Sapa

We want to see Fansipan and local culture but avoid any artificial shows. What do you suggest?

I'd recommend combining Fansipan cable car with a trek to a more remote village such as the Sapa to Ta Van Village trek. But to be honest Sapa has become quite touristy in recent years, and given your limited time, it may not feel as untouched as you might expect. For a less touristy area I'd recommend Ba Be National Park instead.

I am looking for a trekking adventure in remote and beautiful nature, interacting with locals, eating as local as possible. Between Sapa to Ta Van village trek, Hiking in Ba Be National Park or Ha Giang trek, what would you recommend?

It depends how adventurous you want to be. The Sapa to Ta Van Village trek offers stunning rice terraces and ethnic minority villages, though it’s a bit more popular and less remote. Ba Be National Park is a great off-the-beaten-path choice with jungle trails, waterfalls, caves, and peaceful lake villages where you can stay in a Tay ethnic homestay and enjoy traditional meals. The Ha Giang trek is the most adventurous option, featuring wild mountain landscapes, dramatic valleys, and deeply cultural experiences with local hill tribes.If you still can't choose, all three can be easily combined into a single itinerary from Hanoi > Sapa/Ta Van (3 days) > Ha Giang (3 days) > Ba Be (3 days) > Hanoi. I'd recommend allowing 7 to 9 days, depending on what hilkes and other activities you want to do in each stop.