All you need to know about Sapa Homestay & Trekking with a Black Hmong Family

Thinking about going to Sapa, Vietnam but doesn’t know where to start? What trekking should you do? Is a Sapa homestay with a local hill tribe for you? You are in the right place! You are about to find everything you need to know about trekking and Sapa homestay with a Black Hmong family.

When planning my 2 weeks itinerary to Vietnam, I invested plenty of time researching, studying, and creating an itinerary that would include the best things to do and see in Vietnam, and at the top of my list was to experience a Sapa Homestay.

I knew my trip to Sapa would be challenging. It would involve strenuous hiking in the mountains as I did 3-day hiking in Sapa, and I would need to figure out how to communicate and eat whatever I would be served by my Black H’ mong family.

But the opportunity to trek among the misty rice fields and the highland villages of the hill tribes in Sapa was going to be epic, especially when you know that you are supporting responsible travel.

Here you can also read about my real-life experience living with a Black H’Mong family that allowed me to discover the most authentic Sapa Homestay in the stunning and remote mountains of Sapa, Vietnam and this can also be your experience!

Now you are about to find out all you need to know about a Sapa Homestay and have all your questions, answered!

You might also be interested in:

Sapa Homestay

Sapa Homestay Overview

Here is a quick overview, in case you a hurry to read the whole article now, and find out what to expect when you choose to do a Sapa Homestay. Also, I recommend you read more here on how choosing an independent homestay in Sapa helps the local community.


What is a Homestay in Sapa?

A homestay simply means an overnight stay in the home of one of the local ethnic minorities. As I always promote responsible travel and encourage giving back to the local communities, trekking and homestay with a local Black Hmong family are extremely important to the area, and this type of tourism benefits the entire community.


How can I decide if living with a local tribe in Sapa is for me?

If you are someone who takes full advantage of your trips and you are a free-spirited adventurer who is looking for an authentic experience, Sapa could be for you. If you’re not afraid of traveling to remote areas of our planet and you appreciate the simplicity of life while you immerse yourself with the locals, respecting and learning from them, Sapa would be a great destination!


What can I expect when I go trekking in Sapa?

The itineraries will vary, depending on the length of time you choose, the guide, and the weather conditions, but each experience is remarkable and unique, I chose to hike and homestay in Sapa for 3 days and 2 nights.


What is the cost to go trekking + homestay in Sapa?

It depends on the length of time and the type of tour you choose to do, and if it includes meals and homestay. If you book in advance from a tour company, it can cost from $60-$100 per person, and normally it also includes your meals and homestay. You have an option to book a tour in advance with a travel agency, and I recommend choosing an ethical tour operator like this one

Now, if you book with a local lady the price can be around $30-$50 per day – again, it depends on what is included such as length of time, meals, homestay, etc.

They don’t expect you to tip them but considering that they receive very little help from the government, and they depend heavily on tourism, a few extra dollars will help them a lot! Also, considering that your experience is already very cheap to go trekking in Sapa, plus meals and homestay. So I recommend tipping them, with whatever you can and think they deserve.


Why You Should Book Your Sapa Homestay Directly with a Local Lady?

Homestay in Sapa is a great way to support the locals and to help the income to be with the locals. Improving dramatically the host’s lives and village overall. As a strong supporter of ethical travel, I recommend booking directly with a local lady instead of a tour company.

But my research prior to going trekking in Sapa, and after talking to my friends in Sapa, I learned that the local tour companies do not always do a fair business with the ladies that they hire to take tourists on the tour. They share a very small commission (much less than half) with the ladies who do the hard work, guiding tourist groups.

If you hire a guide directly, the money will help to clothe their children, buy supplies for their school, invest in their houses, and go back into the community.


Why You Will Love to go on a Homestay in Sapa?

You will learn lessons for a lifetime. My Sapa homestay with my guide and now friend, Bau was very profound for me to ponder this, and to wonder if simple is better. Bau lives a simple life, with limited options compared to my life. It is really a life-changer experience. Bau and I became friends and we communicate daily, and even on a very stressful and busy day, she can help me to slow down for a few minutes and to put a big smile on my face anytime when I get the message “Paula, I miss you…when am I going to see you again in Sapa?”

If you are interested to hire Bau as your guide, please leave a message at the end of this article, and I will share her contact information with you.

Sapa in vietnam is very misty but still great for trekking

Where is Sapa, Vietnam?

Sapa is located in the Northwest of Vietnam, beyond the clouds in a mountain town in Lao Cai Province which also includes Fan Si Pan. The highest mountain in Vietnam with a height of 3,142m above sea level.

Sapa District is dominated by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range which is at the Eastern extremity of the Himalayas. Sapa is a remote place in Vietnam located about 350 km northwest of Hanoi, close to the Chinese border, and 19 km from the town.

The city of Sapa lies at an altitude of about 1,600m, bringing in a cool foggy site.

  1. You can visit only the town of Sapa and its surroundings or
  2. You can hire a local guide and trek the mountains in Sapa for 3-days

How to Get to Sapa, Vietnam?

