Tours and treks

If you don't book ahead in Lao Cai or Sapa, you can arrange treks in Bac Ha at Green Sapa Tours, across from the Sao Mai Hotel, or its sister hotel the Hoang Vu. Tours are pricier than Sapa, but expect smaller groups and perhaps less touristed areas

If you don't want to do an organised tour, an easy self-guided trip runs to the Flower H'mong village of Ban Pho, 3km outside of town. Walk past the Sao Mai hotel, follow the road round to the right and take the first left, by the hospital. The road is signposted to Ban Pho.

Tours and prices below give an indication of the more popular trips available but are liable to change — discuss your requirements with Mr Nghe.

Half-day trek to local minority village
Walking trek from Bac Ha to Thai Giang Pho or Ban Pho and Na Hoi. $15 per person.

Two days, one night
Local villages and homestay
Visiting Thai Giang Pho, Ban Pho and Na Hoi.
$35 per person in small group tour.

Coc Ly via trek and homestay
Monday departure only
Day 1: On foot to Nam Mon village. Homestay one night.
Day 2: Continue to Coc Ly market. Boat trip and then transport back to Bac Ha or Lao Cai.
$35-58 per person

Can Cau Market via trek and homestay
Friday departure only
Day 1: On foot to the H'mong village of Ban Pho, and then on to Ta Van Chu (also H'mong). Homestay one night.
Day 2: Continue on foot to Can Cau market, motorbike back to Bac Ha
$30-$35 per person in private tour.

Visit the restaurant or hotel or call Mr Nghe direct on (0912) 005 952.

Sapa Green Tours: Hoang Yen Bar, Across from the Sao Mai Hotel, Bac Ha. T: (020) 212 710;. hoangvutours@hotmail.com