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Adventurous Things to do in Sapa: The Ultimate 3-Day Sapa Itinerary

last Updated: September 25, 2022 sapa vietnam

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Headed to Vietnam and looking for the best way to spend an adventurous and cultural 3 days in Sapa?! Read on for not only the best things to do in Sapa, but where to stay, how to get around, when to visit, and what to eat! It’s a spot not to be missed on any Vietnam itinerary! You won’t wanna miss any of these Sapa attractions!

Sapa is filled with rice field after rice field, spectacular waterfalls, small authentic villages dotting the area, local markets, and all the pho you could ever want.

It’s a popular destination for those spending 2 weeks in Vietnam , loved for its fresh air, cool climate, range after range of mountains, and outstanding scenery.

It’s also one of the best places in Vietnam for all your trekking lovers, and home to the country’s largest mountain – Mt. Fansipan. Here in Sapa you’ll find rugged scenery and rich, cultural diversity, making the area an absolute must for any nature lover.

To be honest, refining all of the area into a 3 day guide is a bit challenging, since there are just so many Sapa attractions to check off. However, many visitors opt to spend 2-3 days in Sapa after visiting Hanoi, making this quick Sapa itinerary very doable.

By following this guide, your 3 days in Sapa will be fully action-packed, so it’s best to get some rest beforehand (possibly on the night train – read below). 

Before we get into the full list of things to do in Sapa organized into a complete 3-day Sapa itinerary, here’s a pre-travel guide to the area.

How to Get to Sapa

Sapa is nestled near the northern border of Vietnam, with its closest large city being Hanoi. 

And psst – you’ll probably be flying into Hanoi during your visit, as it’s the most frequented airport. Hanoi is a large and bustling city, and lucky for you, there’s a bunch of different options (as well as tour companies) that offer transportation to Sapa. 

To cover all our bases, we’ll be highlighting the 3 main ways to get from Hanoi to Sapa: train, bus, and car.

Since there’s no railway station in Sapa, the train will drop you off at the Lao Cai Railway Station, which is located a short 50 minute drive from Sapa. And thankfully, there’s a ton of busses and taxis constantly running taking passengers from Lao Cai (the province which Sapa belongs to) to Sapa and back. 

Most travelers prefer to take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai , taking roughly 8 hours and arriving in Lao Cai in the early morning (5:30am-6:30am). This is a great option as you’ll essentially have the full day in Sapa once you make your way there. 

Book your overnight train to Lao Cai here , the gateway to Sapa.

There are buses running throughout the day, driving the 6-7 hours (depending on traffic and weather) between the bustling city and the Sapa wonderland of rice terraces and waterfalls. 

One neat option we’ve found is the night bus ( book here ), which leaves Sapa late in the evening, between 10pm and midnight, and drives throughout the night. This bus has sleeper seats where you can lay down and sleep for the journey, however the seats aren’t exactly a king-size feather bed.

They are, however, inexpensive and get the job done! This is the route we chose on our Sapa adventure , since we were cutting costs as much as possible, and the night bus killed two birds with one stone: a trip to Sapa without having to pay for an additional night in a hotel!

Book your overnight bus to Sapa here.

The final, and most convenient option, is to travel from Hanoi to Sapa via car. The journey takes about 4.5 hours. There are a few tour companies that will drive you directly from your hotel in Hanoi to your hotel in Sapa, however, this is the most expensive option.

If you insist on traveling by private vehicle (sans public transportation), the cheapest option is to rent a car and drive it up yourself. It’s super easy to rent a car in Hanoi. An added benefit of this option is that you’ll have freedom to drive to different areas to explore throughout Sapa, which you’ll see in a minute is a HUGE benefit!

By Tour Company

If you want everything taken care of for you, and you don’t wanna have to worry about the hassle of getting from Hanoi to Sapa yourself, book yourself with a tour company.

These tours include everything from transportation to Sapa, overnight stays, trekking, traditional meals, Sapa attractions, visiting the local people, and more. It’s basically an all-in-one adventure, and at a super reasonable price at that.

A few options below:

• 3 Night Homestay Trek with Overnight Train Transfer : Trek through the Muong Hoa Valley in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains to the hill tribe villages of the Hmong, Zay, and Red Zao peoples. Experience traditional hospitality during a 1-night homestay in Ta Van village. BOOK TOUR HERE.
• 2 Day Sapa Tour with Fansipan Peak from Hanoi : Travel by express bus from Hanoi to Sapa on a 2-day tour. Explore Cat Cat village and take a cable car up to Fansipan Peak – the Roof of Indochina. You’ll also meet a Black H’Mong family, and be able to explore the town of Sapa during your free time. BOOK TOUR HERE.
• 3 Day Medium Trek with Bus Transfer : Highlights include visiting the famous parts of Sapa, observing the daily activities of the ethnic minority people of the area, enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery and rice terraces, and staying overnight at a homestay. BOOK TOUR HERE
• 2 Day Sapa Homestay with Bus Transfer: Highlights include exploring the Sapa Valley, admiring the traditional costumes of the ethnic peoples, trekking through the lush green rice paddies and terraces (9km), and experiencing life in the mountains by spending the night at a homestay. BOOK TOUR HERE.

Where to Stay in Sapa

Sapa is a beautiful place full of beautiful food, culture, and people. What also makes this place oh so wonderful is the chance to experience it through your accommodation! There are many unique and varied options for places to stay in Sapa, and in addition there are a WIDE range of prices that you can pay for a place to stay. I’ll highlight each below.

Sapa is not a particularly wealthy place, and therefore your currency will go a long way here. Being from America, the US Dollar is very strong in Vietnam, and you will see this as you book and pay for lodging.

The cheapest hotels, hostels, and homestays are typically under $10 per night. Yes, you read that right, and there’s even a few for around $5 per night. In those very inexpensive accommodations, you’ll typically be getting a room in a house, or in some cases just a bunk, similar to a European hostel.

But hmm, what is a homestay exactly? Essentially, it’s when you stay in the home of a local family for a small fee. If you want an authentic experience and to learn about the culture of the place you’re visiting, I’d highly suggest checking out a homestay. There are so many homestay options available in Sapa, so you won’t have trouble finding one that suits your needs.

A few recommended homestays (all with exceptional reviews) include: 

• Eco Hills Homestay
• The Warm Sapa Homestay
• Sureless Homestay
• Thanh Ha Homestay Sapa .

Mid-Level Hotels

Stepping up price-wise from those accommodations are the next level of lodges, typically $20-$50 per night. For that price, which is what we paid for our stay at Eco Palms House , you’ll get your own private place.

In our case, that was our own private hut, however in most cases it means something similar to a hotel room. This is the sweet spot for accommodations in Sapa, as you’ll get a beautiful and comfortable stay while keeping your spending to a minimum.

Other recommended inexpensive hotels/accommodation options include: 

• The Grand Blue Hotel
• Sunny Mountain Hotel
• The Hill Station Boutique Hotel  (book fast because it’s popular and there’s only a few rooms!)

Luxury Hotels in Downtown Sapa

Finally, the most expensive hotels in Sapa are in the downtown area. These hotels cost between $70-$110 per night, and when you spend that much you are treated to everything you would get at a fancy hotel elsewhere in the world.

Swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, conference rooms – you’ll have it all at your fingertips, and at a price you would not be able to get elsewhere in the world. If you want to get a taste of an expensive hotel, then Sapa is the place to do it.

Recommended luxury hotels/accommodation options in Sapa include: 

• Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa
• Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa
• Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel

While in Sapa, one thing we wish we would have done is to stay in one of the expensive hotels for one night, our last night.

After enjoying the Sapa Market and having dinner in one of the fine restaurants, it would have been a great experience to enjoy a luxurious room for just $75 or so for the night. Then the next morning, as we left Sapa, we would have been doing so after a great sleep in a big bed, a hot shower, and breakfast at the hotel. 

Best Time to Visit Sapa

Since you wanna make sure you cross off all of these things to do in Sapa, you’ll wanna make sure you visit at the right time of year. Sapa is a dream come true year-round; however, many people find this place absolutely brilliant when the rice paddies turn a brilliant green color.

This kinda unfortunately happens during the wet season, from May to September each year. It tends to only rain for a few hours each day, so if you plan your treks for after the rain is completed you should be able to stay relatively dry.

Therefore, the wet season is not a bad time to spend 3 days in Sapa at all, just note that July and August tend to be the rainiest (so maybe steer clear of those months). 

Coming a close second is the months of September and October. At this time of year, the rice harvest happens. You’ll be able to get a unique experience as the harvest takes place all around you, in addition to the rice fields turning a beautiful golden color.

Visiting in September or October may not get you the bright green rice fields that make Sapa pictures so stunning, but it will get you an incredible experience and some beautiful golden photos that are pretty darn special themselves.

What to Eat in Sapa

While exploring all the things to do in Sapa, and actually all of Vietnam, you would be crazy to miss out on some of the fantastic local cuisine.

For starters, the pho in Vietnam is a must-try. Coming from the USA, we don’t have much that compares to pho. It is part-noodle dish, part-soup, and it is FULLY delicious. While in Sapa, try every kind of pho you can get your hands on as all the different flavors will blow your mind. Vietnamese locals eat pho at all times of day.

To be honest, we found it a bit strange to be enjoying a bowl of pho right away in the morning. Pho felt more like a lunch or dinner menu item, however it was absolutely delicious and fueled our adventure each day!

Coming in second is something that we started each meal with: spring rolls . These are the perfect appetizer, whether served fresh or fried. We personally loved the vegetarian spring rolls, as they were made with locally grown fresh vegetables and went PERFECTLY with some yummy peanut sauce on the side.

The third thing you have to try in Sapa is a Banh Mi , which is essentially a Vietnamese sandwich. We say it is a sandwich, however that somehow diminishes how awesome these actually are. A Banh Mi consists of a baguette (traditionally baked with both rice and wheat flour), and is filled with a variety of ingredients – from meat, pickled vegetables, and chili peppers.

The Vietnamese cooking style balances sweet with spicy, and often adds many different colors to make a dish visually attractive as well as tasty. The Banh Mi is no exception, as this is a beautiful meal that makes for an excellent lunch whenever you get the chance.

Finally, we personally insist that you ask each and every waiter/waitress you have what they would recommend on the menu. 

In many cases, we did this and our server brought up a dish that we had never heard of and sure as heck would not have ordered on our own. However, these were some of the best dishes we enjoyed in Vietnam, especially in Sapa.

Whenever you are in doubt about what to do or eat, ask a local! They know best, and will almost always point you in the best possible direction.

A few additional foods to try in Sapa include:

• Cap Nach pork: a specialty of the mountainous region 
• Thang Co horse meat stew: traditional food of Hmoong people 
• Pau play day cake: made of glutinous rice and green peas
• Salmon Sour Hot Pot: and yes, Sapa’s cool enough for it!
• Tao Meo wine
• Khang Gai Dried Meat
• black forest mushrooms

Now let’s get to it – all the things to do in Sapa during your 3 days here!  

Quick Note: You could technically switch around the days in this quick guide to Sapa, but the following is a great starting point for your 3 days in Sapa !

An Ideal 3-Day Sapa Itinerary 

Sapa itinerary day 1: explore the rice fields.

First up on this Sapa itinerary – exploring the rice fields that the area is so well known for. You can’t spend 3 days in Sapa without spending ample time meandering throughout the lush, gorgeous landscapes of the rice fields on foot (I mean, that’s probably the main reason you’re visiting the area afterall!).

Therefore, that’s what we’re up to first on this Sapa itinerary! These iconic layered hills are what makes Sapa such a unique and special area, and they are worth at least a full day of exploration (aka don’t make other plans for this day). Since the roads aren’t great, visitors tend to trek on the well-maintained footpaths.

Once your belly is full and you have everything packed that you want to bring along (I highly recommend a camera, as well as a rain jacket just in case) then head out for the rice fields. Depending on the location of your hotel, you may have to drive or walk a bit to the rice terraces, or they may be right outside your door (lucky you!).

From our hotel, the Eco Palms House , we were able to walk outside our door and made our way through the many tracks and trails around the area. We stumbled upon a beautiful river, a bamboo forest, and of course got tons of amazing views of the rice fields and surrounding scenery in Sapa.

The best way to explore the rice fields is with a guide. For us, we were connected to a local guide service through our hotel. We recommend that you do the same – finding a local guide to the rice fields near where you are staying. Doing so will be both convenient for you and will promise a unique trip filled with interesting stories and local commentary.  

You can choose to book a guide ahead of time, or book once you arrive in Sapa. You’ll basically be bombarded by Hmong women offering trekking tours to their village, so there’s no shortage of options here. 

Editor’s Note: I tend to do a lot of research on tours and activities ahead of time, since I’m typically pretty rushed while traveling. If you’re the same, find some inexpensive trekking tours of Sapa here:

• 5 Hour Muong Hoa Valley Trek and Ethnic Tribes : Get back to nature and learn about rural life on a 5-hour trek through the Muong Hoa Valley. Meet local tribes and get stunning views of the most amazing rice terraces in Vietnam.
• Sapa Valley Trek with Local Village Visit : Trek through the Sa Pa valley and get stunning views of the terraced rice fields. Learn about the traditional customs of the different ethnic minority groups that live in the villages along the way.

However, if you’d rather not get a guide, you can trek the rice fields all on your own. The best trek to do on your own is in the Muong Hoa Valley, which can be easily reached from downtown Sapa.

Walk down Muong Hoa Street until you see a ticket counter, where you’ll be required to pay about $3 to enter the trek. From there, you’ll have the ability to choose any direction your heart desires, and you’ll be able to make the trip as short or as long as you wish. The Muong Hoa trek is basically one long and incredible viewpoint, with a constantly changing landscape. 

One note on hiking: In addition to customizing the length of your trek should you be going at it sans tour guide, the difficulty of the hikes can be as easy/hard as you’d like as well. Hiking vertically up and down the rice fields can be challenging,  meaning you’ll undoubtedly come across a lot of ascents and descents.

However, many trails go along the rice fields, without much elevation change, making the hiking much more tolerable if difficult isn’t in your vocabulary (no shame!). Of course, changing elevation will be harder, but it also leads to more unique views and landscapes!

After a full day of trekking through the rice fields, congratulate yourself with some rice wine or a local beer (or some tea if you need to wind down).

Sapa Itinerary Day 2: Mount Fansipan and Love Waterfall

Wake up early on Day 2 of this 3-day Sapa itinerary, as we’re headed off to Vietnam’s highest mountain – Mount Fansipan! It’s often dubbed ‘the Roof of Indochina’, since it’s not only the highest peak in Vietnam at 10k+ feet, but in the Indochinese Peninsula (including Laos and Cambodia as well).

And you betcha we’ll be heading to the top for views of swirling clouds and rice terraces below (this wouldn’t be a complete Sapa itinerary without urging you to visit Fansipan)! And out of all the things to do in Sapa, promise me you won’t miss the top of this mountain!

How to get to Fansipan: Fansipan is located about 30 minutes outside of Sapa, so if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to get a taxi. It’s typically very easy to order one through your hotel, and we were able to book for around $20 roundtrip from our hotel to Fansipan.

You can either choose to hike to the summit of Fansipan, or simply take the cable car.

Cable Car: What used to take visitors days and days of difficult trekking, now takes just about 20 minutes. It’s an easy 20 minute ride to the top from the gondola lift terminal (in Muong Hoa Valley). Cable cars hold up to 35 passengers, and run from 7:30am – 5:30pm every day. Try and get a window seat as the views are remarkable the entire way up!

It’s wise to wear comfy shoes as you’ll still need to walk up about 600 steps once you get outta the cable car in order to reach the actual top. You can opt to take the funicular rail if you don’t feel like getting a leg work out in.

Hiking : If you’re looking for a full-day adventure and wanna burn off all that pho you’ve been shoveling down, hike up to Fansipan! However, do note it’ll take about 10 hours of hiking to make it to the peak, and it is quite strenuous (and should only be attempted by those who are physically fit and up for the challenge).

You’ll want to start the hike early in the day, so it’s best to have your own car instead of relying on a taxi to get you there. Book a guided hike here – includes lunch, water, and a patient guide who knows the area and trekking spots well.

→ Book your 1 day Fansipan trekking tour here

No matter how you reach the summit, you’ll want to bring along some warm clothing, as the temperature decreases the higher you go. Consider carrying a jacket, scart, and hat. In addition, 

At the summit, there are religious statues and temples where you can explore and learn local culture and customs, while also sampling some delicious food. On top of Fansipan, you’ll be on top of the world, and you’ll literally be above the clouds (kinda like in Haleakala in Maui ). It’s wild – the cloud formations change every few seconds.

When we visited Fansipan, the clouds were at a lower altitude than us, and the sky seemed to invert as we passed above the clouds. Suddenly, the clouds became the ground, and the sky was an open and beautiful blue. Therefore, don’t think that because a day is cloudy, it will be a bad day for Fansipan, it may just be the PERFECT day! Be sure to walk around the entire platform for the 360-degree views. 

After exploring Fansipan, head to Love Waterfall, which is located between Sapa and Fansipan. Be prepared for a short hike through the mountains, however, you’ll be able to get up close and personal to the waterfall after about 25 minutes. The entrance fee is 70VND, and is most definitely worth it.

If you’ve got extra time, be sure to check out Silver Waterfall, as they’re easily combinable.

Sapa Itinerary Day 3: Taking in the Culture + Sapa Market

Lastly on this Sapa itinerary, we’ll be immersing ourselves in the local Vietnamese culture, and of course enjoying the sites along the way. We explored a local village called Lao Chai (note, not Lao Cai, as in the place the train drops you off) and had the time of our lives.

We walked through town, learned about locals and their culture, and ate little snacks as we passed by cafes and restaurants.

Lao Chai was located in the heart of the rice fields, so of course we were also treated to stunning views of the rice fields, which will no doubt be one of the Sapa attractions you remember most fondly.

In addition, we found that there were TONS of animals as part of the local culture. Many of the families each had their own buffalo, multiple dogs, chickens and pigs! These animals roamed the town without fences or leashes, and everything felt completely normal and safe! 

We literally spent time walking with the local buffaloes, who were very comfortable around people, and enjoyed every minute of it. Just make sure to watch out for ‘buffalo chocolate’, as the locals called it, dotting the side of the road every now and then…(yes, we’re talking about poop).

After you spend the better part of a morning and afternoon exploring a local village and enjoying the views of rice fields, then take the rest of the day to head into the actual town of Sapa. While in Sapa, you must make time to enjoy the Sapa Market.

The vendors are selling everything from yummy snacks to awesome souvenirs, and everything in between! Feel free to barter, as this is an expected and welcome form of doing business throughout much of the country! 

Once you’ve explored all of the market, head for a fantastic dinner at one of Sapa’s fine restaurants. NHà Hàng Phố Núi Sapa, and Kingfisher Sapa are both absolutely wonderful, if you are looking for our opinion.

However, one of our favorite methods of deciding where to eat is to browse the city center and look at menus, searching for what food and ambience we would find most appealing that night. Once we’ve found something that looks great, we dive on in and typically have a lovely evening, and we are confident that you will too!

Which of these things to do in Sapa are you planning to add to your Sapa itinerary? 

This guest post was written in collaboration with Zach and Julie of Ruhls of the Road . Special thanks to Zach and Julie for sharing all their exceptionally knowledge with us!

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3 Days In Sapa: My Backpacking Sapa Itinerary And Tips (2024)

Find out the ideal 3 days in Sapa itinerary to ensure you have the ultimate time in Northern Vietnam. Let’s talk about the best things to do, restaurants, where to stay, and more for your three days backpacking Sapa!

Backpacking Sapa is a must when you are in Northern Vietnam. This spot is absolutely incredible with beautiful nature and friendly locals which will result in a busy 3 days in Sapa itinerary.

Think of bright green rice paddies, mountainous landscapes, and witnessing life in rural Vietnam. This place is absolutely gorgeous and honestly quite different from other popular towns and cities you may visit on your backpacking Vietnam itinerary.

Whether you want to check out some incredible waterfalls, stunning views, make friends with the local animals, or even hike Fansipan Mountain known as the roof of Indochina.