BY TRAIN: The best option to get to Sapa is by night train, leaving Hanoi at night and arriving in Lao Cai the next morning. I had a good night’s sleep in my private berth. Night train cabin, you have the chance to pay for the whole cabin or share it with 4 people. The car had a shared bathroom available and it was quiet at night. Upon your arrival at Lao Cai train station, you will need to take a mini-bus up into the mountains to Sapa Town, which takes approximately an hour.
BUS: Another option is to get to Sapa by bus. It is the cheaper option, about $15 per person, and you can check here for departure and time options.
PRIVATE DRIVER: Another great option is by hiring a private driver a great option to travel to Sapa if you can afford to pay around $60 for the trip. It is the shorter and most comfortable way to travel to Sapa. makes your trip seem shorter and more comfortable, while you can contemplate landscapes on the roadside during the transportation.
FLIGHT: If you are looking for luxury, without breaking your bank account, the best option is to take a domestic flight to Hanoi from the Noi Bai International Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel in Sapa. The journey takes about 5 hours and it is available 24 hours per day on a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
Sapa homestay

What about if I only want to stay in the town of Sapa?

If you decide to only visit the town of Sapa, there are several activities available to choose from. If you opt to explore Sapa Town independently, you can book your hotel here. Here are the best things to do in Sapa:

  • Cau May Street – It is the main street, where most restaurants and cafes are located
  • Sapa Market – Next to the bus station, it is a great place to visit if you are looking for shopping local products. It is open daily from 6 AM to 2 PM
  • Sapa Culture Museum – It is a little museum that is worth visiting to learn more about the local story.
  • Heaven’s Gate – You will have the best views of the Sapa valleys, but sometimes the fog makes it challenging as it covers the stunning view.
  • Thac Bac Waterfall – Close to Heaven’s Gate, you can combine a visit to both during one trip.
Booking.com
Sapa homestay

How to Find an Authentic Homestay in Sapa with a Hill Tribe?

You have an option to book a tour in advance with a travel agency, and I recommend choosing an ethical tour operator like this one. Or you can book directly with a local lady, if you are interested in my friend Bau, please leave me a comment at the end of this article and I will personally connect with you to provide her contact information.

Another option is to book a tour upon your arrival in Sapa. You can negotiate and book a tour with one of the trustworthy local ladies. They’ll be waiting for guests at the bus stop in Sapa Town (your first stop).

The local ladies will be waiting for guests at the bus stop in Sapa Town (your first stop). I highly recommend booking directly because the experience you will have with them is the most authentic, they are very knowledgeable about the mountains and villages in Sapa Also, they can cook very well, they will take good care of you, they speak good English and the most importantly, you will be giving back to the community.

Trekking and homestay in Sapa
My fantastic local guide Bau

What to Expect from a Homestay in Sapa?

Before you go any further, it is important to find out if homestay in Sapa is really for you. I have listed a few things I have experienced during my 3 days of hiking and homestay in Sapa. Keep in mind that this is a very authentic way to explore and learn about the local culture, and you will be treated as a local:

Trek and homestay in Sapa
Inside the homestay – they cook using a fire pit

WHAT IS A HOMESTAY: as the name suggests, is an overnight stay in someone’s else house.

THE HOUSE:  They are very simple and you will emerge inside their lifestyle, sharing not only the house but also the culture, the food, and lifestyle with your hosts. The accommodation is very basic but very clean, and the houses are similar to hunts, without much natural lighting. There is no refrigerator and they cook using a fire pit in the middle of the kitchen – therefore, expect to have some smoke inside the house and all over your clothes and luggage.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION: It will be inside the house, and you may have a separate room – at least you will have a bed for yourself. The mattresses are very thin, but the bedding was very neat and clean.

TOILET: Most likely will be not attached to the house and it may or may not have running water as well as a gas hot shower.

FOOD: This Will be prepared by the host and their family. They will cook delicious food for you, using fresh ingredients and it is a combination of vegetables, spices, noodles and maybe some meat. If you are picky with your food, consider that you will be eating whatever they will serve you…and everything is delicious! Below I have a full session about the food.

SPECIAL GUESTS: You may see and even have to share some space with some bugs and spiders. You will wake up at about 5:00 AM with the rooster crowing, and you will be sharing the house with puppies and kitties – Black H’ mong people love animals, and I do too!

TREKKING IN ANY WEATHER CONDITIONS: When you decide to trek in Sapa, consider that it may be humid, or it may rain…heavy! You will trek from 4-6 hours straight in some hills, but it is not a difficult level.

Homestay in Sapa Vietnam

How is the weather in Sapa?

The dry season begins around January and lasts until June. January and February are the coldest and foggiest months of the year. 

The best time to visit Sapa is between March to May. Sometimes the temperature can drop to almost freezing, and it can even snow in the mountain, and you can find yourself blocked by a thick wall of fog.

June and August, often rain, especially in the mornings. If possible, choose to visit during the week, when the town is less crowded. The average temperature of the Sapa area is always 60-65F (15-18°C), with a maximum of 86F (30°C) and a min of 4F (1°C).

Sapa Homestay

What to Pack for Sapa?

Make sure that you have packed everything needed because you won’t find stores in the remote mountains if you are staying in the villages.

