Ethos - Spirit of the Community

Ethos - Spirit of the Community

Ethos - Spirit of the Community
5
Cultural ToursBike ToursMotorcycle ToursHiking & Camping ToursPrivate Tours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
ETHOS are an ethical Social Enterprise that strive to offer experiential adventures. Our aim is to facilitate conscientious travellers in creating unique adventures whilst supporting local minority tribal people in helping themselves. The experiences are made by you and enhanced by our team of local guides who will use their vast knowledge and skills to support you in finding something special in the Sapa area. ETHOS tours create a regular and reliable source of income and also for our team and also provide the financial means through which we can implement a wider selection of projects within our community. From human trafficking awareness classes to support with health and literacy, our work is varied and much needed. All of this helps to foster a strong team spirit that we hope you will feel when you visit Sapa with us.
Sapa, Vietnam

Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024

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Tours and Tickets by Ethos - Spirit of the Community
Travelers talk about

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,467 reviews
Excellent
1,439
Very good
18
Average
4
Poor
4
Terrible
2

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

sacha v
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2025 • Couples
We showed up half an hour before closing one evening and were very well received. We were asked what we were looking for, presented the possible options over tea in a warm atmosphere. Phil, Hoa and the team took the time and gave us some tips on what to do in the area and in North Vietnam for a next stage of our trip.

The briefing before the trek was really interesting with Phil and Cha's views, I will remember it for a long time.

The trek: we spent two wonderful days in the valley buffalo guided by Cha who took us through all the little hidden paths used by the locals in the rice fields etc... She answered all our questions and regularly took breaks to show us plants and pick some to make us taste them at the next meal. We shared meals with 3 families who opened their doors to us, all so kind and caring. Always happy to answer our questions.
The food was delicious and the night rather pleasant despite dogs and roosters screaming (but that's what life is like in the village so completely ok).
The scenery was beautiful, especially since the sun was there. We haven’t met a single tourist in these two days and it feels great not to feel like we’re at Disneyland.

Thanks again to Cha who was a great guide during these two days and a beautiful meeting!

So yes it is a little more expensive than elsewhere but for having done a little tour of the agencies, what they offer has nothing to do with it and is worth the price. You feel like they're passionate, people for whom what they do matters, it's not just business. It's good to find warm people. Thanks again to Phil, Hoa, Cha and the whole team!

Sacha and Léa
Automatically translated
Written March 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chloe D
21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2025 • Couples
Incredible experience. This place is all about community!!! From the moment you walk into the office you are greeted by these amazing women and they all have such great hospitality. If it’s muddy I definitely recommend borrowing the rubber boots that they offer. Our trekking leader Cha was hilarious and was so wonderful with making us feel comfortable. Cha also translated for us so we could speak to the Hmong families that we shared meals with and spent the night with. Such a rich and eye opening experience. At the end of our trip we freshened up with a hot shower, hot coffee, and shared stories with the other travelers at the office. Hoa also helped us to order a taxi to our next destination as well as gave us some recommendations for future travel around Vietnam. 100% recommend Ethosspirit!
Written March 19, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

savio_eli
Rimini, Italy16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
The experience with Ethos was probably the best during our trip to Vietnam! We learned about this reality thanks to the Lonely Planet guide and the site and the reviews we read convinced us that Ethos was the right reality to have an authentic and respectful experience of the places and people of the place.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by Hoa and Cha who offered us tea and told a little 'the history of the territory and minorities. We chose the Buffalo Trek and spent two beautiful days in the company of My! My is a young and really nice guide. He answered all our questions and made us discover some peculiarities of the landscapes we were going through and the culture and traditions of the Hmong minority. The first trek (one hour from Sa Pa) lasted about 10km, wonderful! We crossed rice fields (in the various stages of maturation), villages, mountains, living to the full the countries and life that characterizes the region. At lunch we were greeted by the first family and spent some really pleasant hours. The really delicious food! In the afternoon we continued to reach the family that would host us for the night, crossing another beautiful valley and we were lucky enough to see a beautiful sunset! Ly and Lu's family was really wonderful! Their home gave us a great sense of peace and quiet and gave us the opportunity to fully appreciate what we were experiencing. Together with their children we spent a wonderful evening cooking together (we spring rolls), sharing dinner (also this delicious) and then playing with a deck of cards that other travelers had left behind. Despite not speaking the same language the looks, smiles and gestures still allowed us to communicate and convey what we were experiencing. The next day after breakfast we left for another trek, this time in the middle of the bamboo forest. After a short stop for lunch, hosted by another family (and great food here too!) we continued our journey through a valley where the rice paddies were flooded with water, a sight!

