Local guide about visiting Y Linh Ho village in Sapa
Among the villages that are familiar with the pace of
tourists in Sa Pa (Lao Cai province), Y Linh Ho still lies
there, peaceful and pristine as if it has never been touched by
the whirlwind of tourism.
Winding terraced fields
On his 8th visit to Sa Pa, Y Linh Ho village always makes travel
blogger Pham Quang Tuyen from Hanoi overwhelmed by the beauty of
terraced fields stretching along the mountainside. While many
other tourist villages have been commercialized, this place
still retains its distinct indigenous character. Nestled at the
foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Y Linh Ho opens up a vast
valley scene, terraced fields winding like a golden silk strip
when the rice is ripe, and green on cool summer days. It is this
pure beauty that has become a favorite meeting place for
photographers and nature lovers. Unlike the crowded villages
near the center of Sa Pa, Y Linh Ho does not have many homestays
or hotels. "Everything is still very natural, carrying the
colors of the old Northwest, from the smoke from the bamboo
stoves in the afternoon, to the sound of the stream flowing
through the terraced fields," Tuyen said.
Forgotten place
8km from the center of Sa Pa town, the road down to the village
is steep, so Y Linh Ho is often overlooked by tourists. When the
sun sets, the last rays of the day cover the rice fields in
gold, turning the whole valley into a brilliant picture.
According to Tuyen, when coming to Y Linh Ho, visitors should
keep their mind in the state of returning to nature, listening
to the sound of the stream, watching children playing in the
terraced fields. This is not a place to find exciting
experiences, but to feel the rare peace in the heart of Sa Pa.
"For me, Y Linh Ho is the most beautiful destination in terms of
landscape in the villages during the ripe rice season," he said.
Where is Y Linh Ho village located?
Y Linh Ho village is located about 7 km southwest of Sapa in San
Sa Ho Commune, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province . It is nestled in
the majestic Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and stretches along
the Muong Hoa Valley. The area is surrounded by majestic
landscapes, with steep mountains and vast terraced fields.
Unlike the crowded tourist spots nearby, Y Linh Ho still retains
its pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for travelers
who want to explore the hidden corners of Northern Vietnam.
How to get to Y Linh Ho village from Sapa?
Visitors can choose between hiking or motorbike to reach Y Linh
Ho village. While both routes offer memorable adventures, they
may be more ideal for experienced drivers.
By hiking
The route starts from Sa Pa town, passes through
Cat Cat
village, and continues to Lao Chai San 2 bridge. After passing
this point, you will reach Y Linh Ho, hidden in the mountains
and forests. The total distance is about 3.5 to 4 km and usually
takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your walking
speed and how often you stop to admire the scenery.
The route has a variety of terrains: some sections are smooth
and paved, while others are rocky or muddy, especially after
rain. This route is best suited for active travelers who enjoy
walking and want to explore unspoiled rural life. Every step of
the way, you will encounter photogenic moments of terraced rice
fields, majestic mountain views and daily village activities,
making it a memorable part of your Sapa visit.
By motorbike
From Sa Pa town, take Provincial Road 152 south towards Lao
Chai. After about 3 km, there is a small turnoff near Lao Chai.
Tra San where you leave the main road and start following the
signs to Y Linh Ho village. The journey takes only 15 to 20
minutes , making this a quick and flexible option for travelers
who want to experience the countryside without spending too much
time on the road.
The closer you get to Y Linh Ho, the steeper and narrower the
road becomes, making it difficult to navigate, especially after
rain, as the road surface can be slippery. On clear days, this
route offers spectacular mountain views and a bit of adventure,
but when it rains or is foggy, it becomes more dangerous. Due to
the sharp turns and uneven road surface, this route is not
recommended for those who lack experience driving in difficult
terrain conditions.
Things to do at Y Linh Ho village
Y Linh Ho village may be off the beaten track, but it offers a
wealth of experiences - from breathtaking natural scenery to
authentic cultural moments. From enjoying traditional meals to
strolling through golden rice fields, your time here is sure to
be memorable. Discover the memorable experiences Y Linh Ho
Village has to offer
Enjoy terraced fields in Muong Hoa valley
No visit to Y Linh Ho village is complete without a trek through
the spectacular rice terraces of Muong Hoa Valley, one of the
most beautiful landscapes in Northern Vietnam. Renowned for its
lush greenery and sweeping views, the valley is an ideal place
to experience the beauty of nature. A trek through the area will
allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local landscape and
culture as you stroll between rice paddies and hillside
villages.
Try on traditional H'Mong costumes
As you explore the villages around Sapa, you will come across
colorful Hmong costumes available for rent for between
VND150,000 and VND400,000 per day ($5.78 - $15.41), often
offered at the village gates or by locals. Wearing these
traditional costumes will help you connect more deeply with the
culture and are ideal for taking photos with stunning backdrops
such as rice terraces or bamboo houses.
Discover H'Mong cuisine and culture
As you wander through the area, you’ll have the chance to
interact with the ethnic minorities, especially the H'mong.
Their rich culture is reflected in everything from their
colorful traditional costumes to their family meals, music and
dances. You may see women weaving, dyeing their fabrics with
natural indigo, or practicing the art of batik with melted
beeswax. Many of their beautiful products, such as handwoven
scarves, bags and embroidered fabrics, are on sale as meaningful
souvenirs starting at just 100,000 VND (US$3.85) .
To better understand local life, don’t miss “thang co” – a
traditional Hmong soup, usually made from horse meat and herbs,
or “lon cap nach” - flavorful grilled pork served with sticky
rice. Occasionally, the villagers will also offer you rustic
dishes such as corn cakes or dried herbs from the mountains.
These simple moments of sharing not only warm the hearts of
visitors but also open up a deeper perspective on daily life in
the highlands.
Y Linh Ho Village remains one of the most pristine and authentic
places in Sapa, offering a closer look at rural life and nature.
Away from the touristy areas, this place allows you to slow down
and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. This is a
destination worth exploring if you want a quieter and more
meaningful travel experience in Sapa.
Train Hanoi to Sapa - Train
service from Hanoi to Sapa is a popular and scenic way to
travel, though it's important to note a few key things about the
journey. The train does not go directly to Sapa town but rather
to Lao Cai Railway Station, which is about 30-40 kilometers
away. From there, you'll need to take a shuttle bus, taxi, or
private car for the final leg of the journey to Sapa, which
takes approximately one hour.
