Review Author: Karine Tan

Review Date: 10 Dec 2023

Review Body: The hike was great! The trek brought me through the paddy fields, bamboo ‘groves’, hill tribe houses to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village. Needless to say, the view of fields and mountains was breathtaking but what made the hike truly memorable were the conversations about hill tribe culture, lifestyle and personal stories that my guide Sho so enthusiastically and openly shared. Doing this hike was a last minute decision but it’s definitely one of the key highlights of my time in Sapa.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ida Røssland Johnsen

Review Date: 12 Mar 2020

Review Body: Very friendly guide and a beautiful hike through rice fields and mountains. Would do it again 10/10.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alisone B

Review Date: 17 Sep 2017

Review Body: My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Vietnam. I am French and he is American. We found the tour operator who works with Zaza on the French Guide du Routard. The tour operator was great and we picked it because they were said to only work with local guides. However we wished we had known Zaza before to be able to go on our trekking experience directly with her instead of using an intermediary. If you are looking for an amazing experience in Sapa, I strongly encourage you to contact her. We spent three days with her in the mountains in October. The rice terraces were not very pretty at this season, but all the animals were grazing outside, and the landscape was simply gorgeous. We went to HCMC, the Mekong Delta, Hanoi, and the Along Bay, but our favorite visit was with Zaza in Sapa. We just loved it. She was knowledgeable, funny, and kind. She took us on roads less frequented by tourists and we never has any issues with people following us and begging for money (but we saw a few people in route who seemed to be struggling with this). Every day was a different type of hike. The first day we walked through the rice terraces, the second day we walked through the jungle mountains, and the third day we walked through some bamboo forests and saw a few waterfalls. We woke up to wonderful sunrises. We watched in complete astonishment moto drivers transporting heavy construction materials on the mountains through tiny trails. We shared delicious family meals with our home-stay hosts. We even got to meet Zaza's husband and daughter (she was 7 month pregnant of her second child at that time) and visited the house where she lives with her in-laws. I do not know what else to say to convince you to go with her on a trek in Sapa. You would really miss something if you to Vietnam and do not get to meet this incredible young woman. There is no best guide through the mountains and culture of this region of Vietnam! Have fun and Zaza we miss you very much!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nick F

Review Date: 27 Dec 2019

Review Body: How to start? Zaazaa has the cutest accent of all time, a product of all the different folks she's learned English from: Australians, Kiwis, Americans, British, Indians, so on and so forth. The result is just terrific. Zaazaa learned how to speak English when she was a kid, selling stuff to tourists on the street. Now, she's the best guide in Sa Pa. We spent three days with Zaazaa, the most magical three days of our two week trip to Vietnam. She took us on some gorgeous hikes. We consider ourselves pretty active, and she walked faster than us, even though she was 7 months pregnant! She would accommodate all our requests: 'Zaazaa, today, can we go on a hike where there are no tourists and it's beautiful?' 'Sure, of course!' 'Zaazaa, will you take another photo with us?' 'Sure, of course!' 'Zaazaa, will you introduce us to your family?' 'Of course!' Zaazaa was full of fun knowledge about the region: the flora and fauna, the people and customs, the geopolitics and culture, the clothes and food. She was happy to share nuances about the Hmong people that we would never have seen, and that I doubt other guides tell. She is full of ambition, charm, street (mountain?) smarts, and goodwill. She took us to some great homestays, all at an affordable price. She kept away peddlers of souvenirs, and I'm sure she'd have taken us to the best places to buy stuff had we wanted any. I can't recommend Zaazaa enough. It's been a year since we visited her, and both my wife and I still communicate with her regularly on WhatsApp (which, by the way, is the best way to book a trip, either by phone call or voice memo).

Review rating: 5

Review Author: EskimoJLow

Review Date: 17 Aug 2017

Review Body: Zaazaa is the best local guide for Sapa! She was recommended by a close friend who is a world renowned photographer. When we went on day trips to the fields, we stopped at a rest stop where other tourists were with their guides too. Zaazaa never stopped explaining stories (like the local bride kidnapping culture, etc) to us. The other guides seemed lazy and were herded in their own corner taking a smoke. Their clients ended up gathered around Zaazaa to listen to her and ask questions and she'd always reply with a smile. I just loved her passion and professionalism. Never get a tour organised directly with a Hanoi vendor. These are Vietnamese tour guides, not the local Hmong guides. So you don't get to enter their homes like the locals can bring you. And the money you pay never go towards the local Hmong people. Contact Zaazaa here or by Facebook and she will get back to you. The Vietnamese government does very little for the Hmong tribes (poor infrastructure for transport/sanitation/education) and if you are big on ethical travel, do your best to give them the money by patronising their businesses directly. Her written English isn't fantastic but her spoken English is practically native. It might not be a bad idea to do a WhatsApp call to arrange dates, venues and charges. Oh, and she brought us to this local shop that sold Vietnamese noodles!!! I loved her choice of food for us! No badly-fried French fries like the other tables got. Just good, pure Hmong goodness! (unless you want western food, then in that case just let her know!)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: MarkJed

