Planning a trip to Sapa with kids? You’re in for a treat! This mountain town in northern Vietnam offers a unique blend of stunning natural scenery, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. From exploring the majestic Fansipan mountain by cable car to immersing yourselves in the colorful local markets, Sapa promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Let’s dive into the details to make your trip a breeze!
Is Sapa fun and safe to go with kids?
Yes, Sapa is both fun and safe for families with children. The traffic in Sapa is minimal compared to bustling cities like Hanoi, making it safer for kids. The town and surrounding countryside have limited traffic, providing a relaxed and secure environment. While Sapa is developed and may feel a bit less authentic than other destinations, it offers plenty of activities for children. Additionally, the area boasts a range of family-friendly accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay.
How to get Sapa when traveling with children
The best way to reach Sapa with kids depends on your priorities and budget. Here are the options, ranked from most to least recommended:
Best option: Train
Taking the train to Sapa is a safe and exciting experience for children. Sleeper trains are particularly convenient, saving daytime hours for exploration. Tourist trains such as the Victoria Express, Sapaly Express, and Fanxipan Express are well-equipped and cater to travelers’ needs. The train journey ends at Lao Cai, from where you can take a pre-arranged taxi to Sapa.
Second best: Private car
Opting for a private car is the most expensive but offers the greatest flexibility. It allows for convenient stops along the way, which is helpful for restroom breaks, diaper changes, or snacks. Remember to bring your own child seat or infant carrier if needed, as availability might be limited locally.
Third best: Limousine bus
A limousine bus is a cost-effective and comfortable alternative to a private car. These buses operate during the day and provide a high level of comfort. The only downside is the lack of flexibility, as they run on fixed schedules and routes. However, with numerous departures throughout the day, this option remains very convenient.
Not recommended: Sleeper bus
We do not recommend taking a sleeper bus when traveling with children to Sapa. Even though accidents are rare on the highway between Hanoi and Sapa, sleeper buses are generally less safe and less comfortable. The VIP sleeper bus offers more space and privacy but still may not be suitable for families seeking a restful journey. If you choose this option, be prepared for a potentially less comfortable experience.
Family friendly accommodations
What to look out for when booking accommodation for your family
When booking a place to stay in Sapa with your family, consider the following factors to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
1. Type of accommodation
- Resorts & Lodges: These are more expensive but often come with pools, on-site restaurants, and luxurious amenities. Some resorts offer a closer connection to ethnic cultures and nature, providing a more immersive experience.
- Hotels: Ranging from budget to high-end, hotels in Sapa provide comfort and convenience, though they might offer less connection to local cultures and nature. They come in various options to suit different budgets.
- Local homestays: These are very basic but offer an amazing cultural experience. However, they’re not recommended for more than one night when traveling with kids and are better suited for teenagers rather than young children.
2. Location
- Sapa City Center: Staying in the city center means you’re close to many restaurants and cheaper accommodation options. It’s convenient for dining and accessing various services.
- Muong Hoa Road and Countryside: These areas offer amazing views and a more peaceful, quiet environment. However, dining options are limited to your accommodation or require longer taxi rides to reach other places.
3. Rooms
- Family Rooms: Some hotels and resorts have family rooms, which are great for staying together with very young kids. For older kids, connecting rooms can provide the perfect balance of privacy and togetherness.
- AC & Heating: Most rooms have air conditioning, essential for summer stays. During spring and autumn, it’s less needed. Be cautious about heating systems, as many places do not have them. Nights can get cold in winter, so check if the AC units have heating options.
4. Facilities & Amenities
- Pool: Pools are great for kids, though they can be too cold in the winter.
- Kids Area: Some resorts may have designated play areas for children, providing a safe and fun environment for them to enjoy.
Recommended family friendly accommodation
Budget
- Sapa Eden Hotel: Affordable, with family rooms available and located close to the town center.
- Go Sapa Hostel: Offers a friendly atmosphere with basic amenities and budget-friendly options.
- Sapa Lodge New Hotel: Provides comfortable rooms at a reasonable price, within walking distance to many attractions.
