Sapa is a small village, 350 km north of Hanoi, near the Chinese border. Sapa is known for having spectacular views of a valley with rice field fields that can be seen on clear days, with mountains towering on all sides from above. The view of this epic landscape is often tempered by dense fog that rolls over the tops, but even when it is cloudy, the local hill tribes fill the city with color.
5 reasons to visit Sapa
Region
North Vietnam, Lào Cai province
Number of residents
8,975
Recommended travel days
3 days
Vietnamese name
Sa Pa
There are ATM’s in Sapa. Many hotels and travel agencies can exchange euros and US dollars.
Sapa has become enormously popular in recent years. The locals benefit from the boost in the form of electricity and good infrastructure. Sapa may no longer be the romantic village as it once was; the surroundings of Sapa with the impressive rice terraces and stunningly beautiful valleys with small villages are of unparalleled beautiful.
1. Trekking in Sapa
A trek in Sapa is without a doubt the highlight in this region. There are many villages with minority groups in Sapa that you can visit and you can enjoy views over stunning rice terraces.
2. Mount Fansipan
The highest mountain in Vietnam with 3143 meters. If you want a challenge, you can climb the mountain in a day or two days. Alternatively you can take the cable car to the top.
3. Stay in a homestay
Staying with a local minority group means that you experience their life, customs and traditions.
4. Tram Ton Pass
It is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 1900 meters. On top of the pass you have a beautiful view.
5. Visit a local market
The place where you learn a lot about the minority groups are on the markets around Sapa. Local ethnic minorities come to buy and sell in their most beautiful traditional clothing.
6. Discover waterfalls
The most popular waterfalls are: Cat Cat waterfall, Silver waterfall (Thac Bac) and Love Waterfall.
7. Rent a scooter
One of the best things to do is rent a scooter to explore the area around Sapa. The further you go, the fewer tourists you encounter and the wilder the landscape becomes.
8. Visit local coffee shops
Visiting a local coffee shop is one of the best things you can do in Sapa to recover, enjoy the view or warm up when you visit Sapa in the winter.
9. Moang Ho train
The Muong Hoa train is the longest mountain railway in Vietnam between Sapa and the cable station to Fansipan Peak. The train route is very spectacular with a viaduct, tunnels and great views of the Muong Hoa Valley.
10. Walk through Sapa Town
On Ham Rong Mountain you have a view of the entire city. Other places of interest are the church and local market which is especially busy on weekends. There is also a small museum that tells more about the local minority groups.
Favorited experiences, day trips and tours in Sapa booked by fellow travellers.
Hotels around the lake – the cheapest place to book a room compared to the same quality rooms in the rest of the city.
Hotels in Cau May – Muong Hoa – more expensive than the other areas because the view is very beautiful, including views of the Fansipan and Hoang Lien Son mountains.
Hotels in center of Sapa – full of tourists and many options of quality hotels, from affordable to expensive luxury hotels.
Homestay in Sapa – An overnight stay in a homestay is a great alternative to a hotel in the city itself, if you don’t mind staying in a more basic accommodation.
Budget hotels & hostels
Mid range hotel
High end hotel & resort
There are many restaurant in Sapa, including both local dishes as western dishes as pizza, pasta and hamburgers. Try the specialities of the local hill tribes, often with wild mushrooms, herbs and local fish.
1. Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant
2. Sapa Natureview
3. Little Vietnam Restaurant
4. Moment Romantic Restaurant
5. Good Morning View Restaurant
6. Hill Station Signature Restaurant
Sapa is not known for its hectic nightlife. There are a few bars that offer a place to meet fellow travelers, drink a few beers and play a game of pool. Most restaurants that sell beer and other beverages tend to close early in the evening.
The bus from Hanoi to Sapa is the cheapest option. The advantage of a bus connection is that it goes directly to the city of Sapa, without stopping anywhere and the bus also runs at night, just like the trains. The bus trip from Hanoi to Sapa takes around 5 to 6 hours..
Many people who travel to Sapa choose the train because it is safe, comfortable, convenient and time-saving. The disadvantage is that the train only takes you to Lao Cai station, from there you have to take a bus, minibus or taxi to Sapa.
Hiking – Places in the city of Sapa are easily reached on foot, because Sapa is small enough. Hiking is also the best way to explore the area around Sapa. However, if you choose this form of travel, you must also provide yourself with good shoes, drinking water and good endurance. There are a few small day walks that you can do alone. It is recommended to do a multi-day trek through the area with a guide who can show you the way.
Cab – The price for a taxi in Sapa is almost the same as in Hanoi. You can often choose between taxis with 5 to 8 seats, depending on the number of people you are with. Some reliable taxi companies are: Sapa Green Taxi, Phan-xi-pang taxi, Northwest taxi. You pay per kilometer from 9,000 to 12,000.
Per tour – A comfortable way of traveling in Sapa is per tour. No danger of driving a motorcycle on difficult roads and no stress of getting lost. A simple way to view the highlights and a local guide who can show you things about the area and tell them.