Pack light, comfortable and smart: a

  • A travel backpack bag for a change of clothes
  • Dry fit clothes and layers are also a great idea
  • Some warm clothing is needed as the mornings and nights can be quite cool
  • Shoes with a good grip, and hiking boots are a great option for the wet season, they will be very muddy
  • A rain jacket is a must any time of the year
  • Hiking pants
  • Extra socks, hat, underwear, and swimsuit if you plan to swim in the waterfall
  • Toiletry, toilet paper, and mirror
  • Personal items such as medication, flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wipes
  • Some snacks for the hiking and a refill waterbottle
  • Ideal shoes for heavy rain are rubber boots, which you can buy at a local market for approx. US$4.00

My Experience with a Homestay in Sapa

My guide Bau and her family live in a simple, and very welcoming home. The house is made of wood boards (barn boards) with a living room and 2 bedrooms – one is for the couple and the other for the grandma and the kids, where they all share the same bed.

In the loft of the house is an area where they used to stock all the rice they harvest for the year, and now offer as a cozy bedroom for visitors.

 

Sapa homestay typical with Black H'mong
Traditional Black Hmong home in Sapa

My Sapa Homestay House

On your homestay Sapa, the kitchen is the highlight of the house where everyone gathers together around the small fire pit in the middle of the floor. It is used to cook meals, warm the house in the winter, and hang our clothes and shoes to dry after trekking on a rainy day.

There’s no refrigerator and no running water inside the house. Springwater that comes directly from the mountain through a series of PVC pipes to the back of the house is used to cook and wash dishes.

Adjacent to the house is a western bathroom with a hot shower that Bau’s family was able to build with the help of the money she makes from trekking. It is encouraging to see them investing in their homestay and making it into their business.

Cooking time in Sapa
What a homestay in Sapa looks like

My Sapa Homestay Family

Bau shares the house with her husband, her mom (momma Lyli) who helps with trekking and takes care of the house, and her 3 beautiful young children.

I got the chance to spend a lot of time interacting and playing with the kids. They do not speak English, but it didn’t limit our interaction, as we played games, colored books together, and also shared some songs. They love to have guests, and they show it by their curiosity and warmth in welcoming the guests into their home.

Bau just amazes me – she is a very young, and extremely hard worker. During the rice harvest, she works on the family’s land, and she also works hard as a “trekking lady”.

Bau doesn’t only work hard, but she is an entrepreneur.

She shared with me that she is working hard as a trekking guide and saving money so she can build a larger house to accommodate her guests better.

She also learned how to speak English from doing the trek and talking to her guests. During my stay with Bau, she couldn’t write in English, and I gave her a book on how to learn basic English.

A few months later I started to receive text messages from Bau and also see her excellent posts on her social media in English…WOW! She is a fast learner and a very smart young lady. I am still friends with Bau and her family, and I often get messages from Bau and the kids. It is gold!

What a typical day at a Homestay in Sapa looks like?

Upon your arrival at the house, you will already feel you emerge with the lifestyle of the Black H’ mong family. They will offer you some of their sandals so you can rest your feet after a long day of trekking and will offer you a cup of hot tea prepared at the fire pit in the middle of the kitchen.

You will share the common area with the family, while your host and the family will cook dinner, and if they have kids or pets at the house, it is a great time to connect.

Your guide will most likely speak English, and the rest of the family may or may not speak…your guide will help you to communicate and translate if you have any questions or want to play with the kids.

Dinner is served and everybody will seat around the table and share the food – after dinner, it is time to crash, and you will be taken to your accommodation by your guest. Don’t expect them to offer you a shower, but you can ask for one if they have one at the house.

Food at my homestay in Sapa Vietnam

In the morning breakfast will be served around 7:00 AM and there is a high chance you will be served yummy fresh pancakes and fresh fruits.

Then it is time to go for your trek with your guide. The guide will show you the villages, and the rice paddies, and you will get the chance to meet other hill tribes and learn more about real life in the mountains of Sapa.

In case you are staying a second night at a homestay, at the end of the trek, you may stop at a local market and shop for fresh ingredients that will be used to cook dinner.

My homestay in Sapa Vietnam

The Black Hmong Culture in Sapa

O Black H’Mong people dress in black and they make their own clothes. The fabric is made of hemp and they use indigo to dye the fabric, and everything is handmade. In many houses, you can see a big vat of indigo and big wooden looms that they use to dye their clothes. I was invited to a local wedding and I had to dress like the locals.

They plant and harvest rice to sell and eat!

Each tribe speaks its own language. My guide Bau could speak Hmong, Vietnamese, and English, but could not communicate with other hill tribes.

Sapa- Complete Ethical travel guide

The women are very hard workers, and they work even when they are pregnant or carrying their young babies with them during the trekking tour or planting rice. They learn how to speak English so that they can work with trekking and tourism.

The Black H’ mong dress in traditional clothes, have long, beautiful hair, and like to wear silver jewelry, which they also make themselves.

I also learned that men are property owners. The girls are expected to marry at a young age, have kids, serve their husbands, and work hard to provide for the family.

My guide asked me a lot of questions about my culture, and I found her curiosity intriguing. We learned a lot from each other.

The Food at a Homestay in Sapa, Vietnam

The food in my homestay in Sapa was just amazing; among the best meals, I ate in Vietnam!

