Authentic Experience of Sapa
Lunar New Year 2026 – Service Notice
From February 15 to February 23, 2026 (Lunar New Year holiday), all tours and services provided by Sapa Local Guide will be subject to a 10% holiday surcharge.
Sapa Hiking Moutains View, Trekking villages, Valley View
9 Reviews
★★★★★ 5/5
❇️ 3 days 2 night experience
❇️ Moderate to challenging
❇️ Cultural immersion & active adventure
❇️ Rice fields, valley & villages
❇️ Private tours
❇️ Vegan-friendly
Authentic Experience in Sapa – Discover Ethnic Villages, Terraced Fields & Local Life
Looking for an authentic experience in Sapa? This cultural trekking tour takes you through five ethnic villages of the Black Hmong, Giay, and Red Dao people, offering a true glimpse into the soul of northern Vietnam.
Your journey begins with a hike to the mountaintop for a breathtaking panorama of Sapa’s iconic rice terraces and rolling valleys. As you descend, you’ll walk through peaceful countryside trails and visit local traditional villages nestled deep in the mountains.
Along the way, explore traditional stilt houses, see daily farming activities, and experience the warmth of rural life. Join a local family in their homestay—cook a traditional meal with them, learn about their customs, and share stories by the fire. It’s more than just a visit—it’s living the life of the people here.
This tour brings you a refreshing escape from the noise and pressure of city life. You’ll experience the freedom, simplicity, and mutual support of Sapa’s village communities—where people live in harmony with nature and each other.
You’ll also discover unique Hmong marriage traditions, ancient house rituals, and hands-on rice fieldwork techniques. Every step of this journey offers cultural insights and deep human connections—making it one of the most authentic experiences in Sapa.
Reasons to book this experience from Sapa Local Guide
1. A local private guided tour focuses on your learning and has enough time to answer all your questions. And helps you to take those all important selfies!
2. Three different ethnic minority villages in the valley below Sapa.
3. Village landscapes, traditional houses and cultural life
5. Ideal photographic opertunities shooting scenery and people and a chance to rest in cool green bamboo forests.
4. Casading streams, birds, domesticated farm animals and the ubiquitous water buffalo grazing in the late afternoon.
6. Trekking along pathways not normally found in busy Sapa “tourist” routes.
Detailed itinerary of local Sapa tour guide
Sapa Adventure: Explore Mountains and Villages – An Authentic Experience in Sapa
Day 1: Begin Your Journey Through Sapa Cultural Villages
9:00 AM – Meet Your Local Guide
Your adventure begins when you meet our friendly Sapa guide at your hotel or in front of Sapa Church. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the mountains and authentic local life.
Short Hike to Stunning Mountain Views
We warm up with an easy 1-kilometer uphill hike. As you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of towering Fansipan Mountain, misty valleys, and the charming town of Sapa nestled below.
Explore Muong Hoa Valley’s Rice Terraces
The trail leads you to breathtaking rice terraces of Muong Hoa Valley—one of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in Vietnam. You’ll also spot the river winding through the valley, creating postcard-perfect scenery.
Visit Hang Da – A Hidden Cultural Village
As we descend, we’ll arrive at Hang Da village, home to the Black Hmong people. Walk past peaceful fields, see water buffaloes and farm animals, and get a real sense of rural life.
Taste Local Flavors at a Family-Run Restaurant
Stop for lunch at a small, family-owned restaurant where you’ll enjoy delicious Hmong dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Discover Hau Thao Village and Its Traditional Homes
Continue your journey to Hau Thao village, another Hmong community known for its traditional stilt houses and terraced landscapes. Watch villagers work in the fields and enjoy the rhythm of mountain life.
Authentic Homestay Experience
In the evening, you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a Black Hmong family. Take a shower, relax, and help your host prepare a traditional dinner. This is a true authentic experience in Sapa, where you cook, share stories, and become part of village life.
Evening in the Mountains
Spend the evening surrounded by quiet mountains, away from the rush of the city. Laugh with your travel companions, gaze at the stars, and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Bamboo Forests & Cultural Encounters (9 miles / 6 hours)
Morning Wake-Up in Nature
Start your day with a warm cup of tea or coffee and admire the sunrise over rice terraces surrounding your homestay.
Trek to Su Pan Village
After breakfast, we head to Su Pan village, where more Black Hmong families live. Watch local life unfold as villagers tend to their fields and animals.
Discover Giang Ta Chai Waterfalls
Hop in a vehicle for a short ride to the stunning Giang Ta Chai waterfalls, hidden in the forest and flowing down smooth mountain rocks.
