For their seekers of off-the-beaten-path adventure, Sapa Tours discover Si Ma Cai District presents you with some extraordinary journeys in one of Vietnam’s least visited highland regions. Unlike their busy streets in Sapa, Si Ma Cai District is a quiet paradise with verdant rice terraces, formidable limestone routers, and ethnic cultures that offer a truly authentic experience. Surrounding nature is home to the Hmong, Nung, Dao, and Tay communities with local markets, torrent trekking trails, and splendid seasonal scenery such as Lu Than buckwheat fields. Traveling with Sapa tours to visit Si Ma Cai District, you can not only visit the famous tourist sites like the San Chai Stone Forest, and local culture but also enjoy highland specialties. Discover the true beauty of Sapa like never before with an exceptional tour by Impress Travel. Do not miss the chance to experience captivating landscapes and find a unique side of this region.
Sapa tours discover Si Ma Cai District if you want a pristine paradise away from the myriad crowds. Though nearby Sapa has long been a hot spot for tourism, with its stream of hotels, tour agencies, and restaurants lining the streets, Si Ma Cai District is somewhat off the beaten path, with more tranquillity and unspoiled scenery.
Thanks to the high limestone mountains that make up its part of the country, lush green valleys, and terraced rice fields that stretch up infinite hillsides, Si Ma Cai District, at the northern end of Lao Cai Province, is home to some of northern Vietnam’s most impressive natural beauty. The scenery here is spectacular, pristine, dramatic, time-warped. Lose yourself in its peaceful vision: soaring peaks cloaked in mist, with only the grit of autumn leaves crunching underfoot and local kids’ laughter echoing in the distance to keep you company.
Not only beautiful scenery, but a deep insight into the diverse ethnic heritage of Vietnam is what Sapa tours explore Si Ma Cai District. It’s home to the H’mong, Nung, Dao, and Tay communities, each of which maintains centuries-old traditions. From the elaborate handwoven textiles of the H’mong to the colorful parties of the Dao, every minute spent here feels like a formal introduction to an ancient style of life.
One of the best ways to immerse ourselves in this wealth of culture is through the local markets, such as Can Cau Market, where hill tribe people in colorful robes gather to exchange goods, livestock, and crafted items. Here, you can drink homemade corn wine, sample freshly grilled mountain pork, and see centuries-old barter traditions in action.
Different from Sapa, which has developed into a vibrant tourist destination, Si Ma Cai District is an untouched, peaceful alternative. Whether you’re trekking through San Chai Stone Forest, marveling at the Lu Than buckwheat fields (as seen above), or just enjoying a dost or misty sunrise over the valleys of the northern highlands, the sparse crowds add a magic touch to the experience.
For those who want to discover something a little different away from standard tours, Sapa Tours discover Si Ma Cai District offers a unique escape into Vietnam’s wilds. Here you can hike along secret trails, meet locals in their hilltop villages, and discover a side of northern Vietnam few travelers ever see.
Regardless of the season, Si Ma Cai District has its natural wonder:
Si Ma Cai District (Sours: wikipedia)
5:30 AM | Depart from Hanoi – The Road to the Highlands Begins!
As Hanoi wakes up, we board a sleeper bus (or overnight train, depending on your choice) and begin our picturesque drive towards the mountains. But watching the sun come up over the Red River Delta as we gradually take leave of the frenetic city is an experience all its own.
11:00 AM | Arrival in Lao Cai – Gateway to the Highlands
Upon arriving in Lao Cai, we are greeted by the cool, crisp mountain air. From here we change to a private vehicle and drive towards the town of Bac Ha taking you through lush valleys and up steep and dramatic mountain roads.
12:30 PM | Exploring Hoang A Tuong Palace – A Colonial Relic in the Hills
First up, we find the Hoang A Tuong Palace, a Chinese-French-style building belonging to the ruling noble family. There is a sense of stepping into the past upon entering; the stories of power and lavishness continue to hold sway.
1:30 PM | Traditional Highland Lunch – A Feast of Local Delicacies
You’ll arrive at a restaurant in town for a delicious meal of grilled river fish, Bac Ha-style sticky rice, and savory mountain herbs, as good of an introduction to the flavors of northern Vietnam as you could have.
3:00 PM | Journey to Si Ma Cai – Entering a World Untouched by Time
And now for the real fun! We head towards the destination of Si Ma Cai District, an expanse so beautiful and untouched that it feels like the best-kept secret from the rest of the world. As we climb into the highlands, you’ll pass swaths of terraced rice fields, clusters of wooden homes, and the distant silhouettes of limestone peaks.
