Authentic Experience of Sapa
Sapa is always an attractive destination that draws tourists every year. However, if you want to travel here, you should learn the tips below to have a great trip. Check out Sapa Local Guide’s article to understand these tips better!
Note about transportation
Sapa is a famous tourist destination in the Northwest of Vietnam. When is the best time to visit Sapa? Sapa’s beauty changes with each season, and travelers can use different means of transportation:
Bus: Sleeper buses are the top choice for many travelers to Sapa. They are affordable and comfortable for resting during the trip. There are many buses to Sapa with various schedules and types, such as single or double beds, to meet your needs.
Train: If you get car sick, the train is a perfect choice. From Hanoi station, you travel to Lao Cai station, then take a 30km journey from Lao Cai to Sapa town center. You can read the latest article on round-trip train ticket prices to Sapa to know more about the schedule and costs.
Airplane: Flying is another great option to get to Sapa. After landing at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), you can continue by sleeper bus, car, or train to Sapa.
Motorbike and Personal Car: If you enjoy adventure or family trips, motorbikes and personal cars are suitable choices. However, the road to Sapa is long, with many steep passes and fog. Make sure to check the weather before choosing this option.
You can easily book plane tickets, train tickets, and bus tickets on the Sapa Local Guide wallet and most banking apps such as Agribank E-Mobile Banking, VietinBank iPay Mobile, VCB Digibank, BIDV SmartBanking, OceanBank Mobile Banking, BAOVIET Smart, VietBank Digital, VietABank EzMobile…
Note about cash and payment methods
When traveling to Sapa, don’t bring too much cash. It’s best to carry an ATM card and withdraw money when you arrive in Sapa. There are many ATMs in Sapa where you can get cash. Additionally, some shops and restaurants in Sapa now accept payment by bank transfer or card, making it easier for tourists.
Be careful when preparing clothes and luggage
Sapa is over 1000 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains and forests. It has cool weather during the day and chilly weather at night. The weather in Sapa changes quickly throughout the day. In the morning, it is chilly. By noon, it becomes warm and sunny. In the afternoon, there is fog and cold wind. So, you should bring different types of clothes to adapt.
When doing activities like climbing or trekking, wear neat clothes like jeans or long pants to avoid mosquito bites. For more details, read the article “Outfits for going to Sapa” by Sapa Local Guide to choose suitable clothes for each season and different places to visit.
Note when going to Sapa
Spring in Sapa is considered the best time for tourists to visit. At this time, the peach and plum blossoms in Sapa are in full bloom. Especially, the peach flowers bloom from February to April. However, you need to note that the blooming time can vary depending on the weather each year.
In the summer, the weather in Sapa is quite cool and pleasant. From the beginning of May, the locals start planting rice, and by July, the rice fields turn a beautiful green color. In the fall, from September to November, the rice fields in Sapa become golden. If you and your family want to travel and see the ripe rice fields, you should visit in August and September.
Additionally, for those who want to see Sapa like a snowy European city, you can visit in the winter. However, from December to February, it is very cold in Sapa, especially at night, with a chance of ice and occasional snowfall. Therefore, it is difficult to move around and not suitable if you want to travel with your family.
Note, do not buy or give money to local children
The problem of children selling goods and pestering tourists in Sapa is serious and alarming. The Sapa authorities have taken many measures to inform tourists not to buy from or give money to local children. Therefore, when you visit, warn your family and friends not to support this behavior.
Note when choosing eateries and restaurants in Sapa
There are many restaurants in Sapa ready to serve tourists. However, to choose a good restaurant, you should check eating tips in Sapa, read reviews from other diners, or ask local people. This will help you find tasty food that suits your taste.
Note, when visiting villages
The Sapa region is famous for its colorful ethnic villages. These include Cat Cat village of the H’Mong people, Ta Phin village of the Red Dao people, and Ta Van village of the Giay people. Each trip to these villages is an exciting adventure. You can immerse yourself in the unique local culture, learn, and interact with the local people.
These tourist spots are often visited, so the locals are very friendly and welcoming. You won’t have much trouble communicating because the people here speak good Vietnamese and even some English and French. However, if you plan to explore more remote and untouched villages, you should learn about their customs beforehand.
It’s best to find a local guide to accompany and guide you throughout your journey. This will help you have a more authentic and respectful experience of the culture and life of the local residents.
Here are 7 tips for visiting Sapa that you should know for a great trip. Sapa Local Guide hopes the shared experiences in this article will help you have a smooth trip and the most enjoyable experiences.
Join Authentic Experience in Sapa
Sapa 1 Day
1 day experience,Rice fields, valley, villages. Moderate to challenging, Private,Vegan-friendlyCultural immersion & active adventure
Motorbike Tour
1 day experience,Rice fields,waterfall.Challenging,Private tours friendly Cultural immersion, active adventure
Sapa 2 Days
2 days 1 night experience. Moderate to challenging, adventure. Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages. Vegan-friendly
Sapa 3 Days
3 days 2 night experienc, Moderate to challenging. Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages. Private tours. Vegan-friendly