Hau Thao - A pristine gem in the heart of Sa Pa
Mentioning Sa Pa, people often think of famous tourist destinations such as Fansipan peak, Muong Hoa valley or Cat Cat village. However, about 20km southeast of Sa Pa town center, there is a commune called Hau Thao appearing like a watercolor painting where the pristine beauty and indigenous culture are still fully preserved.
Mong village emerges gently through the clouds.
To get to Hau Thao, travelers can ride a motorbike or drive a car along winding mountain roads that snake through the rugged forested hills. The journey may be a bit of a challenge, but it’s one that rewards you at every turn - with sweeping views of endless terraced rice fields and villages that appear and disappear in the drifting mist. It’s a road that stirs your sense of adventure and draws you closer to the untouched beauty of this hidden gem.
Hau Thao is mainly inhabited by the Mong people, with traditional wooden houses nestled on the mountainside. Visitors can experience trekking through villages, crossing trails, suspension bridges and small streams to feel the simple life and hospitality of the people here.
Must-see destinations
The ancient stone field of Sa Pa is scattered in three communes: Hau Thao, Su Pan and Ta Van. The ancient stone field with its strange carvings is a national cultural - historical relic, attracting the curiosity of many tourists and researchers.
Hau Thao terraced fields were voted by the American magazine Travel and Leisure as one of the seven most magnificent terraced fields in the world, a testament to the diligence and ingenuity of the highland people. With a total terraced field area of up to 749 hectares, this area was recognized as a National Monument in 2013.
Hang Da – Hau Chu Ngai is known as the “cloud hunting paradise” of Sa Pa. Hau Chu Ngai village is located on a high mountainside – an ideal destination to watch the sea of clouds. Clouds, mountains, morning sunlight and the dance of the wind create an extremely majestic and romantic natural picture.
Hau Thao Commune appears like a watercolor painting.
Muong Hoa Stream meanders through unique terraced fields in Muong Hoa valley, likened to a muse in the middle of the mountains.
Hau Thao coffee is an ideal check-in and cloud hunting spot for tourists.
During the visit to Hau Thao Sa Pa, tourists can combine to explore many other famous tourist attractions in the surrounding area such as Ta Van - Lao Chai village, Y Linh Ho village, Ham Rong peak or Sun World Fansipan Legend.
The ideal time to visit
In spring (February – March), where the weather is mild, peach and plum blossom in full bloom. Summer (April – August) is the perfect time to escape the heat, admire the vibrant red climbing roses of Sa Pa, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. It’s also when the terraced rice fields glisten with water, creating a stunning, mirror-like landscape that’s unique to this season.
Tourists enjoying the fresh air and watching the sunrise next to the terraced fields at Hau Thao.
Autumn (September to October) brings golden rice fields that light up the hillsides in breathtaking beauty. In winter (November to February), Hau Thao offers the rare chance to witness snowfall and chase clouds drifting like soft cotton across majestic mountain peaks.
Hau Thao is more than just a travel destination — it is a peaceful retreat where visitors can reconnect with nature and experience the authentic rhythm of life in the northern highlands./.