I am a big fan of healthy food and preparing my meals from raw ingredients. They buy fresh ingredients at a village market. We were also treated to the delicious rice that Bau and her family grow on their own land.

Animal protein is not very common for our host’s family, but they do serve it when they have special guests. They have good options if you like chicken or pork, and they also have many vegetable options. They use pork fat to cook and it makes the food taste amazing.

sapa-homestay-food

My guide Bau and her family cooked dinner for us, using the fire pit in the middle of the house and the spices smell was just amazing. They really put their heart while they are cooking a meal, and they are so proud of their gift to cook for their guests.

We all sat at a very small table in the house and shared the small dishes, which made it more special. As Anthony Bourdain said, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together”.

During our meal, I asked Bau what her favorite food was, and she answered “rice”. Then I asked her if she could choose any food in the world what would she want, and her answer was “Rice, I like rice”. If you ask me what my favorite food is, I could create a list. We have so many options to choose from.

traditional homestay breakfast in Sapa

Noodles are a winner – noodles with vegetables, noddles with chicken, noodles with pork, noodles with noodles.

Vegetable spring rolls with homemade sweet chili sauce, steamed rice, veggie soup, noodles (have I said noodles before?), steamed pumpkin, broccoli, or any other vegetable, and pan-fried chicken or pork.

For breakfast, Bau would make some amazing pancakes (crepes) with fresh eggs and fruit, honey, and the best Vietnamese black coffee.

Fresh ingredients that the locals grow in their lands and sell to each other
Sapa - everything you should know about trekking and homestay
Hmong ladies in Sapa

Sapa Homestay Conclusion

I hope you found all the answers to your question about the Sapa homestay with a Black Hmong family. So, just like you, I also researched an authentic experience to go hiking and do a homestay in Sapa from a blog, that gave a very honest and helpful review.

I found this article during my searches, After Living with the Black H’ mong, I chose a lady named Bau to be my guide and to share her home, family, and lifestyle. And I became friends with the bloggers (Megan and Steve) and also, with Bau, my guide in Sapa. So it seems that life always gifts us with people who share the same passions 😉

If you are interested to hire Bau as your guide, please leave a message here and I will share her contact information – Also, after you go on your Sapa trekking and homestay,m I would love to hear about your experience too!

You may also enjoy reading:

Follow + Share

If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos.

I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media.

Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Read More

125 thoughts on “All you need to know about Sapa Homestay & Trekking with a Black Hmong Family”

  1. Thank you Alice. I am glad you like the blog, and definitely Sapa is an amazing place to visit

  2. Hi Paula, I love reading your blog. As a backpacker in my 20’s, I love this sort of travelling and want to give my own kids this experience. Would Bau’s house be able to accomodate a family of 5 (my girls are 16, 14, 11) and how do I make contact to meet her?

  3. Hello Megan, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed my blog and that you are interested to stay with Bau. She is an amazing young lady, and I am sure she will provide you and your family with an amazing experience in Sapa. Yes, Bau would be able to accommodate you and your family, and if it will be too tight for the whole family, Bau will have some relatives places to accommodate everyone on the same village. I can send you an email with all the information if you wish.

  4. You are right…when we allow ourselves to get out of our comfortable zone, is when we grow and learn the best lessons in life.

  5. Hi,

    Thanks for the article! I’m planning to visit Sapa this December, and would like to find a local like Bau to give us a tour around Sapa, mainly the Cat Village, Silver Waterfall, Rice Paddies, and Fansipan Mountain.
    Would you kindly drop her information for me to contact her?
    Also, would you recommend taking a bus/train from Hanoi to Sapa?
    I am thinking of train for comfort, but it seems like the journey is pretty long and still requires a shuttle bus afterwards.. 🙁

    Thank you so much 🙂

  6. Hello Joelyn, I am glad you found my article and that you are interested in hiring Bau. She is an excellent guide and host, and she will take good care of you. I do recommend taking the train, as it is more comfortable and you can sleep on your way to Sapa if you take an overnight train. I sent you an email with Bau contact information and I also told her you will contact her. Also, I recommend this article if you are planning a trip to Sapa: https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/vietnam-3-day-sapa-trek-itinerary/

  7. Hey Paula, thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’ll be visiting Sapa this October, and would love to have Bau as our guide. Could you please share her contact information?

  8. Hello Wen – I just sent you an email with Bau’s contact information. I hope you can arrange trekking in Sapa with her and that you have a memorable time

  9. Hi here Paula
    I hope you are well. I’m interested in staying with bau after reading your blog, I’m going to sapa in the next few days or so and wondered if you’d be able to give me some info.
    Best regards Jen

  10. Hello, thank you for sharing your experience. It is very useful for the travelers that are planning to go there like me.
    I was planning to go to Sapa in the night bus from Hanoi (arriving to Sapa at 6am), spend the day there hiring a local guide to take us trekking and to visit the main things, and also to stay at her place. Then we will leave the following day about 2pm. Do you think this is enough time for us to book a homestay?
    I would like to get Bau’s contact to check if she can be our guide in this one-and-a-half days trip.
    Thank you

  11. I am glad you found my article helpful. I think it would too short for you to hike and do homestay at a village, considering the hike there will take a half day, and the hike back to Sapa town another half day. What you could do is to hike to the homestay, spend the night to have the real experience of living with a Black Hmong tribe, and try to find some locals who could take you back to Sapa town by motorbike.