During the two days we did not meet even one tourist, being an area off the beaten track. In our opinion it is an experience to do absolutely! Ethos cares about the development of sustainable tourism that primarily involves and supports local minorities with the aim of preserving their culture, authenticity, traditions... basically all the precious heritage they bring with them!

We hope to return one day to have another experience and immerse ourselves even more in this reality that has transmitted so much to us. Thank you Hoa, Phil, My and Cha, and thank you to all the families who shared with us some of their time!
Automatically translated
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anthony D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Friends
I had the chance to make two treks with Ethos. The trails have allowed me to admire the most beautiful landscapes I have seen in Vietnam. The paths pass through totally unspoilt nature areas as well as Hmong or Red Dao villages depending on the paths followed. During these two hikes of several hours I did not meet any other tourist. The experience offered by Ethos also includes an excellent and hearty traditional meal, as well as discovering local lifestyles in the homes of guides or their friends. These two experiences were exceptional especially considering the willingness to share my guides May Lai and Ker and their respective families. Their kindness, their pedagogy and their sense of hospitality were a real pleasure. I warmly thank them for their welcome. Shared moments will remain etched in my memory. Ethos understands an important social dimension and works to support local communities through its activity. I highly recommend their services and encourage anyone interested in this type of experience to turn to this company. I would like to thank all the people I have been in contact with during my visit to Sapa through Ethos.
Automatically translated
Written August 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience trekking with Ethos in Vietnam. It's great to know that you were able to enjoy the stunning landscapes and connect with the local Hmong and Red Dao communities. We take pride in providing authentic experiences, and it's heartwarming to hear that our guides, May Lai and Ker, along with their families, made your journey memorable with their kindness and hospitality. We believe that sharing local culture and traditions is a vital part of our mission, and we are delighted that you appreciated the traditional meal and insights into local lifestyles. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we are grateful for your support of our social initiatives aimed at aiding local communities. Thank you again for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Written December 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Frank M
Zurich, Switzerland7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Solo
I can only recommend to book a tour with ETHOS. The booking itself was very uncomplicated and based on trust. I paid after the tour in their office. Every part of the transfer to Sa Pa, the treck itself and the journey back to Hanoi was perfectly organized. Hoa was very reliable, reachable, responsive and responsible.
The introduction by Phil was at the same time very entertaining and very interesting. I admire the effort they take to build up sustainable tourism, which includes the local people. I find it a very good concept, which should be supported.
The treck itself was a pleasure. My guide Cha is very clever and sympathic. Although the weather was quite cold and foggy, I enjoyed the two days a lot, mostly for the guidance of Cha, as she told me so many interesting things. But also besides the cultural aspects, it was a pleasure to treck with her as she is very sympathic, interested in so many topics and has good humour. The two lunch breaks, the dinner and the homestay were also perfect. All hosts were very kind and did their best to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. A big thank you to all!
Written January 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with ETHOS! It's heartwarming to hear about such a positive journey, and your detailed review truly captures the essence of what makes ETHOS stand out. Firstly, the seamless booking process you described highlights the trust and professionalism that ETHOS instills in travellers who visit our region. It's reassuring to know that you felt comfortable paying after the tour, which is something our customer-centric approach holds as important. It sounds as if the organisation of the entire trip, from the transfer to Sa Pa, the trek, and the return to Hanoi, seemed to work without a hitch. It's evident that Hoa played a significant role in ensuring everything went smoothly. Her reliability, availability, and responsiveness are crucial elements that contribute to an stress-free and enjoyable travel experience. We’re also glad that our geopolitical introduction appears to have left a lasting impression. We feel it’s important to combine entertainment with informative content and are pleased that our passion and dedication is clear to see. It's inspiring to hear your regard for our commitment to sustainable tourism and our efforts to involve local communities. Such initiatives not only enhance the travel experience but also support and empower the local people, making tourism more meaningful and impactful Your trek experience with Cha sounds exceptional. Despite the cold and foggy weather, her cleverness, charm, and engaging storytelling made the journey enjoyable and memorable. It’s wonderful to hear how her humour and wide range of interests added to the cultural richness of the trek. The meals and homestay experiences also seem to have been highlights of the trip. The kindness and hospitality of the hosts undoubtedly contributed to making your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible Thank you for your heartfelt acknowledgment of their efforts. It's clear that ETHOS and the local hosts strive to create unforgettable experiences, and your appreciation is sure to resonate with them. Your recommendation will surely encourage others to embark on their own adventures with ETHOS!
Written January 2, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
A tour with ETHOS is something not to be missed when in Vietnam. Our family (2A, 2C) experienced the simply Hmong day tour with two wonderful local guides.

