How ‘remote’ are the various phases of the expedition – are there many other tourists to these areas?

In the Pu Luong Nature Reserves areas of Hang Kia, Paco, and Khoe there are very few of tourists. So remote, that in some places there may have never been tourists before. While trekking the trails you will only meet friendly local people (Thai and Muong) with a big smiles and looks of excitement when they see you. In Sapa, it’s much more touristy in the main centre and the hill tribe people all has excellent English skills which they have learnt from the tourist. Befriending the local children and people there is one of the things that makes Sapa special. There has also been many tourists to Tavan, Ta Pin and Ban Ho villages. Although in Ta Phin there have been only a handful who have stayed the night. If you are willing to do a little longer trek or some exploring there are actually villages in the immediate area that have seen very few tourists.