It could be easy to spend a week backpacking Sapa Vietnam, perhaps even longer exploring all the landscapes surrounding the main township. However, for the purpose of this guide, we will just be doing a 3 day Sapa Vietnam itinerary.

This is simply because the majority of travelers are limited to 30 days here and Vietnam is a huge country you need time to explore it all. Throughout the majority of my travels in Vietnam , I found having 3 days in each location was a great way to experience the best of that place.

So let’s get into the details of this 3 days in Sapa itinerary. From where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.

I have included everything you could ever want to know and need to know while backpacking Sapa. That way you can really get into that relaxed Northern Vietnam vibe and have a stress-free time here.

Backpacking Sapa Itinerary: 3 Days In Sapa Vietnam For The Ultimate Time

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia

Need A Quick Answer?

If you perhaps don’t have time to read this entire guide on how to spend your time in Sapa Vietnam, no worries, here are the top tips:

Best Sapa 2 Day Tour: Enjoy a stress-free trip with everything planned out including a visit to Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Village, and return transfers from Hanoi. Book now with Get Your Guide .

Easiest & Best Way to Reach Sapa From Hanoi: Public transport such as a bus or train, and even private taxis can be booked on 12 Go Asia.

Where to Stay in Sapa: Top hostel choices for backpackers in Sapa include Lustig Hostel (dorms start from $4.00) and Flaco Hostel Sapa (dorms start from $10.00)

Explore The Countryside: Take a Sapa trekking tour through the rice terraces and to local villages. Book now with Viator.

How Many Days In Sapa Should You Stay?

If youre wondering how long to stay in Sapa, worry no more. Many tourists spend about two to four days in Sapa to explore the scenic town, nearby Sapa Valley, and beautiful mountains.

Three days is often considered ideal, which should give you enough time to get out into nature, take in the beautiful scenery, sample the delicious cuisine, and find the best deals at the shops.

Honestly, if you want to do some Sapa trekking maybe a homestay 2 days in Sapa would not be enough for this and to take in the town as well. Therefore three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Sapa in Vietnam.

How To Plan A Sapa Itinerary

Now when it comes to your Sapa Itinerary you do have a couple of options as to getting to and visiting Sapa:

Independent travel: You can find numerous buses and trains traveling from Hanoi to Sapa so it is pretty damn easy to book it yourself over on 12 Go Asia. Once in Sapa hostels and guesthouses are everywhere, and treks into the valley are easy to arrange.

Organized tours: You will find numerous tours departing from Hanoi to Sapa which include your transfers, accommodation, activities, and some meals. This is a stress-free and easy way to explore Sapa on a budget. Recommended Tours:

• Homestay: 2 day, 1 night Sapa trip in homestay accommodation . It’s super affordable and the most popular choice for travelers. Perfect if you are on a tight itinerary
• Hotel: 2 day, 1 night Sapa trip in 3-star hotel room perfect for those who enjoy a more comfortable stay.
• Homestay AND hotel: 3 day, 2 night Sapa trip including 1 night in a hotel and the other in a homestay , this has the best of both worlds and gives you to best option to experience Sapa.

Day 1 Of 3 Days In Sapa Itinerary

For your first day in our 3 days in Sapa itinerary expect to check out some of the incredible nature this town has to offer and what makes it unique.

Morning: Mount Fansipan

First up it’s an adventure up the highest mountain in Indochina. Though before we do that, you’ll need to fuel yourself with some breakfast. Head to Good Morning View Restaurant for a cheap meal to start the day.

After a delicious meal, it is time to start your backpacking Sapa adventure with our 3 days in Sapa Vietnam itinerary.

What You Need To Know About Mount Fansipan

Before figuring out how to get to the top of Mount Fansipan you’ll need to get to the base. It is located about a 30-minute drive from the township of Sapa.

The easiest way to get there will be by Taxi or Grab. You should estimate spending around $20.00 for the round trip. Alternatively, you could also book a group tour to visit.

A cheaper way to do it is by buying a ticket at Sun Plaza in Sapa. For $30.00 this gives you return transport in a tram and the cable car up the mountain.

Once at the base, you then have two different options to get to the top, either hike or take the cable car. Though whichever you choose be sure to wear decent shoes as even taking the cable car you will need to climb up over 600 steps to reach the top.

You will also want to bring along some warm clothes as the weather can be quite harsh at the peak.

Reaching Mount Fansipan Peak

Hike: Now if you perhaps don’t want to do everything in this itinerary and are just using it for inspiration then you may find yourself being keen to hike to the top.

Be aware this is a full-day adventure that’ll take you around 10 hours just to arrive at the peak! You can book a hiking tour to Fansipan Peak on Viator for $80.00 including entrance fee, food, drink, and transfers.

Cable Car: For those short on time or simply just not keen to inflict that kind of pain on themselves, taking the cable car is an excellent way to reach the peak of Mount Fansipan. The journey will only take you 20 minutes, much quicker than the 10-hour hike.

Each cable car can hold up to 35 passengers, though try to get a window seat for the best views! Also, it only operates between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:30 pm so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Afternoon- Waterfalls

After exploring the incredible Fansipan Mountain stop in at Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall on your journey back to Sapa. This is on the way to the town of Sapa so it is the perfect excuse to stop.

Love Waterfall should be your first stop. This is a short 15 to 20-minute hike away from the main road. It is a peaceful walk underneath a beautiful forest. The entry fee is $2.90 / 70,000VND and it is worth it.

A few kilometer’s drive away is also Silver Waterfall . This can be seen from the roadside. However, I definitely recommend hiking up the stairs to the top for the best view.

Evening – Sapa Night Market

Time for an early dinner as you haven’t really had a chance to stop and simply relax. Head back to Sapa town and grab a bite to eat at Anise Sapa Restaurant .

They have the most incredible hot pots here. A sure way to build your energy back up after a busy day of exploring!

Next head to the Sapa Night Market . This is only held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. So be aware you may need to switch this Sapa itinerary around depending on which days you plan to visit.

It runs from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and is located on N1 Street in the middle of town so is super accessible.

This is the perfect place to partake in a little bit of souvenir shopping or perhaps go for a second dinner. Buying here is a great way to support the economy and the minority tribes here in Sapa as this is where they sell a lot of their goods.

Day 2 Of 3 Days In Sapa Itinerary

On our second day of 3 days in Sapa itinerary, we will head more out into the countryside and stay at a homestay.

There is so much more to see than what is in the main town so make sure you venture further while backpacking Sapa.

Morning & Afternoon- Trek Towards Ta Van

After a delicious breakfast at Le Gecko Cafe . Make sure to fuel up as you’ll need the energy for today’s adventures as we will be doing some serious trekking to the small community of Ta Van.

Here you can find loads of Homestays where you can experience local life and appreciate countryside living. Trekking the incredible landscapes of Sapa is one of the best things to do here.

If you perhaps don’t feel like trekking but still want to experience some beautiful sights then you can actually still take a taxi the majority of the way.

This will cost you around $20.00. Though be prepared for a bumpy journey as the roads are not the best.

You can decide whether you want a guided trek to Ta Van or not. I recommend talking to your accommodation and asking whether you can leave your luggage there for the night. That way you will only need to trek with a day pack.

Remember if it has recently been raining then be prepared to walk the main road or just get muddy. We decided to walk the main road. Though if the weather is good you will want to trek in the valley among the rice fields.

Whether you decide to do a guided or unguided trek is completely your choice. Though since you are backpacking Sapa I will assume you want to do it unguided and on a budget.

Therefore I recommend you download the Maps.Me app and the Sapa map offline. This points out the trekking routes you can take and highlights along the way.

Evening- Home Stay In Ta Van

You will want to book your homestay in Ta Van in advance. There are so many places to choose from and the easiest way to book your Homestay is through Booking.com.

This is what I used to book my homestay making it a hassle-free experience. You will just need to go through the listings and choose one of the homestay options or look at the map view and choose something, not in the main town.

I stayed in a homestay slightly outside of Ta Van, though it only took about a 15-minute walk to be in the town. Unfortunately, it is no longer available. Though, a lot of homestays are quite similar in terms of facilities and inclusions.

Make sure you contact your host in advance if you require a trekking guide. They will be able to recommend one or may even do it themselves. I also recommend asking if they do a family-style dinner and partake in that.

They generally cost a few dollars and you will get to experience a local-style dinner and share stories over a meal. Seriously some of the best food I had in Vietnam was during my homestay.

You don’t necessarily need to stay in Ta Van. There are plenty of other homestays dotted around the countryside in Sapa.

Though Ta Van is a small little village with quite a lot going on. There are a couple of delicious restaurants here and shops in case you require anything.

Day 3 Of 3 Days In Sapa Itinerary

On our last day of 3 days in Sapa itinerary, we will be experiencing a bit more of local life.

Explore the township of Ta Van or simply the peacefulness of life at your homestay, the culture at Cat Cat Village, and then top it all off with a well-deserved massage.

Morning- Explore Ta Van / Head Back To Sapa

Spend your morning exploring Ta Van village and heading back to the main town for Lunch. You can choose to either walk there or taxi.

Though be aware it is quite uphill, whereas the way to Ta Van is downhill. A taxi will only cost you $20.00 so can work out quite affordable if you have people to share it with.

If you want to visit Cat Cat Village in the afternoon then I would recommend taking a taxi. Though be aware it is quite touristy so perhaps you would rather enjoy a peaceful walk back to Sapa town than visit Cat Cat Village and that is okay as well.

Afternoon- Cat Cat Village

Before heading out to Cat Cat Village be sure to grab lunch from one of the delicious restaurants in town. There is plenty to choose from and you deserve a hearty meal. Therefore if you are craving pizza or pasta just get it!

Cat Cat Village is a popular spot for tourists to visit while in Sapa. It is super accessible being located in the Muong Hoa Valley, just 3 kilometers from Sapa Town.

It is a super easy walk to get here and the pathway is well-maintained. The entry fee is $1.00 / 25,000 VND.

This place is home to the ethnic H’Mong and Dzao people and here they come together to demonstrate their handicrafts and skills to those interested. These skills include cultivating rice and corn as well as weaving fabric and creating handicrafts.

You will be able to enjoy not only the stunning scenery and villages but meet beautiful people as they show you their way of life.

Be aware that you just spent the evening at a very authentic homestay experience and have spent the past 24 hours appreciating the beauty of the countryside as well as the villages there.

You may find Cat Cat Village a bit touristy compared to what you have already seen. Though I am just letting you know this so you can set your expectations accordingly.

Evening – Massage

For the final evening of your 3 day Sapa itinerary, I highly recommend getting yourself a massage. For just a few dollars you can find yourself relaxing and getting a back or foot massage.

There are so many massage parlors located around Sapa town you won’t have trouble finding one close to your hotel.

Go on have a massage, after all that trekking in Sapa you deserve to relax and be pampered!

Add To Your Sapa Itinerary?

If you happen to be staying longer than 3 days in Sapa then there are other things to add to your Sapa itinerary:

O Quy Ho Pass: This is one of the incredible passes in Vietnam’s northwestern region. At O Quy Ho Pass you can discover beautiful countryside as you travel over and around mountains.

Y Ty: A few hour’s drive away from Sapa is Y Ty. This is a much more authentic place when it comes to experiencing the culture in Northern Vietnam. Here you can find a few homestays who will be more than happy to sell you a bed. Located at over 2000 meters above sea level the temperature here is cooler year-round. This is where the minority Ha Ni people live and they cultivate many medicinal plants.

Ha Giang Loop: If you have some extra time and want to explore further up North, why not try the Ha Giang Loop? This is an epic adventure through the roads in Northern Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay: Another alternative is Ha Long Bay. This famous site is a must and one of the best things to do in Vietnam .

Map Of The Sapa Itinerary

Travel Tips For Your 3 Days In Sapa Itinerary

So you have your backpacking Sapa itinerary sorted, now let’s get into my top travel tips for your 3 days in Sapa.

This will allow you to have a stress-free time with the best weather, stay in the best accommodation, and know how to keep safe.

When To Travel Sapa

Depending on when you visit Sapa can seriously affect how your trip goes and honestly what you can do/see.

I, unfortunately, didn’t do this research prior to visiting when I did during the month of February. As a result, there was a constant fog, the temperature was below zero degrees Celsius and we had to buy more warm clothes as soon as we arrived in Sapa town.

Nevertheless, we made the most out of a bad situation. Though read on to find out when exactly you should travel to Sapa.

December To February

This is the coldest part of the year and also the time I visited. Be aware many homestays don’t have heaters so make sure to bring warm clothes.

It can even get so cold that it can snow in Sapa! It isn’t super wet, though there is a constant fog around so things can feel quite moist.

March To April

This is a beautiful time to travel to Sapa. It is when the rice fields are the greenest and many flowers are in bloom.

This is one of the most popular times to be backpacking Sapa.

May To August

This is the wet season when it is known to rain. Though this is just for a few hours each day, so bring a rain jacket and some old shoes for trekking.

September To November

During these months is when the rice harvest happens. As a result, you may not get those bright green rice fields that Sapa is so famous for.

Though you will get a unique experience as you see the landscapes constantly being worked around you.

How To Get To Sapa

The gateway to Sapa is Hanoi so no doubt this will be your starting point. There is a variety of transport options you can take to get there so I will give you a brief overview of them all.

Though for more detail I recommend checking out my Hanoi to Sapa travel guide .

Tickets for all journeys can be purchased on Baolau or 12.Go Asia

Train: The train is a great and super comfortable way to travel. Though the main thing to be aware of is that the train arrives in Lao Cai, not Sapa. This means you will need to take another form of transport for the last 1 hour.

Bus: If you are on more of a budget then you may find yourself leaning towards taking a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa. This total journey takes around 6 hours which honestly isn’t too painful. I find anything over 8 hours really makes you question your life choices. Plus it is a direct journey so there is no need to stop in Lao Cai like the train.

Taxi: If you have a bit more money to spend why not book a private taxi from Hanoi to Sapa? No doubt this will be the fastest and most comfortable journey you could take.

Mini Van: Taking the minivan is another great way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa. This is slightly a more expensive option than the bus, but some of these minivans are fancy AF. Like they are known as limousine vans. Think plush, lazy-boy-style seats.

Where To Stay While Backpacking Sapa?

When deiciding your accommodation in Sapa you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. Most people, including myself, book a mixture of a hotel in the main town and a homestay among the rice terraces.

Sapa town has many affordable and more luxurious options. From comfortable guesthouses to sparkling brand-new hotels. The township is nice and compact making it easy to travel everywhere on foot.

I also recommend while you are in Sapa to do a homestay experience. This is where you will live alongside a local family.

You can eat what they eat, see the incredible countryside and explore to your heart’s content. They seem to be cheaper than the hotels in the main town, though they will be a lot more basic.

Our homestay had limited electricity which meant evenings cuddled up around the fire while eating warm sugarcane.

Staying Safe While Backpacking Sapa

Sapa is a relatively safe place to explore with the exception of the many Vietnam scams you will find around the country . This mainly revolves around robberies and pickpocketing.

Some of the children in their traditional clothes may be thieves looking for an opportunity. One of the children may try to keep you occupied, while another will pickpocket you.

In Vietnam motorbike snatch and grab is super common as well. Someone may see that your handbag, backpack, camera, or phone is not secure, so they will drive by on their motorbike and grab it.

Don’t drink the water out of the tap. Many hotels and hostels will have water refill stations or minimarts that sell bottles super cheap as well.

The main thing to remember is to just use your common sense. This should keep you out of dangerous situations.

I wasn’t scammed or taken advantage of once in Vietnam. Though I put this down to doing my research in advance and becoming familiar with common scams.

Where To After Your 3 Days In Sapa Vietnam Itinerary?

North: Apart from the Ha Giang Loop there isn’t too much else North of Sapa. If you have your own motorbike then you may want to explore the North. Though I wouldn’t recommend it if you are traveling solo and want to meet other people.

South: Alternatively, you can end back down South towards and past Hanoi .

Honestly, I recommend taking the train down Vietnam and hitting up some of the highlights including seeing Phu Quoc, Imperial City of Hue , Hoi An , snorkeling In Nha Trang , seeing the sand dunes in Mui Ne , and the tunnels in Ho Chi Minh .

FAQs About Sapa Itinerary 3 Days

Is sapa too touristy.

As a popular tourist destination Sapa can come off quite touristy at times. Especially some parts such as Cat Cat Village where it may seem like it is all put on for visitors. I recommend going on a trekking tour to a more authetic village or booking a homestay experience.

How many days in Sapa is enough?

Honestly the amount of days you spend in Sapa intieraly depends on what you can to do there and your travel style. However for the typical traveler I would recomend a minimum of 3 days in Sapa. This will give you enough time to explore the main town as well as some of the ethnic villages in the valley.

What is the best month to visit Sapa Vietnam?

The best time to visit Sapa is from September to November or March to May. During these months, the weather is pleasant with warm temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night, making it comfortable for activities such as trekking.

Vietnam Sapa Itinerary: Wrap Up

Vietnam offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant ethnic cultures, and adventurous activities, it is no wonder that Sapa has become a popular destination.

From trekking through picturesque rice terraces to visiting local villages and markets, this 3 day Sapa itinerary promises a memorable holiday.

So pack your bags and embark on an adventure in the breathtaking mountains of Sapa!

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Want more Vietnam Inspiration? Check out….

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• WHAT IS SAPA LIKE IN FEBRUARY
• HANOI TO HUE TRANSPORT GUIDE
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Photo credit: “ Vietnam-Sapa-Cat Cat Village-P1070359 ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by mmmngai.rogers . “ Sapa Love Waterfall ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Guerette . “ Sapa Silver Waterfall ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Gueretto .

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

2 thoughts on “ 3 Days In Sapa: My Backpacking Sapa Itinerary And Tips (2024) ”

Hi. Thank you for your informative article. May I ask if you experienced regional/territorial health/covid restriction traveling inside Vietnam? Thank you.

Hey Pete, I traveled pre covid, but as far as I am aware the restrictions are relatively minimal and quite different to other southeast asian countries as mask-wearing isn’t enforced. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help :) I have recently been watching Paddy Doyle on Youtube who has been traveling the entirety of the country and he did speak on how relaxed covid measures are in the country

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Find the Best Tours and Activities

Find the best flights, find the best hotels, sapa, vietnam: a 3-day travel itinerary for first-timers.

The ultimate three-day travel guide to Sapa, Vietnam covers culture, trekking, markets, sights, shopping, and more.

DISCLOSURE: We were paying guests for this activity. All views, opinions and photos unless otherwise stated are our own and remain copyrighted to Suitcase Escapes. Learn more .

Travel from Hanoi to Sapa for a three-day weekend getaway and experience the best things to do in Sapa. Delve into the Hmong hill tribal culture and traditions. Discover the colourful market life and head to the beautiful northwest mountainous highlands on a Sapa trekking adventure.

Most Australians flock to Asia’s southeast in the way Europeans hop around Europe. Vietnam is relatively close to Australia and a budget-friendly destination to enjoy all year round.

For John and I, this was our second visit to Vietnam. Our destination, Hanoi, was as far as we had ever ventured north. On this trip, we allocated sufficient time in our holiday itinerary for a visit to Sapa, Vietnam.

Join us to discover why Sapa, Vietnam captured our hearts and minds. From its nature and the mountainous landscapes to its vibrant markets to the warmth of the ethnic minority people who call Sapa their home!

Here is our ultimate itinerary capturing Sapa’s culture, nature, sights and markets, packed into a 3-day weekend stay.

What we'll be covering

About sapa, vietnam.

Sapa is a popular budget-friendly tourist destination for travellers from around the world and is one of the top twelve places to visit in Vietnam .

Visitors primarily go trekking, cycling or motorbiking in Sapa’s Muong Hoa Valley (a 30 km surrounding radius) or to the mountainous paradise of Ha Giang on the Dong Van Karst Plateau in Northern Vietnam.

Tourists are welcome to visit many of the small and large villages in the area — Tavan, Lao Chai, Sin Chai, Hau Thao, Ta Phin, Cat Cat, Thanh Kim and Ban Ho. The Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay ethnic minority people populate these villages.

