Trekking · Lào Cai
Sa Pa Valley Trek
Two days on the rice terraces with a local guide
2 daysSmall groupFrom ~$110
Sa Pa town is busy; the Mường Hoa valley below it is not. Two days walking terrace paths with a guide who grew up on them, a night in a village homestay, and the kind of scenery that photographs are always slightly smaller than.
Trip highlights
- Trek Mường Hoa valley's iconic rice terraces.
- Stay overnight in a local village homestay.
- Explore diverse community cultures and traditions.
- Support authentic community-run tourism.
Why we chose this trip
The guides are from the valley itself, and the homestay income stays in it — community-run travel done the way the label intends.
How we assess →Day by day
Day 1
Down into the Mường Hoa valley
Start above the valley and walk down through the terraces — buffalo paths, bamboo stands, streams crossed on stones. Lunch in a village house, more slow walking in the afternoon, and dinner cooked over the fire at the homestay.
Day 2
Across the valley floor
Cross the river and climb gently through villages on the far side — different community, different textiles, different rice wine. A waterfall stop, lunch, and a car back up to Sa Pa by mid-afternoon.
What's included
- Local guide from the valley
- 1 homestay night
- All meals on the trail
- Luggage transfer — you walk with a day pack
- Entrance fees and village permits
Not included
- Train or bus from Hà Nội to Sa Pa
- Drinks
- Trekking gear — proper shoes are on you
Good to know
The terraces are greenest June to September and turn gold in the weeks around late September. Paths get genuinely muddy after rain — wear shoes with grip. It's four to six hours of walking a day at an easy pace, downhill more than up.
Questions about this trip
What level of fitness is required for this trek?
This trek involves walking down into and across a valley, including buffalo paths and gentle climbs. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for comfortable enjoyment of the two-day walk.
What should I pack for the trek?
You will walk with a day pack, as luggage transfer is included. Proper shoes are essential, as trekking gear is not provided.
Is transportation to Sa Pa included in the tour?
No, transportation from Hà Nội to Sa Pa, such as by train or bus, is not included. The tour begins in Sa Pa.
What kind of meals and accommodation can I expect?
All meals on the trail are included, with dinner cooked over the fire at the homestay. You will spend one night in a village homestay.
Who will be my guide?
Your guide will be a local from the valley itself, offering authentic insights into the region.
From~$110
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