Hiking in Sapa: 8 Popular & Lesser-known Trails

Popular Routes

Setting off from Sapa town, you will find several fantastic hiking options nearby. Highlighted routes are trekking through Muong Hoa Valley to see the terraced rice fields; exploring the historic Cat Cat Ancient Village; conquering Mount Fansipan - the highest peak in Indochina; and discovering the Waterfalls in Hoang Lien Son National Park.

Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van

This is one of the most basic hiking routes in Sapa. The dirt paths are not too rugged and are free of many obstacles. The pathway is gently level, easy to walk while savoring the picturesque landscape and immersed in the daily lives of the inhabitants.

Lao Chai Ta Van hiking in Sapa

• Length: 26 km

• Time: Half day or Full day

• Difficulty: Easy

Lao Chai and Ta Van are nestled right amidst the terraced rice fields. Strolling through these villages, you can bathe in the streams, meet the locals, and witness their daily activities such as farming, weaving, raising livestock, and drying corn. Here, you can also purchase handmade crafts from the villagers or rent traditional ethnic clothing to try on.

Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Ta Van

Departing from the vibrant town of Sapa, a mere 2 kilometers will take you to the serene Muong Hoa Valley and the village of Y Linh Ho. Unlike the bustling villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, Y Linh Ho is not a hub of activities. This tranquil place features winding paths with rugged, steep, uneven terrain, and only the occasional scattered local home.

View to Muong Hoa Valley from Y Linh Ho trail

• Length: 24 km

• Time: Half day or Full day

• Difficulty: Average

In return, the Y Linh Ho trail delivers a more serene experience. You can admire Muong Hoa Valley from different perspectives and heights, offering a deeper immersive experience amid the rice terraces and surrounding hills. After walking through Y Linh Ho, you will arrive at the more densely populated village of Ta Van to delve in the local atmosphere there.

Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai

• Length: 5 km

• Time: 1 day

• Difficulty: Easy

This is another accessible trekking route in Sapa. However, unlike the Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van trail, the destinations on this hiking route are closer together. Cat Cat Village is renowned for its vibrancy and myriad of activities. The village is situated right next to a waterfall and a cool stream, combined with the quaint scenery of wooden bridges, houses, and water wheels. Visitors frequently enjoy leisurely walks, shopping, and photography. Moreover, the village occasionally hosts lively music and dance performances.

Cat Cat Village hiking in Sapa

Leaving Cat Cat behind, hikers continue their journey towards Sin Chai, the largest village in Sapa. Access to Sin Chai is only possible by passing through Cat Cat. The village is predominantly inhabited by the H’mong people. Set against the backdrop of the imposing Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sin Chai feels like a secluded retreat, insulated from the cares of the world. 

Tram Ton Pass - Mount Fansipan

• Length: 14 km

• Time: 1 - 2 days

• Difficulty: Average

Beyond the serene hikes to witness the mesmerizing terraced landscapes and quaint villages, Sapa presents an exhilarating challenge with the ascent to the “Roof of Indochina” – Fansipan peak, standing at a towering 3,143 meters. Climbers often segment this arduous hike into stages of 2,200 meters, 2,800 meters, and the final stretch to 3,143 meters. 

Take the Fansipan hiking trail

The trail is straightforward to follow, yet it demands significant stamina to navigate the relentless ups and downs of the mountain. In the evening, you can pitch a tent and camp under the starry sky.

Sapa - Silver Waterfall - Golden Stream - Love Waterfall - O Quy Ho Pass

• Length: 13 km

• Time: 1 days

• Difficulty: Average

For intrepid adventurers eager to delve deeper into the untamed beauty of Hoang Lien National Park, this trek is perfectly suited. You will sequentially discover the area's renowned waterfalls, traverse verdant forests with their pristine streams, and ascend the illustrious O Quy Ho Pass, one of Northern Vietnam's legendary mountain passes.

Sapa Tea Farm at spring

In the springtime,  you can stop by the O Quy Ho Tea Farm. This enchanting locale bursts into a riot of cherry blossoms, lining the path to the tea hills and crafting a picturesque scene of pink and green nature.

