Sapa: A charming mountain town in North West Vietnam with rich culture and magnificent scenery.
Sapa is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Vietnam and I can totally see why, in fact, I would actually describe it as the most picturesque town in Vietnam.
Expect to find beautiful rice terraces, scenic roads, mountain views and many ethnic villages here in Sapa.
Within this guide, I am going to share the best things to do in Sapa – especially for backpackers. I will also be sharing my top tips, including: the best time to visit, best budget friendly activities, where to stay and how to get to Sapa.
Contents:
Helpful Things to Know Before Visiting Sapa
Prior to discussing the best things to do in Sapa, I will be sharing some useful information to help you plan your trip including: the best time of year to visit, how to get to Sapa, how to get around and where to stay.
Best Time to Visit Sapa
Sapa is a year-round destination with its temperate climate but you may wish to plan your stay according to what each season has to offer.
Typically, the best time to visit is between September and October for the most beautiful view of the rice terraces and between April and May for comfortable weather and clear skies.
If you don’t mind warmer temperatures, June – August is also a decent time to visit.
If you decide to visit during winter, December – January, you need to pack warm clothes as you may even encounter snow!
How to Get to Sapa
Sapa is located 380 kilometres northwest of Hanoi and is very close to the border of China.
Unfortunately, there is no airport at Sapa so there is no quick way of getting here. The majority of travellers depart from Hanoi, although buses depart from all over Vietnam.
Lets discuss the 3 options of transport from Hanoi to Sapa:
Sleeper Bus – The cheapest and most backpacker friendly option starting at around 250,000 VND for the cheapest bus. Expect to be paying around 450,000 VND for a luxury VIP cabin bus. The journey takes about 5 hours.
Train – A more expensive option but popular with those who are looking for a more comfortable and scenic journey. The overnight train costs around 500,000 VND and the journey takes around 7.5 hours.
Private Taxi – The most expensive option which will cater for those who are looking for a private transfer. Expect to be paying around 2,371,675 VND for a private vehicle transfer which will take approximately 4.5 hours.
I travelled from Ha Giang to Sapa via the cheapest sleeper bus which has 3 rows of reclining seats without curtains (really difficult to get a wink of sleep!) but great for backpackers on a budget!
I then travelled from Sapa back to Hanoi via a luxury VIP bus where you get your own cabin and a really comfortable bed. I recommend this option if you have a larger budget and want to get a good nights sleep.
Bear in mind that a lot of the buses arrive at a ridiculous time in the morning (ours at 02:00 am!) so you will either need a hotel with 24 hour check in or be prepared to wait it out with your backpack until check in time!
Where to Stay in Sapa
You can find a range of accommodation in Sapa from luxury hotels with swimming pools overlooking the mountains to budget guesthouses with beautiful views of rice terraces.
Great Option for Backpackers: The Link Farmstay
If you are looking for a cosy private room with a spectacular view from your doorstep then I highly recommend staying here.
You can currently book a room here at a discounted rate of £10 per night. Split between two people this is incredibly cheap and great value for money as it also includes a cooked breakfast with tea or coffee every morning!
The only thing to note about this accommodation is that it is located a 45 minute walk (under 10 minutes by car) from the town centre. I really believe that the views and price are worth staying here and recommend renting a bike to get around and explore with ease.
How to Get Around Sapa
The best way of getting around Sapa is by motorbike if you have a license and if not, taxi or Grab.
Expect to pay around $5 a day for motorbike rental. The roads are easy to drive around the town centre, apart from some traffic jams at rush hour. I recommend having decent driving experience if using the bike outside of the town centre as many of the roads are steep with sharp bends. Remember to wear a helmet and carry your international driving permit when driving in Vietnam.
If you are unable to rent a motorbike taxis will be your best friend in Sapa. You will usually be able to find a driver waiting on the side of the road if in town, if not, use Grab to book your ride.
How Long to Stay in Sapa
It depends on your interests. If you love hiking and exploring the rural countryside, I recommend spending a little longer in Sapa to fully explore. If you are only here for the touristy spots and a few scenic viewpoints then you will probably be fine with a couple of days.
