Sapa Travel Guide & Things To Do

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Sapa Travel Guide & Things To Do

Sapa Travel Guide & Things To Do

Sapa, commonly known as the “town of clouds”, is a small town in Northwest Vietnam. There are many surprises to be found in Sapa, from picturesque rice terraces to tranquil mountain scenery and a diverse group of hill tribes. Trekking trails in scenic hillsides and small ethnic villages await you in this region.

Reasons to visit:

  • Hiking through the pristine rice terraces cling to mountainsides.
  • Interact with local hill tribes people and learn more about their culture and traditions.
  • Chance to stay with locals to get an authentic insight into hill-tribe life and dine on some of the freshest homemade food
  • Summit Fansipan Peak, the highest point in Vietnam, the ‘Roof of Indochina’
  • Conquer one of Vietnam’s highest passes: Tram Ton Pass
  • Visit a local colorful market – explore traditional cultures and specialties of ethnic minorities.

Time to visit:

Best time:

March to May and from September to November: Stable weather with sunny days and cool nights, perfect for trekking and outdoors activities

Seasonal times to visit:

  • May – June: The season of water pouring over rice terraces to prepare for the new crop. There is beautiful sunshine mixed with rain.
  • September – October: The season of golden rice terraces, cool and dry weather – perfect for photos and trekking

Others:

  • June – August: Rainy weather and lot of Vietnamese tourists
  • December – February: Cold winter but few tourists.

Top things to do

Trekking/Hiking through rice terraces

Trekking through rice terraces is one of the most popular things to do in Sapa. It is sometimes a challenging but rewarding experience when you trek through lush green hills, visit local people’s houses and get in touch with the local minorities.

Riding a bike to Muong Hoa Valley

Muong Hoa Valley, nestled at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, is one of the most famous destinations for riders. You will be able to see picturesque mountain views and rice paddies along the way, visit small villages and learn how farmers do their work.

Visiting local ethnic minority villages

Traditional villages are homes to hill tribes including H’mong, Dzao, Giay, Tay, Xa Pho. Every group has its own unique color scheme and dress style. Discovering these unique cultures is best accomplished by trekking or biking through their villages, which are set in breathtaking landscapes of mountains, forests, and terraced rice fields.

Exploring a colorful local market

Market visits in Sapa are a fascinating way to learn about the local culture and daily life. In these markets, hill tribes trade their locally grown food. There is, however, much more to see here. You will be able to purchase traditional products straight from their makers, such as weaving and herbal medicines. Livestock is one of the most fascinating parts of the market. You can see traders inspect every part of the animal before making a deal here.

A visit to an ethnic minority market is a truly unique experience. Colorful clothes, animals, and crowds make it seem chaotic. This chaos, however, has a pleasant atmosphere and is surprisingly cozy.

Overnight stay at a local homestay

There is no better way to experience the unique culture of minority groups in the Northern mountains of Vietnam than to stay in their own homes. Although the accommodation is often basic and lacking in comfort, the experience is fantastic!

Your hosts can provide you with a wealth of information about ethnic groups. Some may surprise you, some can upset you, but above all, your questions are resolved by a reliable source.

Summit Fansipan Peak

Fansipan is the highest mountain on the Indochinese Peninsula (which includes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia). Now travelers can reach the ‘Roof of Indochina’ in just 15 minutes rather than two days of hiking. A stunning view of swirling clouds and forested slopes awaits you at the top of Fansipan.

Conquer Tram Ton Pass

In the region between Fansipan and Sapa lies Vietnam’s highest mountain pass. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the Tram Ton Pass by car or motorcycle. There is a viewpoint at the top that is definitely worth stopping at.

At the top of the pass, you can see the clouds floating in the sky. During cold weather, the pass will be covered with snowflakes. The summer time offers a great opportunity to enjoy “green space” with mountains and trees

Explore Silver Waterfall

A 30-minute drive north of Sapa town brings you to Thac Bac Silver Waterfall. On your way to Thac Bac Waterfall, you will see Sapa’s varied and lively beauty. On sunny days, the entire waterfall appears dazzling and bright. It makes the Waterfall visible even from a distance.

Shop for local handicrafts

Handcrafted items such as accessories, tribal wear, dried foods, and silver are plentiful in Sapa. The items showcase the unique culture, traditions, and souls of the ethnic minority groups. No matter what you buy and take home, they will be unique and difficult to find outside of Vietnam. Additionally, these items will remind you of special memories from your visit to Sapa.

