Sapa to Ta Van village trek
Hiking outside the Sapa tourist bubble
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Sapa
Sapa and surrounding area has long been northern Vietnam’s premier trekking destination, and with good reason... -
Ta Van
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Sapa, the Vietnam hiking capital, has become Instagram famous thanks to its scenic rice terraces, steep mountains and narrow valleys which are home to tribal communities that have lived here for centuries.
Sadly badly-regulated tourism has ruined much of the appeal of the immediate Sapa area, and most day hikes don't get you beyond the over-developed and touristy bustle. Today, there are serious concerns about over-tourism, unbridled development and respect, with many villages and the famed Bac Ha Sunday Market becoming little better than human zoos.
This is all the more unfortunate as it doesn’t take much extra effort to get outside the touristy bubble. This trek gets slightly further off the well-worn path and into some more remote regions where traditions are kept alive by authenticity, not as a performance for visitors.
You’ll walk along winding trails, past terraced rice fields, through the homes of ethnic groups like the H’mong, Dzao, and Zay, and experience a way of life that has changed little over generations. Spend the night at a homestay in Ta Van Village and get to know your hosts without any rush or performance.
Key information
| Destinations | Sapa |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Indigenous Tourism, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel |
| Physical Level | Mild |
 Season |
January - December |
Sapa to Ta Van village trek itinerary
Sapa to Ta Van
Day 1 in Sapa
Depart from Sapa for a full day of trekking through the mountain landscapes.
The path takes you past rice paddies and through valleys where the occasional village appears, nestled among the hills. Along the way, you’ll meet locals from the Black H'mong and other communities, with whom you can share a glimpse into their daily routines.
The trek winds through flower-filled fields and up into the heart of Sapa’s most striking villages. Eventually you reach Ta Van village, surrounded by terraces and home to the Zay people, whose distinct culture and lifestyle provide an intriguing contrast to that of the H'mong.
Settle in for the night in a homestay in Ta Van. Share a meal with your hosts and hear more about their way of life.
Hiking: 15-17km
Ta Van to Sapa via Giang Ta Chai
Day 2 in Ta Van
The next morning hike from Ta Van towards Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao community who have their own distinct traditions. You can spend the night at a homestay in Giang Ta Chai, or return back to Sapa by car from here.
Hiking: 7-10km
Need to know
Most people do these hikes as an organised tour, in which case transport and homestays will be pre-arranged.
There’s nothing really stopping you from hiking independently and finding your own homestay upon arrival in the villages. Just be aware that quality and comfort will vary, and during busy periods availability will be tight.
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