Hau Thao Commune

Hau Thao Commune lies in the northern Vietnam Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa. Hau Thao is home to the Black H'mong people and beautiful rice terraces that seem to be stretching up to the clouds. Travel with Asia King Travel and be brought off the beaten tourist path with tailor-made tours.

The beauty of Hau Thao Commune

Know more about Hau Thao Commune

History of Hau Thao Commune

Hau Thao Commune, located approximately 7 km from Sapa town on the left side of the Muong Hoa stream, is a Mong ethnic village in the highlands of north Vietnam. The name "Hau Thao" likely comes from the name of a prominent local patriarch or from the two founding families, Hau and Thao, who founded the central village of the commune. 

The site features ancient petroglyphs on large flagstones - about 159 of them contain engravings of terraces, millstones, and human beings. These mysterious carvings intrigued scholars as early as 1925, when a French archaeologist named Goloubev wrote of them in scientific publications; Vietnamese scholars have continued to study their origins, though precise dating is yet unknown.

History of Hau Thao Commune

Hau Thao is situated in Muong Hoa Valley and among adjacent communes like Su Pan, Ta Van, Lao Chai, and Sapa Commune itself, such a landscape of rice terraces and mountain ridges helps to reinforce its native H'mong cultural heritage with nature.

Read more: Sapa Tour 5 days: Explore Sapa and Surroundings

Best Time to Visit Hau Thao Commune

The ideal time to visit Hau Thao Commune is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and surroundings are vibrant: spring has irrigated rice fields and shining with fresh sprouts, while autumn has golden yellow hues of harvest.

Cloud-hunting enthusiasts may prefer December to February, with early morning or late afternoon fog blanketing theatrically over flanks and valleys of the mountain, an atmospheric effect of surreal "sea of clouds." Summer (late June to August) may also prove fruitful during late summer or early fall (usually September to October) harvest season, but visibility and track conditions could be compromised by intermittent rain showers.

Best time to visit Hau Thao Commune 

Overall, for practically all outside and visual pursuits terraces, trail walking, views in the fog, cultural encounter, the months of April to early December offer the most favorable mix of weather, vistas, and accessibility.

Tips for Visitors

• Pack layered attire, mountainous regions and mornings may be cool even in summer.
• Bring a good torch/flashlight during homestays, and snacks and water if trekking outside of main village amenities are limited in the more rural areas.
• Respect the local culture, don't photograph people without permission, use a respectful greeting, and purchase handicrafts from a local provider rather than large chain shops.

How to get there?

Hau Thao Commune is roughly 7–10 km from Sapa town on a village road through Tai Van, Lao Chai and Su Pan villages. Access by motorbike, taxi, or local. The 20–25 km route, scenic, might be part paved and roughness of village road; local minibuses or guided motorbike tours are typical.

Hau Thao guided motorbike tours

Attractions and Activities to Enjoy at Hau Thao Commune

Trekking around Hau Thao Village

The commune boasts a network of trekking paths, simple ones and tougher ones, that guide one along terraced hills, countryside H'mong villages, bamboo forests, and forested slopes. The treks offer intimate interaction with rural village life and opportunities to spot special flora and fauna including orchids, birds, butterflies, and even monkeys.

Trekking around Hau Thao Village

Cloud Hunting in Hang Da and surrounding peaks

At dawn or dusk, especially in Hang Da Village, cloud banks fall down mountains and valleys. It is stunning and photographers' choice, especially when they chase fog-covered landscapes framed with orange-pink sunrises or sunsets.

Cloud hunting in Hang Da

Rice Terrace Viewing in Muong Hoa Valley

Viewing and walking through the ancient stair-step terraces is enchanting, mirroring pans in spring, verdant green fields in summer, and golden carpets during harvest season. The grand view of the Muong Hoa Valley's sweep of terraced country is a visual signature of the region and ideal for photography or peaceful strolling.

Magnificent views of Muong Hoa Valley

Read more: North Vietnam Motorbiking Tour 9 days: Explore Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Beyond

Homestay Experiences with H’mong families

They can live in stilt-homes belonging to local families, learn cooking, farming, and daily life and textile education. They're typically dressed in H'mong attire, eat meals such as com lam and thang co, and are involved in community activities, a deeply immersive cross-cultural experience.

Experience with H’mong families

Craft Workshops (weaving, embroidery, silverwork)

Join local artisans in learning traditional H’mong handicraft methods, operating looms, stitching symbolic embroidery, or crafting silver ornaments. These hands-on experiences not only support local economies but also yield meaningful souvenirs you’ve helped create.

H’mong craft workshops that tourists can experience

Conclusion

Hau Thao Commune is not only a picturesque visit in Sapa, but also a window into the heart of northern Vietnam's highland culture. If you're prepared to delve into this special destination in comfort and depth, allow Asia King Travel to lead the way. With our extensive insider knowledge and dedication to sustainable tourism, we provide tailored journeys that introduce you to authentic Vietnam.

Read more: Lao Cai Tour 5 days: Explore Sapa, Bac Ha and Hoang Su Phi