Visit Red Dao Culture
Explore the nearby Red Dao village, where you’ll learn about their rich traditions, intricate embroidery, and herbal bathing practices. If you’re lucky, you might be invited into a traditional house for a cup of tea.
Cross the Hanging Bridge Back to Nature
After the cultural visit, we take a scenic path across a hanging bridge and follow forest trails back toward the waterfalls.
Lunch in a Hmong Family Restaurant
Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant run by a Hmong family in Giang Ta Chai village, filled with warm hospitality and authentic food.
Trek Through Bamboo Forest to Ta Van Village
In the afternoon, walk through a peaceful bamboo forest leading to Ta Van village, home to both Black Hmong and Giay ethnic groups. The view of the rice terraces from here is truly stunning.
Second Night at a Homestay in Ta Van
Spend another evening with a welcoming Hmong family. Help your hosts prepare dinner and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of rural life—where neighbors help each other and life flows without competition or stress.
Day 3: Rice Terraces and Final Trek Through Lao Chai & Y Linh Ho (10 KM)
Morning in the Village
Wake up to the sound of birds and fresh mountain air. After breakfast, we begin the final trek of your adventure.
Trek to Lao Chai Village
Walk along stone paths and cross a wooden bridge into Lao Chai, where you’ll see more rice terraces, water buffaloes, and traditional Hmong homes. The mountain scenery here is simply unforgettable.
Climb to Y Linh Ho – The Last Cultural Stop
Continue the trail to Y Linh Ho village, tucked into a quiet valley. This is your last chance to soak in the view of terraced fields and traditional lifestyles before returning.
Lunch & Farewell
Enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant owned by a Hmong family. After the meal, a short walk takes you to the pickup point where our car awaits.
Return to Sapa (2–3 PM)
We’ll drive you back to Sapa town by early afternoon. You’ll have time to explore the town center or get ready for your return to Hanoi.
Why This Tour is Special
This 3-day journey is not just a trek—it’s a meaningful escape into the heart of Sapa. You’ll visit cultural villages, walk among mountain landscapes, dine in traditional homes, and experience the beauty of simple village life far away from the noise of urban struggles. It’s the perfect authentic experience in Sapa for travelers who seek connection, culture, and unforgettable memories.
Pick Up
From your hotel in Sa Pa or in front of Sapa Church
Sapa Center Cafe – Restaurant – No 10 Cau Mat Str, Sapa Town (waiting, luggage storage, free WC)
Drop Off
In your hotel in Sapa or Sapa center
Included
+2 breakfast + 3 lunches + 2 dinner, 2-night accommodation (homestay)
+ Guide local francophone : supplément de 55 $ pour 3 jours.
+ Local French speaking guide: additional 55$ for 3 days.
+ English speaking guide
+ Village entry fees
+ 1x bottle of water
+ Transport back to Sapa
Excluded
– Personal travel insurance
– Extra drinks during hiking (e.g., bottled water or beer)
– Any extra transportation other than what is included in your chosen tour will be charged for.
– Tips
Price for a private tour
114 USD: One person
220 USD: 2 people(112 USD/per person)
330 USD: 3 people(110 USD/per person)
400 USD: 4 people(100 USD/per person)
5 to 10 people(90 USD/per person)
Price for a group tour
100 USD/person for a group of 2-6 people.
How it works:
Notification: We’ll let you know a day before the tour starts about how many people will join you on the tour day.
Extra Charge for Solo Travelers:
If nobody else joins you on the departure day and you are the only person, there will be an extra charge of 12 USD, making your tour a private one. This extra charge can be paid later.
No Extra Charge for Groups: If your group has more than 2 people and no one else joins the tour on the departure day, there will be no extra charge. You will still enjoy a private tour.
Sapa Local Guide cancellation policy
6+ days prior tour start date: 100% reimbursement of the tour price (no cancellation charges)
2 to 5-days prior tour start date: 50% reimbursement of the tour price
1 day before or same day of tour start date: no reimbursement
Bus From Hanoi to Sapa (Optional)
This is an optional extra.
The bus ride to Sapa takes about 6 hours. If you get to Sapa earlier than planned, you can wait at the bus station or on the bus itself until 5:00 am.
We have three bus options:
- Sleeper Bus: This is a good choice if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sharing some space. Plus, the beds can be adjusted if you’re a bit taller.
- Cabin Sleeper Bus: This is a more private option with a private cabin.
- Single Cabin Sleeper Bus: This is also a private cabin, but for just one person.
