Sapa Trekking Tour: Cat Cat, Ta Van & Cooking Class from Hanoi

Summary

Sapa trekking with local food homestay and village life

You’ll trek from Hanoi through Sapa’s villages with a local guide, sharing meals and laughter with H’mong families, learning to cook Vietnamese dishes at a homestay, and waking up surrounded by mountain mist. Expect muddy shoes, warm welcomes, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the bus windows fogged as we left Hanoi — city noise fading into green hills. By the time we reached Sapa, I’d already lost count of the shades of rice field outside. Our guide, Minh, met us at the station with a grin and a quick “You ready for real walking?” (I wasn’t). Lunch at the condotel was just what I needed — hot soup, sticky rice, and that earthy smell you get after rain in the mountains. The hotel felt simple but friendly; everyone seemed to know each other.

That afternoon, Minh led us down toward Cat Cat village. The path was slick from morning drizzle; my shoes complained but my eyes were busy — kids chasing chickens, women in bright H’mong skirts selling bracelets. We stopped by an old French hydro plant (didn’t expect that), then watched water tumble over rocks while Minh explained how his grandmother used to weave hemp cloth here. He laughed when I tried to repeat the word for waterfall in Vietnamese — probably butchered it. Dinner back at the hotel was loud with stories and clinking glasses; later we wandered Sapa’s night market where someone handed me grilled corn wrapped in paper. Sweet and smoky.

The next morning started early with a buffet breakfast (lots of ginger tea — trust me, you’ll want it). We left our big bags behind and trekked out along Muong Hoa stream toward Y Linh Ho. There’s this moment when you step onto the terraced fields and realize how much work goes into every patch of green. Lao Chai village came up suddenly out of mist — wooden houses, children waving from doorways, a dog sleeping under someone’s scooter. Lunch at our Ta Van homestay was simple: pork stir-fry, fresh greens, sticky rice again (I could get used to it). The family showed us how to make spring rolls that evening; mine looked lopsided but tasted right.

Woke up to roosters and soft light through bamboo walls. Last day meant more trekking — Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan villages this time — Red Dao women in embroidered headscarves smiled as we passed. My legs were tired but there was this quiet between footsteps and birdsong that I still think about sometimes. After lunch in Su Pan (noodles this round), we got a quick foot massage back in Sapa before catching the sleeper bus home. Felt like leaving something unfinished, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel Hanoi to Sapa and Cat Cat Village

• Shuttle bus pick up in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Sleep bus travel to Sapa
• Arrive Sapa and transfer to hotel
• Lunch at hotel restaurant and check-in
• Guide picks you up for Cat Cat village tour
• Visit Cat Cat waterfall and hydroelectric plant
• Dinner at hotel restaurant
• Free time to explore Sapa town at night

Day 2 — Trek Y Linh Ho to Ta Van Village

• Breakfast buffet at hotel and check-out
• Guide picks you up for trek to Y Linh Ho village
• Trek to Lao Chai village
• Continue trek to Ta Van village
• Lunch and check-in at homestay
• Free time to explore nearby stream
• Vietnamese cooking class at homestay
• Dinner and drinks with locals

Day 3 — Trek Giang Ta Chai and return Hanoi

• Breakfast at homestay and check-out
• Trek 8 km to Giang Ta Chai and Supan villages
• Lunch at local restaurant in Su Pan village
• Car transfer back to Sapa town
• Rest, massage, or souvenir shopping in Sapa
• Transfer to bus station and board bus to Hanoi
• Arrive Hanoi Old Quarter and end tour

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Sapa trekking tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included.

How many nights are spent in Sapa town vs homestay?

You spend one night at a 3-star hotel in Sapa town and one night at a private room in Ta Van Village homestay.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Yes, all main meals are included: lunches and dinners feature local dishes at both hotel and homestay.

What villages do we visit on this Sapa trekking tour?

You’ll visit Cat Cat Village, Y Linh Ho Village, Lao Chai Village, Ta Van Village, Giang Ta Chai Village, and Su Pan Village.

Is there a cooking class included?

Yes, there is an included Vietnamese cooking class at the homestay on day two.

How difficult is the trekking part?

The trek covers several kilometers each day over terraced fields; good physical fitness is recommended.

What transport is used between Hanoi & Sapa?

A VIP cabin sleeper bus is used for round-trip travel between Hanoi and Sapa.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes, all entrance tickets for villages are included in the tour price.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter by VIP cabin bus to Sapa and back again; one night at a central 3-star hotel plus one night in a private room at a Ta Van village homestay; all entrance fees; guided treks through six different villages; daily breakfasts plus hearty local lunches and dinners; an evening Vietnamese cooking class; plus time for exploring markets or getting a quick foot massage before heading home.