Where to stay

Sapa town:

Even though Sapa town doesn’t exactly offer the most atmospheric setting, it does make a convenient base. As most tour companies pick up guests from the center of town, staying central is a wise idea. This is especially true if you need an early start or will be returning late in the evening. It has a variety of restaurants and bars, so if you like variety in your meals, you will enjoy Sapa town.

Outside Sapa town:

Getting out of Sapa town and into the surrounding countryside is a wonderful way to experience local culture and customs. Whether you are looking for a luxury resort or a quaint ecolodge in a low valley, Sapa has everything you need.

Food & drinking

Restaurants

It’s no surprise that Sapa is dotted with numerous good restaurants serving local and international cuisine (mostly French or Italian and some American), considering its popularity with tourists and the influence of the post-colonial French. It’s never a problem to find a place to eat in Sapa, even if you’re vegetarian.

  • Good Morning View Restaurant
  • Sapa Sky View Restaurant & Bar
  • Aira Sapa Restaurant & Bar
  • Chicago Pizza Sapa
  • Moment Romantic Restaurant
  • Yummy restaurant.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Sapa is unique in its own way. An idyllic mixture of ethnic cultures, natural romance, and simplicity and hospitality. The city offers a few bars where you can meet fellow travelers, drink some beer, and play pool. Beer and other beverage-serving restaurants usually close early in the evening.

  • Relax Bar
  • The H’mong Sisters
  • Wooden PUB
  • Sapa Spider Bar
  • CrazyBar Sapa – Cafe – Fast Food

How to get there

Overnight train

Majority of travelers who travel overnight to Sapa choose to transfer by train, which is the safest option. The ride is considered safer and more comfortable than a bus, and it is much less expensive than renting a car. However, taking the train only gets you as far as Lao Cai, you will have to catch a bus, minibus or taxi to Sapa from there.

Each evening, three sleeper trains depart Hanoi Railway Station at 20:35 (SP7), 21:10 (SP1), and 21:50 (SP3). To get to Lao Cai City, it takes them more than eight hours. Travelers will still have to go an additional 35 km (about 45 minutes) to Sapa town from Lao Cai railway station. In the return journey, the trains depart at 17:30 (SP8), 20:15 (SP2), and 21:00 (SP4).

Bus to Sapa

Buses are the most economical way to travel between Hanoi and Sapa. Unlike trains, buses run directly to the city of Sapa, without stopping anywhere, and they also run at night, like trains. In general, it takes 5 to 6 hours to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by bus.

The bus to Sapa departs often, mainly in the morning and in the late evening. Many of them will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and Sapa town, respectively. There is no additional transfer needed if you stay in Hanoi Old Quarter or Sapa town.

How to get around

By hiking

As Sapa is relatively small, you can easily walk to many places in the city. In the area surrounding Sapa, hiking is also the most popular way to explore. You will, however, need proper footwear, drinking water, and a high level of endurance if you opt for this form of travel. You can do a few short hikes on your own. Multi-day treks through the area with a guide are recommended.

By a taxi

It is common to find taxis with 5 to 8 seats depending on your group size. There are several trustworthy taxi companies in Sapa, such as Sapa Green Taxi, Phan-xi-pang taxi, and Northwest taxi. The cost per kilometer ranges from 9,000 to 12,000

By a motorbike

Renting a motorbike in Sapa costs 100,000 VND a day. You should be aware that driving through the mountains in Northern Vietnam is challenging and not without danger and should only be attempted by experienced drivers. An experienced guide can accompany you on a motorbike as an alternative.

A tour

Taking a tour of Sapa is the best way to experience the region. You won’t have to worry about driving a motorcycle on rough roads or getting lost. An easy way to see the highlights of the area with a local guide who can tell you more about it and show you the top attractions.

Getting to other destinations

Halong, CatBa bay and Ninh Binh

A combination of Sapa, Halong Bay, CatBa, Ninh Binh is a popular itinerary in North Vietnam. Neither buses nor trains run directly between these destinations. Traveling from one place to another would always require a trip back to Hanoi.

Ha Giang

If you’re looking to explore some of Vietnam’s most stunning mountains, Ha Giang is the place to go. In the early morning and at night, there are direct buses running from Sapa to Ha Giang. The most recommended combination is a trekking tour in Sapa and an easy rider tour in Ha Giang.

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