    If you do this, it would allow enough time for your hike and one night experience at a homestay.

  12. Hi Paula,
    Your experience sounds amazing and something I would like to do as well. I will be in Vietnam in November and would love to get in touch with Bau.
    Thanks very much
    Sue Puffer

  13. Hi Paula,
    Very nice post. We are a couple and will be traveling to Sapa in November. Could you share with us Baus contact? We would love to have an experience like yours. Also you know if the weather would be nice in November?
    Thanks

  14. Hello Paula,

    What an amazing blog and I’m truly touched by your friendship with Bau, I’m glad you were able to support her through the difficult times. As I’m visiting Sapa in early Nov, may I trouble you to share with me Bau’s contact as well? Would day treks be possible, and if I’d like to visit Ta Phin Village for the herbal baths, could that be arranged?

    May I also seek your recommendations on what would be useful for us to bring for the local hosts (perhaps toys, stationery for the children, and snacks from our home country)? Would it be appropriate to bring clothes/shoes for them?

    Thank you in advance and continue with your amazing work! 🙂

  15. Hello Lindsey,
    I read your message with a big smile on my face, and for people like, I still continue to work so hard on my blog. Thank you! Bau became a very dear friend, and I hold a very special place in my heart for her and her family. I will send her contact to you via email, as I like to protect her and keep it private. This is the first time I hear about the Ta Phin Village, but certainly you can check with Bau when you message her and ask if she can take you there, that sounds amazing. I love that you are planning to bring some gifts, they will be so happy. I asked the same thing when I was going and I end up bringing color books and toys for the kids – they loved it all! And yes for the clothes and shoes, I normally send them money every year for new clothes and shoes for the new year at school, but you absolutely can bring from your country. I really appreciate your message and taking the time to read my blog. I am sending Bau contact’s to your email 😉

  16. Great post, sounds like a wonderful time! Planning to be in Sapa in a couple weeks, would you be able to share Bau’s contact? Much appreciated!

  17. Hi Paula,
    Thank you for the amazing post. I am going to Hanoi next year, and will be visiting Sa Pa. May I get the contact and information for Bau? I would appreciate that greatly, thank you very much 🥰

  18. Hello Skye, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the post. I sent you Bau’s contact information to your email, and I really hope you will have an amazing time in Sapa.

  19. Hello Kyle, I sent the information direct to your email, I hope you enjoy your visit with Bau and have a great and memorable time in Sapa.

  20. hi paula ,
    trust you are well.

    i really liked your post. it is truly helpful. I and my wife are also travelling sapa, we were planning 2 days trip since post which , we have to travel to halong bay .. is there a direct way to reach there ? also it would be helpful if you could send me the contact details of the guide so as we can plan in advance.

  21. Hi Paula, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and planning on going early December. Would love to support the local women, appreciate if you could pass Bau’s contact. Thank you so much! 😀

  22. Hi Paula loved your post , if you could share guide’s contact number it would be of great help . also , any option for traveling from SAPA to halong bay ?

  23. Hi Paula,
    I’m planning to go to Sapa in mid November and I’m interested on staying in a homestay and do some trekking. Would you mind to share the contact for Bay? I would love to have an experience like yours 😍

  24. Hey Paula.

    SORRY SPAMMING YOU WITH MANY COMMENTS .. ANY UPDATE ON THE CONTACT DETAILS OF BLACK HMONG FAMILY ? <3<3

  25. Hello Paula,

    I just read your post and feel very touched by it. I go to Sapa tomorrow. And plan on staying 2 days and one night, but i might change that to 3 days and 2 nights. I know it’s a bit short notice, but if possible i would like to contact Bau and see if she is available to host me.

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

    Maria

  26. Hey Paula,
    lovely blog and post about the experience with bau her family and friends! 🙂 I am a solo traveler and plan to get to sa pa mid november. would you send me her contact information so i can ask her if she can fit me in ?

    Thank you so much!

  27. Thanks for this informative and insightful post! May I ask which month did you travel to Sapa? And for the trekking tour with Pau, is the itinerary customisable? And how far is Pau’s place from Sapa city?

    I am planning for a Sapa trip next year and am keen in getting the contact and information for Bau. Thanks in advance!

  28. Hey Paula, thanks for the very indepth blog article about the black hmong and baus family. I am visiting Vietnam in a week and would like to contact bau as well. could you sent me the contact details?

    Thank you in advance!

  29. Hello Nick, you are welcome and I am so glad you enjoyed the article. I just sent you an email with the contact information. I hope you have a fabulous time and say hi to my friend Bau for me, please.

  30. Hello Jo, I traveled to Sapa in December and it was cold and raining, the guides can do whatever itinerary you choose to do, as long as you hire a local lady and not through an agency, they can be flexible. Bau lives a couple of hours from Sapa City, maybe 2-4 depends on how fast you trek and the weather conditions.

