The walking was not as remote or for as long as I hoped and expected. The first day was about 3.5 hours walking (a considerable amount of this is on the road to get out of Sapa town) and the second day was a 1 hour loop. We did not see as many villages or meet as many tribal people as was advertised in the tour description. The homestay was nice but was specifically built and maintained as a place for visitors to stay. It was not going to stay with a family in their home to see the real everyday home and life of a family in a village. The food was plentiful and nice. The bonfire with locals in the evening was a nice touch. Our guide Lala was very good, with brilliant English and great insight into the local area and was very willing and happy to answer any of our questions. Be aware that ladies will join your tour in Sapa and walk along with you, helping if path is slippy but then expect you to buy handicrafts from them as a thank you at the end of the walk. They are quite pushy.

Go in the summer

The bus company they use (green bus) let's them down majorly. I was picked up at hostel on motorbike to take to the bus. It was a sleeper bus which had not been cleaned since the last passengers so there was food wrappers, cans and dirt on the seats. The 2x drinks and tissues promised on the site was not delivered at all. 7 hours later we arrived in Sa Pa where I was met by Lala from the tour company. She was lovely and really friendly. After lunch Lala led us on a 2 hours easy trek to the Cat Cat village which was stunning and very picturesque with gorgeous waterfall. Unfortunately as It was winter it as very foggy so we could my see much of the rice fields or nature. The second day trek was hell on earth. It had rained so the steep hills were VERY slippery. We were busy trying not to fall to really enjoy the views.

Comfy sleeper coach both ways, nice food at the start & finish hotel. Lovely local lady guide leading our 13k walk around the Sapa valley over mixture of paddy fields and tracks. Nice authentic Home Stay, dry, warm, lovely traditional evening meal & breakfast, hot shower too was welcome surprise. Great trip.