Trekking in Sapa: A Day Tour to Lao Chai & Ta Van Village

During my trip to Sapa, I decided to join a trekking day tour that covered Lao Chai and Ta Van villages — two of the most beautiful ethnic minority villages nestled in the valleys of northern Vietnam. The tour cost me $55 for two people, which I thought was pretty reasonable considering it included entrance fees, hotel drop-off, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. The trek was about 9 km long, winding through picturesque rice terraces, bamboo forests, and traditional houses. It sounds dreamy, right? Well… here’s the honest truth. Wear proper trekking shoes — this is non-negotiable. The paths were very muddy and slippery, especially after the rain. I slipped a couple of times, and it wasn’t just me; a few people on the tour struggled with the steep descents. If you’re confident in navigating on your own, I’d actually recommend doing the trek independently. Joining the tour means you’re following a fixed path, and they made us go all the way down into the valley, which felt unnecessarily risky in wet conditions. Yes, we did get to see waterfalls, local houses, and scenic views up close, but the descent was honestly a bit dangerous. At the end of the trek, things got a little uncomfortable — an aunty who followed us the whole way started pushing us to give extra tips and tried to sell souvenirs at a much higher price. It felt quite forced, so just be prepared and firm if you’re not interested. Overall, it was a full-day tour and a great way to explore Sapa’s beauty in the summer — just make sure to go at your own pace, wear the right shoes, and watch your step! #summervacay #sapa #vietnam #tảvanvillage #laochai #trekking