Simply Hmong
Step Into a Hmong Village for a day of Gentle Cultural Immersion
“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart”
Duration: 1 day
Departure time: Flexible between 8.30am and 10am
Transport: Your choice of trekking or by car
Physical activity: Easy to moderate
Location: Small traditional villages
Travel Style: Cultural immersion and participatory activities
Connectivity: Wifi - None, Mobile coverage - good.
Maximum: 6 people
The Hmong value their independence and tend to live at high altitudes, away from other tribes. The principal food plants are rice and corn. Besides irrigated rice fields, they also cultivate rice on terraces. In the corn fields, they alternately plant various leguminous plants such as green beans and peas. The principal fibre plant is the hemp. Cotton is also grown and the Hmong are known to be good weavers.
What to expect:
Tucked into the rice‑paddy lined hills just outside Sapa, the Simply Hmong experience is a gentle cultural immersion rather than a trek; it’s a day that unfolds at a relaxed pace, with connection and taste taking centre stage. You’ll begin by wandering through fields and bamboo groves. The journey leads to a warm welcome in a Black Hmong family home, where you’ll gather in a cosy rural kitchen to prepare a simple, nourishing lunch together.
Once in the homestead, you’ll learn cooking techniques that have been part of Hmong tradition for generations. It’s less about culinary precision and more about shared moments: the crackle of a hearth fire, the aroma of fresh produce, and the stories exchanged as hands work side by side.
The feeling of genuine hospitality is echoed throughout the experience. You may also choose to extend your time wandering further, maybe strolling down to a nearby river for a refresh on a hot day.
At its heart, Simply Hmong is about cultural exchange through cooking and conversation.
Shared Meals, Traditional Cooking and the Warmth of Everyday Life
Included:
English Speaking local guide
All required transportation
Water and fruit
Entrance fees to the Hoang Lien National Park
Special lunch with a Black Hmong family
Prices - Simply Hmong Experience
1 person - $95 per person
2 people - $55 per person
3 people - $45 per person
4 people - $40 per person
5 people - $35 per person
6 people - $32 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 if
Part of the experience fee is used as payment for your three host family. 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.
“Being part of a Hmong family meal was really cool. The food was great, the stories were fun and we were made to feel totally at home. We would definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting Sapa”
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.