Whichever option you choose, once we receive your booking, we’ll confirm it and send you your bus tickets!
Bus Price
Cabin Sleeper Bus (30 USD each way): This option has a private room with 2 bunk beds, perfect for couples or anyone who wants privacy.
Single Cabin Sleeper Bus (20 USD each way): This is a private room with just one bed, ideal for solo travelers who want some peace and quiet.
Sleeper Bus (15 USD each way): This is the most affordable option. You’ll have a single bed in a shared space.
- Hanoi to Sapa 6-hour
06:30, 13:30, 21:30 (At My Dinh Office: No. 7, Pham Van Dong, Hanoi (Opposite National University) To Sapa: No. 571, Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa Town - Sapa Hanoi 6-hour
13:30, 16:00, 22:00 (At Sapa: No. 571, Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa Town to (My Dinh Office: No. 7, Pham Van Dong, Hanoi (Opposite National University)
What makes us your best option?
Sapa Local Guide is run by a passionate team of Hmong people who call Sapa home! Growing up here has given us an intimate knowledge of the best spots to explore. We offer hiking, trekking, and motorbike adventures that reveal the hidden beauty of Sapa, ensuring you experience sights most tourists miss!
Here’s what sets us apart:
Locally & Minority Owned: As Sapa natives, our tours directly support our community and neighbors.
Authentic Sapa Experience: Say goodbye to tourist traps! We’ll immerse you in the real Sapa.
Respectful Encounters: We introduce you to the Hmong and other ethnic minorities in a way that deeply respects their culture.
Eco-Friendly Adventures: Our love for Sapa’s nature drives us to keep it pristine for future generations to enjoy.
Join us to discover the heart and soul of Sapa, guided by those who know it best!
FAQ
Things you should bring
– Waterproof Jacket
– Prepare in case of bad weather.
– Comfortable clothes
– Use while trekking, especially in summer
– Mosquito repellent
– Cash for additional purchases
– You might want to buy some local traditional products or your drink.
– Trekking shoes
– Good shoes are OK, but trekking is the best.
– A Jacket – Use when you do this tour in winter (The temperature is about 6 -10 °C in winter)
– SunscreenHow Private Tour Works?
Flexible Meal Plan
Tickle your taste budsAdjust the physical activity
We can adjust the difficulty of all of our hikes to your wishes and abilities.Handpicked Accommodation (Homestay)
Best location & pricePrivate Guide and Car
Hassle-free tour experienceHow A Group Tour Works?
Singles can safely join a group tour
It’s a great way to meet people. The tour offers the chance to meet new friends and acquaintances, in some cases, from all over the globe.
All of the details are sorted for you and at a discounted price!
Whether you are travelling alone, or simply prefer the convenience of not having to spend an age online deciding where to stay and which route to take, group travel tours can be a complete lifesaverWe make it FUN and SAFE
Travelling alone can be a little daunting. There are many people who feel the pull of last-minute solo holidays. With new friends, you will feel happier.
Book Your Private Trek Online
When Would You Like To Start The Tour?
Sapa Hiking Moutains View, Trekking villages, Valley View
$0
Explore Sapa's Villages with Us!
This exciting tour takes you on an adventure through 5 villages where the Hmong, Giay, and Red Dao people live! Our friendly local guide will show you all around.
Get ready for amazing views! We'll hike to a mountaintop for a panoramic picture of Sapa's stunning scenery, including rivers and valleys. Then, we'll head down to the villages to learn all about the culture, traditions, and way of life of the three main ethnic groups in the area.
Sapa Hiking Moutains View, Trekking villages, Valley View
$0
Explore Sapa's Villages with Us!
This exciting tour takes you on an adventure through 5 villages where the Hmong, Giay, and Red Dao people live! Our friendly local guide will show you all around.
Get ready for amazing views! We'll hike to a mountaintop for a panoramic picture of Sapa's stunning scenery, including rivers and valleys. Then, we'll head down to the villages to learn all about the culture, traditions, and way of life of the three main ethnic groups in the area.
Book Your Private Trek Online
When Would You Like To Start The Tour?
Sapa Hiking Moutains View, Trekking villages, Valley View
$0
Explore Sapa's Villages with Us!
This exciting tour takes you on an adventure through 5 villages where the Hmong, Giay, and Red Dao people live! Our friendly local guide will show you all around.
Get ready for amazing views! We'll hike to a mountaintop for a panoramic picture of Sapa's stunning scenery, including rivers and valleys. Then, we'll head down to the villages to learn all about the culture, traditions, and way of life of the three main ethnic groups in the area.
