Discover Nậm Cang's Emerald Rice Fields: An Unforgettable Getaway for Under 3 Million!
Nestled deep within a valley southeast of Sa Pa lies Nậm Cang, a serene village untouched by mass tourism, preserving its authentic charm. From May to June, the area transforms into a vibrant landscape of emerald rice paddies, a mesmerizing spectacle of gentle beauty.
On this trip, our group of five decided to venture beyond the popular spots in central Sa Pa and explore the stunning rice fields of Nậm Cang. We were looking for something fresh and different.
Join me on a journey through Nậm Cang with a budget of less than 3 million VND!
Trip Breakdown
1️⃣ Getting There:
- Hanoi to Sa Pa (Inter Bus): 500,000 VND/person (round trip)
- Transportation within Sa Pa:
- Taxi (Homestay to O Quy Ho): 100,000 VND/person
- Electric Car (We Camp Ta Van): 600,000 VND for 8 people, which comes to 75,000 VND/person
- Total Transportation Cost: 670,000 VND/person
2️⃣ Accommodation:
We stayed at Lá Đỏ Homestay (31 Hoang Lien). Our room had two double beds with a balcony overlooking the mountains, costing 1,800,000 VND/night for 5 people. If you're traveling in a large group, this homestay offers rooms that can accommodate up to 12 people and various stunning views of gardens, mountains, and the Muong Hoa train. The host is incredibly welcoming, and they offer convenient services such as BBQ facilities, a cafe with mountain views, train spotting, traditional costume rentals, and motorbike rentals. If you prefer, you can also book a combo package that includes both accommodation and transportation.
- Homestay Cost: 360,000 VND/person/night
3️⃣ Food:
We enjoyed two meals at Dũng Long Restaurant (55B Xuân Viên) and Hải Lâm Restaurant. For the rest of our meals, we opted for simpler options, resulting in a total food expenditure of approximately 500,000 VND/person. If it's your first time in Sa Pa, be sure to try local specialties such as Thắng Cố, Thịt Lợn Cắp Nách (Armpit Pig), and Thịt Trâu Gác Bếp (Smoked Buffalo Meat).
4️⃣ Detailed Itinerary:
❗Day 1:
- Travel from Hanoi to Nậm Cang, Sa Pa
- Check in to Lá Đỏ Homestay
- Visit We Camp Glamping Ta Van: This campsite is located by a stream in Ta Van village, about 10km from the center. The area is surrounded by peaceful hills, meadows, and gardens. We only stopped for drinks, so we paid the entrance fee plus the cost of our beverages, totaling 75,000 VND/person. If you plan to camp overnight, consider their all-inclusive packages for better value.
- Lunch at the Homestay, while watching the Muong Hoa train
- Explore Ô Quy Hồ Pass and the famous Lonely Tree (30,000 VND/person): Aim to arrive around 3-3:30 PM to avoid harsh sunlight and capture the best photos.
- Dinner at Dũng Long Restaurant (55B Xuân Viên)
❗Day 2: (Rice Field Tour)
- Admire the hydrangeas at the Ancient Rose Garden (100,000 VND/person)
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Tả Van village
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nậm Cang rice fields: Located about 30km from the center, Nậm Cang is best visited in the late afternoon to witness a stunning sunset over the green rice paddies. It's an experience you won't want to miss.
- Return to Sa Pa town
- Dinner at Hải Lâm Restaurant
- Travel back to Hanoi
Note: We booked a day tour of the rice fields with Gôn Râu for 1,000,000 VND/person. The tour included transportation from our homestay to all the locations, as well as meals. Everything was taken care of, and we received detailed information and assistance.
5️⃣ Total Expenses:
- Transportation: 670,000 VND/person
- Homestay: 360,000 VND/person
- Food: 500,000 VND/person
- Sightseeing: 300,000 VND/person
- Rice Field Tour: 1,000,000 VND/person
- Total Trip Cost: 2,830,000 VND/person
If you're looking for a break from the bustling tourist crowds of Sa Pa, Nậm Cang offers a refreshing change of pace - tranquil, lush, and incredibly peaceful. Save this itinerary and plan your trip before the green rice season ends!
