautiful spot.

Exploring the Ethnic Culture

Ban Ho Village is 20 km from Sapa town, at the end of a road. The Tay ethnic group lives here. They are very skilled at growing rice and live a settled life.

The village is large, with many houses. The Tay people build stilt local houses, which are beautiful to see. It’s a great place for a homestay. You can swim in hot springs or cold streams, explore the area, learn to make traditional fabric, and join local activities. The people are friendly, and the village has a warm, lively atmosphere.

The cultural potential of the Ban Ho people is shown in their old songs, dances, and rituals. Many ancient crafts have been brought back and are growing. The most well-known are cotton planting, mulberry growing, silkworm raising, and weaving. The Tay women of Ban Ho create beautiful brocade, making clothing and home decoration items.

 Herb Bathing

After lunch, the friendly owner will guide guests to the Red Dao village in the mountains for a herbal bath. The herbs are placed in a wooden tub. Guests will soak in the tub, and after 15 minutes, the water is replaced with fresh water. After the bath, tourists will feel relaxed and very happy.

Ban Ho Village is a well-known place for biking and local trekking in Sapa. Tourists can also enjoy these activities around the village.

What to Eat When Trekking and Staying in Ban Ho Village

Trekking through Ban Ho isn’t just about the beautiful landscapes—it’s also a chance to enjoy delicious, local food made by the ethnic communities. Meals here are simple but full of flavor, made with fresh ingredients from the mountains. Whether you're sharing a meal with a local family or enjoying a hot dish after a long hike, the food is a highlight of the Ban Ho experience.

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Enjoy Traditional Tay Cuisine in a Stilt House

When staying in a Tay family’s stilt house, you’ll likely be served meals cooked over a wood fire. Dishes include grilled stream fish, bamboo shoot soup, sticky rice, and mountain vegetables. Meals are eaten together with the host family, giving you a warm and authentic local experience.

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Refresh with Local Snacks on the Trek

During your trek, you might come across small village stalls or vendors offering snacks like boiled corn, grilled sweet potatoes, or sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. These make perfect energy-boosting bites while you walk through the mountains.

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Try Homemade Drinks and Specialties at Night

In the evening, you may be invited to taste local rice wine, made by the villagers themselves. It’s often shared during cultural shows or dinner gatherings. Some homes also offer herbal teas made from forest leaves, helping you relax after a long day of hiking.

Where to Stay in Ban Ho Village – Homestay Services

Homestay is one of the things that makes Ban Ho special. Out of 29 of the most beautiful stilt houses in the village, some have been chosen to offer this service. More people are coming to Ban Ho to eat, live, and work with the locals. The mix of modern life is slowly blending with the natural beauty of the deep, magical mountains here.

Wake Up to Mountain Views and River Sounds

Imagine starting your day with the gentle sound of flowing water and birds singing in the trees. Many homestays in Ban Ho are located along rivers or on hill slopes, giving guests stunning sunrise views and a peaceful atmosphere far from the noise of the city.

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Share Meals and Stories with Ban Ho Local Families

One of the highlights of staying in a Ban Ho homestay is the chance to eat with the host family. Meals are often prepared from fresh, local ingredients, including homegrown vegetables and mountain herbs. Visitors are invited to join in cooking or enjoy traditional dishes around a warm fire while listening to local legends and folk songs.

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A Unique Blend of Comfort and Simplicity

While Ban Ho remains rooted in tradition, many homestays now offer basic comforts like clean bathrooms, electricity, and even Wi-Fi in some places. This balance allows travelers to enjoy authentic village life without giving up too much of their modern-day needs.

How to Get to Ban Ho Village?

You have three ways to reach Ban Ho Village:

1. By motorbike (for a day trip)
2. By car (for a day trip)
3. By foot (for a tour of at least 3 days and 2 nights)

Choose Your Travel Style: Motorbike, Car, or Trekking

Ban Ho Village can be reached in several ways, depending on your time and adventure level. A motorbike or car is great for a quick visit, offering scenic rides through winding mountain roads. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature and local life, trekking is a rewarding option that lets you explore hidden trails and remote villages along the way.

Starting the Journey from Sapa Town

The route begins from Sapa Town and takes you along the path to Lao Chai village. After passing Lao Chai by around 3 kilometers, the valley opens up to reveal Ban Ho’s terraced fields and traditional wooden homes. The road is narrow and curvy, so a local driver or guide is highly recommended.

Why a Local Guide Makes a Big Difference

Traveling without a guide may lead to getting lost in the remote landscape. A local guide not only ensures you stay on track but also shares insight into the culture and daily life of the ethnic communities. With little to no mobile signal in the area, having someone who knows the land is essential.

When to Go and What to Expect on the Road

The best time to visit Ban Ho is during the dry season when the paths are easier to travel. Expect bumpy rides, muddy trails during the rainy months, and breathtaking views no matter the season. Prepare good shoes, water, and a camera—you’re in for a memorable adventure.

From Sapa Town, go towards Lao Chai village and continue 3 km past Lao Chai. You’ll then catch a view of the wild and beautiful Ban Ho village in the mountains. It’s best to have a tour guide because there’s no wifi or signal in the mountains, and the roads are very tricky.

Extra Tips

• Don’t give candy or money to children; it’s not helpful for them. Instead, if you can, give them books or pencils.
• Avoid putting the camera close to their faces for photos. Ask for permission from locals before taking their pictures.
• The best times to visit Ban Ho Village are in April, May, June, September, and October.
• Some locals might follow you to chat and try to sell you things. If you don’t want this, just say “No” politely, and they will eventually stop.
• Ban Ho Village is worth the sometimes tough journey to get there. The village offers amazing views of untouched nature and a chance to see the daily life of the Tay and Hmong ethnic people.