Mường Hoa Valley

Ok

Need to pay 30000 VND each adult to cross the gate. Basically it's a fee to help local people to build the road (this what have been told me where the tickets are sold) I drove for 50 km to go down the valley and I didn't find any village to visit. Part of the road is still under construction so better go with motorcycle or use an offroad car. You can shoot some panorama and see local people working along the road. Personally I was not impressed.

The valley is absolutely stunning at the right time of year. When the rice has been planted and everything is green (late spring/early summer), or when the rice is ready for harvest and everything is yellow (late summer). Don't visit Sapa in the winter. It's very cold, foggy and the valley is barren, so it's downright ugly.

If you are visiting SaPa, definitely go down to Muong Hoa Valley. You can get there by bike following the “road?” or you can hike the trail which leads there. Both options are equal in terms of difficulty, on the road, your scooter riding skills will be challenged to the maximum when trying to stick to so called road and on foot, your balancing skills will be challenged in a slippery mud. Nevertheless, your effort will be greatly rewarded by a beautiful valley with several small villages full of minorities and miniature shops selling local, hand made products.

Nice valley. Could use an escalator or two. Best Valley seen so far!