  31. Hello Nick – I sent you all the information you need to contact and book your visit with Bau, and I hope it works out. hey, please, say hi to my friend Bau for me! 😉

  32. Hello Maria – I sent you the contact information directly to your email. I hope you still have time to contact Bau and that you have a fabulous time trekking in Sapa

  33. No problem at all…I just re-sent the information directly to your email, please let me know if you receive it now. Thanks

  34. Hey Ana, I sent Bau’s contact information directly to your email, I hope you have a fabulous time in Sapa and bring back tons of amazing experiences!

  35. Hello Yuvi, I sent you Bau’s contact information directly to your email. Yes, actually I traveled from Sapa to Halong Bay and you have to go back to Hanoi to take a transportation to Halong.

  36. Hello Sham, I sent you Bau’s contact information to your email. I hope you can hire Bau and I am sure you will have a fabulous time, and will bring back great memories.

  37. Hello Yuvraj, there is no direct way to reach from Halong Bay to Sapa, you will need to return to Hanoi and take a transportation to Sapa City from there. Either a train or a bus.

  38. Hello,

    I’ve just come across this blog and loved reading about your experience. Are you able to pass on Bau’s contact details so i can try to arrange a trek and home stay with her?

    Many thanks

    Georgia 🙂

  39. Hi Paula,

    I loved these posts they were so descriptive and helpful. It was not super easy to find information about real ethical homestays in sapa. Im travelling with my young kids (3 & 5) &husband. I was in Vietnam 12 years ago and visiting sapa was the one thing I wished I’d done. I really want to have an authentic experience& one that benefits the Hmong communities and I think it would be amazing for my kids too. My question is, I’d love to do some trekking but more than a few miles is probably not possible with my kids…with Bau or the local guides at the bus station, would it be possible to do a home stay with less trekking? If not, and we just need to stay in sapa town and explore on our own, is there another way we can spend time in and contribute towards a community? Thanks in advance!

  40. hello Julie – your message added a big smile to my face. First, I am so glad you found my articles helpful, I agree with you that when I was searching I also had a hard time finding information on ethical travel in Sapa. Secondly, I think it is so amazing you want your kids to have this experience. I sent you Bau’s contact information to your email, as I don’t share it publicly to help to protect her, but you can definitely talk to her about paying some locals (including her husband) to pick you and your family from Sapa Town by motorbike and take to her house, so you don’t need to trek for hours with the little ones. While at her house, I am sure your kids will love it, as she also has adorable kids and they can play, plus animals, and you can take short treks around the area she lives. She can take you to some villages and introduce mountain life, how they plant, how they cook, how they live – this will be an experience for a lifetime!

  41. Hello Georgia – I sent you all the information you need directly to your email. I hope you have a fabulous time in Sapa!

  42. Hello Jo – I sent you Bau’s information in your email. Hope you love your trip, and travel safely!

  43. Hi Paula! Would love to be shared on Bau’s contact information! Sounds like you had an incredible experience with her!!

  44. Hi Paula, I fell on your lovely article and am planning to visit Sapa next month. I would love experiencing a homestay – would you be so kind to discuss sharing Bau’s contact details? Have a great day and take care

  45. Hello Thibaut, I just sent you the information and I hope you have a phenomenal time in Sapa! Safe travels

  46. Hi Paula,
    Thank you so much for all this info. Very helpful in my trip planning.
    Could you please share Bau’s contact details as I would like to go on a 3 days trek trip.

    Have a great day

  47. Hi Paula,
    I’ve just finished reading your article. I will be heading to Sapa in a few days and i am looking for a local guide there. I would be really happy to get Bau contact from you !

  48. Amazing blog that is so inspiring. Please could you send me the contact details that would be great! keep up the good work

  49. Hello Paula,
    My family and I are going to SAPA this Dec. Would love my children to experience the Homestay with Bau. Looking forward to hearing from you. =) Wowed at your Insta and your fitness influence! Inspired.

  50. Hello Sandra,
    I sent you an email with all the information regarding hiring Bau. I am also so glad we are now friends on Instagram, and thanks so much, I am happy to hear you feel inspired. Safe travels and keep healthy!

  51. Hello Alexandra,
    I am so happy to hear you found my article helpful. I sent you Bau’s contact information to your email. Please, enjoy your trip and let me know if you have any further questions.

  52. Hello Paula, I am heading to Sapa to celebrate christmas this year! Is it possible if you can send me Bau’s contact?

  53. Hi Paula,
    Loved the article and your take on homestays! My partner and I are heading to Vietnam in April for almost a month so I’m starting my planning now, which includes 3 nights in Sapa. I would love to do a trekking homestay with Bau if you could please send her information my way. Thank you!!

  54. Hello Paula,
    I am traveling to Vietnam in April ’23 and plan on spending close to a week in Sapa. I would love to stay with Bau and her family. Could you please connect us?

  55. Hallo Paula, I just discovered your enlightening article. I hope however that is not too late. The day after tomorrow I will fly to Vietnam and I plan to do a a three days trekking (30-40 km) starting from the 29th. I was searching the internet for advices on which ethical company to chose between sapasisters and sapa o’chau.
    After reading your article I’d love to have the privilege to be a host at Bau’s family. Do you think I’m still on time to do it? Best regards and thanks for sharing, Roberto

  56. Hi Paula,

    I love what i see on your travels and will be going to SAPA in April. Would love to engage Bau. Could you be send me her details? Thank You so much

  57. Hello! My husband and I are looking forward to going to Vietnam! Would you be able to share baus contact? We would like to do a 3 day 2 night trip! 🙂 thank you!