• A Dirty Weekend Away Trekking In Sapa, Vietnam

The Best Time to Visit Sapa

There are two best seasonal periods to visit Sapa. From March to May (Spring) and from mid-September to early December (Autumn). On average, there are 160 days of mist annually. Read our First-Hand Guide to Trekking Sapa for more details on the best time to visit.

How to Get to Sapa from Hanoi

Sapa is a small mountain town in Lao Cai Province located approximately 350 km northwest of Hanoi, near the Chinese border.

There are two main options if you wish to get to Sapa independently from Hanoi:

Sleeper Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai

You can rest overnight on an eight-hour train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai. From the Lao Cai Railway station, book an hour-long shuttle bus transfer up the winding switchback Hoang Lien mountain range to Sapa Town. Once you have arrived in town, you will then be dropped off on Cau May, Sapa’s main street.

We chose to book a shared 2-berth deluxe cabin on the  Victoria Express Train – a package deal offered by BB Sapa Resort and Spa (formerly Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa) hotel. 

The hotel package included free drinks and WiFi at the Victoria departure lounge in Hanoi. And a complimentary breakfast upon arrival at the resort. The latter is conditional upon you booking a roundtrip train ticket.

Victoria Express offers its guests a 2-berth deluxe and 4-berth luxury cabins, a complimentary goodies gift bag, a bowl of fresh fruit, amenities (including clean and spacious toilets) and porter services.

If you choose not to take the Victoria Express, typically sleeper trains have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket will be provided, however, you can bring your own sleeping sheet if you prefer. Depending on the size of your group, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers not in your party. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.

The Hanoi-Lao Cai train route departs at 10 pm and arrives at around 6:10 am the following day. The return train leaves at 9:40 pm and arrives in Hanoi at 5:30 am the next day. There are other Sapa tourist trains available running at various train schedules .

Day or Sleeper Buses from Hanoi to Sapa

Alternatively, travel the Hanoi-Sapa return route by bus, choosing between the Sapa Express — luxury buses (with soft seats and soft beds) or one of Vietnam’s famous night buses.

The Sapa Express leaves at 7 am and takes around 6 hours to reach Sapa. The night buses leave at different times throughout the night. Sapa Express offers group tours.

The cost of transport is less expensive if you travel by bus than by train. The disadvantages of travelling by bus are the reclining seats are not designed for tall people. You can’t lie completely flat in the seats. No toilet facilities are on the bus. Several bathroom stops en route may make you feel sleep deprived.

How Many Days in Sapa: A Sample Three-Day Sapa Itinerary

To sample the highlights of what Sapa has to offer, the length of your trip depends on two key factors: 

• The mode of transport (bus or train as mentioned above) you choose to take, and 
• The number of activities you plan to experience upon arrival in Sapa.

The optimal stay to experience the top highlights is  three days/two nights.

Check out below our tried and tested 3-day Sapa itinerary and activity plan. Your transport combines travelling by bus one way and returning by train on your last day. It features a homestay (one night) and a Sapa hotel stay (one night), with a few delightful surprises.

• Day 1:  Hanoi – Sapa by bus – Short trek to Y Linh Ho village – Lao Chai village – Ta Van village – Homestay overnight.
• Day 2:  Long hike to Ta Van village – Giang Ta Chai village – Sapa Town – Hotel overnight.
• Day 3:  Bus to Bac Ha market – Trung Do Village – Lao Cai train to Hanoi.

Bucket List Highlights of our Sapa Itinerary

Here are the key highlights we were able to tick off our bucket list over a 3-day period:

• Enjoy a local cultural performance over a 3-course dinner.
• Taste street food at the Sapa Night Market (held Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
• Shop for handicrafts at the Sunday Bac Ha Market.
• Learn about Sapa’s different culture, history and dress of the Red Dzao and Black Hmong.
• Go for a hike and see Sapa’s beautiful terraced rice fields.
• Trek Sapa to breathtaking Ta Phin Village.
• Visit Sapa’s local small and charming villages, Cat Cat Village (Hmong tribe) or Ban Pho Village (Mongolian Bac Ha ethnic group)
• Discover two regional fairy locations, Silver Waterfalls and The Cave of Fairies.
• Try Sapa local cuisine at street food stalls for hot pot (Lau) and barbecued meat.
• Go to Sapa produce markets to experience local life and customs at the Muong Khuong Bird Market or Bac Ha Market.
• After your trek, pamper yourself at Victoria Spa with a relaxing Vietnamese spa massage.
• Journey to Vietnam’s highest elevation windy pass, Tram Ton Pass, for panoramic views of Sapa.

Best Place to Stay in Sapa

Bb sapa resort and spa (formerly victoria sapa resort and spa).

The BB Sapa Resort and Spa is a 4-star hotel and one of the best in Sapa Town, providing immaculate and spacious rooms with comfortable bedding.

From our chalet-style hotel veranda vantage point, we had great views of its beautifully manicured grounds, nearby Sapa Lake and Fansipan mountain (the roof of Indochina) in the distance.

The hotel’s Ta Van restaurant serves quality breakfast and dinners at an international standard.

Their Spa and Wellness Centre was a welcome relief for sore muscles after a days-long trek.

Other Places to Stay (Including Homestays)

Spend the night in the home of a H’Mong family in Ta Van Mong Village. Typically, a homestay is a mixed-gender dormitory-style accommodation, with basic facilities.

Alternatively, compare prices with other places to stay in Sapa.

Top Twenty Things To Do in Sapa

Sapa is one of the most interesting destinations you can experience in Vietnam, offering a welcome change of pace to the larger Vietnam cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi .

Scenic treks are the main draw, however, there is more to see, eat and do in Sapa than meets the eye. Here are our top twenty things to do in Sapa, Vietnam.

• Check out the local ethnic minority villages of Ta Phin, Cat Cat and Ban Pho.
• Visit the historical exhibits at Sapa Museum.
• Buy local arts and crafts of Sapa.
• Trek the northern mountainous highlands of Sapa.
• Join a Hmong sewing class.
• Conquer Fansipan Mountain by cable car or hike.
• Explore the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the Hmong people.
• Dine at the hot bot street food stalls and barbecue restaurants.
• Chase three of the best waterfalls: Love, Silver and Tien Sa (or Cat Cat).
• Explore the sacred fairy cave.
• Go peal boating on Sapa Lake.
• Journey by scooter to Tram Ton Pass for panoramic views.
• Shop at Sapa local weekly market.
• Experience an authentic ethnic Sapa homestay in the home of a H’Mong family.
• Walk around Muong Khuong bird market.
• Tour the amazing Muong Hoa Valley.
• Drink moonshine corn wine in Ban Pho Village.
• Admire Sapa’s French Colonial church and relics.
• Take a Vietnamese cooking class.
• Visit the colourful Sunday Bac Ha markets .

There are many activities to discover in Sapa. We highly recommend Sapa Sisters Trekking Adventures for their professionalism, excellent tour guides, flexible services and value for money.

If you are travelling on a budget, check out these Sapa tours.

The Ultimate 3-day Sapa Travel Itinerary

We arranged our own 3-day/2-night Sapa Itinerary – a long weekend (Friday to Sunday) of sightseeing, trekking, hotel and transportation between Hanoi and Sapa.

Our original weekend plan was to trek Sapa and visit the Bac Ha market. We squeezed in a hell of a lot more than we expected.

Here is the ultimate guide to what you can expect to achieve within 72 hours.

Day 1 – The Train Ride from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Friday)

We journeyed northwest on the 8-hour overnight rickety Victoria Express Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, located on the east bank of the Red River, 38km from Sapa. Our friendly porter woke us at 5 am on Saturday with just enough time to repack, freshen up and have a light breakfast. By 6:10 am, the train pulled up at Lao Cai station for our departure and the next leg of our journey to Sapa Town.

Victoria Express Train is the most deluxe night train of the eight luxury trains available. The train runs weekly, six times from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), excluding Saturdays.

The Victoria Express Train offers a better service than regular Vietnamese trains. The train is a little more expensive due to its professional services and luxurious offerings.

Our 2-berth deluxe sleeper is more than comfortable for an overnight trip. Creature comforts, such as a small complimentary kit of bottled water, toothpaste, toothbrush and facecloth, are provided. There are wifi and an electric plug on board. The train serves excellent evening snacks and breakfasts.

The toilets on the train were clean, spacious and modern.

Upon arrival in Lao Cai City, we’re met by our shared driver for our scenic drive across the dramatic Hoang Lien mountain range and through Tram Ton Pass. We reached our destination and hill-town hotel Sapa retreat one hour afterwards. We then checked in at the BB Sapa Resort & Spa (formerly Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa) hotel for our one-night stay.

Day 2 – Trekking in Sapa and Exploring Sapa Town (Saturday)

By 7 am, we had devoured our hotel’s complimentary breakfast, ready for our big trekking day ahead.

Being mindful we didn’t have hotel room access until 2 pm, we ducked into the hotel lobby toilets to freshen up and quickly change clothing into trekking sweats (my activewear) and a worn-in pair of joggers.

Pack smart and pack light.

We left one of our carry-on bags at the hotel and lightened our other backpack with bottled water, snacks, and photography gear essentials.

Refer to our Sapa trekking guide for tips on what to pack .

Private Sapa Trekking Guide

At 9 am, we meet our private trekking guide Lomao (nicknamed her Mao), a local Hmong working full-time for Sapa Sisters Trekking Adventures and an experienced Sapa trekking guide.

Mao is warm and cheerful. From the outset, she made us feel welcome and at ease whilst she confidently told us where we were going on our local trek, local etiquette dos and don’ts , and what to expect.

Our Sapa trekking guide Lomao leads us on our five-hour trek. Just like mountain goats, we hiked around the villages of the Muong Hoa Valley, traversing through lush-green bamboo forests, rice fields and across bridges, to stopping later for a home-cooked lunch at a Sapa trekking guide’s farmhouse.

The Muong Hoa Valley countryside was breathtakingly stunning, shrouded in mist and fog, with the Hoa Stream snaking its way through the valley and running through to villages like Han Thao and Tan Van.

Regular sightings of Hmong ethnic tribes going about their daily lives, customs, and traditions enhanced our trekking experience.

The Muong Hoa Valley is one of the jewels in the crown of Sapa.

• A photo essay of what to expect trekking Sapa, Vietnam
• A First-Hand Guide to Trekking in Sapa Vietnam

Dinner, Entertainment and Local Sapa Town Nightlife

After our trek, we had a well-earned 1-hour massage at the hotel’s spa and wellness centre and dined in-house at the hotel Ta Van Restaurant whilst a Hmong/Thai minority dancer troupe entertained us.

Late evening we walked off dinner, wandered around Sapa Town, shopped at the Saturday markets, and experienced the local nightlife in full swing.

Phew, it was a big day. Well worth it!

Check out these other Sapa trekking tours.

Day 3 – Visiting Bac Ha Markets (Sunday)

I love going to a market in any country, as it’s one of the best places to get a real glimpse of the local culture, its food and everyday life. 

You can always count me in, with a camera in hand to visit a market! Whether it’s the Quảng Bá Flower Market in Hanoi, Vietnam , the fresh produce market in Mercato di San Lorenzo Florence, Italy , or the Ballarò or Capo street markets in Sicily, Italy . The Bac Ha market was no exception.

Bac Ha market – Bursting with colour and local everyday ethnic life

Our Sapa adventure continued Sunday with a day trip to one of the three largest markets in the area, Bac Ha.

The Bac Ha market is one of the brightest and best examples of how life carries on in the mountainous Lào Cai Province, northwest Vietnam region.

It’s a hive of activity, a unique and colourful spectacle of ethnic minority groups, jam-packed with shoppers and traders busily hustling, bustling and exchanging goods and services.

• Why You Should Journey to Bac Ha Market Vietnam

Our Bac Ha market tour included a stop at Ban Ho village and visits to historical sites close to the Chinese border of Yunnan province.

By 4 pm the tour concluded with us being dropped off at a nearby restaurant to have dinner, refreshments, and a shower. Once reinvigorated, there was still plenty of time (over 4+ hours) to spare to relax and wander around Lào Cai city, until our 9:05 pm Victoria Express Train final departure back to Hanoi.

The Bac Ha market was one of the highlights of our second visit to Vietnam.

Discover these other Bac Ha Market tours available Sunday only.

Have you experienced Sapa Vietnam? Share your travel tips for Sapa in the comments below!

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G’Day, we are John and Rae Ronan!

Welcome to SUITCASE ESCAPES—a travel and food blog for the over 50s traveller! We are John and Rae Ronan—an Australian married couple who are members of the over fifty empty nesters club and avid storytellers sharing our tales about our travel and food adventures. We’ve travelled to 34 countries worldwide. We aim to inform, entertain and inspire you, from seeking out new undiscovered locations to meeting the locals to having authentic and once-in-a-lifetime experiences — without the kids! Pack your suitcase and escape with us! Oh! And, don’t forget to YouTube channel and --> go social with us daily. Is this your first time to our travel and food blog? Then, read on…

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G'day. thanks for seeking us out.

Hello there! We are John and Rae, a married couple from Australia who are over 50 and have grown-up children. We love exploring and trying out new travel and food destinations , and we enjoy sharing our experiences with others.

So far, we have visited  36 countries across 5 continents , some of which we have visited more than once because we loved the people, culture, sights, and food.

We always book everything ourselves and feel confident doing so. We believe that it’s possible to travel smartly and enjoy luxury without overspending. We also think that stepping out of your comfort zone can be exciting and liberating.

As avid travellers with a passion for food, beer and wine , we have accumulated over 50 years of travel stories  and unforgettable experiences that we love sharing. We are still financially secure, fit and healthy, and eager to continue exploring the world.

Our goal is to entertain, inspire and inform you. We love discovering new and unexplored locations, meeting locals, and having unique and authentic experiences. We invite you to join us on our journey of self-discovery and exploration of the world.

If you share our passion, then read our story below.

John and Rae Ronan

Suitcase Escapes is a  travel and food blog  designed for  independent travellers over the age of 50. 

Our goal is to provide you with informative, entertaining, and inspirational content that will help you discover new and unexplored locations, meet locals, and have authentic and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

If you think our blog is a good fit for you, then  pack your suitcase and escape with us on our adventures!

Also, make sure to connect with us on social media and subscribe to our VIP Suitcase 50+ Escapees community to enjoy various free benefits.

Countries Visited

Fijian islands, independent travellers with years of experience under our belts.

Their travel journey began with romantic getaways as a couple before expanding into family vacations with friends and relatives. Later, they returned to traveling as a couple again.

Currently, they have reached a point in their lives where their children have grown up and started their own travels. They have both had successful careers and have experienced over 50 years of the earth’s rotation .

Although not everyone can afford to quit their jobs and sell all their possessions to travel the world, John is close to retirement and will soon be able to join Rae on her travels full-time. However, they are still open to the idea of continuing their travels even after John’s retirement.

In 2020, Rae retired and started Suitcase Escapes as one of her major passions. John is still working full-time to maintain their comfortable lifestyle.

John and Rae are two down-to-earth individuals who lead a simple life and strive to maintain a good balance of health and wellness .

When they are not travelling either domestically or abroad, they spend countless hours browsing through online books, YouTube vlogs, website blogs and travel reviews in order to plan their next trip.

Their goal is to strike the perfect balance between travel, food, and culture , with a mix of pampering, health and fitness pursuits, and adrenaline-driven adventures thrown in for good measure. Whether it’s a Thai foot massage after a long day of sightseeing, white water rafting for 13 km in Bali to get their heart racing, or joining locals for a shisha and street food in some back alley, John and Rae are always up for a good time.

John and Rae value their independence when they travel . They prefer to control their itinerary, prioritizing experiences that include some luxuries. To save time and money, they take a DIY approach to planning and booking free self-guided and self-paced sightseeing trips  around local cities and towns. However, they sometimes opt for small group tours to add a social element.

John enjoys going on road trips and driving off the beaten path. When Rae is by his side, they often stop for photos, roadside farmer stalls, or landmarks that catch her attention. Both of them prioritise their health and wellness , and they find excitement in hiking  through a country’s iconic scenery, beautiful national parks, and diverse landscapes.

They sometimes treat themselves to upscale dining or a luxurious hotel, but only when the situation calls for it and their budget permits. At the same time, they are aware that there are people who are not as fortunate as they are, which is why they have gone on journeys to assist and support local ethnic communities, such as the Hmong in Sapa, Vietnam .

Let’s go back over 50 years in time

Viva la holidays {1970-1980}.

Rae received her first passport when she was nine years old and still remembers her first cruise around the South Pacific Islands with her mother and one of her siblings.

It was during the 70s and 80s when overseas holidays were booked through travel agents and only group tours were available. The brochures depicted popular locations like Hong Kong, the Philippines and the Hawaiian Islands which were affordable and value-for-money.

Rae’s mother was a modern independent working woman who saved her money for a yearly two-week holiday to some exotic destination in a faraway land. Rae was fortunate enough to be able to join her on these trips. Every year, Rae would ask her mother, “Where to this year, Mum? South Pacific, Asia or somewhere in Oceania?”.

When Rae reached young adulthood, she set her sights on Europe. It took her almost two years to save up enough money on her minimum wage for a three-month European backpacking holiday. Although she was restricted by her meager budget, she longed for independence and self-discovery. She travelled solo and joined up with other like-minded backpackers around the European countryside. During the 90s, long-distance airfares cost double compared to today.

At the same time, her future husband, John, was developing his interest in travel . He toured the world for more than two decades while serving in the Australian military .

Travelling like a pack of wolves {1990-2010}

Fast forward, Rae met her husband John and they got married. Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford a honeymoon. The couple had two sons and they all shared a mutual love for travel, food, and adventure.

Like a wolf pack, they often went on trips together during school holidays to their next bucket list destination. Even when their eldest son was still a toddler wearing nappies (diapers), they revisited the Pacific Islands.

When the boys started school, the family holidays became a group affair with close relatives joining them. Often, a party of ten would travel together to affordable destinations in Asia, such as Bali, Indonesia  and  Thailand.

The Ronan family believed that “a family that plays together stays together.”

They would sit around the dinner table and reminisce about their travels, laughing at the hilarious antics, hair-raising escapades, and travel scam near misses. They would say things like, “ Hey, remember when! ” and vow to start planning the next holiday before these stories became too old.

Bali Safari Park, Indonesia

Couple suitcase escapes {2010-2020}.

John surprised Rae on her 50th birthday with a romantic holiday to the Maldives .

Both of them had travelled to the Asian continent many times before. However, Europe now became a beckoning destination for them, which was once considered a far-flung location from Australia.

Two years later, Rae reciprocated by taking John on a six-week road trip around Italy . They drove from the Amalfi Coast in the south to Venice in the north, and everywhere in between, including The Dolomites . It was one of the most rewarding, exhilarating, and logistically extensive independent travels they had undertaken at the time.

Since 2019, they have continued their passion for road-tripping around Europe , Australia and the Pacific islands until COVID-19 brought travel to a near standstill. However, now they are making up for the lost time.

They are often asked what their favourite place in Italy is, and…

For them, it is not the places they visited, but the people they met and the little moments in time that made an impression or made them laugh out loud

The Evolution of our Travel and Food Blog

During their trip to Italy, Rae created a daily journal on Instagram and Facebook where she shared her favourite photos and travel stories with her family and friends back home. For countless days, her devoted followers woke up to the sound of their post notifications due to the time zone difference. Rae received overwhelming positive feedback from her friends and followers on her posts. Many of them didn’t want the trip to end. After returning from Italy, Rae turned her social media diaries and photos into coffee table books, as she believes that special memories are worth preserving for generations to come.

The next stickers to add to our suitcase

In 2022, John and Rae decided to start a travel and food blog called SUITCASE ESCAPES .

They plan to fulfil their travel dreams once John retires, and they are excited to explore different destinations and create visually compelling blog stories. From fast-paced city living to slow travel, they want to share their experiences with their readers.

They have been to many destinations and have many stories to share on their blog. If you’re interested in following their journey, subscribe to read the latest posts.

Their next stops are in May 2023 , where they plan to explore Malta, Sardinia, Sicily, and Tuscany in Italy . They are excited to discover the beautiful countryside of Tuscany and explore the stunning Mediterranean islands.

To give you a sneak peek, here is their preliminary 5-week Tuscany and Mediterranean road trip itinerary .

