Review Author: Celeste Sui

Review Date: 03 Juni 2026

Review Body: Mae Pham was a wonderful guide that took us trekking through two different villages in Sapa. This was the highlight of our trip as we chose to take the “off-the-beaten-path road” (though there’s an easier option on the main road for those who needs it!) We walked through villages, rice fields, river crossings etc and it was is peaceful just observing locals live their day to day life without any tourists groups around us! In fact we only saw small groups of tourists at the beginning of our tour before completely being alone. Spotted some cute wildlife insects and farm animals along the way as well. The 5km passed super quickly and we ended the day with lunch which was delicious. Note that drinks are not included so bring some cash! Good thing that the car picks us up at the restaurant cause girl the hike back up looked intimidating. Make sure to wear covered pants and hiking shoes as it gets rocky and slippery (after a day of rain)! A rain jacket would come in handy as well cause it kept drizzling while we were there in May. We also booked this tour pretty last minute (1-2 days before) and the operator was kind enough to help us change the date because the weather was unpredictable and it was rainy the initial day we booked it for.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anna

Review Date: 25 Sep. 2026

Review Body: Our guide Tung was patient, attentive, and took the time to explain in detail all aspects of daily Hmong life. From how indigo is made, to how rice is harvested and ground, to how incense is produced. The trek was suitable for my older mother, the lunch was delicious, and overall we had a wonderful experience with a local person who shared their culture with us. The tour operator was also super accommodating with us.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tim Flower

Review Date: 22 Apr. 2025

Review Body: We had an amazing trek with May, visiting the local villages and getting the opportunity to understand how hemp is made and died and then being able to have a go at weaving it. We also learnt about how rice is harvested and processed and had a go a making cornmeal. The villages were beautiful and it was topped off with a lovey lunch at GIÁY culture restaurant (Nhà Hàng Văn Hoá Giáy).

Review rating: 5

Review Author: France Nguyen Vincent

Review Date: 30 März 2025

Review Body: A wonderful experience on this gentle walk, discovering villages of the different ethnic communities of the area and their beautiful crafts. Even though the weather was not the best for expensive views, sunny or not, the tour was really worth it and we loved supporting this small a truly local enterprise :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lorena

Review Date: 29 März 2025

Review Body: We loved the whole experience: May Pham is an amazing guide! She showed us beautiful landscapes and explained us very interesting things, such as how they grow rice and dye fabric. Then, we had lunch in a local restaurant: everything was delicious. I would definitely recommend this tour!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Elisha

Review Date: 17 Juli 2025

Review Body: We had a wonderful time with the lovely May Pham for this trip! She was great, the sights were beautiful and we loved learning about the history of the place. The lunch was also brilliant and we were so well catered for with our dietary needs (gluten free and vegetarian)!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: May

Review Date: 03 Juli 2025

Review Body: It was an amazing tour. Passing through rice fields was mesmerising…Chi, our guide was very informative and patiently waited while we couldn't stop taking photos. Highly recommend. It was an easy walk through rice fields, can be done by all.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tang SY

Review Date: 09 Juni 2025

Review Body: The guide was informative and spoke very good English. She exudes a sense of calm and kept us safe throughout. The lunch provided was great! All in all, it was a good walk with great view and good company.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alice

Review Date: 08 Juni 2025

Review Body: Mrs May Pham is a friendly, humble and knowledgeable local guide. She speaks relatively good English. Gio from Sapa Trekking Hiking Tours was flexible to change the 3 hour morning trekking to afternoon.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Pamela Lim

Review Date: 31 Okt. 2025

Review Body: Linh is an excellent guide. Took care of us and made sure we did the trek with minimum distractions. Looked out for safety and also understood what we enjoyed.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Marina

Review Date: 16 Sep. 2026

Review Body: We had a wonderful tour with Ms. Tung! She was very kind and informative. 10/10 experience despite the rainy weather!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jalene C

Review Date: 29 März 2026

Review Body: Overall it was an enjoyable experience away from the city. Our guide, Linh was very obliging and fluent enough in English to answer our questions and share details about the different tribes. Though this was marketed as an easy trek, I feel that you do need a certain level of fitness, especially if you are more elderly. I would have rated this a 5-star experience if not forthe first part of the walk - several members from the tribe(s) joined our group and actively paddled their wares. We all enjoyed the home cooked lunch at the end of the trip. It was very tasty- one of the best meals we had in SAPA.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Lien verkinden

Review Date: 29 Okt. 2025

Review Body: Nice tour and very nice guide Chu.

