Trekking and Homestays 

Experience the heart of Sapa with our immersive trekking and homestay adventures.
Journey through breathtaking landscapes, guided by local experts, and stay with welcoming families who offer a unique glimpse into their culture and traditions.

  • A short but scenic walk to Cat Cat and Y Linh Ho villages, perfect for a glimpse into Hmong culture and Sapa’s stunning landscapes.

    Half Day tour

  • Choose from three routes, from the lush Muong Hoa Valley to the rugged peaks of Ngu Chi Son.

    One Day tour

  • Stay with Red Dao and Black Hmong families, visit Ha Nhi clay houses, with the option to relax with a Red Dao herbal bath.

    two day tour

  • Go deeper into the mountains, meeting Giay, Tay, and Xa Pho communities in remote, untouched villages.

    three day tour

  • The most immersive and challenging trek, venturing into Sapa’s most secluded and stunning landscapes.

    four day tour

  • If you're traveling from Hanoi to Sapa, make it a culturally immersive adventure with us—two days of scenic treks, ethnic villages, and authentic local experiences.

    package tour

What you’ll get

  • ✺

    Authentic Cultural Experiences

    Explore Sapa’s rich heritage with market tours, traditional homestays, and hands-on craft experiences led by local ethnic minority women. Connect with real stories, traditions, and daily life.

  • ✺

    Breathtaking Nature

    Trek through misty mountains, rice terraces, and hidden waterfalls, or explore by motorcycle. Experience Sapa’s stunning landscapes in every season, from lush green fields to golden harvests.

  • ✺

    Local Ethnic Guides

    Join knowledgeable guides from Sapa’s ethnic communities, gaining deep cultural insights while directly supporting local families. Their stories and traditions bring the landscape to life for an authentic experience.

Custom Made Tours

Don't see the perfect experience above? At Green Local Travel, we specialize in crafting personalized adventures just for you. Whether it's trekking remote trails, staying with local families, or immersing yourself in traditional crafts, we’ll design a journey that matches your style. Let us create your perfect Vietnam adventure!

Homestay Expectations

Staying in a local homestay is a unique opportunity to connect with the culture and daily life of ethnic minority communities in Sapa. Your hosts are generously opening their home to you, offering a glimpse into their traditions and way of life. To ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for both you and your hosts, please keep the following in mind:

    • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

    • Be mindful that you are a guest in someone’s home—respect their customs, traditions, and way of life.

    • Keep noise levels low, especially in the evenings, as village life tends to follow an early schedule.

  • Homestays are traditional homes, so don’t expect luxury. Facilities may be basic, but the experience is authentic and enriching.

    • All homestays provide charging outlets, towels, hot water, extra blankets, and flip-flops for your comfort.

    • Sleeping arrangements may be shared, and bathrooms are often shared among guests and family members.

    • It can get cold, especially in winter, as homestays often only have a small fire for warmth. But despite the chill, this fire becomes the heart of the home, a gathering place where stories are shared, meals are enjoyed, and friendships are built.

    • Pack according to the season. It can get cold, especially in winter, so pack warm layers. Summers can be hot, and sudden rain is common—bring appropriate clothing for the season.

    • If you're sensitive to noise, earplugs can be a good idea, as local homes may have thin walls, early morning activity, or nearby animals.

    • Meals are home-cooked using local ingredients. If you have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.

    • Drinks are always available for purchase at the homestay.

    • Many homestays have dogs, chickens, or other animals roaming freely. Please be aware that these animals may not be vaccinated—interact with them at your own risk.

  • In Sapa, many local women live below the poverty line and sell handmade items to support their families. As you trek, you may meet women offering assistance or walking alongside you, sharing their culture and stories. While buying their crafts is entirely optional, it’s important to understand that for them, selling is a means of survival. Our guides often know them personally, so it can be difficult for them to send them away. Please feel free to politely decline if you're not interested in purchasing.

  • It’s always a good idea to carry smaller notes (VND) for small purchases or tips. Some homestays may sell handmade crafts.

Homestays offer a truly authentic experience, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of simple living. Come with an open heart, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories!

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Need a place to store your bags while you explore? We've partnered with Indigo Inn to offer secure, lockable lockers for your convenience. Rest assured, your belongings are in safe hands while you're on your adventure.

  • 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:

    1. 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.

    2. Be Firm but Polite: If approached, respond calmly and firmly without giving money. Children are sometimes sent to evoke pity, with parents watching nearby.

    3. 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.

  • 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: 300,000–500,000 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!

  • 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.

  • Find more information on this here.