
Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 509 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS worth booking?
Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS is a 48-hour experience in Sapa, Vietnam, from $93 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 509 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (509)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $93 per person
We are an award winning Social impact organisation with a long track record of supporting ethnic minority communities by empowerment through sustainable, ethical tourism. We are proud to feature in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame after maintaining our position as the top tour provider in our region for over five years. Our aims and objectives are to provide experiential, cultural opportunities for visitors to Sapa, but we also care for the natural environment, our growing guide team, and the local communities in which we work. ETHOS constantly strive to improve our operations and services through self-evaluation, innovation & creativity. As well as tours, our community leadership team run regular human trafficking awareness and prevention workshops. Our guides are also pivotal in a wide range of dynamic community education, healthcare, hygiene & sanitation projects. Our tours are now supporting 49 families across 19 villages in four provinces. We also have 26 ongoing development projects
What you get
About this experience
We are an award winning Social impact organisation with a long track record of supporting ethnic minority communities by empowerment through sustainable, ethical tourism. We are proud to feature in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame after maintaining our position as the top tour provider in our region for over five years. Our aims and objectives are to provide experiential, cultural opportunities for visitors to Sapa, but we also care for the natural environment, our growing guide team, and the local communities in which we work. ETHOS constantly strive to improve our operations and services through self-evaluation, innovation & creativity. As well as tours, our community leadership team run regular human trafficking awareness and prevention workshops. Our guides are also pivotal in a wide range of dynamic community education, healthcare, hygiene & sanitation projects. Our tours are now supporting 49 families across 19 villages in four provinces. We also have 26 ongoing development projects
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Homestay accomodation
- Water and refreshments
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Not included
- Travel insurance
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapa
Meet your guides over complimentary refreshments and hear an details cultural and historical briefing from local experts.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your guides over complimentary refreshments and hear an details cultural and historical briefing from local experts.
Options you can book
Tailor to your requirements
Multiple routes available Walk distance: Distances can be arranged to suit your requirements
ETHOS trekking & homestay
ETHOS trekking & homestay
ETHOS trekking & homestay 4
ETHOS trekking & homestay 4
ETHOS trekking & homestay 3
ETHOS trekking & homestay 3
ETHOS trekking & homestay 5
ETHOS trekking & homestay 5
ETHOS trekking & homestay 2
ETHOS trekking & homestay 2
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ethos - Spirit of the Community
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum group size of two required for this booking
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 507 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
6 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
507 verified traveler reviews for Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing herbal hike with May Sieu of the Red Dao tribe
Had an amazing experience with the Red Dao, an adorable lady named May Sieu. She took me on a challenging trek that pushed me out of my comfort zone - exactly what I was hoping for. May Sieu was attentive and caring, and she shared her knowledge of herbs, her land, and her rich culture and heritage in a way that left me wanting more. After the hike, I was invited into her house and had a delicious lunch made by her daughter under her guidance (I told her I like everything). I then had an herbal bath, which was wonderfully relaxing and a new experience for me. I can only recommend going on such an adventure that words can’t express my amazement and gratitude to May Sieu, her family, and the lovely people at ETHOS.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend - esp with guide Aa who is amazing!
What an incredible experience and company - so unique, beautiful and interesting. Our guide Aa was just fantastic, she was so fun and taught us so much about the community and nature. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Authentic experience
This was an amazing opportunity to meet and have a glimpse into the lives of Hmong & Dao villagers, who continue to live more traditional lives. Even on a day that rained & rained, our guide Ker, kept us interested with stories of her family and the surrounding area. She showed us how many local plants are used for food & medicine. We visited the home of a Red Dao family & were lucky enough to see some of their amazing intricate needlework in progress. We were taken by taxi away from the main area of Sapa, to a district less impacted by tourists. We have already recommended this experience to friends 5/5.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent bespoke and ethical trekking experience in Sa Pa!
Ethos is an incredible way to get to do a bespoke, private, ethical and amazing experience in Sa Pa. The way the organisation works closely with the communities in Sa Pa means you are responsibly engaging with different communities from the area and they are generously sharing about their lived experiences allowing you to really learn so much about traditions, the land and treks from the people who are indigenous from such a beautiful place with a rich history that is important to know about. Thank you Hoa and Phill for creating this enterprise and for your attentiveness throughout. May Lin was my Red Dao trekking guide who, alongside her family, generously showed me more about her village, traditions, and opened her homestay home to me. May Lai’s warm hospitality, kindness and attentiveness made my trekking experience brilliant. Alongside speaking Dao and Vietnamese, she speaks fluent English. She led me through immersive, authentic treks through rice paddies fields, supporting me with warmth and fun in wet and dry weather (slips and all!)! She shared with me about herbs/foods she forages expertly. Being invited to hers and her family’s homes and sharing delicious meals cooked over open fire, seeing the rice field work, the hard work and strength and community in this, and being able to help a little, was very meaningful and I thank her for sharing with me. Her traditional Red Dao embroidery was also incredible. Thank you May Lai!!
via Tripadvisor
THE BEST & MOST AUTHENTIC SAPA EXPERIENCE
Prior to this trip, we did a lot of research into the tours around Sapa, and found out that a lot of the main tour companies are not run by locals and actually, have an negative impact on the local communities. That prompted us to do more research into finding an ethical group and we were not disappointed with ETHOS. From the get go they were super easy to book with and helpful in organising our transfer from Hanoi to Sapa. And then when we arrived, we were absolutely delighted with our booking. It kicked off with a super interesting talk from Hao, Phil and Cha on the history of Sapa, the different cultures etc. We were then taken on a 3 day tour by two wonderful local (Dao and Hmong) guides (May Linh and My) who took such good care of us, guided us around some stunning routes/hikes, showed us how they forage and taught us how to play hand badminton. We then stopped at local homes/farms to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and then stayed in some truly authentic home stays. I honestly cannot praise ETHOS and the guides enough. They are all truly wonderful, made us feel so welcome and provided us with some memories that we’ll forever treasure. (PS. It’s so nice to see the impact they’re having on the local community by nurturing their guides, providing them with apprenticeships and skills). 100% recommend!!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $93 to $110
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 178
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapa.
How much does Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS cost?
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Prices start at $93 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sapa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS take?
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Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sapa is not rushed.
Is Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 509 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Sapa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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Around 178 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sapa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sapa and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sapa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sapa?
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On Outty we rank every Sapa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Glass Bridge, Cat Cat Village, Moana, Alpine Coaster Sapa Tour, Sapa 2 Days 1 Night From Hanoi - Overnight in Ta Van Village, Sapa Fansipan Cable, Cat Cat Village & Moana Instagram Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sapa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sapa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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Included: Private transportation; Homestay accomodation; Water and refreshments; Lunch; and Dinner. Not included: Travel insurance. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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Meet your guides over complimentary refreshments and hear an details cultural and historical briefing from local experts. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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Across 509 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Number one top rated ethical cultural trekking and homestay by ETHOS?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Tailor to your requirements, ETHOS trekking & homestay, ETHOS trekking & homestay 4, ETHOS trekking & homestay 3. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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