Sapa has long been known for its picturesque scenery and unique cool weather year-round as it is located 1600m above sea level in a mountainous area near Fansipan Peak. With the stunning landscape and constant uphill – downhill path along the way from Sapa to other places around, we would recommend that you should try some Sapa walking tours to fully experience the beauty of nature in Northern Vietnam. Below are our recommendation on some Sapa walking tours that you definitely should try.
Ta Phin Sapa walking day tour
The Ta Phin Sapa walking tour takes you to Ta Phin village, inhabited by the Red Dzao people. At the beginning of the day you will trek uphill following a large dirt road for nearly an hour. You can then follow a narrow dirt trail winding its way on steep hill-sides along the bank of the upstream part of Ngoi Dum River. The walk lasts for about 2 hours before it ends up in an isolated hamlet of the Black H’mong people. You will visit these isolated hamlets of the Black H’mong, then have lunch.
Ta Phin village
After lunch, you continue trekking along the same trail for nearly 1,5 hours uphill and downhill towards Ta Phin Valley. You will arrive at the center of Ta Phin Commune in mid afternoon. Take a walk around this stunning valley, paying visit to some Red Zao families, then get on vehicle again for a short drive back to Sapa.
This tour is easy and available all year round, and it is possible for the tourists to make some stops along the way to take picture of spectacular landscapes.
Muong Hoa – Hoang Lien Sapa walking day tour
This Sapa walking tour takes you through such Sapa villages such as Cat Cat village, Y Linh Ho village, Lao Chai village, Ta Van village. You trek through beautiful landscape, rice paddy terraces of Muong Hoa valley and the protected area of Hoang Lien National Park. Meet up with the Black H’mong, the Giay ethnic groups and experience their culture and traditions.
The beauty of Muong Hoa valley
You first sneak through the Sapa market and leave the busy town behind. After a couple of minutes, follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before continuing the trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river.
You will eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black H’mong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.
After lunch, you head toward Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black H’mong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will return to Sapa tours by car.