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Susan

Review Date: 24 Apr. 2026

Review Body: As I have a half day/morning left on my last day in Sapa, I researched and found this tour which claimed to be complete within 3 hours. My tour guide was Di. She thought I was in a different hotel so we needed to find each other for a short period of time. At the start of the tour, as I joined another trekking tour yesterday, I wanted to clarify with her if we were going to the same spots. It was a bit difficult to communicate as her English was not very good. The customer service staff stepped in and texted with me via WhatsApp. (A warm reminder that Lao Chai & Lai Caí are different; Ta Phin & Ta Vi are also different) After confirming the villages to be visited, we hopped on a taxi/car to start directly at Lao Chai. (Not the fault of the tour nor the guide but the car driver kept coughing and wanted to close the car windows.) The route is very popular with foreign tourists so you would keep bumping into them. And once you stepped out of the car, the kids/teenagers of the village would come to you and follow you trying to sell you souvenirs . Be prepared for that. A girl followed us, but she did not not sell or bother, just following us. And then to a certain point Di, the tour guide, either walked ahead or stayed behind talking on the phone. The little girl stepped up and held my hand whenever the path was difficult. I was disappointed at the tour guide as it was supposed to be her job : being attentive and provide assistance when needed. Together with her English proficiency level (which I could only understand 30%-40% of the entire tour) I was disappointed. One more reminder to Asian tourists : the tour guide led a path via the graveyards. As an Asian tourist I feel uncomfortable to visit or walk past graveyards. I wish I was told beforehand, alarmed or notified, or have the options to NOT walk past them. Overall I would not recommend this tour.

Review rating: 2

Review Author: Shaari

Review Date: 31 Aug. 2025

Review Body: Brace for a long read... My first interaction and most of my planning conversations for my time in Sapa took place with Mr. Gio, who patiently and responsively answered all of my questions and cleared all my doubts. He was able to help me beyond what was expected and made my (short) time there considerably worry free and smooth. This included helping me out with sorting out transportation (from Sapa to Hanoi after the trek), accommodating some dietary restrictions and with a specific minor issue I faced during my time in Vietnam as well. He went above and beyond! While this experience is meant for Ngu Chi Son, which I was supposed to tackle with Gio's cousin Mr. Chu, we had to divert to Mt. Fansipan (2d 1n) due to unfavorable weather conditions at Ngu Chi Son, and it turned out to be arguably an even greater experience! Mr. Chu was punctual in arriving to pick me up from my hotel on the chosen day and was able to arrange storage of my luggage until my return from the trek. The drive and the formalities prior to trek were short and smooth, and we were able to get straight to it. Chu spoke perfect English and is experienced with the trail enough for you to have total trust in him. Personally I prefer a quieter hike to immerse myself fully, and mostly speak only when we take breaks -for which Chu checks up on periodically, to make sure you're doing alright. He will also stop and take pictures for you as often as you'd like him to as well! On day one, we reached camp 2 in about 6hrs from the start point, including breaks, lunch at camp 1 and short rest stops along the way. It surprised me that Chu was able to cook up some delicious food as well, which made the whole trek feel all the more welcoming, especially at dinner. The next morning we set off for the summit after a simple but filling breakfast, and reached in no more than 3hrs. Overall a great experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to challenge their limits, especially if you are still young and healthy. My sincerest gratitude to both Mr. Gio and Mr. Chu for a truly unforgettable expedition, and a great time in Vietnam.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Joyce Ocampo