Review Date: 07 May 2018

Review Body: This is the only review I have written as I never comment on any trips I make. My partner and I met Zaazaa on a trip to a local market organised through our hotel and asked her to take us on a days walking around Sapa the following day as we found her to be an excellent guide. Having first visited Sapa around 25 years ago she showed us the Sapa I remember walking through the rice terraces and local villages. She also cooked a wonderful meal for us at her home after taking us to the local village market to buy all the freshest ingredients. Being an extremely likeable person, speaking excellent English she gives insights into the local culture it is difficult to find elsewhere. I would definitely recommend using Zaazaa instead of going through the agents (no matter what these agents say about how they ‘give back’ to the locals - they still take huge cut as a middle man ) as she really is an expert on the area and makes your tour of Sapa truly memorable. Her personal story on becoming a guide is also very inspiring.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Matt W

Review Date: 26 Dec 2018

Review Body: We did a 3 day and 2 night trek with Zaazaa and could not have asked for a better time and overall experience. Zaazaa is an amazing guide because she teaches you about the land and culture of Sapa as someone that currently lives and grew up there. She led us through diverse and beautiful landscape away from the main tourist destinations. And her English is fabulous so communication was never an issue. Zaazaa genuinely wants you to have a memorable experience in her backyard and it shows through. We were blown away by the beauty of the land and people as we hiked through breathtaking terraced rice fields, swam in a waterfall, and stayed at great homestays along the way. Our homestay hosts provided an authenticate experience with tasty food and amazing hospitality. Zaazaa made everything easy and supplied the excitement. This was our favorite experience of Vietnam and one we'll never forget. Zaazaa is the way to go to if you're looking to explore Sapa the right way. Thank you Zaazaa!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Damienshealy

Review Date: 27 Dec 2019

Review Body: Zaazaa trekking was a wonderful experience in Sapa. Zaazaa is young, enthusiastic, energetic and has a very high level of spoken English which really added to the trip. On arrival to Sapa via the Sapa express, Zaazaa collected us from the bus, allowed us to change in her home nearby and then brought us for breakfast. We then set off on our trek at 7.05/7.15am. While his may seem very early for some, it was actually definitely worthwhile as it means you miss the hotter part of the day. Zaazaa knows the terrain and landscape inside and out and was very informative throughout. We arrived at our home stay and by pure luck just missed out on a downpour. We relaxed for the evening and then did another 3-4 hour trek the next morning. Routes and times can obviously be adjusted to suit your level. Currently travelling Vietnam and Cambodia and its certainly been one of the highlights so far. Thank you Zaazaa!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Stacey R

Review Date: 12 Jul 2017

Review Body: Zaazaa is a truly fantastic guide. My friend and I visited Sapa in October 2016. Zaazaa organised transport to transfer us from the Lao Cai train station to Sapa town. She met us bright and early as we arrived and took us for a tasty breakfast. Zaazaa and her husband were so accommodating and went over and above to make sure we were comfortable and happy on our trip. Zaazaa tailored the trip to our wishes and abilities. She is incredibly knowledgeable and amazingly fit. She chats easily as you clamber behind her. Zaazaa organised a beautiful homestay and delicious food along the way. She adapted our route if we were tired or wanted to see something specific and led us away from the crowds on our own uninterrupted trek. Zaazaa is funny and caring and I am on my way back to visit her as I write this. If you want to see the best Sapa has to offer you should go with the best guide on offer; Zaazaa!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Aoipha

Review Date: 04 Jul 2017

Review Body: Myself and my two friends went on a trek with ZaaZaa through Sapa at the end of June. We had been traveling up through Vietnam but this was the highlight of our whole holiday! ZaaZaa collected us from our hotel and we set off but just as we started, it started to rain. Needless to say we were slow and we stumbled but she was so patient and helpful. When the weather dried up we started on harder routes and ZaaZaa was able to adapt our trip accordingly. The next day it was raining again so she changed our plan to suit us. She also arranged for us to stay in a fabulous homestay on the side of a mountain away from all the hussle and bussle which I loved. The restaurants along the way that we ate in were delish also. Her English is perfect and she's so much fun and easy to talk to. I would recommend this to anyone of any level because she is great at changing to suit everyone's need.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Charly Z

Review Date: 08 Sep 2017

Review Body: We were a group of five friends and did a 3-day-2-night trek around Sapa with ZaaZaa. She really knows the whole region by heart and has a excellent spoken English, which made it easy to communicate our preferences: she was perfectly flexible on the itinerary. Just as we wanted, she adapted the trek route for us to go on the less frequented, more challenging and most beautiful paths. As a result, we almost never saw other tourists on our tracks and enjoyed breathtaking and rewarding landscapes after some pretty good climbs! She also chose two very well situated and welcoming homestays for the two nights of our trek, a must after a long day of walk. But most importantly, ZaaZaa is an adorable local, independent guide that is always smiling, helpful and discreet. Choosing her will guarantee you a wonderful trek in Sapa and a lot of bright memories!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Brid M