Mid Range
- Amazing Hotel Sapa: Features family rooms, an indoor pool, and a central location with stunning views.
- Sapa Legend Hotel & Spa: Offers modern amenities, a spa, and family-friendly services, located close to the town center.
- Sapa Paradise View Hotel: Known for its excellent service and comfortable family rooms, providing good value for money.
High End
- Topas Ecolodge: Luxurious bungalows with stunning views, offering a unique experience close to nature.
- Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa: A high-end resort with family rooms, a heated indoor pool, and various amenities for children.
- Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa: Offers luxurious accommodations with top-notch facilities, including a kids’ area and beautiful surroundings.
Getting around
Taxi
For short, door-to-door trips within Sapa, taxis are the best option when traveling with children. Whether you’re heading to a restaurant, your hotel, or another spot in town, taxis provide convenience and ease. However, taxis are not ideal for sightseeing or traveling outside the town limits. Renting a car for a day is more cost-effective for longer trips or sightseeing, and finding a return taxi from remote countryside locations can be challenging.
Car with driver
For exploring Sapa’s scenic wonders, a car with a driver is the way to go. Plan your itinerary in advance, with help from your hotel or a local tour operator like Local Vietnam. This option offers comfort, flexibility, and the freedom to discover attractions like Tram Ton Pass, waterfalls, and breathtaking rice terraces at your own pace.
Electric cart
Electric carts are a fun and eco-friendly way to travel along the main road of the Muong Hoa Valley. With open sides, they offer fantastic views of the rice fields and easy access for photo stops. Your kids will love the breezy ride! You can book these through your accommodation or simply flag one down.
Walking & trekking
To truly immerse yourselves in Sapa’s natural beauty and local culture, nothing beats exploring on foot. Walking and trekking offer a unique perspective, but it’s crucial to choose trails suitable for your children’s age and fitness levels. Opt for shorter, easier hikes if your little ones aren’t experienced hikers.
Tip! Customized private trekking tour:
For a tailor-made trekking experience, consider a private tour through Local Vietnam. We can create a customized itinerary based on your family’s preferences and abilities. A private trek offers flexibility, allowing adjustments during the hike, such as shortening the route if necessary, with a car available to pick you up from most villages.
Best things to do in Sapa with kids
1. Mountain train and cable car to Fansipan
Going to the summit of Fansipan Mountain is one of the best things to do in Sapa with kids. You start with a scenic mountain train ride from Sapa town, offering beautiful views over the valley and rice fields on the way to the cable car station. The cable car ride itself is a thrilling experience, providing stunning views as you ascend almost to the top.
From the last cable car station, you can either walk or take the funicular train to the summit. Once there, you can explore the area, which includes several temples and panoramic views. This trip is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy a mix of excitement and cultural experiences, while parents appreciate the ease of not having to plan and entertain continuously.
2. Electric card over Moang Hoa Road
Riding an electric cart is not just a mode of transportation in Sapa; it’s an enjoyable way to explore the area. Kids will love the open-air experience, and it offers excellent views all around. It’s best to pre-arrange the distance and duration of your trip. Here’s a suggested route:
- Travel along Muong Hoa Road: Make a few stops at various viewpoints along the road to take in the scenery and snap some photos.
- Stop at Ta Van Village: Take a short hike around the village with a 2 km loop that starts along a stunning river, passes by rice fields, and goes through the homes of local ethnic people.
- Visit Sapa Ancient Rocks: While the rocks themselves aren’t the main attraction, the surrounding countryside is beautiful, especially when the rice fields are in season. Walk along the short trail and enjoy a drink at Sailing Sapa cafe, which offers great views amidst the rice fields.
After this exploration, you can return to your accommodation, having enjoyed a day of natural beauty and cultural immersion without any hassle.
3. Trekking or short hikes
Undeniably, exploring the terraced rice fields and local ethnic villages of Sapa is best done by trekking. It’s not something to be scared of when traveling with kids, as there are many different options. Sapa is highly developed as the biggest trekking destination in Vietnam, offering routes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Depending on your kids’ ages and physical capabilities, you can opt for short or longer hikes. Enjoy the fresh mountain air while letting your kids burn off their energy.
