Lao Chai

Among the brilliant curves and staggering slopes of the Golden Stream Valley, Lao Chai Village beckons as a hub of culture and nature. Situated right next to another Sapa highlight, Ta Van, the village is a melting pot of two of Vietnam’s oldest tribes: the Giay and the Black Hmong people. It is often easy to tell them apart from their clothing. But, come in the harvest season, which lasts from September to April, and you will see the two tribes coalesce into one with a sweet rush and excitement. The land turns bright golden at this time, creating pupil-dilating views. Still, Lao Chai has epic sceneries to offer at any time of the year.

Arguably the most awaited experience in the village is a tasting of the incredible local food. If you are looking for a lunch stop on your Sapa trek, this is the place to be. Try their five-colored sticky rice served on green petals, and sip some glutinous rice or corn wine to quench your thirst. The blissful hills of the Vietnamese land will accompany you with nature sounds. The entire village lives on farming and agriculture here. Local farmers heading to the fields and working among rice crops constitute the photographic scene. Also, feel free to approach a villager busy with handcrafts to learn about their intricate processes. You can buy some of the products to take a piece of Lao Chai home.

This corner of heaven does get along well with travelers. Still, remember to be respectful of the preserved state of the lifestyle. Rare beauties will welcome you in the village tucked away in the most prolific lands of the Golden Valley.