Get in touch with us

We always appreciate hearing from our readers who share our love for travel and food.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment on our posts or contact us directly. If you represent a tourism board, travel company, property, product or service and wish to collaborate with us, please use our Work With Us online form to get in touch.

Join our VIP Suitcase 50+ Escapees Community if you love to travel and explore new cuisines, and want to be a part of a community of travel enthusiasts who are nearing or over 50 years of age.

Stickers to our Suitcase

By subscribing to our newsletter, you will receive a printable packing checklist , and get access to monthly updates where we will take you behind the scenes of our blog. We will inspire you to explore new destinations, share travel tips and tricks, and help you find ways to travel more.

Bonus Suitcase Series

You can also expect to receive a bonus Suitcase Series featuring compelling visual storytelling whenever we travel live-in-action. Our next adventure in 2023 is in Tuscany and the Mediterranean. Click on the link to view our latest itinerary.

GET IN TOUCH OR SAY G'DAY

We love receiving questions and feedback from our fellow travel and food readers. Please, keep them coming!

Located on the east coast of Australia, GMT+10, we check our emails once per day. Unless we are on the move travelling , expect an email response within a couple of days.

Sign up to receive the many FREE benefits of belonging to our VIP Suitcase 50+ Escapees community . If you love to travel and food and want to be a part of a community of travel dreamers and doers, nearing or over 50 years of age, then subscribe to our e-newsletter NOW!

PS:  We give special priority to our email subscribers.

Connect with us on Social Media

Connect with us for regular social updates, photos and anecdotal travel and food-related stories.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Are you a reader with a personal question about the places that we have been to?  Get in touch by using our contact us form to:

• submit specific travel and food questions
• send comments and suggestions (please keep your message less than two paragraphs)
• report any website issues.

If you are a fellow blogger, PR rep or brand go to our Work with us page.  We love collaborating with brands and bloggers who align with Suitcase Escape’s core values.

Alternatively, contact us via our email: info @ suitcaseescapes dot com

We would love to know what information you found most useful and why, and what other types of food and travel information you would like to see featured on our blog. Help us to help you!

View our About us page to get to know us and our travel experiences. If you haven’t heard from us straight away we may be on one of our travel jaunts.

See our Where Are We Now page for our current and future travel plans.

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Overview – Who We Are

Suitcase Escapes operated as Suitcase Escapes ABN 77 303 398 792 and found at https://www.suitcaseescapes.com (also referred to within as “Suitcase Escapes”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or “Website”) is governed by the following privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it. The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to inform you what personally identifiable information (“Personal Data”) we may collect and how it may be used. This statement only applies to this Website.

Suitcase Escapes is owned by John and Raeleen Ronan (also referred to as the “owner(s)”).

What Information Do We Collect and How is it Used?

Information you voluntarily submit to our website.

Wherever possible, you can elect to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym in interacting with us e.g. when making an enquiry.

We may collect Personal Data from you such as, but is not limited to, your name and email address, or your website URL and name, when you voluntarily submit information to Suitcase Escapes by leaving a comment, subscribing to our newsletter, joining us on social media or when contacting us for enquiries.

The following are situations in which you may provide Personal Data to us:

• When you fill out forms or fields through Suitcase Escapes.
• When you sign up for any newsletters or other materials through Suitcase Escapes.
• When you provide information to us through a third-party provider, service or website.
• When you communicate with us or request information about us or our products and services, whether via email, hard copy document or other means.
• When you participate in online surveys, polls or market research.
• When you participate in any of our marketing initiatives, including, contests, events, or promotions.
• When you participate in forums, submit comments, and provide user-generated content or submissions.
• Other circumstances where collecting personal information is reasonable and permitted by the laws of Queensland, Australia.
• How we collect, store, use and secure Personal Data is in line with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (‘Privacy Act’).

Our legal basis for processing this information is your consent, and by voluntarily providing us with Personal Data, you are consenting to our use of it in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you provide Personal Data to us, you acknowledge and agree that such Personal Data may be transferred and stored from your current location to the office and servers of Suitcase Escapes and the authorised third parties referenced below.

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Information submitted through the contact forms on our Website is sent to our Suitcase Escapes email account, hosted by Gmail , in accordance with Google and its EU “Privacy Shield” policy .

We keep these submissions for customer service purposes only. They are never used for marketing purposes or shared with any third parties.

Sensitive Personal Information

At no time are you to submit sensitive personal information to this Website. Furthermore, under no circumstances will we request any information from you that may disclose your:

• political, religious or philosophical opinions, beliefs, associations or affiliations
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• racial or ethnic origin
• membership of a trade union, or a professional or trade association
• criminal records.

If you elect to submit such information to us, it will be subject to this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect from Others

We may receive information about you from other sources, such as from social media websites (i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or others), blogs and other users. Suitcase Escapes utilises social media commenting systems. Therefore, if you choose to comment on a Suitcase Escape post, shared on social media, your comment may appear on the blog post as well.

Automatically-Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information about you and the device with which you access Suitcase Escapes. For example, when you use Suitcase Escapes, your IP address, operating system type, browser type, referring website, pages you viewed, and the dates/times when you accessed our Website may be logged. We may also collect information about actions you take when using Suitcase Escapes, such as links clicked.

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A cookie is a piece of text that is saved to your browser by a website to enable that website to save certain information to your machine so that it can later be retrieved. We do not use cookies to collect Personal Data about you.

We may log information using cookies, which are small data files stored on your browser by Suitcase Escapes. We may use both session cookies, which expire when you close your browser, and persistent cookies, which stay on your browser until deleted, to provide you with a more personalised experience on our Website. For more information about our use of cookies, please see the Cookies section below.

If you leave a comment on our Website you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.

Embedded Content from Other Websites

Articles on Suitcase Escapes may include embedded content (e.g. YouTube videos). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.

These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

How Your Information May Be Used

Suitcase Escapes may use your personal information in the following ways:

• To operate and maintain our Website.
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• To process payment for purchases, you make through Suitcase Escapes.
• To protect, investigate, and deter unauthorized or illegal activity.
• To review the effectiveness of our marketing programs and analyze other general demographic trends.

How Comments are Managed

Comments are welcomed and encouraged on this Website, but there are some instances where comments will be edited or deleted as follows:

• Comments deemed to be spam or solely promotional in nature will be deleted. Including a link to relevant content is permitted, but comments should be relevant to the post topic.
• Comments including profanity will be deleted.
• Comments containing language or concepts that could be deemed offensive will be deleted. Note this may include abusive, threatening, pornographic, offensive, misleading or libellous language.
• Comments that attack an individual directly will be deleted.
• Comments that harass other people will be deleted. Please be respectful toward other contributors.
• Anonymous comments will be deleted. We only accept comments from people who identify themselves.

Suitcase Escapes reserves the right to edit or delete any comments submitted to our Website without notice. This comment policy is subject to change at any time. If you have any questions about the commenting policy, please let us know by contacting us .

When visitors leave comments on our Website we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.

An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service, in accordance with the Gravatar service policy . After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Third-Party Use of Information

We may share your information with third parties when you explicitly authorise us to share your information.

Additionally, Suitcase Escapes may use third-party service providers to service various aspects of our Website. Each third-party service provider’s use of your Personal Data is dictated by their respective privacy policies.

Our Third-Party Partners

Our Third-Party Partners who may place cookies and tracking technology on your computer or device include:

Google Analytics and MonsterInsights

These services track Suitcase Escapes usage and provides information such as referring websites and visitor actions on this Website. Google Analytics and MonsterInsights may capture non-personally identifying information of the sort that web browsers and servers typically make available, such as the browser type, language preference, referring site, and the date and time of each visitor request. But no other Personal Data is captured by Google Analytics or MonsterInsights, in accordance with Google Analytics’ privacy policy and MonsterInsights’ Privacy Policy .

MonsterInsights Google Analytics application uses the Google Analytics Reporting API to gather analytics about our Website.

Google Analytics Opt-Out . To provide Website visitors with the ability to prevent their data from being used by Google Analytics, Google has developed the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on for the Google Analytics JavaScript (ga.js, analytics.js, dc.js).

If you want to opt-out, download and install the add-on for your web browser. The Google Analytics opt-out add-on is designed to be compatible with Chrome, Internet Explorer 11, Safari, Firefox and Opera. In order to function, the opt-out add-on must be able to load and execute properly on your browser. For Internet Explorer, 3rd-party cookies must be enabled. Learn more about the opt-out and how to properly install the browser add-on .

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Suitcase Escapes uses Vision6 as its email service provider. Through Vision6, we collect contact information, distribute our newsletter, and track actions you take that assist us in measuring the performance of our Website and newsletters. Upon subscription, we also track the pages you visit on our Website through Vision6.

Our newsletters contain tracking pixels. This pixel is embedded in emails and allows us to analyze the success of our newsletters. Because of these tracking pixels, we may see if and when you open an email, which links within the email you click, and the pages you visit on our Website. This behaviour is not passed on to third parties. All data submitted at the time of subscription to our newsletter is stored on Vision6’s servers. Access Vision6’s privacy policy and anti-spam policy . At any time, you may be removed from our newsletter list by clicking on the unsubscribe link provided in each email.

Suitcase Escapes uses Akismet and its anti-spam service to make it easy for you to leave comments on our Website blog posts. Personal information that you enter for comments is securely stored on Akismet’s server, in accordance with Akismet’s privacy policy .

Surveys and Polls

We may also conduct surveys, polls or market research and may seek other information from you on a periodic basis. These surveys will provide us with information that allows improvement in the types and quality of services offered to you, and the manner in which those services are offered to you.

Periodically, Suitcase Escapes may invite you to complete a voluntary survey. These surveys may be completed through Survey Monkey or Vision6 . All survey responses may be submitted anonymously and only your IP address is stored. You may voluntarily enter your name and email address. All data submitted through Survey Monkey and Vision6 are stored on their servers and are subject to the Survey Monkey privacy policy and Vision6 privacy policy .

Anonymous Data

From time to time, we may use anonymous data, which does not identify you alone, or when combined with data from other parties. This type of anonymous data may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses. Examples of this anonymous data may include analytics or information collected from cookies.

Publicly Visible Information

If you leave a comment on Suitcase Escapes, the name you choose may be publicly visible. Your email address will never be available publicly.

Suitcase Escapes uses cookies to store visitors’ preferences, record user-specific information on what pages users access or visit, ensure that visitors are not repeatedly sent the same banner ads, and customise Website content based on visitors’ browser type or other information that the visitor sends. Cookies may also be used by third-party services, such as Google Analytics or Affiliate Program Participation , as described herein.

Users may, at any time, prevent the setting of cookies, by our Website, by using a corresponding setting of your internet browser and may thus permanently deny the setting of cookies. Furthermore, already set cookies may be deleted at any time via an Internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all popular Internet browsers. However, if users deactivate the setting of cookies in their Internet browser, not all functions of our Website may be entirely usable.

At this time, your Personal Data is not shared with any other third-party applications. This list may be amended from time to time at Suitcase Escapes’ sole discretion.

Except when required by law, we will not sell, distribute, or reveal your email addresses or other Personal Data without your consent; however, we may disclose or transfer Personal Data collected through Suitcase Escapes to third parties who acquire all or a portion of our business, which may be the result of a merger, consolidation, or purchase of all or a portion of our assets, or in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganisation proceeding brought by or against us.

Advertising

Display ads.

We may use third-party advertising companies to serve content, and advertisements and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our Website. These companies may use non-Personal Data (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this Website and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioural advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit networkadvertising.org .

Remarketing Ads

From time to time, Suitcase Escapes may engage in remarketing efforts, using remarketing tracking cookies and conversion pixels from third-party providers, such as Google, Facebook, or Instagram, in order to market our Website. These providers use cookies to serve ads based on someone’s past visits to our Website. This allows us to present special offers for our products and services to you via Facebook and Google. However, your Personal Data is not used by any remarketing service other than to present you with special offers from us. We use the following third-party service providers for remarketing: Facebook: Opt-out of Facebook remarketing Google: Opt-out of Google remarketing

Affiliate Program Participation

In some instances, Suitcase Escapes may include affiliate links in posts where we recommend specific products and services we deem to be travel-related, such as gear, tours, or activities. If you purchase something through one of our affiliate links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These links are always disclosed.

On our Website, you may subscribe to our newsletter, which may be used for advertising purposes. All newsletters sent may contain tracking pixels. The pixel is embedded in emails and enables us to analyse the success of any of our online marketing campaigns. Because of these tracking pixels, we may see if and when you open an email and which links within the email you click. This allows our Website to adapt the content of future newsletters to the interests of the user. This behaviour will not be passed on to third parties.

Children's Information

Suitcase Escapes does not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 16. If a parent or guardian believes that our Website has personally identifiable information of a child under the age of 16 in its database, please contact us immediately and we will remove such information from our records as soon as possible.

Spam Policy

Suitcase Escapes is strongly opposed to spam. We will only send emails to users that have explicitly requested to receive an email from Suitcase Escapes. Examples may include:

• Opt-in subscribers to the Suitcase Escapes Newsletter.
• Users that complete a contact form.
• All communications that are related and relevant to what you have requested.

Suitcase Escapes may contain hyperlinks and other pointers to other websites operated by third parties (“Linked Websites”). We do not control Linked Websites and are therefore not responsible for the content of any Linked Website or any hyperlink contained in a Linked Website.

Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third-party products or services on this Website.

Suitcase Escapes, therefore, has no responsibility or liability for the content, activities and privacy practices of these Linked Websites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our Website to read the privacy policies of each and every website that collects personally identifiable information. This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected by Suitcase Escapes. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of this Website and welcome any feedback about these websites.

Email Communications

If you send us an email with questions or comments, we may use your personally identifiable information to respond to your questions or comments, and we may save your questions or comments for future reference.

For security reasons, we do not recommend that you send non-public personal information, such as passwords, social security numbers, or bank account information, to us by email.

You may opt-out of receiving future commercial email communications from us by clicking the unsubscribe link included at the bottom of most emails we send, however, we reserve the right to send you transactional emails.

Social Media

Suitcase Escapes may use social media and social networking services in order to market our Website and its products and services. These applications require the use of third-party service providers. Notably, we have a Facebook page, Facebook private group page, Twitter feed, Instagram feed, TikTok channel and YouTube channel.

The Facebook page and Facebook Private Group page are administered by Facebook , in accordance with Facebook’s Data Policy , and is accessible by Facebook users who have already consented to Facebook’s Data Policy. The Facebook Group page is administered and moderated by Suitcase Escapes. We do not export information about our followers from the Facebook platform.

The Twitter account we use is administered by Twitter, in accordance with Twitter’s Privacy Policy .

The Instagram account we use is administered by Instagram (as one of Facebook’s products), in accordance with Instagram’s and Facebook’s Privacy Policies .

The TikTok account we use is provided and controlled by TikTok Pte. Ltd , in accordance with TikTok’s Privacy Policy .

The YouTube channel is administered by YouTube , in accordance with YouTube’s privacy policy .

Suitcase Escapes may use direct messaging over social media on occasion when users contact us on Facebook by leaving messages in our Inbox or by sending us Direct Messages on Twitter. We aim to delete these messages as soon as we have responded to the enquiries.

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The Essential Guide on How to Lease (or Hire) a Car...

3 Days in Sapa, Vietnam: An Adventurous Sapa Itinerary to Experience

Three days in Sapa, Vietnam is a reasonable amount of time to see the mountainous area in North Vietnam.

This small city is located in Lao Cai, which is about 5 hours northwest of Hanoi, so it’s a fantastic addition to a North Vietnam itinerary or weekend getaway . 

Most visitors head to Sapa to enjoy the breathtaking landscape views of the green rice terraces and rice fields, go on bucket list worthy hikes and treks , visit ethnic villages, and escape the large city.

While the main Sapa Town is developed and a bit touristy, there are many incredible things to do in Sapa and the surrounding area. You’ll love your time here, especially the adventure lovers, and won’t want to leave! 

In this Sapa 3 days itinerary, we’re providing an easy to follow itinerary on what to do in Sapa, how to get to Sapa, and other helpful travel tips.

Since we love hiking, we’ve included hiking/trekking opportunities and other fun adventurous outdoor activities that you can try. We’ve been to Sapa on two separate occasions and love our experience each time.

Click to jump to certain areas of this Sapa travel guide. 

• When to Visit Sapa

How to Get to Sapa

• How to Travel Around Sapa
• Itinerary Day 1
• Itinerary 2 & 3
• Other Places to Visit in Sapa
• Sapa Restaurants
• Sapa Accommodations

Before you check out this 3 days in Sapa itinerary, here are some helpful Vietnam guides to also browse through:

• Why Visit Vietnam
• Fun Things to Try in Vietnam
• Vietnam Travel Apps to Use

*Disclaimer: Traveling to Sapa? This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Before arriving in Sapa, it’s recommended to buy a SIM Card at Hanoi Airport (Noi Ba International Airport) or set up a Vietnam eSIM before your arrival . You’ll need to have access to data during your Vietnam travels

For those in the U.S. looking for an international phone plan , consider Google Fi (formerly Google Project Fi). We love this phone plan and have used it since 2016. We get access to data and text in 200+ countries without additional roaming fees, and it works in Vietnam. Learn more and try it for free here. 

Best Time to Visit Sapa

With the cooler climate and mountains, Sapa can be visited at any time of the year. The dry season is from October to May and the wet season is from June to September . 

If you plan to trek, you may want to avoid the rainy season as the hiking paths are muddy and slippery. Or, just go along for the adventure as rain can happen at any time of the year. You may be lucky and not experience any rain.

If you’re looking for the iconic green and yellow rice terraces , the best time to visit Sapa is from the end of August to the beginning of September. This will be a photogenic time to visit Sapa before the rice harvest begins.

Don’t worry if you’re not able to visit during this time since Sapa is beautiful no matter when you visit !

We traveled to this area in November and the mountains with the rice terraces were still beautiful and green. Although the rice fields were empty, the landscapes were still breathtaking to witness.  

Sapa is beautiful to visit at any time of the year. We visited in November!

Most travelers visit Sapa from Hanoi , Vietnam’s capital.

Since Sapa does not have a domestic airport, visitors must use various transportation options such as sleeper buses, limousine vans, cars, and overnight trains to get to Sapa. 

Check out our post on the cheapest and most convenient transportation options from Hanoi to Sapa .  

Depending on your budget and the amount of time you have to travel between the cities, the fastest way to get to Sapa from Hanoi is by limousine van, sleeper bus, and private car . Expect to take 6+ hours one way to get to Sapa. 

We recommend the luxury sleeper buses where you can have your own cabin and lie down flat.

The longer and more leisurely option is to take the overnight train . As a heads up, the train goes from Hanoi to Lao Cai, and then you’ll need to take a 1 hour bus or taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa.

To return to Hanoi, you’ll need to use the same or different transportation option. 

How to Get Around Sapa

Sapa’s main area is small, so you can easily walk around to navigate the side streets and local attractions.

Taxis and motorbike taxis are available if you plan to visit the outskirts of Sapa. You can head to Sun Plaza and grab a taxi in front of the building. Or, you can hail one that is driving around the main town.

In the evenings, cyclos also offer rides around town. 

You can also rent a motorbike if you plan to explore the ethnic villages on your own. It’s a cost-effective way to travel around Sapa. 

Sapa Itinerary – Day 1: Explore the Town

You finally made it to Sapa from Hanoi!

Depending on your mode of transportation, you’ll arrive in Sapa either early in the morning (6:00am-7:00am) or in the afternoon (around 1:00pm).

Since the long travels may be tiring, we’re taking it easy on your first day in Sapa. After checking into your Sapa accommodation, we’re exploring the main attractions of Sapa town. 

1. Wander through the narrow streets of Sapa. 

When you arrive in Sapa Town, you’ll notice how touristy it is. It’s not the sleeper town it used to be as the area has been fully developed with hotels and restaurants. 

Yet, there are pockets of the town that are quieter . All you need to do is wear comfortable walking shoes and wander around the town.

You’ll see souvenir shops selling teas and trekking gear, shops selling roasted chestnuts and toasted bread made out of chestnuts, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. 