  58. Hello Ally – I just sent you an email with Bau’s information. I hope you have a fabulous visit.

  59. Hi Chong, I sent to your email the contact information. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

  60. Hello Roberto,
    It has been a pleasure talking to you about doing a homestay in Sapa. I hope I have answered all your questions and I would love to know more about your experience once you are back.

  61. Hey Paula,
    I loved reading your above blog on Sapa.
    We are heading there in a few weeks and are interested in doing a couple of days trekking (preferably 3 days/around 40km). Bau and her family seem wonderful, would you be able to connect us with her please?
    Thank you so much for sharing your journey:)

  62. Hi Paula,

    Thank you so much for sharing your Sapa experience with us. Your blog is so descriptive and very helpful. Our family of three are looking to visit Sapa next summer and would love to have similar experience as yours. Would you mind sharing Bau’s contact with us? We’d love to be able to book a trekking trip and homestay with her. Thank you so much!

  63. Hi Paula,

    Thank you for taking time and effort to do this blog. It is really informative and heartwarming to hear your experience at sapa. My friends and I are intending to travel to sapa this April and would like to engage Bau as well 🙂 Thank you!

    Also, we would like to prepare something for her and her family but are unsure of what to give just in case we give something inappropriate. Do you have any advice on what we can prepare for them?

  64. Dear Claudia, me and my husband will visit Sapa in March. Would be great if you could provide Baus Adress. We want to avoid the too touristy spots. Thank you very much. Kind regards Sonja

  65. Hello Sonja, here is Paula (not Claudia…haha). I sent you the information directly to your email. I hope you have an amazing trip, and please, say hi to my friend Bau!

  66. Hello Ada – I just sent you Bau’s contact directly to your email. As far as bringing gifts to Bau and her family, I always recommend books as the kids love them. Color books are their favorite. The boy loves cars, so Hot wheels is a great option, as they are small to pack on your backpack.

  67. I just sent you the contact information to your personal email. I hope you and your family have an incredible trip!

  68. Hey I would be interested in a stay in Sapa with Bau. How can I get in contact with her? We would be two women. Thank you!

  69. Hello Paula,

    Thank you for sharing your amazing experience at Sapa! I’m thinking of reaching out to Bau to arrange a half-day or full day easy trek to show us around, do you think that’s possible or should I allocate more time for this?

    Looking forward to hear from you 🙂

  70. Hello Paula!
    What a Awesome experience and time you had there.. Love your stories! Ill go trekking the 7th of februari and would love to go with bau. Hope you can send me her contact details on time..

    Thank you!

  71. Hello Claudia – I just sent to your email Bau’s contact information. I hope you have an amazing trip to Sapa

  72. hello Paula, thanks for writing such a detailed blog post. I found it while planning my trip. I’m interested in visiting the less touristy places with Bau. Can you send me her email? Thank you!

  73. Hi Paula! It was great reading about your experience in Sapa as I’m planning my own trip. I would love to connect with Bau to see if she might be available for a 3 day trek in April. Thank you!

  74. That is awesome Joe that you are interested in hiring Bau. You will love her as she is a great guide and an incredible person. Sent her contact info to your email.

  75. Hello my wife and I will be visiting Sapa late March and I am very interested in staying with Bau for 2 nights. Also, can you please let me know how strenuous/long the hiking is. Thanks so much!

  76. Hey — I would love to stay with your friend Bau!
    Please send me her contact information. I would want to go next weekend.
    Thanks
    Alexa

  77. Hi Paula,

    Thanks so much for the information. Could you please send us the contact of your friend Bau?

  78. Hi Paula,

    I’m a solo traveller who’s headed to Sapa in end May. I am inspired by your experience and would love to get Bau’s contact as well!

    Thank you!

  79. Hi Paula!

    Thank you for the lovely article 🙂 Would you mind sharing Bau’s contact information with me? We are looking to do a trek soon! Thank you.

  80. Hi Paula,

    I’ve been thinking of visiting Sapa and am very much inspired by this article! Would you mind giving me Bau’s contact details as well? Thank you!

  81. Hi Paula. I’m going to Sapa in June, and would love to have Bau’s contact details. Can you please share it to me? Thank you!

  82. Hi Paula, great post! I’m going to sapa in the next few days, would you be able to share Bau’s contact details with me please?

  83. Hi Paula! I’m heading to Sapa next month. I’d like to be put in touch with Bau too, please. Thanks so much for your post!

  84. Hi Paula, Thanks for your blog!, it s very helpful to plan our trip!

    I would love to get Bau’s contact as well.

    Thank you!

  85. Hi Paula, I enjoyed reading your blog and would love to arrange a 2 day 1 night trek with Bau when I head over in September.

    My family of 3 would be taking the sleeper train from Hanoi. Can I check if we will need to book into a hotel in sapa (to keep our luggage) or can we start the trek directly with Bau with arrangements to transport our luggage to her home? Won’t want to impose on Bau if it will inconvenience her/ her family.