Lesser-known Routes

Sapa - Ta Phin - Ta Giang Phinh

• Length: 40 km

• Time: 2 - 3 days

• Difficulty: Average

Ta Phin is one of the many unpretentious hamlets in Sapa. Located 13km from Sapa's center, this village offers an escape from the typical tourist hubs, allowing you to explore ancient homes, mysterious caves, and stunning terraced fields.

Find peace in Ta Phin Sapa

Ta Giang Phinh is even more secluded. It lies about 40km from Sapa town. This village is cocooned within mist-shrouded mountains, presenting a landscape adorned with remarkable terraced fields, the awe-inspiring Ngu Chi Son peak, and charming little waterfalls.

Sapa - Sa Seng - Hang Da - Hau Thao

• Length: 11 km

• Time: 1 day

• Difficulty: Average

An arduous and relatively obscure hiking trail in Sapa is the journey to Sa Seng, Hang Da, and Hau Thao Village. This path will immerse you in the jagged mountain scenery, providing panoramic views of terraced rice fields, bamboo groves, and exquisite cloud sea vistas. En route, you will also come across remote villages with few inhabitants.

Morning cloud sea in Hang Da Village Sapa

Though not exceptionally lengthy, this trail is rather difficult due to unmarked segments. So you may need to have a local guide to help you navigate the mountainous terrain. On the other hand, the paths here are relatively steep. You will also need to prepare a pair of supple shoes with superior grip. 

Sapa - Ham Rong Mount - Hang Da - Hau Thao - Giang Ta Chai

• Length: 31 km

• Time: 1 days

• Difficulty: Average

Ham Rong mountain hiking in Sapa

With this extensive hiking itinerary in Sapa, you will first visit the renowned Ham Rong Mountain, known for its dragon-head shape and sharp natural scenic beauty. After a relaxing warm-up, you will tackle the arduous trek from Hang Da to Hau Thao. Your journey will culminate in a visit to Giang Ta Chai, a downstream village primarily home to the Red Dao people. This trek combines both easy and difficult destinations, providing a rich tapestry of landscapes to discover with diverse experiences.

Sapa Hiking Tips

Hiking in Sapa promises an exhilarating experience with terraced rice fields, invigorating streams, and genuine villages beckoning your visit. Nonetheless, there are several factors that must be considered before you go:

Tips for hiking in Sapa

• The best time to see Sapa is during the dry months from September to May. The rainy months from June to August are not ideal for hiking due to slippery and dangerous trails.

• If you are looking for the most beautiful time for hiking in Sapa, consider the rice season from August to October and the blossoming spring from February to May.

• The weather in the Sapa highland is quite unpredictable, and the temperature changes constantly. You should always bring a hat, raincoat, and warm clothes when on your hiking way.

• In winter, Fansipan Peak may experience snowfall. Although Vietnam is a tropical country, Fansipan Peak is one of the rare places where snow can be found.

• If you trek on your own, locals or children may follow you along the way to offer their goods for sale. You can choose to support them by purchasing some items or politely decline. If you are accompanied by a local guide, the likelihood of being followed might be reduced.

• The people of Sapa are very friendly with tourists. Additionally, many locals are proficient in English.

• Trekking in Sapa means encountering mosquitoes and insects is inevitable. Be sure to properly apply insect repellent.

• Sapa town has a wide range of accommodations with prices ranging from 20 to 60 USD per person per night. Alternatively, you can opt for staying in homestays in the villages along your hiking route, which costs around 6 to 15 USD per person per night.

• A full-day hiking tour in Sapa typically costs about 600,000 to 1,000,000 VND (24 to 40 USD) per day.

• Usually, there is an entrance fee for various sites in Sapa. You can check the price list for entry into villages and tourist spots here:

To get the full picture, visit our article on hiking in Vietnam!

Outlined above are 8 recommended trails for hiking in Sapa along with tips and some pieces of advice. Departing from Sapa town, hikers have an abundance of choices to discover Sapa's natural treasures. If you find Sapa to be a wonderful and worthwhile mountain hiking destination as we do, feel free to reach out to us for tour inquiries and expert consultation.