Sapa Town does have hills and stairs so you may end up going up or down a steep set of stairs. Or, you can turn around to take the main roads. 

Note: Google Maps may not be accurate as the construction of new hotels may have changed the walking paths. 

You’ll find lots of cafes and restaurants in Sapa.

2. Walk around Sapa Lake.

Close to the center of town is Sapa Lake. While the lake doesn’t look anything special, it’s a nice way to get some quietness and fresh air.

It’s a calm lake to walk around and you can stop by the cafes nearby.

In the late afternoon/evenings, there is a kiosk selling grilled skewered foods such as seafood and vegetables. 

3. Snap a photo in front of Sapa Station/Sun Plaza. 

Did the yellow building in the center of Sapa Town catch your eye? It’s the Sapa Plaza which has three levels.

The first floor is the Sapa Station to purchase tickets to Sun World Fansipan Legend and/or take the funicular up Muong Hoa to the Fansipan cable car station .

The second floor is shopping and the third floor has restaurants and a convenience store selling souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.

The Hôtel de la Coupole – MGallery also connects to the Sun Plaza. 

As one of the prettiest places in Sapa with the French architectural building and elegant decor inside, it’s no wonder visitors stop here to take photos. You’ll see many visitors take photos in front of the Sapa Station sign/door.

The evenings are also pretty to take photos.

Sapa Plaza is one of the highlights to visit during your 3 days in Sapa. It’s gorgeous in the evenings.

4. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

One of the local attractions to visit in Sapa is the Notre Dame Cathedral . It’s located diagonally from the Sapa Plaza, and you can’t miss the brick construction.

This Catholic church was built in 1895 by the French and still offers services. During our visit, the church had Christmas decorations and lights which brightened the area. 

As a heads up, young children sell souvenirs and bracelets in front of the cathedral in the afternoons and evenings.

We suggest that you do not purchase souvenirs from children or take photos of them as they’re most likely not in school and receiving an education. 

Notre Dame Cathedral is a popular attraction to visit.

5. Take the cable car and visit Sun World Fansipan Legend. 

If you have a few extra hours available, consider taking the cable car up to Sun World Fansipan Legend . It’s one of the best Sapa attractions to visit!

You may recognize the name, “Sun World” as it’s one of the large entertainment companies in Vietnam that also produced popular theme parks such as Ba Na Hills and Danang Wonders in Danang . 

Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet) and is also the highest in Indochina (Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.)

Previously, visitors would trek Fansipan in one or 2 days. (We hiked Fansipan and we’ll share more information about hiking it below).

Since the cable car’s opening in 2016, it now takes about 20 minutes to reach the Fansipan summit and Fansipan attractions, such as pagodas, Great Buddha, Lady Buddha (Guanyin) Statue, and more.

Visitors flock to the Fansipan signage which emphasizes the 3,143 meters. If the weather is clear, you’ll see the views of the Fansipan mountains.

Tip: Wear comfy walking shoes as you’ll walk up the stairs to reach these places.

To take the cable car, you can go to the Fansipan/Hoang Lien cable car station which is a 15-minute drive away from Sapa Town.

Or, take the Muong Hoa funicular from Sapa Station to Hoang Lien cable car station and then take the cable car to Fansipan Mountain.  Read more about taking the Fansipan funicular and cable car here .

Save money with your Fansipan Legend cable car tickets here. 

6. Visit Sapa Night Markets.

(Currently Closed) The Tinh Night Market ( Chợ Tình Sapa in Vietnamese) is located next to the Sapa Plaza and is an opportunity to buy souvenirs such as handmade handbags, bracelets, jewelry, and more. It’s an opportunity to support female vendors as they make their products. The Night Market opens after 7:00pm. 

There is another market, Sapa Market ( Chợ đêm Sapa ) that is 1.4 kilometers (.87 miles) away from Tinh Night Market. It’s recommended to take a taxi or you can take a stroll over to get there.

We passed by this place as we entered Sapa from Lao Cai City. It’s more of wholesale buying of goods and products.

Sapa Itinerary – Day 2 & 3: Trekking

On your second and third day in Sapa, it’s recommended to go on a trek to explore the iconic rice terraces and landscapes.

You’ll also get the chance to smell the crispy, fresh air and visit ethnic villages to meet the ethnic minority people and see how their lifestyles are.

In Sapa, there are five main ethnic Hmong, Dao, Xa Pho, Tay, and/or Day people. About half of the ethnic minority people are Hmong. 

We recommend that you do a 2 days trek with a 1 night at a homestay at a local family’s house . You can also do day trips if you prefer to not trek as long each day. 

Choose from a variety of treks such as visiting Cat Cat Village to Y Linh Ho, Sa Sen to Hau Thao, Lao Chai to Ta Van Village , and Ma Tra to Ta Phin Village . 

We highly recommend the trek from Sapa Town to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village. It’s a tranquil walk through rice terraces and the opportunity to see breathtaking views of the valley.

The trek isn’t too difficult as it’s mostly flat with some hills on paved and dirt paths. You’ll also get the chance to see a secret waterfall on the second day. 

Check out our experience of the 2 day trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village here. 

The daily treks include a local guide, water bottle, and meals (the number of meals depends on how many days you’re trekking). 

Recommendation for the trekking guide: Zaazaa from Zaazaa Trekking – We loved trekking with Zaazaa and you won’t be disappointed with her services. She is highly recommended as she is easy to work with and can tailor your trek as needed. We trekked with her twice on two different trips and loved the routes.

Don’t forget to pack hiking boots and hiking clothes. Hiking boots are necessary since you’ll walk through rice fields and they are muddy. 

Check out our Sapa trekking guide for helpful tips on how to prepare for a trek and how to choose a trekking guide. 

Trekking in Sapa is a must-do activity.

Sapa Itinerary – Other Places to Visit in Sapa

Sapa deserves at least 5 days of exploring if you have the time. If you have 4+ days in Sapa, add these other fun places to visit to extend your stay.

Climb Mount Fansipan. 

We mentioned that you can take the cable car to go to the Fansipan summit.

If you’re the adventurous type , try trekking Fansipan in 1 or 2 days. The challenging trek will push your body to climb the tallest mountain in Vietnam. The forest area is quiet and serene and you’ll encounter only a handful of other hikers on the trail. 

We hiked Fansipan in 1 day and it was pretty tough mentally and physically. Yet, it was such an accomplishment to reach the highest point of 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). 

Tip: Plan for this Fansipan trek on the first day of your Sapa itinerary and then go on your Sapa trek to ethnic villages for the rest of your itinerary. The Sapa trek is “easier” and will give your legs and knees the much-needed rest and recovery. 

If you hike in 2 days, you’ll stay overnight at a campsite. The trek includes a chef and porters so everything will be set up at your campsite. 

Trekking Mount Fansipan is a challenging activity to add to your Sapa itinerary.

Visit the Love & Silver Waterfalls. 

If you’re a waterfall chaser, then add these two Vietnam waterfalls – Love and Silver Waterfalls to the bucket list. 

Love Waterfall ( Suối Vàng Thác Tình Yêu in Vietnamese) requires a short 20-30 minutes of easy walking to reach the waterfall. The waterfall has a height of 100 meters.

Visitors love seeing this waterfall surrounded by the luscious forest area of Hoang Lien National Park .

This waterfall is near the Tram Tom entrance to trek Fansipan, so you could combine a visit if you’re a fast hiker. 

For an exhilarating experience in Sapa, you can also go canyoning off Love Waterfall.

Read more about our Love Watefall experience here.

Silver Waterfall ( Thác Bạc in Vietnamese) has waterfall cascades that are over 100 meters high. It’s easy to get to as it’s located off the main highway. Follow the walking path and stairways to see the Silver Waterfall up close.

Read about what to expect when visiting Silver Waterfall here.

To see both Love and Silver Waterfall in one day, check out this private tour option. 

Visit Bac Ha Market on Sundays.

One of the unique attractions to visit in Lao Cai is the Bac Ha Market ( Chợ Văn hóa Bắc Hà ).

It’s the largest market where ethnic minorities sell their colorful handicrafts and goods . Plus, it’s a picturesque place as you’ll see people in their colorful traditional outfits.

Since this market is only open on Sundays, it gets crowded with tourists. 

But you can also visit on Saturdays to see the horses and buffaloes for sale. It was originally on Sundays but too crowded.

You’ll need to organize a tour, hire a taxi, or drive a motorbike to get to this market as it’s about 2.5 hours one-way from Sapa. 

Read our Bac Ha Market guide to learn more.

Explore sapa heaven’s gate at o quy ho..

If you want more fresh air in Sapa, consider visiting Sapa’s Heaven Gate ( Khu Du Lịch Cổng Trời Ô Quy Hồ in Vietnamese).

This tourist area has lovely views of the mountain pass of O Quy Ho, picturesque sceneries, and its own version of Bali’s Pura Lempuyang gates.

The highest point at this tourist spot is 2,035 meters (6,675 feet), so you can take a photo with the triangular landmark that highlights the height above sea level.

Read our experience with Sapa’s Heaven Gate here.

Where to Eat in Sapa

Considering that Sapa Town isn’t large, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Choose from Vietnamese to Western-style food. Expect to pay around 130,000-200,000 VND ($5.60-$8.60 USD) for a dish. Most restaurants are cash-only. 

Popular Vietnamese foods to try in Sapa include salmon (which tastes more like trout since it’s leaner), sturgeon, dried buffalo, horse meat, and sticky rice in a bamboo stick. 

One thing that we noticed was that many of the successful restaurants get copied, whether it’s the name or the items that they sell. We saw four hot pot restaurants next to each other on the main road, Ngu Chi Son Road.

Also, Muong Hoa Road has many sellers located only a few feet away from each other grilling sweet potato, corn, and other snack items in the evenings. 

Here are some of the Sapa restaurants that we tried and enjoyed. We followed the trend of visiting restaurants with “Good Morning” in the name. 

Good Morning Vietnam – Located off Fansipan Street, this restaurant has some delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

We ordered sizzling deer and a sizzling salmon plate. The salmon had a sweet teriyaki sauce which was highly addicting. Both dishes were delicious and our clothes smelled like the sizzling platter afterward.

If you need more rice, feel free to ask for extra. 

Address: 63B Fansipan, street, Sa Pa, Lào Cai

Try these mouthwatering foods at Good Morning Restaurant.

Good Morning View Restaurant – This restaurant is in the quieter part of Muong Hoa. During lunchtime, this place advertises beef noodle soup. We came for dinner and ate some delicious food. 

Try the refreshing papaya salad and salmon spring rolls as appetizers. We loved the salmon spring rolls since it was also stuffed with dried wood ear mushrooms, carrots, and other vegetables.

The sizzling sturgeon platter and trout in banana leaf are also tasty main dishes. The sturgeon was interesting since it has a curry flavor. You can also ask for more rice if needed. 

Address: 047 Mường Hoa, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 333100

Good Morning Sapa – We were impressed with the number of salmon dishes offered at this place.

The sizzling salmon with peppercorn platter is a winner and the sauce was finger-licking good.

We also had a platter of mixed vegetables and a bowl of shrimp coconut curry.

Unfortunately, the curry didn’t come inside a coconut. It also had a more Japanese-ish flavor and a slight sweetness from the coconut milk. 

On the weekends, this restaurant also offers BBQ skewered foods such as fish balls and vegetables. You can pick some up as a snack on your way to and from the main town. 

Address: 014 Mường Hoa, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai

Good Morning Sapa is a delicious spot to try when you’re in Sapa.

Where to Stay in Sapa

Due to Sapa’s increase in tourism, there are hotels and guesthouses everywhere in the main city center. You can get a room at a reasonable price of $30 USD per night for 2 person occupancy.

There are also luxury eco-hotels available that are outside of the city and will require transportation. 

Check out Sapa accommodation options here on Booking.

Click to check pricing and availability on Agoda.

Here are two budget-friendly Sapa accommodations that we stayed at:

My Boutique Hotel and Spa – This boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Sapa!

The location is about a 10-minute walk away from the Sapa Plaza and is quieter. The rooms are chic and have beautiful furniture and decor. The bathrooms also have a separate tub and shower.

You may never want to leave the room since the bed is way too comfortable and so cozy, especially on a cold night.

We opted to not have breakfast included in the meal as there are restaurants along the street to find something to eat. The cost per night starts at $38 for a 2 person occupancy. 

Reserve a room at My Boutique Hotel here on Booking. 

Check pricing and availability on Agoda here.

Address: 55 Mường Hoa, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai

Sapa Relax Hotel and Spa – The central location of this hotel is one of the reasons to stay here.

You’re only a few minutes walk from the Sapa Plaza and can see the building outside of the hotel entrance.

The rooms are large and comfortable. Breakfast is included in the room cost and consists of a buffet line of stir-fried noodles, fried rice, vegetables, sausages, eggs, and made to order noodle soup. The cost per night starts at $28 for 2 people. 

Reserve a room at Sapa Relax Hotel here.  

Check pricing and availability for Sapa Relax on Agoda here.

Address: 19A Đông Lợi, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai

Prefer the luxury accommodation options in Sapa ? Check out Topas Ecolodge , Topas Riverside Lodge , and Sapa Clay House .

These are popular eco-friendly and luxurious places that overlook the mountainous region. They have an in-house restaurant and swimming pool. Expect to pay $130-$500+ per night for a room with 2 person occupancy.

On a return visit to Sapa, we’ll try one of these places as they have positive reviews and are highly recommended in the Ho Chi Minh City Expat Facebook groups.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to say goodbye to your fun three days in Sapa. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam and you won’t regret visiting here.

We hope you enjoyed this itinerary and are inspired to plan your Sapa trip in the future. 

If you need more tips on planning a trip to Vietnam, check out our posts below:

• Things to Know Before Visiting Vietnam
• How to Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa
• Explore Vietnam in 7 Days & Different Itinerary Ideas

Which places are you the most excited to visit in Sapa? If you have other questions, ask in the comment box below. 

Like this post? Save it to your Vietnam Pinterest board!

Featured photo credit: empty_vectorist via Depositphotos.com

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

Sapa Trekking Guide: How to Prepare for Epic Treks in Sapa, Vietnam

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Sapa is high up on my bucket list! I had no idea it was an actual town because you pretty much only see rice terrace pictures when looking up Sapa! Very cool read. So excited to get to go one day.

Thanks Linda! Sapa is such a pretty area to take photos. I know you’ll love your experience here.

What a gorgeous place!!

Hi Kristina. Sapa is too beautiful! We know you’ll love visiting in the future!

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3 Days in Sapa: Your Handy Sapa Itinerary

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

It was morning. Apparently. It didn’t feel like morning…

I’d just woken up on the floor of a bus and it was raining. Hard. The bus driver was shouting ‘Welcome to Sapa!’ in a voice far too cheery for 6am. I’m glad this event occurred at the beginning of my Vietnam trip when I was fresh-faced and full of energy, excited for a busy Sapa itinerary.

At a point when my companions (who had been travelling for three months) were feeling the effects of long-term travel, I was full of beans and not particularly perturbed by the Sapa night bus. Flash forward three weeks and I would have been groaning the whole way!

Related reads: my North Vietnam itinerary and my complete Vietnam itinerary (north, south and central)

Three days in Sapa itinerary

We’d boarded the Sapa night bus the same day we’d returned from our trip to Ha Long Bay . Once we were on the Sapa Express bus, we settled into our beds and tried to get some shut-eye. The journey from Hanoi to Sapa only takes about five hours meaning we actually arrived at 4am but were left on the bus to sleep until a little after 6am. At this point, we were awoken and taken to our next stop in the pouring rain.

Little did we know, it was going to rain a LOT in Sapa. Nestled in the misty mountains, this rice terrace region is quite different from the rest of hot, humid Vietnam. Apparently it’s even been known to snow in the winter, something I can’t imagine ever happening in Vietnam.

How to plan a Sapa itinerary

There are plenty of options when it comes to getting around Vietnam . These are a few of your options for getting to and visiting Sapa:

Independent travel: Plenty of buses and trains run from Hanoi to Sapa so you can easily book one for a DIY trip. You’ll find lots of hotels and guesthouses once you arrive, plus treks are easy to arrange. Book the overnight Sapa train here . Private accommodation: for small groups, it may be more cost-effective to book a private car to Sapa . Organised tours: An easier option is to book on a return trip whilst in Hanoi. All your accommodation will be included as well as your meals, transport, treks and guides. I’d recommend:

• Homestay: 2 day, 1 night Sapa trip in homestay accommodation (ideal if you’re on a tight itinerary)
• Hotel: 2 day, 1 night Sapa trip in 3-star hotel room
• Homestay AND hotel: 3 day, 2 night Sapa trip inc 1 night in a hotel and the other in a homestay (the trip I did!)

It depends on your travel style, really. While I don’t tend to like organised tours, this one was fairly loose with lots of free time, plus it was fun to not know what was coming up next.

Day 1 – getting VERY muddy on our first trek

Day 1 was undoubtedly the busiest of the tour – and the one where we’d had the least sleep! Good thing I was in energetic, beginning-of-trip mode, right? From the night bus, we were taken to the hotel where we’d spend the last night of the trip. We ate breakfast and were advised to leave our big backpacks in storage. We’d be staying in a homestay in one of the local villages that night so we just needed to bring a day bag and a change of clothes. Oh, and cameras, chargers etc – it doesn’t take long for a day bag to get heavy, does it?

Luckily neither of our bags were as heavy as our new friends, Sam and Kane’s! This British couple were just on the road for a couple of weeks so didn’t have much luggage or a smaller day bag, so they just brought ALL their stuff on the trek. This was a harrowing notion to me as I absolutely HATE carrying anything heavier than necessary!

Our first trek through the misty rice terraces of Sapa was beautiful but HILARIOUS. As it was raining, the mud was slippery and I spent most of the time crashing through the undergrowth on my bum. If you don’t believe me, check out this photo (I considered trying to edit it but decided to embrace the realness):

In our tour party was the sweetest local girl aged about 12 who told us she helps out on the tours when she’s not at school. She quickly became my favourite – partly for necessity as she knew every step by heart, held my hand and told me where to put my feet. On one occasion, she left me unattended for two minutes and I managed to fall into a weird split-like position I didn’t even realise I could do and get stuck halfway up a hill… Afterwards, she weaved a branch into the shape of a heart and gave it to me which I think was her personal way of commiserating my clumsiness.

Learning about the locals

After lunch we left the rice terraces behind – but not that far behind as the village we’d be staying in was virtually surrounded by them. This was the highlight of our Sapa itinerary! We learnt that there are many tribal groups in the Sapa region known for their distinctive colourful dress and rural ways of life. Our tour guide told us that they all speak different languages which don’t remotely resemble each other, so the only time they’ll speak the national language of Vietnamese is as a common language when communicating with other groups.

Our tour group was split up amongst the homestays in the village, which we learnt was the native home of the Black Hmong people . We found ourselves at a homestay on the edge of the village where our first sight was this adorable five-year-old perched on her dad’s scooter!

The homestay wasn’t the most basic place I’ve ever stayed, probably due to how touristic Sapa has become in the last few years. There was WiFi and the upstairs resembled a dorm with lockers and chargers by the beds. Saying that, it was still a local home and we ate a traditional dinner with the other guests on a big shared table in their living room.

The trekking hadn’t been insanely tough but Josh, Sam, Kane and I were very pleased to chill out in the relaxing surroundings of our little village. We drunk coffee, then beer, in an otherwise abandoned cafe looking out over the rice terraces as golden hour commenced. The presence of many tourists passing through this area of Vietnam was obvious, but whenever I glanced out towards the fields, I could feel the magic of the region and imagine I was the only one to have ever experienced it…

Or maybe I’d just had one too many beers – who knows!

Day 2 – local life and trekking back to Sapa town

After a night in our homestay (we slept on thick mattresses on the floor which were as comfy as regular beds), we continued our Sapa itinerary with a second trek. This was much shorter than the first day and pretty easy. I think it would be an overstatement to say I spent three days trekking in Sapa as you could probably have combined them all into one day without too much difficulty. Unless you pick a tour specifically geared towards a challenge, most Sapa tours are about seeing the scenery and yes, they’re also about stopping at craft stores and markets where you’re encouraged to buy the goods. That’s tourism for you!

