Terraced Rice Fields in Shin Chai Village
Terraced Rice Fields in Shin Chai Village
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Sapa Landscapes is an international destination and the spirit is in between landscapes and local culture. The team is composed by youngsters of several families from the villages around. The difference is that it is possible for the visitors to communicate directly with the villagers, travel with ethnic people who will become local guides, because they are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment, learn English and French from tourists. However the spirit remains the same; we favorise the cultural exchanges by sharing all the natural moments of a day, meals, discovery activities, cooking, drinks, sometimes ceremonies, and even some everyday work like handcart. If there is a request, we can hire local artists for some simple representations, but most of the time, we interact with the local culture more than “watch it”.
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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.
4.5
205 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
51
Average
5
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6
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0
khalibuk
Heiloo, The Netherlands2 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
A great tour booked via HALONG SAPA EXPERTS website agent and visit local villages and terrace ricefields in Shin Chai village was definitely worth it. The sight was spectacular and our tour guide was very friendly that helped us a lots. The trip we departed from Hanoi and hotel, train , meals were included during the trip.
Written January 21, 2017
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.
Olala1988
Hamburg, Germany36 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Visit tourist information by the bus station for a useful map of villages in Sapa Town area. We managed to visit Cat Cat Village and Shin Chai.
Written November 15, 2015
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.
Josh L
Hamilton, Canada1,012 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
We decided to do a hike on our own (my wife and I) and headed off in the direction of Catcat, we did not like all the tourism and vendors and the fee you had to pay so we continued down the hill.
At the bottom of the hill there was a Catcat representative checking tickets for the pathway into that village so we decided to go into this village!
What a great experience and the hike gets better and better. You'll see rice terraces, suspension bridges, locals living their lives - and you won't run into many tourists at all. We say 3 on our 23km hike that day. We ended the hike at Silver Falls after walking out of the rice fields and along the road for a little.
No tour guide needed - come explore these terraces and enjoy walking among locals!
At the bottom of the hill there was a Catcat representative checking tickets for the pathway into that village so we decided to go into this village!
What a great experience and the hike gets better and better. You'll see rice terraces, suspension bridges, locals living their lives - and you won't run into many tourists at all. We say 3 on our 23km hike that day. We ended the hike at Silver Falls after walking out of the rice fields and along the road for a little.
No tour guide needed - come explore these terraces and enjoy walking among locals!
Written September 19, 2015
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.
l0ggman
Haugesund, Norway105 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
We hired a local driver at Lao Cai train station, and he took us around in Sapa for the hole day. He took us to the most beautifull spots to se the Rice terraces. Next time we will vist in September. It will be more colors
Written July 18, 2019
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.
Ninh_Ha
Hanoi, Vietnam2,329 contributions
Dec 2017
Really wonderful place you need to see when you visit Sapa. Everything I did that time was: walking, taking picture and relaxing. That was truely outstanding.
Written October 17, 2018
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.
Stephen M
Plymouth, UK250 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
I travelled to Sapa in early May and while some of the fields had growth, many did not and it was not as spectacular as I had hoped for. Therefore, I would suggest later int he year when the plants are more prominent. The winters can be cold up there so they can't start growing until spring. Still, worth a visit at any time to see the effort and structures. Nice to see the buffalo wallowing in the muddy fields.
Written May 18, 2016
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.
Marilyne M
Montreal24 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We spent a whole day exploring the village and rice fields and absolutely loved it. You can reach this village easily from Sapa, no need for guide, taxi or motorbike. Since we were on our own no one tried to sell us anything and we had a couple "hellos" from villagers that did not try to sell us stuff. We saw no other tourists during the whole day. I highly recommend going on your own.
Written May 27, 2015
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.
Eldon-Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada490 contributions
Nov 2019
We didn't know what to expect when we originally booked our Vietnam trip, but this was on the itenerary. We trekked/hiked from Sapa to Lao Chai Village and then to Ta Van Village. It was an interesting trip as we left at about 8:30am from the hotel and didn't get back until about 4:30pm so it was a day long tour. There was only 3 of us with a local guide (who lived in Lao Chai Village) when we started, but we were soon joined by 2 others along the way and ended up with 3 locals joining us. They walk with you the entire way (about 7 miles/12 km), talking, helping. We already knew they wanted to sell us items at the end, but that's part of "experience".
