This is a leisurely trek along small roads, buffalo paths and well established trails, passing through several hill tribe villages in Lao Chai & Ta Van, home to Black H’Muong and Dzay people. The walk is essentially to and then along the valley floor, visiting villages inhabited by some of the friendliest people you could possibly meet. The walls of the valley are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields as well as a liberal scattering of these villages.

The route starts with a walk to Lao Cha, downhill through terraced rice paddies. Photo opportunities are plentiful. Lunch is Lao Chai village and then it’s an easy walk along a largely flat road on the valley floor, stopping at a few small shops which punctuate the route, until you reach Ta Van. From here it is a short ride back up to Sapa, where you will be back for mid-afternoon. This is an easy walk, covering approx. 4-5 miles either downhill or on the flat. Expect it take anything up to five hours, allowing plenty of times for photo stops – you’ll need them!