I personally recommend spending four nights in Sapa. This will give you enough time to relax, explore, hike and discover everything that Sapa has to offer.
The Best Things to Do in Sapa
Local Countryside Trekking
I personally think trekking is the most authentic way to experience Sapa and gain an insight into local life.
Whilst you can explore the trails yourself, I really encourage you to do so with a local guide as you will learn many things about local life in Vietnam and be able to explore more remote ethnic villages.
There are a variety of trekking activities to choose from, ranging from easy beginner trails to advanced overnight treks.
Backpacker Recommendation: I really recommend booking with Zer Zer, a local guide who will pick you up from your accommodation in Sapa and then take you to her local family’s house in the mountains for breakfast before embarking on a beautiful trek through the rice paddies and local ethnic villages. You can book via Whatsapp, her number is: +84 39 778 4365 Her 1/2 day tour includes lunch and costs only 400,000 Dong (£12.80). She also offers overnight stays where you will get an immersive experience of local life in the ethnic village. Zer Zer speaks amazing English and really provides a great tour of her village and surroundings.
Whilst trekking, you will come across many spectacular views of rice fields, mountains and local farmland. You really get a glimpse into the local life of those who live in these ethnic minority villages in Sapa.
You can also expect to see many water buffalo lazing in the rice paddies as you trek through the countryside.
Our tour guide Zer Zer took us on such an amazing trail with lots of wildlife and spectacular scenery. This was one of our highlights from our 5 week stay in Vietnam.
Ham Rong Park
Ham Rong Park is only 3 km away from Sapa town centre and is home to many beautiful viewpoints of Sapa town and Fansipan. It also has a range of flower and plant gardens to explore.
I recommend visiting the cloud garden for the best view of Sapa town centre. If you visit in the earlier hours of the morning, you will be above the clouds! I visited in the afternoon for a clear view of the town so plan your trip accordingly. The walk up is really easy and does not take longer than 20 minutes.
Entrance costs 70,000 Dong (£2.24) and the park is open from 07:00 am until 18:00 pm.
Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village is one of the most popular touristy things to do in Sapa and most people either love or hate it.
The village is home to the Hmong ethnic minority group and has been transformed into a tourist attraction amongst the local community.
Ticket Cost: 150,000 Dong (£4.90)
As you enter Cat Cat Village, you will come across the part which is built for tourists. Admittedly, this part was very unauthentic and we quickly walked past to locate the more authentic streets and countryside views.
There is a lot to explore in the village so be sure to give yourself a couple of hours to properly walk around without rushing. I advise arriving in the late afternoon, when the crowds have lessened, and then staying for sunset at one of the many viewpoints overlooking the mountains and farmland. The sunset was really beautiful here.
Cat Cat Village is home to this tall waterfall in the most picturesque setting – a beautiful scene for nature lovers.
I really recommend spending most of your time past the initial section of the village to escape the touristy part and enjoy the beauty of Cat Cat Village. Whilst it is no longer the most authentic place to see in Sapa, it is a great place to explore, surrounded by magical nature.
O Quy Ho Pass - A Scenic Motorbike Ride
The O Quy Ho Pass is the largest and one of the most impressive roads to drive in Vietnam. It is popular with motorbike drivers and attracts thrill seekers who are looking for the best views in Vietnam.
It is situated just 10 km away from Sapa town centre and is almost 50 km long.
You can rent a motorbike for a reasonable price in Sapa and explore the pass, making stops along the way at cafes, viewpoints and attractions such as the Glass Bridge.
Ensure you have motorbike experience and an international driving permit before driving this road as it is full of bends, sharp turns, and definitely not suited for those without experience. The road is in great condition and is a lovely drive!
You will come across many viewpoints when driving the O Quy Ho Pass and it can be difficult to know which ones are worth visiting.
Many are replicas of ‘Heaven’s Gate’ in Bali, which are personally tacky in my opinion and really take away from the natural views. If these type of viewpoints appeal to you, expect to pay entrance fees for each one.