We started the day walking down the same road to go to Cat Cat Village, but part way down the road, we veer off and start hiking down a small trail down the side the the hill. We didn't know what to expect so we wore hiking shoes, which turned out to be a wise choice. Although it wasn't that difficult of a trail, it was muddy and slippery in places. The other person that was with us only had regular shoes so it was a bit more challenging for him. We also met someone at the lunch stop later on that slipped and injured herself. The women that joined us had sandals and regular shoes, but they do the hike every day and know the trail very well, so I would recommend shoes with good treads.
The first 30 minutes or so of the trek was through the trail. There were great views of the the terraced rice fields and of Cat Cat Village. Eventually, we reached a road which we followed. This section was much easier and we walked past houses and rice fields. Very serene and peaceful. Along the way, we meet other villagers and kids trying to sell bracelets and other items. Our guide was good in giving us information about the people and villages and it was a very enjoyable trek. There are other sections that require some climbing and hikes along trails, but for the most part, after the beginning, you walk along the roads. There are several rest stops where you can buy a drink or food and stop for pictures.
Eventually, we reach Lao Chai Village where we will be stopping for lunch. This is where you have to be prepared to be inundated with the local people trying to sell you items. Because the women that joined us walked with us the entire way, they feel like you should buy something from them. We really didn't want to buy anything, but ended buying something from one of them. They were upset we didn't want to buy from all of them, but we really didn't want anything. The people are very persistent and will follow you around. I understand that is how they earn money, but it is a bit uncomfortable.
After lunch our guide leads us to Ta Van Village, where we meet up with the van that will drive us back to Sapa. The ride back is an adventure itself as it felt like most of the way back the road was under construction. It was a very bumpy ride back and when we got back to Sapa, there was more construction that the traffic was all backed up. Eventually, we gave up, got out and walked 15 minutes back to our hotel as we had our van waiting for us to take us back to Hanoi. It felt like a long day, but it was a highlight for us as it was a contrast to the hustle and traffic noise you have in the towns and cities. Would recommend the trek if you have the time.
We started the day walking down the same road to go to Cat Cat Village, but part way down the road, we veer off and start hiking down a small trail down the side the the hill. We didn't know what to expect so we wore hiking shoes, which turned out to be a wise choice. Although it wasn't that difficult of a trail, it was muddy and slippery in places. The other person that was with us only had regular shoes so it was a bit more challenging for him. We also met someone at the lunch stop later on that slipped and injured herself. The women that joined us had sandals and regular shoes, but they do the hike every day and know the trail very well, so I would recommend shoes with good treads.
The first 30 minutes or so of the trek was through the trail. There were great views of the the terraced rice fields and of Cat Cat Village. Eventually, we reached a road which we followed. This section was much easier and we walked past houses and rice fields. Very serene and peaceful. Along the way, we meet other villagers and kids trying to sell bracelets and other items. Our guide was good in giving us information about the people and villages and it was a very enjoyable trek. There are other sections that require some climbing and hikes along trails, but for the most part, after the beginning, you walk along the roads. There are several rest stops where you can buy a drink or food and stop for pictures.
Eventually, we reach Lao Chai Village where we will be stopping for lunch. This is where you have to be prepared to be inundated with the local people trying to sell you items. Because the women that joined us walked with us the entire way, they feel like you should buy something from them. We really didn't want to buy anything, but ended buying something from one of them. They were upset we didn't want to buy from all of them, but we really didn't want anything. The people are very persistent and will follow you around. I understand that is how they earn money, but it is a bit uncomfortable.
After lunch our guide leads us to Ta Van Village, where we meet up with the van that will drive us back to Sapa. The ride back is an adventure itself as it felt like most of the way back the road was under construction. It was a very bumpy ride back and when we got back to Sapa, there was more construction that the traffic was all backed up. Eventually, we gave up, got out and walked 15 minutes back to our hotel as we had our van waiting for us to take us back to Hanoi. It felt like a long day, but it was a highlight for us as it was a contrast to the hustle and traffic noise you have in the towns and cities. Would recommend the trek if you have the time.
Written November 16, 2019
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.
