The Herbal Trail Trek
Herbal Trail Trek in Sapa – One Day Red Dao Experience
““A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people”.”
Duration: One Day Experience.
Departure time: flexible between 8.30 am - 9.30 am
Physical activity: Moderate to challenging
Location - Small traditional villages, bamboo forests, woodland areas, vast terraced valleys
Travel Style: - Cultural immersion and active adventure
Connectivity: Wifi - None, Mobile coverage - good.
Maximum: 6 people
Walk Through Terraced Valleys, Bamboo Forests and Minority Villages
This is a unique walking experience and incorporates numerous quiet, local villages. The mix of scenery is very appealing but the opportunity to learn about Dao herbs and medicines is what really sets this trekking option apart.
This experience involves a 15 to 20 minute drive away from Sapa to the trail head in a small Hmong village. The trek begins with an elevation gain of around 150 metres up to an altitude of 1300 metres and fantastic panoramic views on a clear day. After this point, there are a range of routes that differ in technicality and difficulty. The off road trails are the most fun, but also the most challenging, especially during or after rainfall. On wet days, walking becomes very technical as the clay soil becomes more slippery.
Well off the beaten track, the trek offers stunning and diverse scenery. You’ll encounter terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountainsides. The landscape is dotted with traditional ethnic minority houses of the Red Dao and Black Hmong people. You’ll also pass through bamboo forests, mist-covered hills, and clear, flowing streams. Depending on the season, you might also see wildflowers and a variety of crops growing in the fields. It’s a breathtaking mix of nature and culture.
Along the way, you will have an opportunity to forage for herbal medicines as well as food (seasonal) under the supervision of your guide.
Lunch is a shared meal with a local Dao family This is a unique experience because it offers a genuine cultural exchange. The Red Dao people have rich traditions, and you’ll get to experience their hospitality firsthand. They often prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients, and sharing a meal is a way to learn about their way of life. It’s not just about the food; it’s about connecting with people and understanding their culture. There is plenty of time to enjoy this part of the day before your choice of a variety of afternoon walks.
The minimum trekking distance on day one is approximately 8.5km, although it is possible to extend this walk considerably if you choose.
Forage Medicinal Herbs, Share a Dao Family Meal and Discover Mountain Traditions
What to expect:
Great views and an immersive cultural experience.
Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation.
Included:
English Speaking local guide
All required transportation
Lunch
Water and fruit
Entrance fees to villages
Optional Extra:
Red Dao herbal bath
Excluded:
Travel insurance
Prices - The Herbal trail 1 Day experience
1 person - $95 per person
2 people - $55 per person
3 people - $48 per person
4 people - $42 per person
5 people - $38 per person
6 people - $35 per person
Notes:
Be aware that during foggy and rainy periods, trails around Sapa are often muddy and slippery. Walking shoes with good grip are highly recommended. We believe that trekking is all about discovery and access to the most exciting villages may involve steep inclines and clay slopes. During periods of heavy rainfally, the walk route may be changed to avoid any unnecessary risk.
Part of the experience fee is used as payment for your host families. You can read more about our Social Responsibility projects here.
Community based tourism (CBT) is a form of tourism where local communities are directly involved in developing, managing, and benefiting from tourism activities within their area. It emphasises community ownership, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices, offering visitors authentic experiences and fostering economic opportunities for residents.
“To meet people, to eat their food, and to walk their paths is to understands the heart of a place.”
Please travel with respect. Dress modestly, support local crafts, protect nature, be patient, and stay safe. Connect, learn, and contribute positively during your ETHOS journey. Please refer to our terms for booking conditions for all ETHOS experiences.
