Things to do in Lao Cai Province

Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa - Trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van village (Meal: L,D ) 06:00 - 06:45am: You will be picked up at your accommodation in Hanoi's Old Town in a shuttle bus and transfer to an air-conditioned sleeper bus. Depending on your hotel's location in Hanoi Old Quarter, the pick-up time will be from 6:00-6:45am. We will confirm again for more exact pick-up time via email or WhatsApp after receiving your booking. Relax on the scenic drive to the town of Sapa. Stop along the way to stretch your legs and take in the stunning natural landscapes. 12:30 - 13:00: Upon arrival in the bus office in Sapa town, your local tourguide will meet you and going to the local restaurant for Lunch. Begin a 12-kilometer guided hike through terraced rice fields, corn fields, and potato fields. Pass through the charming rural villages of Ylinh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van. Savor some Vietnamese food for lunch. Meet some of the local H'Mong people and find out about their customs and daily life. Trekking path might be slippery somewhere. The trekking shoes is best to explore the beauty of Sapa. Have time to take a break at a breathtaking waterfall along the way. Reach your local guide's house and be welcomed like a member of the family. If you want, you can help the host to cook dinner to learn how to cook the local dishes while sharing stories. Soak up the evening atmosphere and learn more about the local culture before staying overnight at the house. Please note: Sharing the bathroom with each other as the locals do every day. As you are experiencing the real local ethnic's life and this is also a great experience in your life. Day 2: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai village – Sapa – Hanoi (Meals: B, L) Start the day early by cooking breakfast with your host. Pick between hiking to further villages and a bamboo forest, you may have the chance on the field where you can try harvesting, planting, or caring for plants. After Lunch at the local restaurant, get back to Sapa town by shuttle bus. You still have the free time to visit local market in Sapa town, and discover Sapa town by your own before come back to Hanoi. 15:00: Get on the sleeper bus and come back Hanoi city. 21:30 - 22:00: Arrive in Hanoi Old Quarter and disembark. Trip ends.

Start with pickup (Hanoi old quarter) or make your way to the meeting point (bus station in Sapa Town) before setting off to your next destination. Listen to your activity provider will provide information about the stops along the way. Sit back and relax as you make your way to Sapa or Hanoi, enjoying the views along the way or simply getting some rest before your next adventure. Arrive nice and refresh before you begin the next part of your journey. With a range of different times available each day, you can select the departure time that best suits your travel plans.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Sa Pa, and then start your 10-kilometer trek through the beautiful valley. Admire the rice terraces hidden behind the morning mist as you follow a small trail to cross the Muong Hoa River. Continue past well-tended, terraced rice fields on your way to the village of Lao Chai, where a local Black Hmong ethnic group live. Hike to the village of Ta Van Giay and trek along the route of the Muong Hoa River to cross a small suspension bridge roughly 2 kilometers from the settlement. Discover a fascinating collection of ancient rock carvings that depict images of men, stilt houses and different decorative patterns. Enjoy lunch at a local house in the village before hiking through a bamboo forest and reaching the Red Dao ethnic minority village of Giang Ta Chai. Enjoy a short rest at a nearby waterfall before climbing uphill to the main road where the driver will be waiting for you to take you back to SaPa. 

The perfect amount of time to ensure you complete the entire Ha Giang Loop including Tham ma pass, Heaven's Gate, Stone Plateau, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Sky route and the trails of the majestic Ha Giang mountain range & Nho Que River boat trip. And not too long when riding a motorbike. We provide 03 pick up time on your booking date (9:00am/11:00am/20:00pm) Drop off location can be determined after you make your reservation From Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh BY CABIN VIP BUS to our homestay in Ha Giang - 1 free night stay at our homestay before we start - 3 full day trip there are 3 options (scroll down to choose your preferred): - Self-Driving (require IDP-Convention Vienna) - Easy-rider (Certified driver will assist you throughout the trip.) - Easy-rider & Private room (Certified driver will assist you throughout the trip. & private room full trip) Itinerary Day 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Du Gia, approx. 120 km drive After some breakfast, we go out on ‘Road of Happiness’ and start driving north out of Ha Giang City. We climb up the Quan Ba mountain pass and enter the Dong Van Geopark and reach the Heaven’s Gate and pass the Fairy Hills. In or around the small town of Tam Son we find our lunch. Thereafter we venture deep into Ha Giang mountains and reach the picturesque village of Du Gia. Here we will stay with an ethnic minority family at their homestay. We will have dinner and breakfast with the family. (Day includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 2: Du Gia – Meo Vac – (Ma Pi Leng) – Dong Van – Lung Cu – Dong Van, We say thanks to the family of the homestay and head north, passing some of the most magnificent mountain passes you will ever have seen, pass the town of Meo Vac and move up the majestic Ma Pi Leng mountain pass before reaching Dong Van, the most northern town in Vietnam. Depending on weather we may continue up to Lung Cu, the most northern point of Vietnam. The Lung Cu Flag Tower can be climbed for stunning views. Back to Dong Van where we take into a hotel or homestay as agreed for the tour. Maybe a Hot Pot for dinner?! (Day includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 3: Dong Van – Sa Phin – Yen Minh – Tam Son – Ha Giang City, approx. 150 km drive After breakfast, we start our journey south. Soon we reach Sa Phin where we find the one-hundred-year-old palace of Vuong Chinh Duc – the King of H’mong people. We go down the Highland of Stone and reach Yen Minh where we take lunch and then climb a mountain pass covered in pine forest and sweeping rice terraces along our drive. Down to the Song La river valley until the road takes us up to Tam Son, over the Quan Ba mountain pass and back to Ha Giang. (Day includes Breakfast, Lunch) end trip about 17:30 at ha giang City. relax - the bus come to pick up you arrive Hanoi about midnight - 1:30am Note: drop off in Sapa/Ninh binh is optional - free of charge