5:00 PM | Check-in at a Traditional Homestay or Eco-Lodge
Here in dusty-plaster Si Ma Cai, we stay in a guesthouse where a local H’mong or Dao family welcomes us with cozy lodging and immersion in their culture. You will be greeted with friendly smiles and a hot cup of herbal tea.
7:00 PM | Ethnic Dinner & Cultural Exchange
Dinner is a collective affair, gathered around a home-cooked spread of smoky grilled meats, sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and homemade rice wine. The highlight of the night? A cultural performance with traditional music and storytelling, if you’d like to hear the ancient folktales that have been shared for generations.
Hoang A Tuong Palace (Sours: https://www.booking.)
6:00 AM | Sunrise Over the Highlands
The break of dawn with rooster calls and mist dancing around the mountains makes waking up at the break of dawn worth it.
7:00 AM | Can Cau Market – A Highland Bazaar Like No Other
After breakfast, we drive towards the Can Cau Market, a colorful gathering of Hmong, Dao, and Nung traders who come from the surrounding hills to sell their wares. Open just on Saturdays, this market is where locals barter livestock, handwoven textiles, and fresh produce in an atmosphere that feels plucked from a storybook.
10:30 AM | San Chai Stone Forest – A Surreal Landscape
We depart the market and make our way to the San Chai Stone Forest, an otherworldly geology where jagged limestone rocks thrust out of the earth. The place is magical and the stones used to be warriors; there is a legend that the stones are the souls of ancient warriors.
12:30 PM | Picnic Lunch in the Wild
We break at a viewpoint for a simple but tasty packed lunch of grilled meat, sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf, and whatever fruit is in season. This meal is a soul feast, with fresh air and sweeping views.
2:00 PM | Lu Than Buckwheat Fields – A Sea of Pink & Purple
One of our tour highlights of Sapa tours discover Si Ma Cai District. The buckwheat flowers in Lu Than are so beautiful from September to November, that the hills become the landscape of a dreamy canvas of pink and purple flowers. It’s the ideal place to take postcard-quality photos and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.
5:00 PM | Return to Homestay & Evening Cultural Exchange
Returning to our homestay after a day of adventures, you can relax with a warm herbal bath and a glass of homemade rice wine. Dinner is another banquet of traditional dishes, and we end around the fire, where our hosts tell us legends of the highlands.
Can Cau Market (Sours: vietnamtour)
6:30 AM | Morning Hike Through Quan Ho Than
To begin our day, we embark on a mild hike through the peaceful Quan Ho Than village during the spring, when the white pear blossom burst into bloom. Morning walks are at their very best amid fresh mountain air and breathtaking landscapes.
9:00 AM | Sin Cheng Rice Terraces – Nature’s Stairway
Then, on to the Sin Cheng Rice Terraces, endless fields of golden steps to the sky. Here, you’ll meet local farmers, discover ancient rice-growing techniques, and take dramatic pictures of the scenery.
Noon | Farewell Lunch with H’mong Delicacies
We sit one last time for an authentic H’mong meal: grilled black chicken, bamboo-cooked rice, and herbal soup, before bidding farewell to the highlands.
2:00 PM | Return to Bac Ha & Journey Back to Hanoi
Following lunch, we return to Bac Ha where you will have time for final shopping, before we board our transport back to Hanoi.
Sin Cheng Rice Terraces (Sours: pinterest)
6:30 AM | Wake Up in the Highlands & Enjoy a Local Breakfast
A warm cup of herbal tea and a bowl of Bac Ha-style sticky rice will be the perfect simple yet delicious breakfast to get you charged for the entire day. There’s nothing like the cool morning air and the distant sound of roosters crowing to start your day peacefully.
7:30 AM | Journey to Ban Pho – The Home of Bac Ha’s Legendary Corn Wine
Located a short drive from Bac Ha town, Ban Pho is a small, traditional village located on a mountainside, known for producing “Ruou Ngo Bac Ha" or Bac Ha Corn Wine. When you arrive the rich smell of corn fermenting wafts through the air and pulls you into a world where age-old brewing traditions still come to life.
9:30 AM | Scenic Drive to Coc Ly – The Land of Rolling Tea Hills
With so many laid-back and welcoming moments with Ban Pho, we soon hit the serpentines again, traversing over misty valleys and endless stretches of rice terrace until we stumble into Coc Ly, a pocket of paradise with green tea plantations galore.