  86. Hey Lydia – I have sent Bau’s contact to you directly to your email. I took the same train as you, and when I communicated with Bau, I let her know I had 2 large sizes backpacks (me and my husband) so her husband went to the train station to pick us up with his motorbike and took the bags to the house, while my husband and I started the hiking from Sapa to Bau’s house. You can definitely coordinate this with her and see if it is feasible to transport your luggage or if you will need to check in somewhere before you start the hiking.

  87. Hi Paula,

    Your blogs on Vietnam have been super helpful – thank you!

    Could you please send me Bau’s details? I am going exploring Vietnam on my own so feel safer taking a recommendation for a homestay 🙂

  88. Hey Paula love the story and experiences you had. I’ll be heading to Sapa within the next 3 weeks and I’m so keen on having an authentic experience in the mountains just like yourself. Would you mind passing on Bau’s details to me?

    Cheers, Mo.

  89. Hi Paula, I’m so glad I ended up on your blog and Sapa post while during my research. I’m looking for a direct contact in Sapa to minimize any risk of supporting tours that allocate funds unfairly. I’d love to reach out to Bau so keen to have her contact. Thanks a lot! Moving onto reading a few other articles of yours now 🙂

  90. Hi Paula!! I adored your blog, it has made me even more excited to do a trek in Sapa! I am so happy to hear how amazing your homestay experience was. I am heading there in a couple months as a solo female backpacker and would love it if you could connect me with Bau 🙂

    Thank you so much for sharing!!

  91. Hi Paula, firstly a huge thank you for all the information you have provided – super helpful.
    My friend and I are going to Vietnam mid November for three weeks, starting in the south going north. We plan to go to SaPa at the end of November and would love to experience life with a Vietnamese family. Please could you put me in touch with Bau – sounds perfect and reassuring that she comes so highly recommended.
    Best wishes Jane

  92. Hi Paula, I am a nomadic sole traveler, always seeking an authentic experience. Please can you send me Bau’s details? I’m excited by the thought of visiting.

  93. Hi Paula, thank you so much for all your helpful information – has made planning a trip to Vietnam so much easier
    Please could you let me have Bau’s details. I am travelling to Sa Pa at the end of November and would love to stay with Bau if she has availability.
    Thanks Jane

  94. Thank you so much for sharing your experience – I loved reading your stories from the home stay. As I am travelling to vietnam in october and have done several multi day hiking trinps I would love to get the contact from Bau to ask whether she has availability.
    Thanks
    Leonie

  95. Hi Paula! This was such a wonderful and helpful read, thank you. Could you kindly share Bau’s contact details? thank you so much! I am going to be in Sa Pa at the end of this month.

  96. Hello, I found this article very helpful. I’m planning to go to Sapa this January and I’m interested in doing a home stay. Would you be able to share Bau’s information?

  97. Hi Paula,
    Your description of Bau and her family sounds wonderful. I’d like to go to Sapa and meet them and spend 2-3 days with them, Can you kindly send to my email their contact info. Also if you can add a short description how to get to their house once I arrive to sapa with a bus,
    Thanks very much.
    I enjoyed reading your post very much
    Zeev

  98. Hi Paula,
    Your description of Bau and her family sounds wonderful. I’d like to go to Sapa and meet them and spend 2-3 days with them, Can you kindly send to my email their contact info. Also if you can add a short description how to get to their house once I arrive to sapa with a bus,
    Thanks very much.
    I enjoyed reading your post very much
    Zeev

  99. Hi Paula
    Great post.
    Bau and her family sounds like great people to meet and do a home stay with them. Could you kindly provide with their contact info?
    Thanks

  100. Hi, very nice article. Can you please share the contact to Bau? Also, I’m curious what you did with your bag when you arrived to Sapa? Did you go for trekking with it? We want to stay in Sapa only two days and the logistic is a bit tricky, as I can’t imagine the trekking with big backpack for few kilometers.

  101. Hi Paula,

    Loved your article. What a unique experience you’ve had.
    I haven’t been in Sapa in years and am planning to go back in a few weeks. Can you please share Bau’s information? Thank you.

    Best,
    Masha

  102. Hi Paula!
    Im going to Sa Pa tomorrow, I just read your post and the homestay with Bau is exactly the kind of stay I’ve been looking for. Could you please share her information?

    Thank you!
    Lisa

  103. Hi Paula,

    Great to hear about your special experience, thanks for sharing. Can you please share Bau’s contact with me? I’m planning a trip to Sapa in January. Thank you very much!

  104. Hi Paula,

    Thanks for sharing your experience with such passion and detail. I am visiting Vietnam in March and would love to visit Sapa. Could you be so kind as to share the contact details of Bau with me, please?

    Thanks
    Christ

  105. Thank you so much for this wonderful overview. My dad trekked in Sapa about 20 years ago and it’s a dream for me I’m hoping to make come true this year. If you could please share Bau’s contact that would be amazing . Thank you so much

  106. Hey Paula,

    Thanks for sharing your experience. I’d love to get in contact with Bau. Can you provide me with the contact details?

    Thank you very much.

    Best, Tonio

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.