The Woodland Way 

The Woodland Way: Guided Hiking Adventure Through Sapa’s Hidden Forests & Villages

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
— John Muir

Duration: One Day
Departure time: 8.30am briefing at the ETHOS Community Centre
Physical activity: Moderate to challenging 
Distance: 9km to 12km with some flexibility in distance and trail type.
Location: Woodland, small traditional villages, rice terraces, mountain streams and waterfalls. 
Travel Style: Cultural immersion and active adventure.
Connectivity: Wifi - None, Mobile coverage - good. 

Maximum: 4 people

Traveller walking along mountain path in Sapa with panoramic views of rice terraces and hills on the Woodland Way trek.

Step Off the Beaten Path into Pine Forests, Rice Terraces and Hmong Culture

This is a unique hiking experience incorporating a secret waterfall and two Hmong minority villages.  

Elevation Gain: Significant (500 - 600 metres approx.)

What to expect:
Step off the tourist trail and into a landscape shaped by time, tradition, and towering trees. The Woodland Way is a full day guided trek through a lesser known corner of Sapa, rich with pine forests, flower filled meadows, terraced rice fields, and the soft murmur of wildlife. This moderate level adventure offers a deep breath of nature, culture, and quiet beauty.

Your day begins with a safety and cultural briefing at the ETHOS Community Centre, where you’ll meet your guide and learn more about the people and places you’ll encounter. From there, you’ll be transferred to the trailhead and the adventure begins.

  • Cool, shaded paths weaving through pine forests and deciduous woodland

  • Vibrant meadows, home to grazing buffalo and seasonal wildflowers

  • Birdsong and butterflies, with frequent glimpses of local birdlife along the way

  • A hidden waterfall, perfect for a refreshing cool down bring a travel towel if you’re feeling brave!

  • Authentic connection, sharing a traditional home cooked lunch with a Hmong family in their mountain home

  • Experience the grandeur of the famous Sapa rice terraces.


The route covers approximately 10 kilometres, with options to adjust slightly depending on your preferences. There are some steeper sections and technical terrain, particularly after rain, with a total elevation gain of around 650 metres. The path ranges from 1300 to 1850 metres in elevation. Trekking poles and sturdy, grippy footwear are strongly recommended.
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This trek is best suited to active travellers with previous hiking experience. It is not ideal for young children or elderly guests.
Group size is strictly limited to a maximum of 4, ensuring a more personal and immersive experience.

After the walk, you’ll be driven back to the ETHOS Community Centre, with typical return time between 3:30pm and 5:30pm, depending on conditions and group pace.

Cool Woodland Trails, Birdsong, Secret Waterfalls and a Shared Hmong Lunch

Included:

  • English Speaking local guide

  • All required transportation

  • Water and fruit

  • Lunch with a local Hmong family


Excluded:

  • Travel insurance

Prices - The Woodland Way 1 Day Experience

1 person - $95 per person

2 people - $55 per person

3 people - $45 per person

4 people - $40 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 unnecessry risk.

Part of the experience fee is used as payment for your 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.

“The best view comes after the hardest climb”
— Alain Robert
Graphic with text and icons. Text reads: "WE LIKE:". Icons and phrases below include a thumbs-up icon with "Investing Locally," a house icon with "Saving Energy & Water," a paw print icon with "Protecting Wildlife," a person with a headband icon with "Respecting Culture," and an image of horses with "ETHOS Spirit of the Community."
Scenic view of terraced green rice fields on a hillside with mountains in the background and clouds in the sky, overlaid with the text 'Terms and Conditions'.

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.

We also offer a one day trekking experience in Hoang Lien Son National Park. For more information about our “ Forest Frontier Trek “ experience, please click here.

This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking
This slideshow highlights the charm of rural landscapes and village life. The images feature sweeping rice terraces, rolling green hills and mountain views, along with glimpses of traditional houses and smiling local people. Trekkers are seen walking