10:30 AM | Walk Through Coc Ly’s Emerald Tea Hills
Tea drinkers rejoice, this is your time! Coc Ly is home to some of the best green tea in northern Vietnam, where the tea-growing technique has been passed down through generations. In contrast to large-scale commercial farms, the tea plantations here are family-owned and the leaves are harvested by hand, traditionally.
12:30 PM | Lunch Overlooking the Tea Plantations
Having refreshed in nature in the morning we head up to a hilltop restaurant for lunch with food sourced from the local area. Expect tasty plates of grilled pork, stir-fried morning glory, crispy tofu, and rice steamed in bamboo, all served with a pot of hot Coc Ly tea.
2:00 PM | Farewell to the Highlands & Journey Back to Hanoi
With our hearts full and our suitcases stuffed with fresh tea leaves and locally brewed corn wine, we head back to Hanoi. The time you spend on this descent will be an opportunity to process all of the glorious marvels, landscapes, and cultural experiences that made this trip what it was.
8:00 PM | Arrival in Hanoi – The End of an Unforgettable Adventure
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi, marking the end of amazing Sapa tours discover Si Ma Cai District adventure. The tour may be coming to an end, but the images of Si Ma Cai’s unblemished sceneries, kind-hearted locals, and diverse cultural customs will linger in your mind forever.
Bac Ha town (Sours: www.visitacity)
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If you go for Sapa tours discover Si Ma Cai District, being sensible with your things will be able to contribute to a trip for you. Wear warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket, as temperatures can drop suddenly, particularly in the early morning and evening. If you are hiking through the rocky trails of San Chai Stone Forest and the rice terraces of Sin Cheng, you need sturdy hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes. Pack a camera and a power bank to capture the region’s stunning scenery. A reusable water bottle is also essential for hydration without contributing to the plastic waste problem.
Every season, the Si Ma Cai District has its beauty. The blooming buckwheat fields of Lu Than and golden rice terraces from October to November are beautiful sights. March to April covers the villages with delicate plum and peach blossoms in soft pink and white. However, this is only between June and September, when green rice paddies blanket the highlands providing refreshing sights.
While traveling with Sapa Tours discover Si Ma Cai District, The highlight of one such trek to the market is immersing yourself in H’mong, Dao, Nung, and Tay ethnic communities. Always ask for a photo, as some locals prefer to remain private. A quick “Chao” (hello in Vietnamese) goes a long way to reaching libraries with the villagers. Of course, If you come to their homestay, just take off your shoes when entering their house. Bargaining is expected at Can Cau Market, but always haggles politely and with a smile.
When you rely on your great choice Sapa Tours discover Si Ma Cai District, you deserve a tour operator that guarantees expertise, authenticity, and seamless service. Impress Travel with over 15 years of experience is a licensed name in Vietnam’s tourism industry. With extensive knowledge of the Si Ma Cai District, we can specialize in itineraries that guarantee you will see the untouched landscapes, distinctive ethnic culture, and stunning trekking routes. Whatever the case, whether you want a tailored journey, a cultural plunge, or an adventurous escape, we create each trip to fit your travel style.
In addition to unique experiences, we are dedicated to sustainable tourism with an emphasis on local people, nature-friendly accommodation, and fair trade. For you, we’re staying sharp 24/7, our customer support team is there when you’re asking questions, throughout your journey, and even after. Book your Sapa Tours with Impress Travel for a journey down the scenic paths of the Si Ma Cai District, where every vista exudes the charm of nature untouched.
Hanoi Head Office
Saigon Office
Skip the hassle of Sapa and head up to the pristine Si Ma Cai District, filled with towering limestone mountains, golden rice terraces, and colorful ethnic culture. With Sapa tours discover Si Ma Cai District you will enjoy a raw highland experience in local ethnic busy markets or pass the fantastic scenery intact to mass tourism. Book your adventure today and let Impress Travel lead you on an unforgettable adventure deep into the highlands of remote Vietnam!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
An amazing sapa tour to admire the dramatic scenery of Sapa Hill Station in the northwest of Vietnam such as imposing rice terraces, stunning green valleys, hills row on hills, mountains of mountains.
Three days of Sapa easy trekking to explore the most iconic attractiveness of Sapa such as rice terraces, lush-green valleys, imposing mountains rows of mountains, the cultural diversity.
To do the athletic activities as easy trekking to visit the rustic hill tribe villages via the stunning rice terraces, to meet at the friendly communication with local ethnic people, enjoy local foods.
The tour bring you to Sapa easy trekking tour to ethnic villages & O Quy Ho Glass bridge where travelers floating experience by the imposing scenery around and the deep smoking bottom.