From the time of enquiring through to leaving the tour, Hoa went above and beyond to ensure the process was smooth and we had everything we needed, including transfers and recommendations for other local attractions/food as well as for other areas of Vietnam that we would be travelling to.

Phil was a wealth of knowledge and provided information about the real history and way of life of the local people in such an engaging way. The work that ETHOS do for the local community is truly incredible.

The tour itself was amazing. We trekked through beautiful landscapes of terraced rice paddies in the mountains. The terrain at times was steep and slippery, but our guides helped us to find the best paths and sure footing. They even carried the children on their backs across the rivers. Trekking an estimated 4-5km with children aged 5 & 7, the guides continually engaged the kids with conversation and activities such as catching frogs and grass hoppers. They shared great knowledge of how the Hmong utilise the surrounding environment to survive including how plants are used for medicinal and food purposes.

We met a local family at their home and assisted with preparing lunch including making spring rolls, and the children learnt some local games that they played with the guide and other children. When sharing lunch with the family, our guide was excellent at interpreting for us so that we were able to communicate and get to know each other.

While both of our guides were very welcoming, knowledgeable and kind, we must make special mention of Cha who is an absolutely beautiful person. She very quickly formed a bond with our children and made the whole family feel cared for. Her genuine love for life and desire to help others shines through in everything she does. We are very lucky to have had her join us on our tour.

Thank-you ETHOS, for the highlight of our trip!
Written July 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Letizia G
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
If you want to do an authentic trekking in Sapa do not hesitate to contact ETHOS.
Everything is perfectly organized down to the details.
Before the trek they welcomed with a tea and kept our luggage and values in the safe.
Before leaving they do a very interesting briefing to tell the story of the people of these mountains. In addition, they give you the main information to tackle trekking.
There are various trekking options and duration. We chose the Buffalo Trek 2D 1N.
Our Guide has been exceptional to me. He guided us through the rice fields and villages answering all our curiosity in excellent English.
Lunch in a local village by a kind lady who showed us how to weave and create the fabrics they use for their typical clothes.
We stopped to sleep in a homestay, where a beautiful family welcomed us warmly. It was great to play with the children and help in the preparation of dinner.
The second day of trekking we stopped for lunch in another village. Always great meals.
At the end of the walk there was already a taxi waiting to take us back to the ETHOS headquarters where they welcomed us with you cold and fresh fruit.
We will remember the beautiful landscapes, but above all the kindness of all the staff and people of these areas and the smiles of their children.
We recommend this fantastic experience with ETHOS to everyone!
Automatically translated
Written August 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an authentic trekking experience in Sapa with ETHOS. It's great to know that our organisation and attention to detail made your journey enjoyable, from the warm welcome with tea to the informative briefing about the local culture. We're delighted that you chose the Buffalo valley two day, one night trek and that My was able to enhance your experience with her knowledge and guidance. The interactions with the local community and the homestay sound truly memorable, and we’re glad you enjoyed the delicious meals and the warmth of the family. Your kind words about our staff and the beautiful landscapes mean a lot to us. Thank you for recommending ETHOS to others; we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Safe travels!
Written December 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jordan C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Solo
This trekking tour was incredible. What an experience. Not only did I see some beautiful scenery away from the typical tours in the area, I got a real insight into how people very different to me live and view the world.