The best part of the day for me was seeing the local life in the countryside. Every horizon was dotted with rice hats and colourful splashes of clothing as people farmed the rice. One of my favourite scenes was this young boy riding his buffalo. Casual, you know 😉

Exploring Sapa town

Day 2 of our Sapa itinerary ended back at the hotel in Sapa town where we’d left our luggage the previous day. Even though the homestay hadn’t been overly basic (we’d still had hot showers and electricity), it felt good to sleep in a hotel bed. In three years of travelling, I can probably count the times I’ve stayed in a hotel on one hand so it’s not hard for me to feel pampered! As we’d arrived just after lunch, we had free time to explore Sapa town in the afternoon. We headed to the museum to learn a bit more about the history of Sapa and tribal groups in the area, then had a less cultural pitstop of coffee and cake at a cafe.

I didn’t fall in love with Sapa town which was more about Italian pizzerias and haggling over massage prices than it was the dreamy, surrounding scenery. Still, at least it provides a necessary base while you explore the amazing sights around it.

Day 3 – Cat Cat Water Village and back to Hanoi

For the final morning of our 3 day Sapa itinerary we experienced some truly dreamy scenery as we walked from Sapa town to Cat Cat village.

The misty mountain views were the highlight! The village was intriguing with a water wheel and lots of bridges but honestly, I found the whole thing over touristy and just awkward as we were constantly being marched by row upon row of handicrafts and urged to buy. I probably could have skipped out on the whole thing and not regretted it. That’s just me being honest – I don’t want to sugarcoat every travel experience I have for this blog. I’d already learnt that my favourite part of Sapa was the majestic mountains. Saying that, I probably wouldn’t be in Sapa at all without the tourist industry. I’m a tourist too, I know.

At the end of our Sapa 3 day itinerary, we boarded the bus back to Hanoi . It was the same one we’d arrived in and we had bunk beds to relax in even though it was the middle of the day. While I was sad to leave Sapa, I was excited as our adventures moving down the coast started the following morning. We had just one evening in Hanoi where I (still on early trip mode!) encouraged an outing to Vietnam’s only jazz club followed by an early start to see Hanoi’s colourful mosaic wall. Finding these Hanoi hidden gems was pretty much my last energetic stint before our action-packed schedule and a bout of sunstroke hit me in Ninh Binh !

Booking a Sapa tour

As you can tell, I loved getting deep into the countryside and meeting the local people during my Sapa trip. If you’re keen to do the same, book a tour that includes a homestay. This will be in one of the local villages which means you’ll definitely spend a considerable amount of time based in the countryside and see it on at least two consecutive days as you travel there and back. Spending the whole time based in Sapa town may not allow for this.

Book a 1 night homestay trip, a 1 night hotel trip or 2 night trip (homestay & hotel) or browse all Sapa tours…

Thanks for reading!

Check out my other Vietnam posts:

• The perfect Vietnam travel itinerary
• Vietnam solo female travel guide
• How to see North Vietnam in 7, 10 or 14 days
• The ultimate bucket list for Southeast Asia
• 3 day Hanoi travel itinerary
• My Hoi An blogs
• Visiting Quy Nhơn, Vietnam’s hidden beach town
• How to spend a day in Ninh Binh
• Complete Saigon itinerary
• Where to eat in Saigon
• How to survive a trip to Nha Trang

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked my Sapa itinerary for 3 days? Pin this for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

4 thoughts on “ 3 Days in Sapa: Your Handy Sapa Itinerary ”

I love this little town and villages here too. Thank you for sharing. Always excited to read your post!

Wow this looks like amazing place. Just loved all the pics specially greenery and the local feel .very rich and vibrant.

Lovely pictures. I missed Sapa when I went to Vietnam, really want to go back and see it.

Sapa is such a beautiful, dreamy and peaceful place! Although it can be a bit touristy but still worth visiting! Thank you for your informative and amazing blog post!

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Top 4 Things To Do In Sapa Vietnam + 3 Day Sapa Itinerary

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: March 18, 2020

Sapa is a quaint rural mountain town surrounded by endless terraces of rice paddies and gorgeous valleys. There are many things to do in Sapa which should feature on every travelers Vietnam itinerary.

While the major draw for tourists visiting Sapa is the opportunity of trekking as well as a homestay with the various ethnic minorities for a chance to learn about their culture and way of life.

But there are more things to do in Sapa than just hiking with a local guide. We highly recommend you add at least one extra full day to your Sapa itinerary to include a visit to Cat Cat Village and take the cable car up to Fansipan mountain summit.

In our guide, we will show you:

• How to get to Sapa, Vietnam
• Best time to visit Sapa
• 4 best things to do in Sapa Town
• An efficient 3 day Sapa itinerary
• Hotels and restaurants in Sapa

Now, let’s explore Sapa for the best things to do in the area!

How To Get To Sapa, Vietnam

To reach Sapa, you will head Northwest from Hanoi . Sapa is on the slopes of the Hong Lien Son Mountains. Access is limited and you will pass through meandering mountain roads.

Bus and trains follow a similar route as far as the border with China to a town called Lao Cai. From Lao Cai, there is only one direct road up and down the mountain to Sapa.

This road bends its way up the mountain for what feels like an eternity. Everyone on board the bus is given a paper bag, just in case.

Our interactive map above shows where the Sapa Express Bus departs in old quarter Hanoi, Lao Cai and Hanoi train stations as well as the Sapa drop off point.

Zoom in on the winding road up the mountain to get a feel for the area.

Budget, convenience and availability are the major factors when booking transport. Check prices and times on 12Go Asia to see whether the train or Sapa Express bus is a better fit for your schedule.

Both the bus and train were priced at US$12 per person when we visited Sapa. But remember you will pay for a bus connection if you take the train to Lao Cai.

Our recommendation is to travel with Sapa Express. Ironically, despite the vomit inducing roads up the mountain, this was the best sleeper bus we took in Vietnam.

Personally, we didn’t see the benefit to traveling by train and changing in Lao Cai. Especially when it’s cheaper by bus. Plus, the bus left Hanoi closer to where we were staying in the old quarter.

Interested in the Vietnam Sleeper Bus? Don’t miss our popular guide on how to survive the Sleeper Bus in Vietnam .

Best Time To Visit Sapa, Vietnam

Vietnam is a whirlwind of varying climates which means Sapa has a unique subtropical highland climate. There is no way you can plan your entire Vietnam trip based around perfect weather conditions in each city.

That being said, optimal condition for visiting and trekking in Sapa are in September. Let’s take a look at the various seasons in Northern Vietnam:

Winter: December, January and February (Not Recommended)

During winter in Sapa, temperatures plummet and fog moves in across the mountains. Snow can often fall on the highest peaks and in general average temperatures are not ideal for trekking. 

Spring: March, April and May

Trekking in Spring is perfect for those who enjoy warm, dry weather and fewer tourists (both international and domestic). But you will not see the golden or even green rice terraces in Spring.

That’s the main trade off for visiting Sapa in spring.

Simmer: June, July and August

Summer is a time for domestic tourism in Sapa. It’s also extremely humid, hot and wet. This is the time of year when rice terraces are lush green, but you will probably spend your whole visit being rained on.

Fall: September, October and November (Recommended)

September is the ideal time to visit. It might still be on the back end of heavy rainfall, but this is the only time of the year you will see the famous and sought after golden rice fields.

By October, most of the harvest has been collected. Fall is fantastic for hiking through Sapa valley as it brings ideal trekking temperatures and clear blue skies.

When we visited in October, we had a mix of beautiful blue skies and rain. By November, it begins to get colder and rice fields are significantly less beautiful. 

Check weather reports before you arrive in Sapa and plan this itinerary so your trekking days fall on the days with the best weather if possible.

Best Things To Do In Sapa, Vietnam

Before we get into our awesome 3 day Sapa itinerary, we will will discuss some of the best things to do in Sapa and the surrounding Muong Hoa Valley.

Many other itineraries online randomly list things to do in Sapa, but we want this guide to be a bit more helpful because there are pretty much four main reasons people come to Sapa:

• Sapa Trekking Tour
• Fansipan Mountain
• Cat Cat Village

You should plan your Sapa itinerary around these four popular things to do and we will help you every step of the way.

A homestay is an amazing way to learn about the ethnic minorities within the local communities of the Muong Hoa Valley.

There are a number of ethnic minorities in the Muong Hoa Valley region near Sapa, namely the H’Mong, the Dao and the Dai so there are numerous homestays available.

You can choose to visit these villages independently or as part of a homestay.

Depending on your time frame and what you plan to do in Sapa, your itinerary will look very different.

So our goal is to show you the popular things to do in Sapa to help you decide where you need to spend your time and money.

1. Sapa Trekking Tour

A hiking tour through the Sapa Valley is an incredible experience you will never forget. Having completed a two day trek with a local guide ourselves, we can tell you this was one of our favorite memories from our time in Vietnam.

Homestays and Sapa trekking tours are the main tourist attractions in this area so we would recommend you try to give yourself enough time in your Vietnam itinerary to try one if not both.

In this section, won’t get into much detail here about Sapa trekking tour options, but you can read our detailed Sapa trekking guide on how to find and book a guided hiking tour in Northern Vietnam.

We will also show you in the itinerary section of this guide, what you can expect for your trek in Sapa with a local guide.

2. Cable Car To Fansipan

Fansipan is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula (comprising of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) and it is often referred to as “the Roof of Indochina”.

While visitors previously had to hike to the summit of Fansipan, you can now reach the top in about 20 minutes thanks to the newly implemented cable car system.

In 2013, construction for the Fansipan Sapa Cable Car began and now this system holds not just one, but two Guinness World Records :

• Longest non-stop three rope cable car (6,292.5m or 3.91 miles)
• Greatest elevation difference by a non-stop three-roped cable car (1,410m or 4625 ft 11.7 in)

When you arrive into Sapa town, you will notice the bright yellow Sun Plaza . This is where you can purchase your tickets for the Fansipan Cable Car as well as the Muong Hoa Mountain Train.

The Muong Hoa Mountain Train is a funicular railway and one of the longest of its kind in Vietnam as it crosses two tunnels and four viaducts.

Once you reach the end of the funicular train, you will be welcomed by the Sun World Fansipan Legend Yard.

If you are short on time, the cable car will be your best bet, but if you have spare time, you could book a trek to the top of Fansipan instead.

Want to hike Fansipan? Check out these top rated trekking tours :

• 1 Day Fansipan Trekking – Hike to the top of Fansipan with a professional and English-speaking guide. Distance totals about 7.75 miles (12.5 km) one way, but you can opt to take the cable car down.
• Sapa Trekking 2 Days – Take the most scenic routes through Sapa including both Cat Cat Village and Fansipan Mountain with professional guide.

3. Visit Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is located about 1.5 miles (2.4km) from Sapa town. This village was founded in the 19th century when the H’Mong and Dzao families came together to cultivate both corn and rice in the area.

Cat Cat Village Google Maps Location .

The entrance fee for Cat Cat Village is 70,000 VND (about US$3.00) for adults and 30,000 VND (about US$1,25) for children.

This small fee is required to enter Cat Cat Village because it will go back to the local families who have opened up their homes so visitors can learn about their culture.

As you explore Cat Cat Village, you will see traditional wooden huts overlooking mountainside rice field terraces. Local shops also dot both sides of Cat Cat Village where you can find fresh food, handicrafts and clothes.

One of the main highlights in Cat Cat is Tien Sa Waterfall  (also known as Cat Cat Waterfall), but you should also stop at the Cat Cat Rose Garden .

Our favorite part when exploring Cat Cat was playing with the children along the paths who wanted to show us their crafts and animals.

Travel Tip : When you pay for your ticket to Cat Cat Village, be sure to ask for a village map so you know everything is located.

4. Exploring Sapa Town

Any of your remaining time should be spent exploring Sapa Town because there are a few sights you should see when you visit.

The town of Sapa isn’t very big, but it features an artificial lake in the center of the small city. Around the lake, you will find many footpaths and cafes as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

There are a few places you might want to check out while you are in town:

Notre Dame Cathedral – Built by the French in 1895, this small stone church has a belltower and showcases Roman Gothic architecture.

Tinh Night Market (Chợ Tình Sapa) – This night market is located right next to the Sun Plaza and it’s a great place to support the female vendors. The Market is usually open after 7:00pm.

Sapa Restaurants – There is a good amount of decent restaurants in Sapa serving Vietnamese, Western, French and Italian food. We list the best Sapa restaurants later in this guide.

Love Waterfall (Thac Think Yeu) – Situated about 14km from Sapa, this 10m high waterfall is about a 30 minute walk from Sapa Town.

Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) – This is one of the most visited waterfalls in Vietnam because it reaches an impressive height of 200 meters and thunders down several layers. You will need a car or motorbike to visit Silver Waterfall.

Sapa Museum – This free museum is located next to Sapa Station and will give you great information about the various ethnic groups living in Sapa.

3 Day Sapa, Vietnam Itinerary

This Sapa itinerary is based on 3 full days in the town, but we would recommend spending 4 days in the mountains if you have the spare time because the weather is unpredictable.

When we visited Sapa, the entire town was enveloped in a dense cloud of mist for 2 whole days, which meant we delayed our trek and spent time exploring other parts of Sapa.

So we postponed our Sapa trekking tour and took the first day to explore Cat Cat Village and visit Fansipan instead. But you can also complete this itinerary in reverse if it works better for you weather wise.

Sapa is an incredibly relaxing place to visit and you can find great deals on hotels if visiting in shoulder season.

Sapa Itinerary: Day 1 Morning – Cat Cat Village

We will start our 3 days in Sapa itinerary with a visit to Cat Cat Village.

The best way to get to Cat Cat Village is to walk because you can take in the beautiful Sapa scenery, but you can also hire a motorbike or taxi.

Be sure to get an early start and walk down the steep roads towards Cat Cat village. There will be shops selling local goods along the main road, you need to take a left turn down a narrow passageway that is signposted Cat Cat.

But before you take the turn, be sure to pay 70,000 VND for your ticket to enter.

As you walk down a narrow path to the village, there will be many locals selling food and handmade products in stalls along the road.

Take some time to browse or politely decline as you continue walking down to Cat Cat Village. You will have to come back up this road to leave so you can always shop later.

Once you reach the bottom of the stairs leading to Cat Cat Village, you will instantly see why we recommend you visit.

As you look around, you will be fascinated by the wooden houses, boardwalks, bamboo water wheels and of course, beautiful waterfalls.

When we first laid eyes on Cat Cat Village, it almost seemed like a mirage in the middle of the mountainside. But we can tell you, it’s completely real!

Take your time as you explore the spectacular views over the rice terraces. There are many places to shop for handmade goods or try local foods in Cat Cat Village.

Sapa Itinerary: Day 1 Afternoon – Fansipan Cable Car

The afternoon of day 1 in Sapa should be used to visit the Fansipan Cable Car.

After spending months in southeast Asia, our ticket for the Cable Car to Fansipan was one of our biggest expenses, but it was worth it.

However, Fansipan is the tallest peak in the Indochinese Peninsula and you will be blown away by the views.

You will begin at Sun Plaza, that huge yellow building that looks out of place in town. Inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a state of the art mall in Dubai.

Fansipan Tickets

A Fansicapn ticket costs 737,000 VND (about US$ 31.00) for adults and 550,000 VND (about US$ 23.00) for children with a height of 1.1m-1.3m.

There are a few different ways you can purchase tickets for the Fansipan Cable Car:

• Directly at counter of Sun Plaza
• Directly from Sun World Fansipan Legend Complex
• Online in advance

We purchased our Fansipan from the ticket counter inside Sun Plaza.

Address : 1 Ngõ Cầu Mây, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam

Sun Plaza Google Maps Location .

But if you are visiting in high season, you may want to book your Fansipan ticket in advance online . The e-ticket is usually slightly cheaper than buying a ticket at the counter.

Your ticket price will include a funicular tram to the bottom of the cable car station, followed by another cable car ride that towers over the gorgeous Sapa Valley.

As you climb in elevation, you will notice the drop is significant, but the birdseye view of the whole mountain region is absolutely breathtaking.

The Fansipan Summit

There’s a high probability you will disappear from view into thick cloud, at which point you won’t be able to see the next cable car.

We had the entire cable car to ourselves and it was very eerie when we disappeared into the clouds and couldn’t see anything around us.

Once you step off the cable car, you will find stunning stone staircases built into the side of the mountain.

In order to reach the summit, you will need to climb about 600 steps. But on your way up, you will discover a huge statue of Buddha overlooking Sapa Valley.

Flanking the Buddha statue at either side are 2 steep and long staircases which provide a symmetrical perspective which we thought looked incredible.

As you climb to the summit of Fansipan, you will find other temple complexes and statues. Don’t miss the plaque at the very top which showcases the height at 3,143m.

Photo opportunities at the summit of Fansipan are fantastic.

Travel Top : You can opt to take another funicular to the very top of Fansipan to save walking the steps. Only do this if you really can’t do the stairs because it’s an stunning view.

Sapa Itinerary: Day 2 Morning – Trekking And Homestay

Personally, we found Sapa unusually difficult to plan before we visited. In particular, we weren’t sure whether to pre-book a trekking tour or wait until we arrived into Sapa.

We booked our Sapa trek through the owners of our hotel, but you can book ahead online as well as find a tour right in town once you arrive. We will show you show to find a tour later in our guide.

This second day of our itinerary in Sapa begins with your trekking tour and guide who will most likely meet you at your hotel. Once you head east out of town, you will begin to your climb into the Sapa Valley.

It’s either going to be hot and humid or raining so either way you’re going to be sweaty! But the gorgeous views over lush green rice paddy terraces will immediately begin to appear.

You will pass by houses full of animals and bump into other tourists with their local guides along the trail. It’s a wonderful hike and we hope you enjoy every second like we did!

A quick stop off for lunch will give you an insight into how touristy trekking in Sapa has become. But soon after the meal is over, many of the groups will head in different directions.

Hopefully you will have clear weather and be able to take in the incredible valley views. Seeing the rice paddies up close gives you a more intricate perspective of the technical work that goes into creating and harvesting the terraces.

After about 6 hours of trekking, you will arrive into a small village where you will be shown to your homestay for the night. Depending on season, you might be sharing the house with other tourists.

A fantastic dinner will be served, typically including spring rolls, morning glory and a chicken with vegetables dish. You can be sure the ‘ Happy Water ‘ will soon make an appearance.

Sapa Itinerary: Day 3 Morning – Second Full Day Of Hiking In Sapa

Wake up to the stunning views over green valleys and clear blue skies. Following breakfast you will have time to explore the local village, before cracking on with your second full day of hiking.

Personally, we preferred the second day hiking as it was a bit more diverse and much of our hike included walking through the rice paddies.

You will cross a dam to reach the far side of a river and loop back around in a giant C shape along the other side of the valley. We thought the lunch on day 2 was much better than compared to our day 1 lunch stop.

Lunch on the second day was high quality and we ate right next to a large waterfall with massive boulders. Everyone was taking turns taking a quick dip in the waterfall.

The final stretch after lunch is mostly uphill walking along the ridges of rice paddies. If they’re waterlogged you will find water buffalo knee deep in mud.

The end of the second day hiking in Sapa valley will coincide with other groups finishing around the same time and a minibus will bring you back to town.

Plan on arriving back into Sapa town between 3-4pm. Just enough time to grab a quick shower and head out for dinner.

How To Find A Guided Sapa Trekking Tour

There are a few ways you can book a guided trek when in Sapa:

• Book online in advance
• Book with your hotel or local tourist agency
• Find a tour when you arrive in Sapa

We traveled to Sapa in October and booked our guided trek through our hotel. But if we traveled to Sapa again, we would book in advance, especially if visiting during the peak season.

As tourism grows, so does demand and if you have traveled a long way to visit Vietnam, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on a Sapa trek.

An advantage to booking online in advance is that you will have the pick of the liter and you will know exactly what you are getting. If you are short in time, you should book in advance to secure your spot.

Whereas if you book last minute, you might not get the tour you want, but you can be flexible. There are both pros and cons to each booking style.

