Only 5-to-6-hour ride away from Hanoi, Sapa is usually called “ the heaven in summer” and also one of the best places to see golden rice terraces in Northeast Vietnam.
From Hanoi-Sapa
By bus: There are some options for your choice.
+ Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai with diverse pick-up locations such as hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter, My Dinh Bus Station… The price ranges from 180,000 to 450,000 VND ( $8- $19) depending on the type of supplier, type of seat.
+ Higher quality service with Luxury van Limousine. The price from 250,000 VND – 450,000 VND ( $11- $19)
By train: You can book e-ticket or buy a ticket directly at Hanoi Station. Get the train Hanoi – Lao Cai (daily depart at 21-22 o’clock) then take the shuttle bus from Lao Cai Station to Sapa. Train fares ranges from $7-$30 depending on the type of chair or bed that you choose. Travelling by train costs you 2 hours more than by daily bus.
In Sapa
If travelling by yourself, brave enough to ride a motorbike , you should hire a motorbike. Sapa has lots of steep paths so you need to check its functions carefully, e.g lights, horn, brake, key…. Moreover, you should get the mobile number of the person who you rent the motorbike. You also should look closely for any problem, if it has any problem; you need to tell with the person who give you the motorbike.
Choose the newer, you would feel more secure when using it. Normally Honda Wave RS is the most popular and easiest to use. Don’t forget ask the nearest gas station!
The price for hiring is around 80.000 – 240.000 VND ($4-$10) per day depending on motorcycle gear or scooter and usually, gasoline will be the extra cost you have to pay yourself.
Accommodations
Sapa has various accomodation types from motels to 5* hotel and luxury resorts. In addition, capsule hotel is an interesting suggestion for your choice. The price for 1 night is from 250000 VND ( approximately $11). This is perfect idea for you if you travel alone with the great view and unique experiences. For higher quality service, you can choose noteworthy resorts in Sapa: Topas Ecolodge, Sapa Jade Hill, Sapa Highland….
(Topas Ecolodge, Sapa)
If you want to explore locals culture, you should choose homestay in small villages such as Cat Cat, Lao Chai, Ta Van. You can immerse in fresh air and the beauty of nature that just belong to North-east of Vietnam. The price for dorm from 150000 VND( $7) per person, bungalow double from 500000 VND ($21.5) . Here are famous homestay in Sapa Nam Cang riverside Lodge, Eco Palms House, Heaven Sapa, Viettrekking, Phơri’s House…
Food and Beverage
Food in Sapa is unmissed things that you should explore in here. There are various special local foods such as “Thang co”, “Mem mem”, Fish hot pot ( served with salmon or sturgeon), many types of kebab skewers, bamboo-rice,.. One hot pot can available for 3-6 persons. Kebab skewers can appear in everywhere in Sapa with cheap price from 10000-20000 VND ( under $1)/ 1 stick.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai
- Day 2: Lao Cai- Sapa – Nam Cang Riverside Homestay
- Day 3: Nam Cang – Sapa – Topas Ecologe
- Day 4: Topas Ecolodge – Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi
For more detail of the itinerary tour in Sapa, click here
Tips
Best time for trekking from April to June and August to December. Boots/sport shoes. Headlights, clothes, sleeping bag, hat, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, etc required. Hike in a group. Always have at least one other person with you are going in low traffic trails or be accepting of the risk you take in having no ability to aid you. Always ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.
