Sapa & Cat Cat Village: 2-Day Trekking Tour from Hanoi

Summary

Sapa rice terraces trekking with cat cat village overnight hotel stay

You’ll start your Sapa adventure with an early pickup from Hanoi, sharing laughs over lunch in town before trekking to Cat Cat Village with a local guide. Spend a night in a comfortable hotel, then hike through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai’s rice terraces to Ta Van village. Along the way you’ll meet H’mong locals, try traditional dishes, and maybe find yourself pausing just to breathe it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Hanoi before sunrise, still half-asleep and clutching coffee, and I swear the city was barely waking up too. The bus ride north felt long but not dull — mist on the windows, quick stops for strong tea, and then suddenly Sapa appeared with its bright colors and chilly air. Our guide, Minh, met us right at the station. He handed me a hot towel (small detail but honestly, it felt like a gift after six hours on the road) and pointed out the H’mong women weaving by the roadside as we checked in at the hotel. Lunch was steaming bowls of something I couldn’t pronounce — Minh laughed when I tried — but it tasted earthy and comforting.

That afternoon we headed down to Cat Cat Village. The path was muddy in places (should’ve listened about proper shoes), winding past bamboo fences and little kids waving from doorways. Minh explained how the Black H’mong people dye their hands blue-black with indigo — he showed us his own palms as proof. At one point we stopped by a waterfall where you could hear just water and birds for a minute; I didn’t expect that kind of quiet so close to other trekkers. Dinner back in Sapa town was lively — someone played guitar in the street below our window while we ate sticky rice and grilled pork.

The next morning started early again (Sapa seems to run on mountain time). After breakfast we set off for Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, then Ta Van — this part’s longer, about nine kilometers through rice terraces that look unreal in morning light. My legs were burning halfway but seeing Dzay villagers tending fields or waving from their porches kept me going. Minh told stories about growing up nearby; you could tell he really cared about these hills. We finished with muddy boots and full memory cards — plus a quick shower back at the hotel before piling onto the bus home. Still think about that valley view sometimes when it’s quiet here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Sapa and Cat Cat trek

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Depart to Sapa by bus
• Comfort break on highway
• Second comfort break at Lao Cai
• Arrive Sapa Town, welcome drink
• Lunch with local Vietnamese dishes
• Check in hotel
• Drive to Cat Cat village
• Trek to waterfall and hydraulic station
• Return to Sapa by bus
• Dinner and overnight in hotel

Day 2 — Sapa trek and return to Hanoi

• Breakfast and check out hotel
• Drive to Y Linh Ho
• Trek Y Linh Ho to Lao Chai village
• Continue trek to Ta Van village
• Bus pick up at Ta Van Bridge
• Lunch at hotel
• Relax and shower at hotel
• Meet group and prepare for departure
• Bus back to Hanoi with rest stops
• Arrive Hanoi, tour ends

Top questions

How far is Sapa from Hanoi by bus?

The distance is about 320 km; travel time is roughly 6 hours each way by sleeper morning bus.

Is hotel accommodation included in this Sapa tour?

Yes, one night in a standard hotel room (twin sharing) in Sapa Town is included.

What villages do you visit on this 2-day Sapa trek?

You visit Cat Cat Village on day one and trek through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van villages on day two.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch and dinner are included on day one; breakfast and lunch are included on day two.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout your time in Sapa.

Can I leave my luggage somewhere during trekking?

Yes; big luggage can be stored at your hotel while you trek with a lighter pack.

Is pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter included?

Yes; pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is provided at the start of the tour.

What should I bring for this tour?

You should bring warm clothes (weather can be cold), trekking shoes, sun cream, insect repellent, cash in VND or major currencies.

What’s included

Your trip includes pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel by modern air-conditioned bus to Sapa and return; all entrance fees along the trekking route; an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way; overnight stay at The View Sapa Hotel or similar with twin-sharing rooms; four meals featuring local Vietnamese dishes; bottled water for both journeys; storage for your big luggage while trekking; plus support via hotline if needed during your journey.