Here are top rated Sapa Valley trekking tours :

• 5 Hour Muong Hoa Valley Trek  – This shortened hike is perfect for those with limited time.
• 2-Day Sapa Trekking Tour w/ Limo Transfer  – Get to Sapa in style with this 2 day hiking tour.
• 2-Day Sapa Ethnic Homestay  – This two day hike will stopover in beautiful Ta Van Village.
• Sapa Full Day Motorbike Tour  – Skip the hiking and see Sapa by motorbike with this option.

Want to know more about trekking in Sapa? Don’t miss our detailed guide to hiking the Sapa Valley in Northern Vietnam.

Best Hotels In Sapa Vietnam

Our recommendation would be to book a hotel centrally located near Sa Pa Lake in the middle of downtown. This location will be in close proximity to restaurants as well as where you will most likely meet your tour guide.

Here are top rated lodging options for your visit to Sapa, Vietnam:

Heart Of Sapa Hotel (Budget)

If you are looking for a budget hotel in Sapa, look no farther than the Heart of Sapa Hotel. Located just a few minutes away from Sun Plaza and many of the best restaurants in town, plus it has a 9.4 rating.

Rooms at Heart of Sapa Hotel are typically US$ 15-20 per night depending on the time of year.

>>  Book the Heart of Sapa Hotel here  <<

Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa (Mid-Range)

Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa has stunning views of the rice terraces and travelers always rave about the gorgeous views in the reviews.

In shoulder season, superior rooms are around US$25 while executive rooms with mountain views are US$40. For those beautiful views, we think it’s worth the upgrade.

>>  Book Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa here  <<

Hotel De La Coupole (Luxury)

As one of the top rated hotels in Sapa, Hotel de la Coupole is a fabulous option with an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, sauna and hammam.

Inspired by the minority tribes in Sapa as well as French Haute Couture, this hotel brings a unique perspective and offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

>>  Book Hotel De La Coupole here  <<

Want more hotel options?  Search  top rated hotels or homestays in Sapa  for yourself.

Best Restaurants In Sapa, Vietnam

If you follow our 3 day Sapa itinerary, you have an open option for dinner both on day 1 and day 3 so we recommend you choose a restaurant in Sapa town.

We were pleasantly surprised by the food options in town. You can find a mix of American, French, Italian as well as local Vietnamese specialities.

Here are the best restaurants in Sapa, Vietnam:

• Anise Sapa Restaurant – Vietnamese
• Aira Sapa Restaurant and Bar – International
• Le Gecko Cafe – French and American
• Little Sapa Restaurant – Vietnamese
• Little Vietnam Restaurant – Vietnamese
• Moment Romantic Restaurant – Asian
• Red Dzao House – Asian and Vietnamese
• Sapa Sky View Restaurant and Bar – Vietnamese and Western
• Yummy Restaurant – French and Asian

One of our favorite restaurants in Sapa town was  Le Gecko  which has an extensive menu and the service is excellent. Many travelers congregate here so it’s a great place to meet others.

The building in the photo above is Le Gecko Restaurant but there’s also a Le Gecko Café closer to the lake which is another great spot.

Tips For Your Sapa Itinerary

Last but not least, here are a few tips for your trip to Sapa, Vietnam:

• In Sapa town, you will be approached regularly by locals trying to sell you things. This includes very small children. It can be a little upsetting, but please do not give them anything. The government forbids tourists from giving to beggars in Sapa.
• The same applies to Cat Cat village. As you walk down the narrow path to the village, there are places to purchase items which is fine, but do not encourage begging.
• If you visit Fansipan, the air is thin up there so go steady as you climb to avoid going dizzy. Take plenty of water, plus warm clothes because it will be cold.
• September is the best month for trekking in Sapa as you will see the golden rice paddies.
• As the weather can be pretty unpredictable, give yourself an extra day if possible to be flexible with your options. 

FAQ’s About Things To Do In Sapa

Let’s take a quick look about frequently asked questions regarding what to do in Sapa and how to spend your days in this beautiful valley.

You should spend three days in Sapa. With this amount of time, you will be able to trek into Sapa Valley as well as explore the region around Sapa town including Fansipan and Cat Cat Village.

Yes, Sapa is worth visiting because it’s located among the beautiful mountainous region of northern Vietnam and features beautiful rice terraces.

Sapa is known for its lush green rice terraces, community of ethnic minorities and stunning mountain views. Most people visit Sapa to experience a homestay or trek with a local guide.

The top attractions in Sapa include hiking with a local guide, a homestay with one of the ethnic minorities, Sunworld Fansipan World Legend, Cat Cat Village and Silver Waterfall.

Our Popular Guides For Vietnam

• Vietnam – Best places and things to do in Vietnam
• Sapa Trek –  Complete guide to trekking in Sapa with a local guide
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• 3 Week Itinerary –  Northern and Central Vietnam 3 week itinerary
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Want more Vietnam content?  Head over to our  Vietnam Travel Guides  to see example itineraries, tips about Vietnam and popular city guides.

We hope our guide featuring the best things to do in Sapa helps you plan your itinerary for Sapa, Vietnam.

Please let us know if you have any questions about what to do in Sapa in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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How Many Days Are Enough for Sapa Viet Nam?

How many days are enough for sapa.

Nestled in the remote part of Lao Cai province, the picturesque town of Sapa appeals to everyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. So, How many days in Sapa? – With its stunning landscape of undulating hills, lush rice terraces, and towering peaks, Sapa has emerged as a must-visit location for nature lovers and those interested in culture.

Table of Contents

But given that there is so much to see and do, visitors might be unsure of how much time they’ll need to truly explore Sapa’s beauty. To find out the answer to the question “How many days is enough for Sapa?”, let’s look through this article.

Have a look at:

• TOP Best Travel Agency in Sapa – You Should to Know Before Traveling

Why is Sapa worth visiting? Know before decide how many days in Sapa?

• Sa Pa is a small hill town in Northern Vietnam that is close to the China-Vietnam border. It is famous for the terraced rice fields covering the Muong Hoa Valley, an area located between SaPa town and Mount Fansipan – the highest peak in Vietnam.
• What can be found here are the charming town with French-inspired architecture, the ethnic minorities selling their crafts on the street, and the delicious local cuisine. Also available are luxury spa services that are reasonably priced as well as guided hikes through rice fields with the Hmong, an ethnic minority that comprises roughly 50% of the local population.
• The distance between Sapa and Hanoi is 315 kilometers, making Sapa an “oasis”- a tranquil location away from the bustling city of Hanoi. Because of its exceptional cultural treasures and natural beauty, Sapa has recently become a well-liked tourist destination. Trekking, homestay with local families, market exploration, and street food sampling are all activities available to tourists. “People don’t take trips; trips take people”, as John Steinbeck once said.

Let’s make trips to Sapa; you’ll have a memorable experience there.

>>> Haven’t decided yet? GET FREE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY 

>>> HOTLINE/WHAT’S APP: + 84 974 805 797 / + 84 914 815 535 <<<

What makes Sapa a place worth visiting?

There are several reasons to visit Sapa, including:

• Natural beauty: The breathtaking natural scenery of Sapa is made up of rice terraces, mountains, and valleys. Especially when the rice is close to harvest and the terraces are turning yellow, its landscape becomes incredibly stunning.
• Cultural diversity: Sapa is home to a large number of ethnic minorities, each of which has a distinctive culture and tradition. Visitors can learn about their way of life, visit nearby markets, and even stay with a local family to experience daily life.
• Trekking: Sapa offers some of the best trekking opportunities in Vietnam. There are many trekking paths available to choose from, varying in difficulty from easy to challenging, all of which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Climate: Sapa enjoys a cool climate all year long, providing escape from the humidity and heat of other regions of Vietnam. You should pack extra layers because the temperature rarely exceeds 25°C in the daytime and might get rather chilly at night.
• Adventure activities: In addition to trekking, visitors to Sapa can also participate in other adventurous activities such as mountain biking, mountain climbing, rope swinging.

Overall, Sapa is a unique and beautiful place with a mix of scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and adventurous activities, making it a perfect option for tourists seeking different experiences in Vietnam.

Recommended schedule – How many days to spend in Sapa Vietnam

Although the duration of your journey will depend on the mode of transportation you choose, most people agree that 2 days and 1 night or 3 days and 2 nights are ideal for a trip to Sapa.

Here is a suggested itinerary if you are just staying in Sapa for 2–3 days:

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary and can be customized to your own preferences and time. Depending on your preferences, local tours, and tour guides, specific activities and schedules may change.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Sapa – Short Trek to Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van

Morning: Get on a bus to Sapa

Afternoon: Have lunch with local dishes; Take a short drive to Y Linh Ho, then hike through rice terraces and alongside Muong Hoa stream to the Black Hmong village in Lao Chai to admire the breathtaking scenery of Hoang Lien Son mountain. Visit Ta Van village where the Dzay ethnic people live in the late afternoon.

The hiking distance is about 9 km and lasts for 3.5 hours.

Get closer to the stunning places and friendly people by walking through the rice terraces.

Take your homestay room and get to know the Dzay family. Enjoy the beautiful sunset in the mountainous region. Then you can participate in cooking local dishes with your Dzay family and enjoy your dinner.

Evening: You can enjoy music or interact with other travelers in the nearby bar. Then stay overnight in the homestay.

Day 2: Trekk to Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai Village – Sapa Town

• Have breakfast prepared by the local family

Continue hiking to the rice fields where you have beautiful photos of the wonderful surrounding landscape; hike through the bamboo forest; Stop to admire the panoramic view of Giang Ta Chai village – the home of the Red Dao people.

Visit the Black H’mong-inhabited village of Cat Cat, which is situated near the base of a deep valley beneath the peak of Fanxipan. Here you can learn about the daily life of local people and also walk to the waterfall. There is a hydroelectric power plant built by the French. You can stop there to take pictures with the bridge and waterfall.

• Have dinner

Cat Cat , an ancient village of ethnic groups located 3 kilometers from Sapa town, draws visitors from all over the world due to its distinctive traditions and customs that are no longer practiced in most ethnic villages. The village is easily accessible from any hotel in downtown Sapa.

Take the opportunity to get a glimpse into the life of local ethnic people

Visitors will have the chance to experience traditional crafts like weaving in Cat Cat Village and learn about locals’ daily life. Additionally, this is a great chance to buy traditional crafts and souvenirs directly from the craftsman. On the way up the hill, local cuisine is also available for sampling.

The road going to Cat Cat village is also an easy and enjoyable trekking route. It takes only 20 to 30 minutes to walk there from Sapa’s downtown, and the trek over the mountains offers stunning views of rice fields, waterfalls, or even a herd of water buffalo grazing.

Day 3: Optional

Option 1: suoi thau – ma tra – ta phin – hanoi.

• After breakfast, get on a jeep for 5 kilometers to visit Red Dao’s village in Suoi Thau, Ma Tra village.
• Have a 9-kilometer hike through local villages, rice terraces and corn fields.
• Picnic lunch on the way.
• Go to Ta Phin village, where you have the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and customs of the Red Dao ethnic people. Enjoy the scenery here and then, return to Sapa.
• 14h00: Leave Sapa and get on the bus back to Hanoi. You will have the chance to take in the spectacular beauty of the Northwest mountains once more on the route.
• 20h40: Arrive in Hanoi. End the tour.

Option 2: Sapa – Fansipan Mountain by cable cars – Hanoi

• 08h00: Car picks you up from Sapa to visit Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina. A day or two is typically needed for the climb to Mount Fanxipan’s peak. However, you can use the three-wire cable car system, which carries you in 15-20 minutes from the mountain’s base to its top.

Fansipan cable car is the most modern 3-wire cable car system in the world and the first to come in Asia. There are 35 cabins along the 6.2 km path from Muong Hoa Valley to the peak, which passes via 6 main pillars spaced 1 km apart. From the windows of cable cars, you may take in the surroundings of Sapa, and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Muong Hoa valley and Hoang Lien National Forest. It is also a beautiful scene of Lai Chau province.

• Then you walk to take the car back to Sapa for lunch
• 15:30: If you’re traveling by bus, the guide will drive you to the bus station to board a bus back to Hanoi. For those traveling by Luxury Van, the car will pick you up at your hotel.
• 21:10: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi

Travel advice for Sapa: Tips and notes

To make sure you get the most out of your trip, there are a few things to bear in mind. Here are a few advices:

• Research the area: Sapa is a sizable region with a variety of trekking routes, villages, and attractions. To pick which places to visit and what activities to partake in, do some research beforehand.
• Book a local guide: It is advised to book a local guide who is familiar with the area, can lead you on the best trekking paths, and can show you the hidden locations. You can discover more about regional customs and culture with the aid of your guide.
• Plan for the weather: Sapa can be quite unpredictable in terms of weather, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Bring warm clothes when the temperature is cooler and a raincoat in case of unexpected showers.
• Modify your trip’s pace: Sapa is a mountainous area, therefore it’s crucial to modify your pace and take rests as necessary to prevent burnout. Be sure to plan lots of rest and downtime into your schedule.
• Experience the local culture: Sapa is home to a variety of ethnic minority groups, each with a distinctive culture and tradition. Make sure to include some time in your schedule for experiencing the local culture, such as visiting local markets, attending regional festivals, or sampling the cuisine.

Make sure to get the following things ready before the tour

• Bring appropriate clothing: As mentioned earlier, bring warm clothes and a raincoat as the weather in Sapa can be unpredictable.
• Wear suitable footwear: For trekking activity, be sure to put on sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots. Stay hydrated: Be sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout your vacation. Bring a water bottle that can be reusable.

Overall, a trip to Sapa in two to three days is a fantastic way to take in the breathtaking natural beauty and discover the rich culture of this special place. Sapa has much to offer everyone, regardless of whether you’re an experienced hiker or just seeking a relaxing getaway.

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Things To Do in Sapa Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Are you planning a Sapa itinerary? In this Sapa travel guide blog, we will tell you where to go and what to do in Sapa, and what you should know when it comes to visiting the hillside region.

Sapa is fantastic and it is more impressive than what we expected. In Sapa, you will find misty lush green scenery, rice terraces, and charming hill-tribe villages in this hilly region. This place blows us away with its nature and unique culture.

During our trip to Sapa, we visited the local market and have great hiking through the local villages where the tribal people that live here. Meeting the minority ethnic groups in remote mountainous areas just amazed us.

In this Sapa travel guide blog , we will share with you our itinerary when visiting the region. We’ve packed all of our travel guides and tips to help you plan and prepare your Sapa trip. Let’s check it out!

Table of Contents

Sapa Travel Guide

Personally, we found it was quite hard to plan for the Sapa itinerary. Most of the attractions are in the hilly region and traveling time is long and exhausted from one place to another place. Plus, transportation is not very well connected. Therefore, there are many local tours to help you plan for your 1 day, 2 to 3 days of Sapa itinerary.

You can pre-book ahead before your trip or find it once arrived at Sapa. Either way is good and each has its benefit. Our advice is to know what is your interest and have an idea of where you want to go. Most tours included the transportation option. It is best to pre-book it ahead for hassle-free. Else you might need to find time to wander around.

Be prepared that you’ll need to spend time on the long-haul journey to visit the hilly tribe village in the mountainous area of Sapa. Besides, the weather is unpredictable and can turn moist and bad very quickly. An early start to kick start your day to explore the beautiful scenery is always recommended.

How To Get to Sapa From Hanoi

From Hanoi to Sapa , you can either take a bus or train which takes you around 5 to 6 hours. Here is the transportation option:

• Shared Limo Transfers between Hanoi and Sapa – For smooth and hassle-free arrangement
• Shared Shuttle Bus between Hanoi and Sapa by Interbus Lines – more economic but takes longer time.
• Over-night Train – The best budget option for those with limited time as you will arrive in Sapa in the early morning to kick start the Sapa itinerary.

Get a full view on transportation option from Hanoi to Sapa

I would suggest you catch a night train from Hanoi to Sapa as it will save you the traveling time and accommodation costs. Tiring but pretty convenient. Plus the train is pretty clean.

Alternatively, you can also join the tour with transport included , which is a lot more convenient. So basically you can rest along the trip and travel to Sapa hassle-free.

Accommodation in Sapa

Most of Sapa’s accommodation are mid-range and budget. There is a large selection of hotel options in the town and there you can find suitable accommodation for every travel budget.

We can recommend Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa which is probably one of the best hotels in Sapa. The room is clean with fantastic views and good facilities. The staff are so friendly and helpful. Most important, the price is very reasonable and worth it.

A few more Sapa accommodation at different budget for your selection:

• Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery – Enjoy the most luxury stay in a great location in Sapa. Your stay is featured an amazing view overlooking the valley and an incredible rooftop bar and heated pool.
• Pistachio Hotel Sapa – Affordable luxury hotel boasts comfortable rooms and incredible rooftop infinity pool.
• Phuong Nam Hotel – Best budget stay in Sapa. The location is convenient and close to the Sun Plaza with the railway to Fansipan and with numerous restaurants around.

For more options, feel free to check out the accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Sapa .

Recommendation Sapa Tour

The distances to each attraction in Sapa are much further than you initially think. Plus, it is very hard to plan for the self-DIY Sapa itinerary. Perhaps you might want to consider joining a tour to reach certain destinations.

You can visit Sapa alone or together that coupling the Northen Vietnam attraction such as Sapa, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay without grappling with public transport. There are multi-day tours option depending on how many days you plan to spend on your Sapa itinerary.

Here is the recommended Sapa Tour from Hanoi:

• 3D2N Sapa Tour from Hanoi with Dcar Bus Transfers
• 2D1N Sapa Tour by Bus from Hanoi with optional to Visit Fansipan Cable Car

For Sapa trekking tour to the local village:

• Cat Cat Village Trekking Tour from Sapa
• Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village Private Trekking Tour from Sapa

Planning on Sapa Itinerary

Due to the long-haul traveling journey, spending at least two days in Sapa is a great option. We started our Sapa itinerary in the early morning after the overnight train from Hanoi. Next, we spent the fulfillment 2 days in Sapa before heading back to our next travel destination.

We had lots of fun time as well as a short trek in Sapa. We didn’t have to organize anything as everything is already pre-booked before our arrival. Take a look on how we plan for the amazing Sapa trip.

Planning on Sapa itinerary :

• Day 1: Arrived in Sapa from Hanoi. Visit Bac Ha Sunday Market.
• Day 2: Sapa – Trekking tour to local Village (Cat Cat Village, Ma Tra, and Ta Phin Village)
• More days in Sapa? A visit to Sun World Fansipan with an exciting cable car ride.

Sapa Itinerary Day 1

One of the best things to do in Sapa is visiting the traditional local market , and glad that we visited the Bac Ha Sunday market. It is truly a memorable experience to enjoy the traditional culture of ethnic groups in the mountainous areas of North Vietnam.

Our Sapa itinerary started with an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa. We booked a private tour and the tour guide picked us up at the train station. We next headed to Bac Ha weekly market in a minivan. The journey was painful as it took about 2.5 hours to reach the rural area of the village. But once we arrived, we know that it was worth the effort.

Bac Ha Sunday Market

We arrived at Bac Ha Sunday Market at around 10 am and the market is in full swing. The market is bursting with color and life and it is one of the unique Vietnam experiences.

Locals including the minority peoples are gathering here to buy and sell a wide variety of goods. From household goods, clothes, food, vegetable, handicrafts, and even live animals for sale. All the people, especially women and ladies wear their traditional clothes. You can also meet the Flower Hmong people who live in Lao Cai and Ha Giang Provinces. They look so nice in their colorful clothes.

We didn’t buy anything here but if you want don’t forget to barter, but don’t push too hard. Most of the people are having a tough life living in the area. After visiting the market, we will bring to a restaurant where lunch is included in the tour.

All in all, Bac Hac Sunday Market is a lively and colorful tribes market. It was a lot of fun and you’ll be delighted with the authenticity of this Sunday market. Like much of traditional Vietnam it is a disappearing lifestyle in Bac Ha. It is getting more and more touristy and please visit Bac Ha market when this kind of place still exists.

Sapa Travel Tip : Bac Hac Market is only held at Sunday. If possible, overnight at a nearby village one day before and try to get there early to beat the crowd. Most tour buses on a day trip from Sapa will arrive at around 10 am and the market is packed with tourist.