Choose a pickup in Hanoi or Sapa. Then, meet the driver in your hotel lobby or the meeting point ( we offer pick up at hotels located in Hanoi Old Quarter and Sapa Town, our team will connect you the day before to confirm for the details). Listen to a briefing about the stops you will make along the way. Lie down and stretch your legs. Go asleep or take in the view. Watch the television as well. Finally, arrive at your destination, To avoid smells, there is no toilet on bus. The bus will have short break estimated every 2 hours.

The raw beauty of Ha Giang defies description—words & photos simply cannot capture its true essence; you have to see it for yourself. Every twist & turn reveals a new panorama that will stay with you forever. So, pack your wanderlust, & let us handle all the logistics for you to enjoy the Loop. Your journey will be led by a knowledgeable & passionate guide, while a seasoned local rider ensures your safety with every winding curve. Dedicated TripBestie team is always available for remote support. Your adventure will be concluded with a FLEXIBLE DROP-OFF OPTION, ensuring a smooth transition to your next destination in Vietnam—saving you time, energy, & hassle. DAY 1 - PICKUP NIGHT: SAPA-HA GIANG From 7PM: Be picked up from your hotel on main road or nearest accessible point by tram/taxi, or from the Bus Office to board a VIP Sleeper bus to Ha Giang at 8PM. Upgrade to a Limousine or VIP Cabin bus for an earlier departure or added comfort. Arrive at our hostel in Ha Giang around 2AM and rest in a comfy dorm bed for a few hours DAY 2 - LOOP DAY & NIGHT 1: HA GIANG – DONG VAN (B,L,D) - 8AM: Enjoy breakfast, meet your guide & group, and get a briefing on the thrilling Loop route. - 9.30AM: Begin the Loop ride - Ride through stunning landscapes, including Bac Sum Pass, Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Twin Mountains, and Can Ty Pass. - Lunch in Yen Minh - Conquer Tham Ma Slope & visit Hmong King's Palace. - Arrive in Dong Van ancient town, check into a cozy hotel. - Savor a delicious dinner, then explore the town center or unwind with live music. DAY 3 - LOOP DAY & NIGHT 2: DONG VAN - DU GIA (B,L,D) - Freely Visit Dong Van market (Sunday only) before 8AM breakfast - Conquer the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass & enjoy stunning views - Boat trip through Tu San Canyon on the Nho Que River - Lunch in Meo Vac, then explore M-curve, Mau Due, and Lung Ho viewpoints - Arrive at Du Gia village, enjoy dinner & live music DAY 4 - LOOP DAY 3: DU GIA - HA GIANG (B,L) - Freely visit the weekly Du Gia market (Saturday only) before 8AM breakfast - Refresh with a dip in Du Gia Waterfall, then head to Duong Thuong viewpoint. - Enjoy lunch in Thai An. - Ride through winding passes, taking in stunning views of the river and lush ancient forests. - Refresh beneath a cool, pristine waterfall. - 3:30PM: Arrive back at our hostel in Ha Giang, marking the end of your Loop adventure. DAY 4 - DROP-OFF NIGHT: HA GIANG - HANOI/NINH BINH/HA LONG/CAT BA If you’ve chosen the drop-off option to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, or Cat Ba, your Sleeper bus will pick you up from our hostel between 6:00-8:30 PM. If you've selected the "Drop-off in Ha Giang" option, your trip concludes here, no bus ticket is included. NOTES: - UPGRADED options for ACCOMODATIONS, BUSES and MOTORBIKES are available. Detailed information will be provided upon inquiry or booking. - For group booking of 6 or more, contact us to receive a free upgrade to a private tour.