Review Date: 01 Okt. 2024

Review Body: My tour guide, May Sieu, was very cheerful and pushed to give me a great experience despite the strong rain and mist. She drove very carefully and was attentive to my comfort. She took me to scenic spots that were still breathtaking despite the thick fog, and took many pictures of me while I was enjoying the views! Her sense of humor and stories kept me entertained all throughout, and I quickly forgot how freezing it was. She took me to a great local spot for lunch (it was delicious!!), and gave me a brief but educational tour through the Lao Chai village. I also appreciate how she steered me away from destinations that would be dangerous in rainy weather. Overall, her company and the bike ride itself gave me a pleasant memory of the O Quy Ho Pass and Lao Chai village. She also gave me tons of ideas for future trips to Sa Pa. Highly recommended! I'll definitely be back! 🥰

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rachel Cortez

Review Date: 10 Nov. 2025

Review Body: This was an absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish! Pang Cho and Gio greeted me with a beautiful fire in the fireplace and delicious local tea. We chatted a bit by the fire. Then Pang Cho showed me all the ingredients and expertly guided me through making the meal with Gio and her. We made pumpkin soup, stir fried greens with garlic, sauteed bamboo with garlic, bbq pork, bbq pork & enoki mushroom kabob, tofu with green onion & tomatoes and amazing pork & mushroom spring rolls. This was all served with steamed rice from their rice fields. Everything was so fun to make and absolutely delicious. Gio and Pang Cho are extremely kind, friendly and generous people who make this such a special time. This was definitely the highlight of my trip to Vietnam! Note - I am an omnivore but if you have other dietary needs, they can easily accomodate.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Adrienne

Review Date: 28 März 2025

Review Body: This cooking class was a wonderful experience for me and my two teenage kids. Gio and his wife opened their home and opened our eyes to life for the Hmong people. The cooking class was secondary to our conversations around the fire, meeting their family (mother, brother, nephews/nieces) and sharing a feast with everyone. The intimate evening filled our cups with joy and was a perfect way to begin our time in Sapa after an overnight train ride. Practical notes: Both Gio and his wife are friendly, warm and have a good grasp of the English language so communication was easy. They live just off the main road at the end of the valley. The pick up and drop off was seamless.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Vivien

Review Date: 05 Aug. 2025

Review Body: I loved everything about this cooking class! Exactly how I hoped it would be - cooking with a local family in their home, having dinner with not only the couple that did the cooking class with us but with the whole family, sharing stories. Even tho not all family members spoke English we felt a connection and found a way to communicate at least a little bit :) Not to forget the food was amazing, we were able to help preparing it and they were able to accommodate for vegetarians and asked for allergies. I can highly recommend this class if you’re looking for a authentic and wholesome experience that will make your tummy and your heart happy!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jennifer Parker

Review Date: 24 März 2026

Review Body: My husband and I did an easy rider tour of the Muong Hoa Valley with our guide Thao Thi Giang and another driver. She was lovely, and we learned so much about rice farming and the different ethnic groups. We had a delicious lunch in a family home, and Thao was happy to stop wherever we wanted, so we could take pictures of the spectacular views. Both drivers were competent, which is important since some of the roads are pretty rough. Being on the back of a motorcycle was truly a great way to experience this area!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Trek visiting ethnic villages, exploring culture, and local food.

Itinerary Description: 9:00AM: Our local guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Sapa center then take you to the trekking point in Lao Chai village. 9:15AM: Start the trek to visit Black Hmong and Giay villages. From the starting point, we will trek to Lao Chai village – an ancient village of Black Hmong minority people. Along the way, you will see the overview of Muong Hoa valley where Hmong live in traditional houses, rice terraced fields. Additionally the hike will take you guys to visit Black Hmong traditional house, where you'll learn more about Hmong culture and traditions. Then we will cross Muong Hoa river by bridge to Lo Lao Chai and trek through the rice terraces and learning ethnic minorities culture and traditional. 10:30AM: Visiting Ta Van village of Giay ethnic people, we will see how they make the local incense by cinnamon, and on some days we can see how they made local bamboo sticky rice. 11:30AM: Lunch at local restaurant, enjoy the local food then back to Sapa by car.