Sapa
Sapa, which is a popular trekking location, in northwest of Vietnam. This small town sits at an altitude of nearly 1,500 metres and is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain. Sapa is also home to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
It’s a place of natural beauty, often sought after by travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s hectic streets and immerse themselves in its misty valleys and stunning rice terraces.
Bus ride to Sapa
Me and a friend booked a two-way return journey with Sapaexpress, the ticket costing 1 million (VND) per person.
Sapa Express allows you to book your tickets online in advance, offering a variety of ticket options. I chose the 18-seat limousine, which was perfectly comfortable for me, with a reclining seat and folding armrests.
If you are looking for more budget possibilities it’s always a good idea to check the price on Vexere.
The bus collected a small group of us from outside the Sapa Express office in Hanoi. Before our journey, we were given a bottle of water and a small biscuit-like snack.
Journey time
- 5 hours and 30 minutes (3 pm to 8:30 pm)
The bus set off from the station at 3 pm. The journey was fairly relaxed by Vietnamese bus standards. However, the closer we got to Sapa, the windier the roads became. Our bus stopped a total of four times throughout the journey. Giving passengers the opportunity to grab a quick bite or use the toilet. We arrived in Sapa around 8:30 pm, making the total journey time 5.5 hours.
First impression of Sapa town
As soon as we stepped off the bus, it was immediately apparent how much colder Sapa was than Hanoi, even in August. Therefore, if you are planning to visit during the winter months. I highly recommend coming prepared with plenty of warm clothing.
We made our way through the town, we were amazed by the impressive blend of French architecture set against a backdrop of stunning, lush green mountain tops.
Sapa is home to a large number of ethnic minorities. These indigenous groups each have their own unique style of clothing, which you will see as you explore the town.
Homestay
There is a variety of amazing hotels and hostels that can be booked in Sapa town. Alternatively, you can book somewhere more remote, outside the town, giving you the added benefit of being closer to potential trekking routes.
I had chosen the latter and booked Tavan Chopai Homestay, which is around 10 kilometers outside of Sapa town. You have a few options either book a taxi/Grab car or rent a bike. I would mention that the roads are very narrow and we saw a few instances where the road had suffered from landslides.
The Grab 150,000 VND, which seemed reasonable considering the distance.
After arriving we were greeted by the owner, who didn’t speak any English but provided us with some basic information and showed us to our rooms. I booked the shared dorm, and my friend chose the private room. From experience, the shared dorm was fine. The bedding was comfortable, and there were a couple of ceiling-mounted fans that kept the place cool.
Breakfast with a view
One of the highlights of booking somewhere outside of Sapa town is the beautiful view of the picturesque landscape. The hostel I stayed at offered a fairly basic breakfast with traditional Vietnamese-style coffee, which I enjoyed while overlooking the stunning rice paddies.
Sapa trekking
Tavan Hostel offers a short Sapa trekking tour, which can be booked directly with them upon arrival. Here is the link to their TripAdvisor page if you would like more information. Alternatively, you can book a tour with one of the locals once you arrive in Sapa or with a tour provider, of which there are plenty.
Tour cost and length of time
- Total cost of the tour was 500,000 (VND) per person
- Total time 4 hours
Description of the Sapa trekking tour
The tour guide was from the Hmong people but had an excellent level of English. As we set off, one of the group members was shocked to see our tour guide walking with only a pair of flip-flops. However, in retrospect, it’s probably a good idea to pack light, especially in warm weather!
Tip: Pack light, especially if you’re planning to visit Sapa during the summer.
It’s important to mention that several tour groups set off at similar times. If you were hoping to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, don’t be surprised if it’s interrupted by a loud group of fellow hikers.
Sapa trekking description
The trek was fairly straightforward and would be suitable for most people. There were some steep slopes however, they were all manageable. Our tour guide was excellent, and as we walked along the rice paddies, she explained the life of the Hmong people, which was incredibly insightful. We stopped at several locations during our trek, one of which was a waterfall where we could take a swim.
Around the halfway point of our trek, we were invited into our guide’s home, where she cooked us a simple rice and omelette meal. It was nice to relax and get out of the sun for a while. After about 30 minutes, we continued on the tour, passing several fields where the local farmers were busy tending to their crops. Upon arrival at the hostel. We were given a rather small t-shirt celebrating the tour, which was a nice gesture.
Best time to visit Sapa
September to October are often cited as the best times to visit Sapa if you’re interested in experiencing the stunning rice paddies when they are at there most impressive.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a beautiful retreat from the organised chaos that is Hanoi, then Sapa is an excellent choice. I would personally recommend only a couple of nights in Sapa. Apart from Sapa trekking, there isn’t a huge amount else to see, especially in the town. Additionally, if you have any time constraints, you might want to consider other options due to the time it takes to get to Sapa.