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$370
$370
Mu Cang Chai & Sapa Tour: Rice Fields & Ethnic Life
Check out the short video of our tour!
Overview
From the rice-scented valleys of Tu Le to the high ridgelines of Mu Cang Chai and the misty hills of Sapa, the Mu Cang Chai trekking tour leads you through some of northern Vietnam’s most breathtaking and culturally rich landscapes. Hike along handmade terraces, cross quiet mountain streams, and share meals with local families in wooden stilt houses. Whether you're here for the scenery, the stories, or the serenity, this journey offers an honest look at rural life far from the crowds — with just the right balance of effort and comfort.
Highlights
- Hike through the famous rice terraces of La Pan Tan and Raspberry Hill
- Meet Thai, Hmong, and Giay ethnic groups in remote villages
- Watch the sunset over horse-shaped fields in Sang Nhu (weather permitting)
- Taste local green tea and see how it’s made in a small plantation
- Stay in welcoming homestays with meals and transport fully arranged
Price & Availability
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Itinerary
Lunch, Dinner
Start :
Morning pick-up in Hanoi
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.
Afternoon :
Arrive in Tu Le and explore the rice fields
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.
Late Afternoon :
Optional extended hike to homestay
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.
Evening :
Stay in a Thai stilt-house homestay
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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning :
Drive over Khau Pha Pass
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).
Late Morning :
Hike to Raspberry Hill
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.
Afternoon :
Trek from Che Cu Nha to Kim Noi
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.
Evening :
Homestay in Mu Cang Chai
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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning :
Short hike to Lao Chai or Sang Nhu
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.
Late Morning :
Drive to Sapa via Tan Uyen
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.
Afternoon :
Cross the O Quy Ho Pass
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.
Evening :
Check-in and relax 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning :
Begin trek from Sapa
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.
Late Morning :
Trek to Lao Chai village
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.
Afternoon :
Arrive in Ta Van and homestay
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Morning :
Walk through Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan
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.
Afternoon :
Drive back to Hanoi
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.
- All transportation mentioned in program:
- prviate car from your hotel to Mu Cang Chai- Sapa and come back to Hanoi
- English speaking local guide (experience, knowlegeable and friendly guide)
- Meal as in itinerary
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and signseeing fees
- Water: 1 little/day/person
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Personal items: Clothes, rain-gear, foot wears
- Extra drinks
- International Travel Insurance
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour continues in light rain — just bring a waterproof jacket and proper shoes. If there’s severe weather or trail closures, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety.
Are private rooms available during the tour?
Most nights are spent in shared stilt-house dorms, but private rooms can be arranged in Tu Le or Sapa if you prefer. Let us know in advance.
What kind of food will be served?
Meals are freshly cooked and typically Vietnamese, with rice, vegetables, grilled meats, and local specialties. Vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals are available on request.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
It depends on the age and fitness level of the children. The treks are manageable for active kids aged 10 and up. We can adjust the route if needed.
Is there internet access along the route?
Wifi is available in most accommodations, though it can be slow or unavailable in remote villages. A Vietnamese SIM card with data is a good backup.