Tip! Customized Private Trekking Tour
You can arrange a private trekking tour through Local Vietnam, customized to suit your family’s preferences. A private trek offers flexibility, allowing adjustments during the hike, such as stopping sooner if necessary, with a car available to pick you up from most villages.
4. Exploring ethnic cultures
Equally enchanting as the natural beauty of Sapa are the unique ethnic communities that enrich the region. There are several different groups, each with its own traditional clothing, festivals, and ways of building their houses. These groups also specialize in crafts like weaving and herbal baths, as well as agriculture.
The experience is like visiting an open-air museum, but it’s a living, breathing community. Your kids will be amazed by what they see and learn about different cultures. They can attend workshops to learn traditional skills and gain an insightful look into these unique cultures.
For very young children, a visit to Cat Cat Village is recommended. Although not the most authentic village due to its entrance fee and numerous souvenir stalls, it is beautifully set up to learn and experience the local culture. For older children, more traditional and authentic villages in the area offer a richer experience.
5. Homestay experience
Staying at a homestay in Sapa is a deeper dive into the lives of ethnic communities and is most suitable for teenagers rather than young kids. Homestays vary in comfort levels, from modern lodges to truly authentic, basic accommodations.
Staying with an ethnic family allows you to see their way of life up close—using traditional tools, cooking over an open fire, and washing by hand. Sharing a family dinner and participating in their daily activities is an unforgettable experience. You can also combine a homestay with a trekking adventure for an immersive cultural journey.
6. Visit Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain, located near Sapa town, is an excellent spot for a family adventure. The mountain park features beautifully landscaped gardens, stone pathways, and stunning panoramic views of Sapa and the surrounding mountains. Kids will enjoy exploring the flower gardens, caves, and traditional cultural performances that often take place. The hike to the top is moderate and rewards you with breathtaking vistas.
More tips when traveling with children in Sapa
Altitude safety
Sapa town is situated at around 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), which is generally safe for children to visit. The summit of Fansipan reaches 3,147 meters (10,326 feet). Although there are no strict guidelines, it’s typically safe for children above 6 years old, and even for younger ones, as the ascent involves cable cars and trains, reducing physical exertion. However, always monitor your kids for any signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If any symptoms occur, it’s best to descend quickly.
Bring snacks
While Sapa town has some convenience stores, options are limited outside of town. If you plan to spend the day exploring or stay in accommodations outside the town, it’s wise to bring snacks, especially if your children are picky eaters.
Stroller or carrier
Strollers are not recommended for Sapa due to uneven sidewalks, vendors, and parked motorbikes in town. The roads outside town are too hilly, and trekking paths are not suitable for strollers. A baby carrier is a better option. For toddlers who are too heavy for carriers, stick to short hikes and avoid bringing a pushchair.
What to bring for baby
While you can find diapers in Sapa town, it’s best to stock up in Hanoi, where there are more baby shops. Bring enough snacks, special diaper brands, and formula milk to last your trip, as these might not be readily available in Sapa.
Entertainment for Kids
Bring books, toys, or electronic devices to keep kids entertained during downtimes.
Internet and Offline Apps
Most accommodations, restaurants, and coffee shops in Sapa offer Wi-Fi. However, it’s helpful to get a Vietnamese SIM card in Hanoi to stay connected when away from Wi-Fi spots. Offline maps and Google Translate dictionaries can also be useful.
Plan Your Trip
While spontaneous travel can be exciting, planning is essential when traveling with kids. Organize some activities in advance, such as booking the cable car to Fansipan and arranging a private trekking guide to customize tours based on your family’s fitness levels and preferences.
Local Markets: Yes or No?
Ethnic minority markets around Sapa, like the Bac Ha market, are vibrant and culturally rich but might not be suitable for children. These markets are located 80 to 100 km from Sapa, requiring about 2 hours of travel each way through mountainous terrain. The markets start early in the morning, necessitating an early departure from Sapa. The long drive and early start may not be ideal for kids.
