Sapa Trekking Tour: 3-Day Village Stay & Hanoi Pickup

Summary

Stay overnight in Ta Van village after trekking Sapa’s hills and rice fields with local families

You’ll trek Sapa’s rice terraces with a local guide, share home-cooked meals in Ta Van village bungalows, cross bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai, and relax with new friends each night. Expect muddy boots, laughter over dinner, and moments of real quiet you’ll remember long after you get back.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll sleep well tonight,” our guide Hương grinned as we squished mud from our boots outside the bungalow in Ta Van. I’d lost count of how many shades of green we’d seen since leaving Hanoi that morning — the bus ride was long but honestly not bad (I slept through most of it). The air changed completely as soon as we stepped off in Sapa town; cooler, sharper, and carrying that faint woodsmoke smell. By the time we started trekking from Y Linh Ho through Lao Chai, I was already sweating under my jacket. The keyword here is “trekking Sapa” — it’s not a stroll, but Hương kept us laughing, pointing out which terrace belonged to her cousin and teaching us how to say “hello” in H’mong (I butchered it, she laughed).

The first night in Ta Van felt like a reward. Our host family had set out bowls of something steaming — pork with lemongrass? — and sticky rice that actually stuck to my fingers. We ate together on low stools while rain tapped the roof. It’s quieter than I expected at night; just the river and someone’s radio somewhere down the valley. Next morning, breakfast was simple but filling (eggs, bread, strong tea), then back on the trail through bamboo forests toward Giang Ta Chai village. There was this moment where we stopped on a ridge and everything just went silent except for birds and wind — I still think about that view.

By day three my legs were tired but I didn’t really want to leave yet. We trekked past more villages (Ta Van Mong, Hang Cung), waved at kids chasing chickens, crossed a wobbly bridge where everyone got nervous for a second. Lunch back in Ta Van tasted even better after all that walking — or maybe I was just hungry. The bus picked us up mid-afternoon for Hanoi; two snack stops along the way (one bathroom break turned into an impromptu fruit tasting with a vendor who insisted we try her plums). If you’re looking for a day trip Machu Picchu Cusco style adventure but want something quieter and closer to daily life, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and trek to Ta Van village

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Depart to Sapa by bus
• Follow highway to Lao Cai city
• Arrive in Sapa Town
• Drive to Y Linh Ho
• Trek Y Linh Ho to Ta Van village
• Check in homestay

Day 2 — Trek Giang Ta Chai and relax

• Have breakfast at homestay
• Trek through bamboo forest
• Stop for panorama at Giang Ta Chai
• Trek Giang Ta Chai Bridge to main road
• Return to Ta Van village
• Have lunch
• Relax at homestay

Day 3 — Trek villages and return to Hanoi

• Have breakfast
• Trek Ta Van Mong to Sam 2 village
• Return to Lao Chai
• Depart to Hanoi by bus
• Comfort breaks en route
• Arrive in Hanoi

Top questions

How far is Sapa from Hanoi by bus?

The drive from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 6-7 hours by modern air-conditioned bus.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sapa trekking tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is included.

What kind of accommodation is provided in Ta Van village?

You stay overnight in a basic bungalow or stilt house hosted by local families.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the 3-day tour.

How difficult is the trekking on this tour?

Trekking distances range from 5-9 km per day; it’s moderate but manageable for most fitness levels.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this trip?

Yes, let the operator know your food preferences when booking so they can prepare suitable meals.

Is luggage transfer arranged during trekking?

You can bring your luggage; it will be transferred by car between locations while you trek.

Can I finish my trip in Sapa instead of returning to Hanoi?

Yes, you have the option to end your tour in Sapa if you prefer.

What’s included

Your journey includes roundtrip pickup from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter by comfortable sleeper bus with bottled water provided both ways. All entrance tickets are covered along with insurance during bus travel. You’ll stay two nights in local bungalows or stilt houses at Ta Van village with all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners prepared by your hosts. A friendly local guide leads every trek through villages and rice terraces before returning you safely to Hanoi—or letting you finish your adventure right there in Sapa if you choose.