Jeremy W
Hamilton, New Zealand56 contributions
May 2018 • Family
We jumped in a taxi from Sapa to Shin Chai (not sure if spelling correct) which cost 350,000 dong but takes you there and waits before bringing you home (as we had young kids). Is downhill on way there but walk back is uphill. Distance is not that far and could be walked easily enough. Spectacular scenery and you basically walk through the village. I wouldn’t bother with a guide but take your camera and insect repellent! Didn’t get to Cat Cat as was a slip blocking the road but Shin Chai is less commercial and both are the same way so could be done at same time. Didn’t have to pay an “entry” fee which some people have described although believe have to do so at Cat Cat.
Written July 23, 2018
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.
rhyss4ever
Singapore, Singapore254 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
We booked a private tour through the recommendation from Tripadvisor. Ker was our guide. She met us at our hotel. As I was wearing running shoes, Ker said that I no need to change to boots as the weather was good(dry). We, two ladies and one elderly in his 70s.
We were staying at Sunny Mountain Hotel. And we started our trekking from hotel, walking at normal pace along the roadside, then slowly into the woods, rice terraced field and lastly the village. Along the way, few sapa ladies would follow you. They were friendly and chatty.
The whole journey for us was around 4hrs including two stopover. The route easy or difficult really has to depend the weather and own physical fitness. Although the weather was good, still there were some route either muddy or slippery. Some are narrow too.
After reading so many reviews about the route and Sapa ladies. Personally I felt it was good that they were around. When the route was difficult, at least they were there to help.
The views were beautiful and breathtaking. The terraced rice fields were so nicely layered. Along the way, there were many points for you to take pictures.
We arranged to had lunch at the village, one guide's friend house. Is definitely a good experience.
Lastly I would say, is good to have some physical fitness to walk. There was one part of the route, the 3 of us took different routes. Our elderly took motorbike ride, my friend took easy and longer route, and myself difficult and fast.
We were staying at Sunny Mountain Hotel. And we started our trekking from hotel, walking at normal pace along the roadside, then slowly into the woods, rice terraced field and lastly the village. Along the way, few sapa ladies would follow you. They were friendly and chatty.
The whole journey for us was around 4hrs including two stopover. The route easy or difficult really has to depend the weather and own physical fitness. Although the weather was good, still there were some route either muddy or slippery. Some are narrow too.
After reading so many reviews about the route and Sapa ladies. Personally I felt it was good that they were around. When the route was difficult, at least they were there to help.
The views were beautiful and breathtaking. The terraced rice fields were so nicely layered. Along the way, there were many points for you to take pictures.
We arranged to had lunch at the village, one guide's friend house. Is definitely a good experience.
Lastly I would say, is good to have some physical fitness to walk. There was one part of the route, the 3 of us took different routes. Our elderly took motorbike ride, my friend took easy and longer route, and myself difficult and fast.
Written September 20, 2017
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.
My husband and i are planning to ho to Sapa in May. Do you think it would be difficult to visit the rice fields with our one and a half year old? Thanks.
Written January 10, 2018
it is not tough terrain to hike with child, it rains anytime and it could be heavy.
Written January 21, 2018
Hola Javier. Te escribia porque voy a ir en un mes alli. Que me recomendarias para visitar en Sapa. Tu crees que ase puede por nuestra cuenta sin excursiones? gracias! si sabes alguna ruta de un día y medio o dos dias y una noche! gracias!
Written November 1, 2017
My husband and I are planning our trip to Sa Pa this coming November and we are interested in joining trekking but would like to see most of rice terraces. Which one can u recommend?
Written August 19, 2016
We had a nice trip with ShoSho. Best to reach her at +841649496025 or on Facebook: shosho.laochai
About the weather: hopefully it's not raining that much, as winter is approaching.
Written August 20, 2016
Hi there, did you walk from Sapa town? Is the 12 k's a round trip?
Thanks
Written January 7, 2016
hi silvia, it can be 12 km or over, depend about your time and your health, we can give you 16km from sa pa to this area, and this place very colorful in the last of august
Written June 20, 2016
Hello Siiuang,
Is two days advised as a maximum period? It seems there is not that much to see.
Thanks in advance.
Razael
Written September 20, 2015
Hi Rezael,
2-day is good enough to see landscapes in Sapa, It is cropping rice now in the fields and the best time to see the nature. Do not miss it!
Further in formation you can visit SAPA LANDSCAPES website.
Kind regards
Written September 20, 2015
how to get there (Shin Chai Village) from my hotel sapa cozy.
Written May 1, 2015
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