Bac Ha Trekking & Homestay - 2 Days 3 Nights
Trek around Bac Ha and stay in a Flower Hmong home.
Time: 7 pm from My Dinh bus station
Distance : 29km
Fitness level: Medium - Hard*
*Please note that the terrain can be challenging, with steep inclines, particularly during foggy or rainy weather. We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes with good grip for your safety and comfort.
Night 1: (Saturday) Hanoi - Bac Ha
6 - 6:30 pm: Please be at the Ha Son bus office located in My Dinh bus station to check in and get on the night bus to Bac Ha town. The sleeper bus will depart at 7:30 pm.
Day 1: Bac Ha town - Na Lo - Thai Giang Pho - Nhay Phong Cho - Lau Thi Ngai - Ban Pho (B, L, D) - 15km
4 am: You will reach Bac Ha bus station. Our tour guide will receive you and lead you to the homestay in Ban Pho village of the Flower Hmong. Have a rest.
7 am: Enjoy breakfast and get ready for the trek ahead.
8 am: You will trek 6 km towards Thai Giang Pho village. On the way, you will pass by Na Lo village of the Tay people, enjoy the view of terraced fields, mountains and valleys. Continue trekking up the mountain called “Three – mother and children”. It is the best place to have a bird’s eye view of Bac Ha town. The route continues towards Nhay Phong Cho village of the Phu La minority. Have a picnic lunch here served by your tour guide. Follow a footpath for 1 hour to visit Lau Thi Ngai village of the Flower Hmong. You may see local people working on the rice terraces.
Night 2: Another 1.5 hour of trekking through rice fields and forest, you will be back at Ban Pho village where you will spend the night in a Flower Hmong’s home.
Day 2: Ban Pho – Quan Din Ngai – Hoang Thu Pho – Bac Ha town – Hanoi (B, L, D) – 14km
Recommended route during good weather. If the weather doesn’t permit, we will offer you another easy trek near Bac Ha town.
The trek today will be more challenging. You will trek uphill for 1 hour from Ban Pho village to Quan Din Ngai village of the Flower Hmong people. Here you will have a chance to understand more about the daily life of the Flower Hmong. You will see the fabulous nature views of mountains and valleys as you trek for 2 hours towards Hoang Thu Pho village to visit a small waterfall. Have a picnic lunch here and enjoy the view of terraced fields.
In the afternoon, you will trek back to Ban Pho village and reach around 3 pm.
Relax at the homestay and enjoy dinner with the host.
Night 3: At 7 pm, our guide will lead you to the bus station where you will take a sleeper bus to Hanoi. It will depart at 8 pm and you will arrive in Hanoi at around 4 am the next day. Your tour ends here ;(
You may wish to spend more time in Bac Ha or visit Sapa instead of returning to Hanoi. Please contact us for customization of your tour.
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English speaking ethnic minority guide
Sleeper bus between Hanoi and Bac Ha, transportation in Bac Ha
Breakfast (day 1 & 2)
Lunch (Day 1 & 2)
Dinner (Day 1 & 2)
Homestay
1 big bottle of mineral water/day
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Soft drinks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
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Comfortable trekking shoes and suitable clothes
Sun cream, sunglasses, hat
Mosquito repellent
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$181 pp
1 person
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$121 pp
2 to 3 people
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$115 pp
4 to 5 people
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$102 pp
6 to 10 people
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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The best time to visit Sapa and Northern Vietnam is during the dry season, from September to April, when temperatures are milder, and rainfall is minimal. In mountainous Sapa, winter months (December to February) can get chilly, with temperatures occasionally dropping below zero.
Sapa is known as the “Town in the Clouds” and offers unpredictable, fast-changing weather. One village might be experiencing thick fog while another enjoys clear blue skies.
For the most stunning views of Sapa's terraced rice fields, visit in September or early October when the fields glow golden with ripe rice.
Ethnic minority festivals are most vibrant around Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which typically falls between mid-January and late February.
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Your ideal stay depends on your travel style and interests. We recommend at least two days to get a taste of Sapa’s charm, or up to a full week for a deeper, more immersive experience. This gives you time to trek through ethnic minority villages, explore the local markets, climb the majestic Fansipan Mountain, and soak in the stunning landscapes. Most trekking tours range from one to three days, so plan accordingly.
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Sapa’s weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared:
Year-round: Breathable, waterproof clothing and sturdy trekking shoes.
Summer: Sunscreen and mosquito repellent to stay protected.
Winter: Warm layers, gloves, and a hat – temperatures can drop below zero.
Rainy days: A poncho or umbrella, easily available in town at reasonable prices.
Need help packing? We’re happy to give you more tips!
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In Sapa, you may encounter ethnic minority villagers, including children, selling handmade crafts or performing for tips. While their persistence can feel overwhelming, here’s how you can respond responsibly:
Show Understanding: Many villagers rely on street selling due to poverty and limited opportunities. However, buying from children encourages them to stay out of school, limiting their future opportunities. Please, do not buy from them.
Be Firm but Polite: If approached, respond calmly and firmly without giving money. Children are sometimes sent to evoke pity, with parents watching nearby.
Support Ethical Tourism: Choose responsible businesses that hire locals as guides, support homestay development, and invest in education and healthcare. Your choices can help create long-term, positive change in the community.
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From Hanoi you have two convenient options:
Bus/Minibus
The fastest and most affordable option, with frequent departures throughout the day. Choose from standard seats, sleeper seats, or VIP cabins.
Duration: ~6 hours (with snack/toilet stops)
Cost: 200,000–500,000 VND
Train + Transfer
Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short transfer to Sapa. Vietnam Railways offers budget-friendly tickets, while Chapa Express and King Express provide more comfort.
Duration: ~8 hours by train + 1-hour transfer
Cost: 500,000–1,000,000 VND (train) + ~75,000 VND (transfer)
Let us know if we can help you book your journey – we’re happy to assist!
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Sapa Town is compact and easily explored on foot.
For more convenience, taxis and shuttles are readily available (~25,000 VND/km).
Looking for adventure? Rent a motorbike (~100,000 VND/day) or mountain bike (~200,000 VND/day) and ride the scenic trails of Muong Hoa Valley.
For your convenience, you can also rent motorbikes and bicycles directly from us – reach out, and we’ll be happy to help! -
We recommend Indigo Inn Sapa, conveniently located where our office is based. Enjoy stunning mountain views, comfortable private rooms, and the ease of starting your trekking tours right from the doorstep.
Just a 10-minute walk from Sapa town center – the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience! -
Sapa offers a variety of delicious local treats. Don’t miss:
Chestnut Cake (Bánh Hạt Dẻ) – roasted ground chestnuts, fried until golden and sprinkled with sesame, available at street stalls.
Barbecue – grilled meats and veggies, perfect for a cozy evening.
Salmon or Sturgeon Hot Pot – a hearty dish made with fresh mountain-raised fish.
For local produce:
Sapa Market (7:30 am–6 pm) – Fresh produce, spices, clothing (including ethnic clothing), and a budget-friendly food court.
Night Market (evenings) – Just outside the main market, great for snacks and souvenirs.
Xuân Trường Supermarket (8 am–9:30 pm) – The largest supermarket in town, a one-stop shop for groceries at local, non-haggle prices.