Backpacker Recommendation: I recommend visiting Chu Va Viewpoint which is just on the side of the road, overlooking rice paddies and surrounded by impressive mountains. The best thing about this viewpoint is that it is free! Just park your bike on the side of the road and enjoy the views. You can also climb up and take impressive pictures of the corner of the road.
Mount Fansipan Cable Car
One of the most popular things to do in Sapa is to ride the cable car to the top of Fansipan Mountain – the highest mountain in Vietnam!
The cable car takes around 20 minutes to reach the mountain from Sapa town and costs 800,000 Dong (£26.00).
You will find a pagoda on the top of the mountain with a big Buddha. The views are said to be spectacular but are weather dependent – if it is a foggy day, you might only see clouds without any view of the surroundings so be sure to check the weather forecast before visiting.
I skipped this activity as I personally thought it was a little overpriced especially when backpacking on a budget and the weather was typically foggy during my stay in Sapa.
Lao Chai Village
Lao Chai Village is located 7 km from the centre of Sapa and offers tranquil views of the countryside and Hoang Lien Son Mountain. You can also visit Ta Van Village nearby which is another popular tourist attraction.
Whilst driving to the town, you will come across a viewpoint on the side of the main road which overlooks the valley. Here is a great spot for a photo.
Like Cat Cat Village, you will find that this has been transformed into a tourist destination with many stalls selling the same souvenirs. It can be nice to stroll and have a look for souvenirs but we found that we were quite harassed to buy something by every single person! Unfortunately, this took away from the authenticity and nature around the village and we decided to leave earlier than planned.
Sapa Lake
Conveniently located in the centre of town, Sapa Lake is one of the most iconic spots to visit.
It is especially breathtaking during early morning and late afternoon when mist engulfs the town centre.
If you are into photography, some amazing shots can be captured here.
Explore Sapa Town Centre
Sapa Town Centre can easily be explored by foot as it is relatively small. It is a vibrant and picturesque town with many restaurants, market stands, souvenir shops and bars.
You will also find all necessary tourist booking offices here from trekking tours to bus companies offering tickets to your next destination in Vietnam.
Another popular landmark in Sapa is the church located within the town square. It is especially pretty on a foggy day and has a mysterious vibe.
Recommended Restaurants in Sapa
As a backpacker myself, I have to admit that I usually find one cheap restaurant and eat there for the entirety of my stay! As usual, this did happen in Sapa but I have a couple of additional recommendations as well.
Backpacker Recommendation: Quán Cồ Đoàn Restaurant is a small locally run restaurant in Sapa Town Centre with amazing prices and big portions. If you are on a budget, you will love the prices here. Fried Rice (with meat) 50,000 Dong (£1.60) Stir Fry (with meat) 60,000 Dong (£1.90). I recommend trying the Banh My Sot Vang (beef in wine sauce with bread) it is absolutely delicious.
Vegan/Veggie Recommendation: Thong Dong Vegan 2 is one of those really Instagrammable cafes with amazing vegan food. I highly recommend the chocolate acai bowl. The prices are reasonable but not the cheapest.
Luxury Recommendation: Sky View Restaurant is a luxurious restaurant located on top of Chau Long Sapa Hotel. It offers a variety of Vietnamese and Western dishes and a unique view of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and Muong Hoa Valley.
Is Sapa worth visiting in 2024?
Sapa is 100% worth the visit in 2024. It is quickly becoming a more popular tourist destination and is attracting more and more people every year. I recommend visiting as soon as possible to experience the true authenticity which can be found here in Northern Vietnam.
There is soo much to see in Sapa from trekking around local ethnic villages with beautiful rural countryside and rice paddies to visiting the tallest mountain in the country!
Personally, Sapa was my favourite destination (on par with Ha Giang) in Vietnam and I would recommend prioritising it on your itinerary.
Please let me know if you have any further queries in the comment section or contact me via my Contact Me Page.
There are 4 comments
Fantastic, informative blog.
Great photos.
Thank you
Loving the content very well informed ❤️
Thank you!