How You Can Trek Through Vietnam For A Good Cause

SAPA O’CHAU

Thanks to its striking natural beauty, Sapa, is becoming a go-to destination while visiting northern Vietnam. Upon arrival, your senses are awakened by the fresh mountain air and lush, green terraced rice paddy fields. Home to Fan Si Pan, the country’s highest peak, Sapa attracts hikers and adventurers from around the world. 

The charming mountain town lures tourists in with its picturesque landscape and caters to locals and tourists alike, with a wide range of restaurants and markets. A 10-hour journey from Hanoi that requires a combination of train and bus transportation, many visitors opt to stay over and trek through the luscious highlands.

For travelers looking for an authentic experience, Sapa O’ Chau is a social enterprise that offers a trekking and homestay experience. A collaboration between a few Australian volunteers and a single mother from the Black Hmong tribe, Shu Tan, Sapa O’Chau was established to put tourism dollars back into the community by providing clothing and education for children in the villages and addressing the high illiteracy rates in the village. 

As their services grew in popularity, Shu and her crew increased their facilities to meet the demand by creating a hotel, a café, a Hmong handicraft store and a tour company, all with the underlying goal of giving back to Sapa’s ethnic communities. 

Through their tours visitors are immersed in the heart of the region, enjoying views of mountains, valleys and verdant rice fields, visits to waterfalls and artisan shops, all the while learning about the history and culture of the neighboring villages. Nights are spent relaxing and enjoying a dinner made by a host family. 

Now that Sapa is on your radar, know that Sapa O’ Chau is sure to give you an enriching experience as you explore this mountainous region and give back to its community. 

—Salina Boghairi