Sapa Trekking Day Itinerary – Sa Seng, Hang Da & Hau Thao Villages 9:00 AM – Our friendly local guide and driver will pick you up directly at your accommodation. After a short briefing, we’ll begin a 1km uphill walk along a scenic mountain trail. After about an hour of moderate trekking, you’ll reach the top of Sa Seng Mountain. From here, take in breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fansipan (3,143m) – the highest peak in Indochina – and the entire Sapa valley below. Gazing down, you'll witness the vast and iconic Muong Hoa Valley, home to Vietnam's most spectacular rice terraces, as well as the region’s largest river and valley. The trail continues downhill to Hang Da Village, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Black Hmong ethnic community. Along the way, you may encounter free-roaming animals such as buffaloes, pigs, and horses – essential companions in the daily life of the locals. Around noon, we’ll enjoy a delicious home-style lunch at a family-run restaurant – a true taste of local hospitality. After lunch, we head toward Hau Thao Village, another Black Hmong community nestled in the mountains. Depending on the season, you might see farmers planting or harvesting rice, offering a unique window into their agricultural lifestyle. Our guide will share insights into traditional Hmong customs – from marriage rituals to house-building techniques and rice cultivation. 3:30 PM – We finish the trek in Giang Ta Chai village, where our vehicle awaits to transfer us back to Sapa town. End of the journey – with hearts full and cameras full.

Trek through the countryside of Sapa on this guided hike. Stroll along the rambling stream Muong Hoa - Y Linh Ho, learn about the Zay Tribe’s rich culture, and enjoy mountainous scenery. Meet your guide in Sapa Town and begin your adventure. Trek through rice terraces and along Muong Hoa - Y Linh Ho Stream to reach the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. As you hike, admire the Hoang Lien Son mountain. In Loa Chai, discover the daily lives of the local people and enjoy an authentic delicious lunch at the home of a villager. After lunch, continue to Ta Van village, home to the Zay Tribe. Spend some time learning about the local culture and see how to make incense with the local herbs before boarding a bus back to Sapa.

This custom trek starts in the center of Sapa at 9:00 am. The first stop on our trek is a little mountain you can look over to Fansipan Peak, and then we will traverse through the scenic Muong Hoa Valley. The trail leads through an astonishing landscape with stunning views of mountains and rice paddies as far as the eye can see. The views are only interrupted by rivers, local houses, or farmers working in their fields. At 11:00 am we will arrive at Y Linh Ho, a small village of the Hmong minority. Here we will take a bridge across the beautiful river below. From here the hiking routes will lead us to Lao Chai Sang where we will stop for lunch. We will walk past endless rice fields in the shadow of the mighty mountains. We arrive at Lao Chai Sang village at 12:30 pm for lunch at a local Hmong Family's home. You can enjoy the great taste of many local foods. After lunch, we'll continue to Lao Chai, where you are likely to see the people working in rice fields, planting or harvesting depending on the time of year. After another 1.5-hour walk from Lao Chai village (2 pm) you will get a unique experience learning local culture, daily life, and making the traditional clothing of the Hmong people. Finally, we trek to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority, returns to Sapa around 3:00 pm.

DAY 1: Hanoi – Sapa – Cat Cat Village – Sin Chai (L/D) 06:00 – 06:30: Pick-up from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel; depart to Sapa via Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway. 10:00: Comfortable break on the way to Sapa in Lao Cai City. 13:00 – 13:30: Arrival in Sapa, marvel at the ethnic costumes, lunch in Sapa town. 14:30: Trek to Cat Cat village, witness local life, visit a waterfall and the historic Hydraulic Power Station. 17:00: Explore Sin Chai village. 17:00: Return to Sapa town for dinner, free time to explore. Overnight at chosen hotel. DAY 2: Trekking – Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van (B/L/D) 7:00 - 8:00: Breakfast at the hotel. 8:00: Start a 6 km trek to Y Linh Ho village, then 3 km to Lao Chai village. 12:00 - 12:30: Lunch at Ta Van village, check-in, and rest. Afternoon: Visit local villages. 17:00: Return to homestay, prepare and enjoy dinner. Overnight at homestay in Ta Van village. DAY 3: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai Village – Supan – Sapa – Hanoi (B/ L) 7:00: Breakfast at homestay. 8:00 – 8:30: Visit Giang Ta Chai Village and Supan Village, 8 km trek to Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao people. 12:00: Lunch, rest at the homestay. 14:00: Car pick-up to Sapa. 15:00 - 15:30: Board the bus back to Hanoi. 21:00: Arrival in Hanoi. End of tour.