Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa

Muong Hoa Valley is one of the most famous destinations for breathtaking scenery and is the largest farmland for rice growing in Sapa. It is far from town about 14 kilometers. Going to visit Muong Hoa, you can trek along Muong Hoa River sneaking through the valley nearby Sapa town. This valley lies between two high ranges of mountains running in the parallel south-east of Sapa town. On the way, you can learn more about how is the rice cultivating.

My advice is to put your big luggage at the hotel you are staying when you arrived at Sapa Town. Carry light and essential stuff in your backpack and start the journey which may takes up to 5 hours and even longer if you are walking casually and making lots of pit stops. After that, you will spend a night at one of the local houses. There is no need to book in advance. You will definitely find a family whom will happily accommodate you..

From the highest elevation of the mountain range covered by endless forest, rain water follows dozens of streams downhill to the floor forming the Muong Hoa, which follows across the small town and rice fields of the ethnic minority people of H’Mong, Dao and many others. They have been working on the sloping land and living their own ways for a hundred years.

Both populations of ancient stones with beautiful carving are located in Ban Pho. With the big stones, it has many different sculptures on the surface. Especially, there have various postures and 11 motifs strange shape. Most scientists evaluated that it is the great heritage of mankind.

On the main road leading to Muong Hoa valley, tourist will have opportunities take photos and sight Sapa’s views. This valley has terraced fields which is the most beautiful terraced fields of Sapa. Cross the suspension bridge, you will be visiting the village of weaving and dyeing cloth of the Hmong and exploring Muong Hoa valley. Exploring the magnificent Muong Hoa valley to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes, you will also paying visit to small and isolated hamlets and villages meet the Black H’mong, Zay and Red Zao at home and at work.

Every year on Dragon’s first lunar month, Ta Van commune, Sapa district, they open the festival to welcome a new year for bumper harvest. The Giay, H’mong, Dao ethnic… and a large number of tourists come here, which makes Muong Hoa valley becomes more vibrant and colorful. Previously, Ta Van Giay was called Roong Pooc festival. Although it is the traditional festival of Ta Van ethnic, many years it has spread to become the festival of the whole valley of Muong Hoa. Tourists from Sapa attend and festival ambiance spreads throughout the valley of Muong Hoa.

Starting as a small stream of water from the foot of Silver Waterfall about 14km north west of Sapa town, the water weaves its way along mountain’s feet. Rainwater running down from the highest elevation of mountain ranges gathered into dozens of streams flowing downhill to form Muong Hoa River. The river peacefully flows through the valley, weaving itself along the feet of mountains, nourishing the earth and the people. On rice season, the rice farmland valley serves up different shades of green and yellow, in ranges of ranges. Patches of colors lining side by side each other create amazing sensual patterns and a sublime and majestic landscape.

It is perfectly safe to visit within the village. Just remember to be respectful at all times. There are kids who will be following you to sell something to you. Don't buy! You are not being heartless. You are actually helping them to understand that they ain't going to earn money forever by doing that. They should be studying and something more useful rather than being use as one of a money making machine at such a young age.

There are some really nicely decorated bar and cafe around the village. It is really a great place for Instagrammer,

Look at the scenery. It is one of the best you will ever get in the world. Especially the weather is not too hot and not too cold. Pure relaxation!

Since you are already here, remember to try their very own Lao Cai beer. It is so precious enough which we had to share a bottle.

The valley is home to a few ethnic minority groups including the H’mong, Dao and Zay, differentiated by their styles of dress and language.You can choose to stay at one of the village while travel to the other villages the next day.

The best time to visit here is the month of August till October. You will enjoy the vibrant of colors. Do enjoy the rest of the pictures here.

Oh ya...one thing you should know is visiting these villages are free of charge. It is unlike the Cat Cat Village which is specially built for tourist.

Visiting hill tribes:

• Dress modestly even when it’s hot outside.
• If entering a home, remove headwear and your backpack as a sign of respect.
• The living standard among the hill tribes is generally low. The best way to help is to employ local guides and support local homestays. Instead of giving gifts or buying from children, ask your guide if you can donate supplies to a school instead.
• Be respectful of religious rituals and iconography.
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people. A smile works wonders.
• Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended. Some may also find walking sticks helpful (widely available in shops in Sapa town) as the paths can be very slippery / muddy.

Highly recommended to those who are adventurous and have plenty of time to spend at Sapa. If you do not want to do the walk, you can always hire a taxi to get here. Please remember to get the taxi number to make sure them to get you back to the Sapa town the next day. It is near impossible to get any taxi at this area.

Total Damage: Free
Ambiance: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Recommended?: Absolutely!
Opening Hours: No real opening hours. It is a village. Just don't expect someone will be still opening in the middle of the night.