Review Date: 15 Oct 2017

Review Body: Spent 3 days trekking with ZaaZaa and her beautiful daughter Nhi. She is a fantastic guide, who has such local knowledge of the valley. After being collected from the train and dropping stuff at her place, her husband took us in his taxi up the mountain. We started at an amazing waterfall and trekked through the rice fields. She took us where other tourists don't go, we experienced true Vietnamese culture because of this. She also told the local woman who tried to follow us,(which they do to all tourists to sell stuff) that we weren't going to buy anything. Our home stays were excellent, really clean, modern showers and toilets and delicious food! I cannot recommend ZaaZaa highly enough, she was more like a friend than a guide. She carried her 9 month old daughter while trekking who only added to the experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tayla Heselton

Review Date: 16 Aug 2017

Review Body: I had the pleasure of meeting Zaa Zaa and her incredible family in October 2016. My friend Stacey and I decided to take a trip to Sapa where Zaa Zaa took us on a 2 day hike through the most majestic mountains I have ever seen. As soon as we met her she was extremely hospitable. We went for breakfast and then she took us to her home where we left our massive city girl suitcases. We were able to meet her beautiful family who did everything to make us comfortable. From there we start our hike which was life changing. Zaa zaa was the most incredible tour guide in every way. She became a great friend and gave us an adventure of a lifetime! I will never forget the experience we had with her. It would be a mistake to not choose her as your guide as she is truly the greatest.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kavitha M

Review Date: 07 Oct 2018

Review Body: I travelled to Sa Pa with 4 friends and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Zazaa is very friendly, offers delicious tidbits of local culture, her own life that we would have never learned otherwise. Her English is excellent, and impressive considering she learnt it through her job just 6 years ago. She brought us on a 2 day trek through paddy fields, to visit village and caves etc. We all had different levels of fitness, and when 1 friend injured herself, she arranged for a motorbike to take her to the next stop. I would recommend anyone visiting Sa Pa to book a tour with her, it was such a memorable experience that I am already thinking of my next visit here - and only if i can get her as my tour guide again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: James H

Review Date: 05 Feb 2019

Review Body: I did a one day tour with Za from Sapa to her village, where she was born, went to school and currently lives. That is a local with all the local knowledge you need to understand the culture. I even asked her why there were huts so far up the mountain you can see from the cable car. Cardamon plantations she told me and then went on to explain the agriculture and economy of local cardamon farming. Za walks as fast as you do and is always there for you to help deal with the locals and the local terrain. She asked me what I wanted from the trek, photos, and she choose the best trails for me, great service. When we come back I will definitely use her again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mbkdtravels

Review Date: 22 Nov 2018

Review Body: We did a 3 day/2 night trekking trip with Zaazaa which was the highlight of our trip in Vietnam. She is an excellent guide, caring person, very knowledgeable, and speaks English very well. She took us trekking in beautiful areas where most tourists don’t go with spectacular views. She also took extra care to keep us safe and help us hiking in steep and slippery areas. Her family is beautiful and made us feel so welcome in their home and cooked us delicious fresh food. Trekking with Zaazaa will make your trip extra special and we highly recommend her!!! Thank you Zaazaa and family!! Love, Meghan and Chris

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Laura K

Review Date: 03 Oct 2019

Review Body: A friend passed Zaazaas contact to me before we went to Sapa. I messaged Zaazaa on Facebook and we arranged a trip for the next day. She could not have been nicer, she speaks perfect English and was able to tell us so much about what we were seeing and the different tribes in the area. My boyfriend asked plenty of questions along the way and she was able to give us so much information. Zaazaa also took us off the beaten track we didn't meet any other tourists for a large part of our hike. I do not think we would have had such a great time had it not been for Zaazaa. Highly reccomened!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Eliaza

Review Date: 19 Mar 2019

Review Body: We went on a trek with Za to Lao Chai and Ta Van. Za is a very knowledgeable and experienced guide. She expertly navigated us through our mountain trek, sharing insights on the local cultures, people and area. We were amused and surprised when we trekked nesr primary schools and observed the local children dancing st recess. It is part of their daily routine to group dance to the latest popular music. This trek is very pleasant as it takes you through villages, rice fields and scenic areas. We highly recommend Za as your guide. Her English is very good and she is one of the best.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Go710063

Review Date: 12 Apr 2018

Review Body: We just finished a three day tour with zaazaa in Sapa and saw the most beautifull ricefields and green mountains around this place. I think we made a BIG mistake not to book an homestay with her but stayed in a hotel instead. We abslutely would do that differently next time!! Zaazaa was a very friendly guide with a lot of energy who likes to tell about the surounding nature, different tribes around and their culture etc. Her input during our walks made it an absolute fabulous experience. We highly recommend everybody to visit Sapa mountains WITH Zaazaa as your tourguide!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mari N

Review Date: 13 Oct 2018

Review Body: We did a 1 day Tour with Zaazaa. She was such a great guide, speaking very good english. We learned a lot from her about the vietnamese culture and how people are living in those little villages in the middle of the vitenamese mountains. Even the weather was not very good, Zaazaa made this trip very special. She was very helpful and cared about us as the way was very slippery and muddy. So if you want to make your own experience and visiting authentic vietnamese landscapes while learning a lot about their livestyle we highly recommend to book a trip with Zaazaa.

Review rating: 5