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Lao Cai, Vietnam

A Red Dao ethnic minority village located in the mountains of Lao Cai province near Sapa.

Lao Cai, Vietnam

A Red Dao ethnic minority village located in the mountains of Lao Cai province near Sapa.

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More details

2 hours from Sapa, this is a Red Dao ethnic minority village located in the mountains of Lao Cai province. Find yourself away from the tourist crowds of Sapa, amidst breathtaking landscapes, immersed in a youthful and vibrant local community. There are currently 51 households in the village. The founding of tourism in this village was motivated by the local healer’s interest to preserve the Red Dao herbal bath tradition. The herbal bath is an important cultural practice of the Red Dao ethnic minority and fosters deep respect for the forest amongst locals. Since then, they have established a community enterprise and expanded their offerings to include forest experiences and involving travellers in their daily activities (e.g. farming, weaving, fishing).

2 hours from Sapa, this is a Red Dao ethnic minority village located in the mountains of Lao Cai province. Find yourself away from the tourist crowds of Sapa, amidst breathtaking landscapes, immersed in a youthful and vibrant local community. There are currently 51 households in the village. The founding of tourism in this village was motivated by the local healer’s interest to preserve the Red Dao herbal bath tradition. The herbal bath is an important cultural practice of the Red Dao ethnic minority and fosters deep respect for the forest amongst locals. Since then, they have established a community enterprise and expanded their offerings to include forest experiences and involving travellers in their daily activities (e.g. farming, weaving, fishing).

Booking lead time

Book minimally 3 days before travel.

Highlight activities

  • Bamboo Forest Experience
  • Cave Trek
  • Herbal bath
  • Foraging
  • Fruit picking and harvesting
  • Fishing
  • Farming
  • Family visits
  • Swimming in the river/lake

Amenities

  • Wifi
  • Washing Machine
  • Dryer
  • Towel provided
  • Fan
  • Mosquito net
  • Vegetarian food available
  • English-Vietnamese Translator (additional cost) 
  • Shared accommodation

FAQ

How do I know if my trip is confirmed?

You will receive an email confirming your submission upon checkout and your host community will confirm your booking within 7 days.

How long should I spend for a free and easy trip?

Please reference other itineraries for a better idea of what you can expect.

Is the booking fee refundable?

A S$35/pax booking fee is charged. No refund will be made for any cancellations on the travellers' end. Should the host community cancel your reservation, the booking fee will be refunded.

Is there a refund on the experiences?

Please refer to individual product itineraries for refund terms and conditions.

TESTIMONIALS

"Absolutely the most rewarding days I've had in a hot second.

Frolicking in a lake, trekking to a cave, fishing (successfully), making bamboo chopsticks and cups and knives, foraging for and making dinner over an open fire, hiking to the bamboo forest - you cannot tell me this is not pure magic."

Sheline, 21

5D4N Free and Easy, Lao Cai
"I don't think I can get this easily elsewhere and it is sooooo precious to a city dweller who is seeking to experience the life of an indigenous villager.

The overall experience was fantastic - the interaction with the Red Dao community was genuine and authentic. They were warm hosts and I liked that they were being themselves (without trying to overextend their hospitality such that it feels manicured).

Thank you Terraformers, CIRUM and the Red Dao organizers for such an awesome experience."

Jayden, 30

4D3N Free and Easy, Lao Cai