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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.
Train Hanoi to Sapa
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.
Source:
https://sapatrainticket.com/travel-news/local-guide-about-visiting-y-linh-ho-village-in-sapa/ |