My tour guide May Linh had a very unique perspective on her land and the world as a whole. It was fascinating learning from her and asking as many questions as I could when I wasn’t trying to catch my breath.

Living with a local family in their home was inspiring in many ways. Though I didn’t speak their language and I didn't want to interrupt them with questions whilst they went about their day. Seeing the family dynamic. The joy the young children showed, smiling/laughing and even dancing as they moved through their home. The warmth in the eyes of their presumable grandmother. It taught me many things on what is needed for contentment. Especially with all the pressures inflicted upon them from outside forces.

They were incredibly generous, even though they had little compared to me. Graciously giving me rice wine, chillies from their own garden and when I asked to borrow a lighter for a moment, they gifted it to me without hesitation. These were small examples of the many things they did for me in such a short amount of time.

It has taken a few days for the experience to really sink in and I will carry it with me for the rest of my days.

Thank you to the members of ETHOS on a personal level for the kindness shown to me from all involved. Thank you for helping these communities monetarily. Thank you for helping these communities get the respect and admiration they deserve.

The profits go to helping the communities you visit and they can customise your trip based on your preferences and relative fitness level.
Written September 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an incredible experience on your trekking tour. It’s wonderful to know that you not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery but also gained valuable insights into the local culture and family dynamics. May Linh is indeed a fantastic guide, and it’s great to hear how her unique perspective enriched your journey. Your observations about the generosity and warmth of the local family are truly touching and reflect the spirit of the communities we work with. We are committed to supporting these communities and ensuring that they receive the respect and admiration they truly deserve. Your kind words about our efforts mean a lot to us. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for sharing your experience. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure in the future! Safe travels!
Written December 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marie C
Rennes, France9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
The trek is preceded by a very informative discussion and explanation of the ethnic groups and their living conditions, which is highly valuable if we want to discover the peoples who live here, and why, in addition to the difficulties they face. Attention: everything in English (we explained to the children).
The trek is suitable for everyone - we were with our children 7 and 10 years old, our Guide was great and very attentive, considerate. She made wreaths for the children with flowers and ferns picked on the way, played with them, and took care of each one. The hike was fantastic, the scenery great.
We never felt compelled to do anything, very comfortable and very safe.
Awards are really very reasonable and service excellent.
We highly recommend.
Automatically translated
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience on the trek. It's great to know that the informative discussion about the local ethnicities and their way of life added to your understanding and appreciation of the region. We're especially glad to hear that your guide was attentive and made the trek enjoyable for your children. Creating flower crowns and playing with them sounds like a lovely touch that made the experience even more memorable! It's fantastic to hear that you found the hike comfortable and safe, and that the stunning landscapes left a lasting impression. We strive to offer excellent service at reasonable prices, and it's rewarding to know that you felt that way. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you and your family back for another adventure in the future!
Written August 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Benoit S
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
Our favourite experience in Vietnam so far!
From the second we arrived at Ethos we were made to feel welcome which continued throughout the day. Before setting off we learnt more about the Hmong people which helped give the tour more context and understanding. Pang was an amazing guide and she helped us communicate with our hosts as we prepared and ate lunch altogether. She answered any questions we had and it was a delight to share stories and experiences of our backgrounds with the host family. This is how tourism should done and other companies should follow their example!
Written April 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Ethos - Spirit of the Community (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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