“Two homestay nights, both spotless, both with dinners we still talk about. The walking pace suited my parents.”
Multi-day tour
Terraces of Sa Pa and Mù Cang Chải
- 7 days
- Private, 1 to 8 travellers
- Starts and ends in Hanoi
Overview
A week of walking and driving through the rice terraces of the northwest. Trek between the villages of the Mường Hoa valley near Sa Pa, then cross the Ô Quy Hồ pass to the terraces of Mù Cang Chải.
You spend two nights in family homestays, one in each valley. On the way back to Hanoi, the road climbs over the Khau Phạ pass to the Thái valley of Tú Lệ. Walks are three to five hours, at your pace.
Highlights
- Village treks in the Mường Hoa valley
- Two homestay nights with local families
- The terraces of La Pán Tẩn in Mù Cang Chải
- Over the Ô Quy Hồ and Khau Phạ passes
- Private car, driver and guide
Itinerary
Day 1Hanoi to Sa Pa
About five and a half hours by expressway. Afternoon walk down to Cát Cát village.
OvernightHotel in Sa Pa townHotel
Day 2Trek to Lao Chải and Tả Van
About 4 hours down the Mường Hoa valley. Dinner with your host family.
OvernightFamily homestay, Tả Van villageGuesthouse
Day 3Over the Ô Quy Hồ pass to Mù Cang Chải
A short morning walk, then about four hours by car over the pass and through Than Uyên.
OvernightSmall hotel in Mù Cang Chải townHotel
Day 4The terraces of La Pán Tẩn
A half-day walk through the terraces of La Pán Tẩn and Chế Cu Nha. Night with a Hmong family.
OvernightHmong family homestay near La Pán Tẩn, Mù Cang ChảiGuesthouse
Day 5Khau Phạ pass and Tú Lệ
Cross the Khau Phạ pass to the Thái valley of Tú Lệ, then on to Nghĩa Lộ for the night.
OvernightSmall hotel in Nghĩa LộHotel
Day 6Nghĩa Lộ to Hanoi
About five hours back, arriving mid-afternoon. Evening free.
OvernightHotel in the Old Quarter, HanoiHotel
Day 7Depart from Hanoi
Transfer to Nội Bài airport.
OvernightEnd of tour, drop-off at Nội Bài airport
What's included
Included
- 6 nights: 4 hotels and 2 homestay nights
- Private car and driver for 7 days
- English-speaking local guide
- Breakfasts and dinners at the two homestays
- Village entrance fees
Not included
- International flights and visa
- Lunches and other dinners
- Tips for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Good to know
When are the terraces at their best?
Water fills the terraces in May, they are green in June and July and gold from mid September to early October.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be happy walking three to five hours on uneven paths. Every walk can be shortened by car.
What are the homestay nights like?
Mattresses with mosquito nets, in a private room or a shared space. Shared bathroom with hot water.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure.
Reviews
From US$740 per person
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