Reviews
I had such an excellent tour with Pao. He is an amazing guide, I saw so much in one day. He was even kind enough to show me his family's home and took me to all the different villages. I loved it and highly reccomend it.
Pao You made my visit so much richer by showing us hidden gems that we wouldn’t have found on our own. Thanks for making this an unforgettable experience!"
"Your down-to-earth approach made everything feel so comfortable and genuine. I’ll be recommending you to everyone I know
Such an amazing experience - definitely a highlight of my trip to Vietnam. I did the two day trek with Pao which was the perfect amount of time. We hiked down to the local Hmong village and learned so much about the culture and customs from Pao, who is a local himself; he even took us to his father in law and parents’ houses to show us how locals live. The views were amazing as well!! We had really good, authentic food for our meals and the homestay was clean and nice. Thank you to Pao for sharing his culture with us!
Trekking up Fansipan was an incredible adventure! The 5-hour hike, guided by an expert, rewarded us with breathtaking views at the summit. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning landscapes and the thrill of conquering the "Roof of Indochina."
We had an incredible trek with Du, a day we will never forget. The day before, we met her lovely sister, Ku, which set the stage for our adventure. Spending the day with Du was a delight—it was just the two of us, and she took exceptional care of us while being fantastic company.
Our experience was thoroughly enjoyable, starting with breathtaking views of the rice fields and culminating in a wonderful lunch at Du’s home in the village.
We learned so much about Du, her family, and her tribe’s way of life. This personalized journey was a highlight of our trip and far surpassed any group tour. If you want a deeper, more intimate understanding of the culture and the people, we highly recommend this experience!
This experience I won't never forget... Sapa local guide, the team, have been so so nice, kind and make everything going perfect! I have to mention specially to Choo, the guide I've done the trekking with. He IS absolutely nice, good person, great cooker and always paying attention to help you and make you feel confortable. Really, I highly recomend doing the trekking with them, makes the experience unique🥰💚
We had an incredible day walking tour with Sapa local guide, which turned out to be our best experience in Vietnam! The tour included a picturesque walk through the rice fields to Khu's village, a scenic four-hour journey from our hotel in Sapa. Throughout the walk, Khu kept us engaged with her charming personality, fascinating stories, and insightful explanations. She answered all our questions with ease, showcasing her excellent English skills.
The highlight was the delicious lunch at her home, a true taste of local cuisine. Khu also thoughtfully arranged our ride back to the hotel, making the entire experience seamless.
Our time with Khu was unforgettable, and we wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Vietnam!
**An Unforgettable Adventure in SaPa with Pham**
Our 2-day hike with an overnight homestay at Pham’s home was simply spectacular! From the moment we arrived, Pham and her husband greeted us with warmth and genuine hospitality, making us feel like part of their family. They meticulously organized an unforgettable stay for us, filled with unique and extraordinary experiences.
Pham guided us through mesmerizing rice fields, enchanting bamboo forests, and breathtaking mountain trails, revealing hidden gems and special spots along the way. Exploring this stunning landscape with such a delightful and knowledgeable guide was an absolute joy. Pham’s deep understanding of local life and culture enriched our journey, offering us insights that only a true local could provide.
The homestay itself was a perfect adventure, blending comfort with authenticity. Sapa local prepared mouthwatering meals for us, both dinner and breakfast, showcasing the delicious local cuisine. The entire experience was flawlessly organized; we didn't have to worry about our luggage or transportation from the train station to SaPa town – every detail was expertly handled.
There is so much more to share about our incredible two days and the time spent with Pham. For anyone planning a trip to SaPa, we highly recommend this experience. Pham and her family made our visit truly special and unforgettable.
Thank you, Pham, for the wonderful memories!
I can't wait to come back!
A huge thank you to Giang and my homestay family for one of the most incredible experiences of my life. As an avid traveler, I rarely visit the same place twice, but I will definitely be returning here as soon as possible.
Giang, my guide, was absolutely wonderful—kind, sweet, knowledgeable, and incredibly interesting. The perfect guide! Even though we had heavy rain on the first day, it was still a fantastic experience. The homestay provided me with the best night's sleep I've had in a month of traveling through Vietnam. A hot shower, a delicious dinner, and a comfortable, warm bed were exactly what I needed. Plus, the adorable puppy was a delightful bonus!
The next morning, I enjoyed the best banana pancakes and coffee I've ever had. Thank you all so much, and I hope to see you again soon!
9 Reviews
★★★★★ 5/5
9 Reviews
★★★★★ 5/5