Things to know about Sapa
Located at the foot of the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Sapa is only 5-6 hours from Hanoi by highway, therefore, it is an ideal year-round destination for all travelers. Sapa is ideal for those seeking a beautiful and convenient escape with stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and a touch of history.
The best time to visit Sapa
Sapa has a cool climate, making it suitable for year-round visits.
From February to May, spring is brilliant with hundreds of flowers in bloom such as apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, and plum blossoms…
Autumn lasts from September to November, Sa Pa is charming in the golden color of ripe rice and the weather gradually turns cold.
Winter comes from December to February of the following year, if you are lucky you can “hunt” snow and ice on the mountain peaks.
However, from June to early September, there might be extreme weather that can cause flash floods, landslides, etc. Therefore, it is not suitable to visit and sightseeing.
How to get to Sapa
You can go by train/by bus or maybe by self-drive
By train: You can book HERE for the Ha Noi – Lao Cai route, after that, you will take a bus/taxi to come to a center of Sapa. It will take around 7-9 hours of travel.
By bus/limousine: You can book HERE or go to My Dinh station to purchase the ticket. Travel time is around 5-6 hours.
Mostly the check-in time is around noon to 2 pm, so you will need to plan accordingly.
Self-drive:You can take the Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway, then turn onto Highway 4D to go to Sa Pa. The road is easy to go, but you need to pay attention to the signs and drive at the right speed. On cold rainy days, with a lot of fog and slippery roads, you should check your tires, brakes, lights… carefully before starting. Driving time is about 5-6 hours. Please leave Hanoi at the latest around 12:30 pm, so that when you reach the pass to Sa Pa, it is not too dark.
What to do in Sapa
Discover the beauty of the ethnic villages: Sapa offers a unique chance to experience the rich cultural tapestry of northern Vietnam through its many ethnic minority villages. Each village boasts its own charm, from the easily accessible Cat Cat with its stunning scenery and Hmong traditions, to the off-the-beaten-path Sin Chai where tranquility reigns. Immerse yourself in the beauty of terraced rice paddies, colorful costumes, and local festivals as you connect with the genuine hospitality of the indigenous communities in Sapa. (Some ethnic villages: Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Ho, Sin Chai, Ta Van)
Sightseeing: Ham Rong Mountain, Sapa Stone Church, Muong Hoa Valley, or take the cable car to enjoy the majestic Fansipan.
You can rent a motorbike and enjoy your way or book tour to discover these attractions. You can check the 3D2N tour HERE or the 2D1N tour HERE
Or take a sip of coffee and enjoy the mountainview. One of the coffee shop with amazing view is Phansi.
What to eat in Sapa
Grilled dishes, salmon and sturgeon cooked in a hotpot are 2 must-try dishes here. My 2 curated lists are:
Hai Lam Restaurant| 72 Luong Dinh Cua Street
Ca Hoi Vua Sapa| 015 Le Van Tam
Other local dishes is Cốn Sủi – a soup with special noodle ( try at 436 Dien Bien Phu Street) , and thắng cố – slow-cooked stew made with various offal meats (often horse or buffalo), vegetables, and a complex blend of spices (try at 15 Thach Son Street)
Where to stay in Sapa
There are various types of accommodation for you to choose from, ranging from guesthouses, homestays, hostels, and budget hotels, to luxurious 4-5 star hotels and secluded high-end resorts.
You can check my curated list here:
Guesthouses/ homestays/budget hotels:
Luxurious hotels: