Lao Chai and Ta Van are two local villages that are surrounded by spectacular scenery. Lao Chai Village is located around 7 kilometers from Sapa. Getting there is very easy since the road is convenient.

Arriving to Lao Chai, you will have a welcome feeling because of the warmth and hospitability of the Black Hmong ethnic minority, who consider the village their home. You can interact them, learn about their culture and customs. The wonderful scenery that surrounds you can never be ignored and is a great opportunity to take lots of pictures. The walls of the valley are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields and scattered villages.

You will then be able to walk from Lao Chai to the next town, Ta Van village where the Giay ethnic minority (Dzay people ) hill tribe thrive. Along the way, you'll walk through terraced rice fields and among some picturesque villages, and experience a bit of rural life. Local guides take this opportunity to give tourists more insight about how these fields are cultivated, harvested and eventually ending up to family tables.

Arriving here you can see the Dzay people carving varieties of soft stones like limestone to make small boxes and stone peoples. The Giays are a relatively small minority group living in closely knit villages of stilt houses. Some Giay women still wear the traditional style of dress, while on formal occasions, they are seen wearing checkered turban. Interacting with the tribesmen can both be heartwarming and is a great opportunity to learn about their cultures and traditions.