Mu Cang Chai & Sapa Tour: Rice Fields & Ethnic Life

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi around 7:30 AM. From here, begin the scenic drive northwest to Yen Bai Province, passing through small towns and mountains on the way to Nghia Lo, the gateway to Thai ethnic territory.

By early afternoon, arrive in Tu Le — a quiet town known for its rice terraces, hot springs, and friendly local communities. You'll head out on a gentle walk through the rice fields and along the stream, visiting Thai and Mong villages along the way. It’s a great introduction to local life, with traditional stilt houses and children swimming in the stream.

Depending on your fitness and energy, you can choose between two trekking options: a 10 km walk (about 3.5 hours) through the countryside via Nam Co and Nam Pang, or a shorter 6–7 km route (2 hours). Both involve walking along narrow paths, through fields, and across shallow streams.

Settle in for the night at a traditional stilt house homestay in Bung Som village. If you prefer more privacy, a hotel room in Tu Le can be arranged upon request.

After breakfast, leave Tu Le and drive over the winding Khau Pha Pass — one of northern Vietnam’s most impressive mountain roads. You’ll stop for photos at viewpoints overlooking Lim Mong and Lim Thai villages, and pass by the launch site for paragliders (when active).

Arriving in La Pan Tan, start your 3-hour trek through the heart of Mu Cang Chai's terraced rice fields. One of the highlights is Raspberry Hill — a circular, hand-carved terrace shaped by generations of Hmong farmers. After the walk, enjoy a simple lunch by the roadside, or join a local family to cook and eat together.

Continue hiking for another 3–3.5 hours along a trail that climbs into the mountains, passes waterfalls, and winds through remote Hmong villages. Along the way, you might see locals planting or harvesting rice and get a glimpse into their daily routines. You can also stop by village homes or schools if you're curious about local life.

Alternative Option:

If you prefer a lighter afternoon, you can skip hiking and opt for a sunset trek in Sang Nhu village — famous for its horse-shaped terraces. The walk is steeper but short and especially scenic if the weather is clear.

Spend the night at a Thai or Mong family’s homestay in the center of Mu Cang Chai town. Enjoy a warm meal and the laid-back hospitality of your hosts.

After breakfast, enjoy a final 2–2.5 hour hike through pine forests and hidden paths. Depending on the season, you’ll trek to either Lao Chai or back to Sang Nhu to catch the morning light on the terraced fields — a favorite stop for photographers.

From here, start the scenic drive to Sapa, passing through Tan Uyen District. Stop to visit the region’s lush green tea hills and learn about the tea-making process from local growers. Try freshly brewed tea and learn how to identify high-quality leaves.

Your route takes you over the dramatic O Quy Ho Pass — one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking mountain passes. Snap photos of Fansipan (the highest peak in Indochina), breathe in the cool air, and take in the views before arriving in Sapa.

Arrive in Sapa by late afternoon. Check in to a comfortable 3-star hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest up for another day of hiking tomorrow.

After breakfast, leave your luggage at the hotel reception and begin a 14 km downhill trek. Start with a walk to Cat Cat village and its small but scenic waterfall, then continue towards Y Linh Ho — a lesser-visited area of Hmong rice terraces.

Follow the trail through beautiful terraced fields to Lao Chai, one of the oldest and most established Hmong villages in the area. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views and learn about Hmong agricultural traditions.

Continue to Ta Van village, home to the Giay ethnic group. You’ll spend the night here in a local homestay — run by one of the first Hmong families to open their doors to visitors in Sapa.

Wake up to misty valley views and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast. Today’s trek takes you past more terraced fields and into a bamboo forest. You’ll visit Giang Ta Chai (a Red Dao village) and finish at Su Pan, where you’ll rest and enjoy a picnic lunch.

After lunch, meet your driver and start the 6-hour return journey to Hanoi. Expect to arrive in the evening, with drop-off at your hotel.