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

1. Make a trekking through the green rice terraces of the Muong Hoa Valley.
2. Learn more about the culture and traditions of the local hill tribes.
3. Climb or take the cable car to the highest mountain in Indochina: Fansipan.
4. Explore the area by motorbike and drive over Vietnam’s highest pass: Tram Ton Pass.
5. Visit a local colorful market.
   

   
   

   Practical information

   In short

   Region

   North Vietnam, Lào Cai province

   Number of residents

   8,975

   Recommended travel days

   3 days

   Best travel time

   • The best time to visit Sapa is from March to May and from September to November. In these times the weather is relatively stable with sunny days and cool nights. The first period is the fall season. The weather is very comfortable at this time of the year. It is dry, clear with lots of sunshine. The view of the terraces of Sapa is at its best between September and October. The cool and dry weather with the stable temperature makes it the perfect time for trekking and photos.
     
     
   • In the summer, although it is quite hot, it is not as hot as other regions in Vietnam.
     
     
   • If you spend time between April and May in this city, you have the chance to see the beautiful landscapes of many colorful flowers and green fields.
     
     
   • In the winter, from December to February, the weather in Sapa gets very cold, especially at night. In exchange, however, you get the chance to see the sunrise over the valley in the morning. In recent years, snow has fallen in Sapa.

   Money

   There are ATM’s in Sapa. Many hotels and travel agencies can exchange euros and US dollars.

   What to see and do in Sapa
   
   Best things to do

   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. 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.
   
   

   8. 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.
   
   

   9. 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.

   
   

   Most popular activities in Sapa

   Favorited experiences, day trips and tours in Sapa booked by fellow travellers.

   
   

   Accommodation in Sapa

   Where to stay

   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.
   
   
   

   Food & drinking

   Restaurants

   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

   
   

   Nightlife

   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.

   Mountain Bar & Pub: Cocktails, cold beer and games, this is the to-go bar for an evening out.

   Hmong Sisters: A spacious bar with pool tables and a fireplace with great music.

   
   Transportation

   How to get there?

   Bus

   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..

   
   

   Train

   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.

   
   

   How to get around?

   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.A simple way to view the highlights and a local guide who can show you things about the area and tell them.
   
   
   

   Itinerary 2 days Sapa

   Day 1

   Start a 2 day 1 night trekking

   Stay overnight in a homestay/hotel

   Day 2

   Get back in early afternoon from the trekking

   Choose to go to Fansipan by cable car or Tram Ton Pass
   
   
   Tour reference 
   

    

   Sapa	TOUR NAME	TOUR CODE
   	Sapa 2 days 1 night by Bus	HHG.NV.SP.1
   	Sapa 2 days 1 night by Train	HHG.NV.SP.2
   	Sapa 3 days 2 nights by Bus (hotel, homestay)	HHG.NV.SP.3
   	Sapa 3 days 2 night by Train (hotel, homestay)	HHG.NV.SP.4
   	Sapa - Bac Ha - 2 Days 1 night by Bus	HHG.NV.SP.5
   	Sapa - Bac Ha - 3 Days 2 night by Train	HHG.NV.SP.6