Located about seven kilometers from downtown Sapa in Lao Cai Province, Y Linh Ho Village sits on the slopes of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, surrounded by terraced rice fields, forests, and streams.
In mid-August, rice in the village’s terraced fields starts to turn yellow, stretching from the hillsides down to the valleys. By late August, the fields are at peak ripeness, creating striking contrasts between golden paddies, lush forests, and scattered wooden houses.
Terraced fields in Y Linh Ho Village begin to turn yellow, stretching from the hillsides down to the valleys - Photos: Tuyen Parafu
Y Linh Ho remains quieter and more pristine than many nearby villages that have embraced large-scale tourism. “No bustling shops or urban noise - just the sound of wind through the forest and water flowing along the terraces,” said Tuyen Parafu, a travel blogger based in Hanoi.
The landscape there blends steep green mountains, small wooden houses nestled on hillsides, and drifting kitchen smoke at dusk. Visitors can follow dirt paths through rice fields, walk along small streams, or trek through forests and waterfalls.
The village is home to the H’Mong ethnic community, who maintain a traditional way of life. Encounters with the H’Mong community reveal traditions expressed through clothing, food, music, and dance. Daily life in Y Linh Ho offers another attraction. Locals engage in farming, livestock raising, and traditional weaving. Some households welcome guests for homestays and serve local specialties.
Some households welcome guests for homestays and serve local specialties
Access to Y Linh Ho can be challenging due to its steep and winding roads. Visitors can either rent a motorbike in Sapa for the 15-minute ride, which requires skilled handling on difficult terrain, or opt for a trekking tour, a popular choice that offers the chance to take in the scenery and interact with local residents along the way.
Visitors to Y Linh Ho can explore the Muong Hoa Valley, one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, where walking routes reveal sweeping views of terraced fields, hillside villages, and vibrant local culture. On the way to the village, the wooden Lao Chai San 2 suspension bridge provides a picturesque stop, set against mist-covered mountains and serving as the gateway to Y Linh Ho.
Y Linh Ho remains one of Sapa’s most unspoiled and authentic villages, offering a closer look at rural life and the surrounding natural landscape. Unlike busier tourist areas, it allows visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the local rhythm of life. For those seeking a quieter and more meaningful travel experience, this is a destination worth exploring.
The village landscape blends steep green mountains, small wooden houses nestled on hillsides, and kitchen smoke drifting at dusk
By Nguyen Phong