Sapa Itinerary Day 2

A good trekking tour to explore the local village and learn about the culture and history of the people in Sapa.

There are few local villages to choose from. Cat Cat village is probably the most popular destination on the Sapa trekking tour. This is probably because the village itself is fairly easily accessible compared to the other villages in Sapa. But this also makes it very touristy with lines of souvenir shops.

If you are planning to witness the settlement of the local’s life I would suggest visiting others villages such as Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village.

Sapa Trekking Tour

We started our trekking journey early in the morning. There is approximately a 3 km downhill walk toward the village from Sapa town. The trek was easy and more of a stroll although with uneven stairs. But, this is not recommended for people with health conditions.

The trek journey is about 5 to 6km from our starting point. Alternatively, you can even get a taxi from Sapa to Cat Cat Village.

Our tour guide is a very nice lady from Black Hmong. She can speak good English and is knowledgeable about the area. We have ample rest and take to take photo along the trek. The walk to the village could be tiring but it was worth it.

Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is a picturesque local village in a stunning mountain range with a beautiful natural landscape. It is also home to the Hmong people who emigrated from China 300 years ago. The village itself is gorgeous and it was really interesting to walk around the Cat Cat village to learn about the tribe in the village. There is a small admission fee to enter the village.

Once in Cat Cat Village, there are loads of craft stalls, shops, little cafes, and local houses. Most local people no longer live in this village but those houses are still maintained to showcase their local village life .

We have the chance to visit the local houses demonstrating the local crafts and have a glimpse into the daily life of local ethnic people. It is truly impressive to see the craftsmanship such as weaving fabric.

But be prepared to be asked for buying the handicraft. Some can be pushing but gentle no is recommended.

You can also walk to the waterfalls downhill and terraces is breathtaking. Lots of great photo opportunities and many local tourists are renting traditional costumes to take photos in the village.

After the walking tour, we were picked up by the van and brought back to the town for a nice simple Vietnamese lunch that was included as part of the tour. We have a great time in Cat Cat Village and are recommended for those who want a glimpse of a local village.

More Attractions in Sapa

As we only have a limited 2 days in Sapa, so we have to skip some of the attractions. We choose to visit the Ba Hac Market and trekking tour to the local village as we prefer a more cultural visit. There is much more attractive that can be coupled together on the Sapa itinerary.

If you have more days in Sapa, consider visiting below attractions on your visit to Sapa.

Sun World Fansipan

The Sun World Fansipan turn out to be one of the popular attractions in Sapa. Take a scenic cable car ride up 3,143 meters above sea level to the peak of Fansipan Mountain. It is the longest and highest cable ride in Vietnam. The ride up to the top of the mountain top is very picturesque. Every different minute you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of nature.

Discounted Ticket for Sun World Fansipan from Klook

At the summit, it is a fantastic picturesque destination with Buddhist temples, shrines, and breathtaking views. Amazing place and cold weather for an epic experience in Sapa. The highest point in Indochina on countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Make sure to visit Sun World Fansipan in good weather!

The cost is relatively high for a cable car ride to the peak. Get the discounted Sun World Fansipan Legend Admission Ticket with a different package option from Klook. Easy to use and cheaper than buying tickets at the counter!

Final Tips for Sapa Travel Guide

Here is a few more handy tips for this Sapa Travel Guide Blog:

Definitely worth it! There are many cultural villages in Sapa where you can experience authentic Vietnamese village experience.

Three days in Sapa is the perfect amount of time to spend in Sapa. You can explore the main sightseeing and have an easy trek into the northern mountains.

Planning a Sapa trip can be a difficult task due to the long traveling journey and transportation arrangements. Joining a tour with transport included is recommended but not compulsory.

Overview: A Visit to Sapa

All in all, you should plan at least 2 days for your Sapa itinerary. The landscape here is so breathtakingly beautiful and a visit to Sapa is definitely worthwhile.

The traveling might take times that leads you through the beautiful landscape of the local village. But you are rewarded with beautiful views of the lush green nature in all directions. You can see the local life as is it although a bit touristic still simple and genuine countryside. Whether you’re looking for a rad solo trip or an all-inclusive family holiday, Sapa is highly recommended.

Related Sapa travel information:

• Where To Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays

Traveling to Northern Vietnam and looking for more inspiration for the trip? Here is our Northern Vietnam travel stories.

• Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
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It's simple awesome and you won't believe it!

Sapa tours & travel package with Origin Vietnam team. Sapa, located at a height of 1500-1650m above sea level in the mountainous region of North Vietnam. It is a captivating destination for travelers, not only in the North but also throughout the country. With its stunning natural landscapes, vast mountain spaces, and diverse minority communities, Sapa is a must-visit. It boasts of rice terrace fields and is famous for the Fansipan Mountain, also known as Indochina Top.

Experience the vibrant and colorful cultures of the minority groups. They are including the Black H’Mong, Red Dzao, Xa Pho, Tay, Zay, and more, during your Sapa adventure trip . Enjoy the fresh air and romantic scenery that Sapa provides due to its cool climate all year round, which is unique compared to other cities.

As the main residence of these minority groups. Sapa tours offer a variety of packages, including trips to the villages, trekking tours. Especially hiking tours to Fansipan Mountain , and homestay experiences with the locals. By visiting Sapa, you are guaranteed an authentic and satisfying experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Book your tours in Sapa today and start your Sapa trekking adventure!

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Sapa Trekking And Homestay 3 Days

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Sapa Adventure Tour Package

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Sapa To Ba Be National Park

Are looking for an adventurous Vietnam mountain trip with trekking and special outdoor activities. This package tour Sapa to Ba Be National Park 5 days

Bac Ha Market Tour

Take Bac Ha market tour 1 day that you will have chance to discover the biggest Ethnic minorities market in the Northern part of Vietnam.

Sapa Trek & Homestay

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Best Sapa Tour 3 Days – Stay At Hotel

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Full Day Trek Cat Cat To Lao Chai And Ta Van Villages

Full day trek to Cat Cat village and Lao Chai Ta Van village will bring you the panoramic view of the magnificent Muong Hoa Valley

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Fansipan trek 2 days 1 night from Sapa town is the great experience to travel uphill to discover the wonder of Fansipan Mountain. You get

Muong Hum And Y Ty Cloudy Shooting 2 Days

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Sapa To Tram Ton Pass & Heaven Gate Half Day

Sapa to Tram Ton pass and Heaven Gate half day tour will take you to touch the heaven gate with amazing scenery of mountain scapes,

Y Ty Full Day Trip

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Sapa Trekking Villages Full Day

Discover Phin Ho and Ban Khoang village full day is the great chance to reach the remote area in Sapa. How wonderful it is to

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Sapa Trek Thanh Phu And Sin Chai Villages

The trekking 2 days from Sapa to Thanh Phu Village, Sin Chai and My Son village will give you a chance to discover more the

Lai Chau And Mu Cang Chai Terrace Fields

What are you expecting for terrace fields? Lai Chau and Mu Cang Chai trek terrace fields are ideal for your experience. Mu Cang Chai terrace

Trekking To Lai Chau From Sapa

Trekking to Lai Chau from Sapa is the great journey to discover the different beauties surrounding Sapa. Famous for the tea hill and terrace field

Full Day Sapa Tuesday Market

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Bac Ha Hiking & Homestay

Discover the hidden charm of remote villages of Ban Pho, Na Lo, Thai Giang Pho, Nhay Phong Cho, Lau Thi Ngai, Ban Pho, Quan Din

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Tour Sapa By Bus

Sa Pa is a tourist town of Lao Cai province at an altitude of 1600 m above the sea, mild climate, and average temperature from

Ms. Angela & Ms. Lucy is our experts for these itineraries and as seasoned travellers she has the inside track on the most memorable adventures.

All are tailor-made tour from Origin Travel Team

This itinerary is to give you the flavor experience we can do in Vietnam!

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Beside Sapa trekking tours we also offer Sapa market tours, Sapa homestay tours, travel to Sapa by bus or by train from Hanoi. To make sure that your Sapa Vietnam tour will be wonderful ever!

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Thac Mo Ecotourism Area

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Bac Ha Sunday Market

Bac Ha sunday market is one of the largest and most famous markets in Lao Cai province, not only a place for people to come

Frequently Asked Questions About Sapa

Everything you will need to know before arriving and booking adventure tours in Sapa

Called “The Queen of the Mountains”. It’s one of the most beautiful city in Northern Vietnam. It is located atop a plain across from a lovely valley, high mountains looming over the town on all sides. It’s the town connecting modern Vietnam to the world of mystifying minority cultures and great landscapes.

Sapa is known for both its beautiful, rough landscape and also its plush cultural diversity. It is a highly picturesque relaxation town. Located on the Hoang Lien Son massif close to the Chinese border in north-west Vietnam. This massif is called the Tonkinese Alps. Sapa and the regions surrounding it host a lot of hill tribes.

Especially it is the home of the famous rice terraces as the World’s most beautiful terraces. These famous rice terraces flow down the ridges like an art painting and give the environment an almost dreamy outlook. And just at the back of the rice terraces is the Fansipan mountain which is the highest mountain in Vietnam.

From admiring the majesty of the Fansipan mountain, to taking in the rare and breath-taking beauty. That is the rice fields to experiencing the rarity of snow in Vietnam, Sapa tours offers you a magical experience unmatched by anywhere else in Vietnam.

Origin Vietnam can help you arrange to experience all of this and much more. We will help you balance your tour between experiencing and appreciating the beauty of the natural environment on one hand, and an educative experience about the local and tribal people on the other.

Join us as we go on trekking tours of the town, to Lao Chai , Ta Phin , Ta Van , Cat Cat , and Ban Ho , which has some of the most beautiful trekking trails you can find in Asia. Origin Vietnam can also help you with arranging homestay tours . It’s the best way that you can get to experience the traditions and hospitality of the local people. With us, you get the best experience possible on your visit to Sapa and indeed on your visit to Vietnam.

We offer you the best packages possible. The company gains a sense of gratification when taking an honest and clear approach alongside our partners. These strategies have left us fulfilled throughout our many years of experience in professional Sapa tour packages . As a team, we have created a main goal which is to enhance and strengthen a top level of business quality for our customers.

Sapa tour package offers many villages and visiting sites for discover. It depends on your number days in Sapa, you can make plan to visit more places here. The minimum to visit here is 2 days/1 night. You can trek path to Fansipan Mountain and need at least 2 days or only by cable car within half day.

Furthermore, there are many villages in Sapa so that you can make a walking trip to Ta Phin village, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Y Linh Ho, Giang Ta Chai, Thanh Phu villages, etc. It requires from 1 to 3 days for trekking when you are in Sapa already.

No, they aren’t. Sapa tour from Hanoi is one of the most convenient destination to travel to Sapa. When tourists travel to Hanoi and can start tour from here. Mainly, it travel by night train or shuttle bus or private transport.

However, tourist can travel to Sapa from other destinations from Mu Cang Chai, Lai Chau or Ha Giang.

Sapa homestay has many different. At the beginning is homestay of minority people at villages to get experience of community with local people. Therefore, It is mainly share long stilt house and each person separated by curtain. It has a mattress and pillow.

However, because the demands of tourists for private space while homestay, there are some nice good homestay as hotel with a private room and toilet.

This has in some villages like Ta Van, Lao Chai, some other villages still as traditional one for the authentic experience local life.

Sapa tourist attractions have many different places for you to discover and visit. You can combine walking, trekking to minority villages such as Y Ty, Cat Cat, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ham Rong Mountain, Fansipan Mountain by camping or only cable car, Muong Hoa Valley, Tram Ton cave or Silver waterfall, etc.

Especially, Sapa is famous for ethnic groups markets such as Bac Ha Sunday market, Can Cau Saturday market, Coc Ly Tuesday, etc

Yes, you can. Sapa tour guide is normally is English. And it is avaiable in Sapa when you get there you can order guide with travel company to discover this beautiful sights.

Other guide such as Russia Sapa tour guide, Germany or French you must book tour and travel with you from Hanoi city.

Sapa tours Vietnam has many different types and places for visiting. Sapa requires you from 2 days to 4 or 5 days to discover all beautiful villages, valley and mountain in Sapa town.

You can combine 2 days for trekking to villages, 1 or 2 days for hiking Fansipan Mountain and 1 day to discover ethnic minority market.

Yes, you can. In-fact, Sapa is the complex of ethnic village and mountain scenery. You can free to have your own trek to famous place near the town for Sapa without a tour by yourself.

And to remote village or mountain trek we recommend a tour with a local tour guide so that to avoid you get lost or unhappy things happen.

Sapa tour booking is simple. We offer some samples of tours on our website. You can choose a reasonable itinerary you wish to travel. Or you can make a customize itinerary as your wish. Once you choose tour, you email us or click on book tour.

When we receive your request we will make confirm you all details of tour as well as the instruction for deposit to guarantee the booking with us.

All booking condition you can click on our website to get all details and conditions.

Sapa is the “meeting place between heaven and earth” with the most majestic natural scenery in the North. This is also the convergence place of ethnic minorities living for many generations. Have you come to admire and experience this exciting land? If not, now let’s pocket with Origin Vietnam useful  Sapa travel experiences  from A to Z through the following article!

I. Introduction To Sapa

Sapa is a small town in Lao Cai province, Vietnam. This is a famous tourist destination from the early 20th century up to now. The nature creator favorably bestows Sapa with a picture of a landscape that is both romantic and majestic, immense with mountains of the same message as the clouds waiting for the wind, terraced fields, eye-catching, watching the pine trees. Silently witnessing many stories from Indochina in the heart of town, …

Especially Sapa climate is cool all year round with unique indigenous imprints. The most of interesting things is the culture of the two major  ethnic groups in Sa Pa , the Mong and the Dao – combined with European architectural space. Classic Europe. All of the above factors have created a special attraction for tourists who want to explore this land.

II. When Is The Best Time To Travel To Sapa?

Coming to Sapa every season has its own interesting experiences of this beautiful tourist destination in Vietnam.

• The appropriate time to travel Sapa is from September to November or from March to May. This time, Sapa’s weather is stable, dry sunny days, cold nights.
• April – May is the season of water pouring, the terraced fields with eyes feel like running to the horizon.
• September – October is the season of ripe rice, at that time Sapa was like wearing a shiny yellow coat. You should go in the middle or the end of September. Because in October the terraced fields in many places have finished.
• December to February is very cold, can appear ice and sometimes snow. This is also the blooming season of cherry blossoms, azaleas …

III. How To Travel To Sapa Vietnam?

Sa Pa town is only 38km from Lao Cai city and 376km from Hanoi. You can choose to take a passenger car or train.

To Sapa by passenger car

If you ride a bed, the price ranges from 230k – 280k / person / way. The bus departs from My Dinh bus station, Luong Yen or Gia Lam (Hanoi) to Sapa only 8-9 hours. Traveling by passenger car has the advantage of saving time, but in the rainy season it can be hampered by many bumpy passes from Lao Cai to Sapa. You can contact a number of buses company. Such as Sapa Express, Queen Café, Hung Thanh, Sao Viet, …

Travel to Sapa by train

Trains have a variety of chairs such as soft chairs, hard chairs, air-conditioned beds … Train running at 9 or 10 pm in Hanoi until the next morning will arrive at Sapa tourist destination. For the type of seat, there are 2 types of hard seat (about 150k / person) and soft seat (about 280k / person). For bed types, 6-person beds cost about 480k / pax, 4-person beds cost about 560k / pax and premium 2-person beds cost about 3,200k / pax (all come from Hanoi).

IV. What To Eat When Traveling To Sapa?

Besides admiring the lyrical natural scenery of Sapa, do not forget to try the unique local dishes here. We would like to introduce to you some of the following  Sapa specialties  that you should try once.

Salmon, fresh sturgeon

Unlike imported salmon and sturgeon, cold-water fish raised in Sapa often have firm meat, firm texture and no fat.

Fresh vegetables in cold origin

Sapa is the land of vegetables typical of temperate regions. Such as cauliflower, broccoli, red ornamental tubers, chayote

Pigs are the specialties of the Mong ethnic people. The pigs weighing only about 4-5kg were cleaned, marinated and left to roast or roast whole.

Grilled specialties in SaPa

According to tourism experience, because of the cold climate, in Sapa, any dish is brought to grill from eggs, skewers, vegetables wrapped in meat, … all dishes are made by local people.

V. Sapa Tourist Attraction Sites

Fansipan peak – the roof of indochina.

What is better than standing at an altitude of 3143m, stretching and breathing the high air, enjoying the feeling of touching the clouds and panoramic eyes down to the panorama of Sapa below.

Ham Rong mountain

Ham Rong Mountain is located right in the town center, with a ticket price of 70,000 VND / person. You can stay at the hotel near Ham Rong tourist area to enjoy panoramic view of Sapa, Muong Hoa valley, Ta Phin hidden in the smoke …. Also on the way up the mountain, you will see a lot of colorful flowers blooming together.

The waterfall of love

Love Waterfall is about 12km from the town center. It’s located on the way to the top of  O Quy Ho Pass . Visiting one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sapa, you will not only feel refreshed in the direction of the cool steam, but also hear the legendary story of Love Falls. On the way through  Love Falls , don’t forget to visit the Silver Falls too.

Stone Church

Sapa stone church was built in 1895, this is considered an ancient work bearing the imprint of the intact French architecture in Sapa. Through many ups and downs, the church still stands there like a symbol of Sapa.

O Quy Ho Pass

One of the things you should do when coming to Sapa is to immerse yourself in the majesty and magnificence on O Quy Ho at sunset. You should come here at 17:00 to watch the sunset behind the mountains.

Ta Phin- village of the Red Dao

Ta Phin village is an interesting place you should not miss when  traveling to Sapa . This is where the Red Dao people live. The Red Dao in Ta Phin are famous for their herbal remedies for osteoarthritis pain. After giving birth, Red Dao women bath with traditional tobacco only a few days to go to the fields and fields. Children of Red Dao are also allowed to take a cigarette bath after giving birth.

Sapa ancient stone area

Sapa ancient stone is located in the area of ​​Ta Van to Temple village, with more than 150 large rocks engraved with strange patterns and shapes. Scientists have yet to explain the meaning of the engraved shapes. Many people talk about the mystery of an ancient civilization, and some people also talk about the future prophecy.

Currently, the pattern on the rock has faded a lot, but this is still an interesting place you can combine when visiting Lao Chai – Ta Van.

Lao Chai – Ta Van villages

Lao Chai – Ta Van is inhabited by ethnic minorities, the village is located about 7km from the center of Sapa town. From the center of Sapa town, you go along  Cau May street , then turn to Muong Hoa street to reach a peaceful place – the residence of the native Mong, Dao, Giay, Tay … ethnic groups.

The village has a full range of modern amenities. But indigenous people still maintain the traditional culture and lifestyle. That is also the attraction of tourists.

Cat Cat village

From the center of Sapa town, follow the road towards  Fanxipan mountain  about 2km. You will come to Cat Cat village (San Sa Ho commune, Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province). Located at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, amidst clouds of wind and mountains, Cat Cat is an ideal  ecotourism destination  for visitors who want to learn and explore the cultural life of people in Sapa.

What Specialties Buy When Traveling To Sa Pa?

According to the Sapa travel experience, on Saturday evenings, there is usually a love market of the Dao in the yard of the ancient stone church. At that time, you can buy special brocade items from ethnic minorities. Such as brocade scarf, brocade handbag, brocade dress, …

Or go to the markets of Bac Ha, Khau Vai market, Cao Son market, you can also see thousands of typical Sa Pa items, from bunches of wild vegetables to colorful silver and bronze jewelry. You can also go to souvenir stalls to buy, but should go to love markets to enjoy the festive atmosphere here.

The above are all the most complete and detailed  Sapa travel experiences  that Origin Vietnam team has gathered. Hopefully all these experiences will help you have a  Sapa tour  with lots of fun and wonderful experiences.

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Trekking in Sapa: Must-know Points to Keep in Mind

Most visitors to Sapa end up wishing they could spend more time there, and no wonder — this highland town in northern Vietnam has got it all, from spectacular mountain views to colorful hilltribe markets. In Vietnam, Sapa has been long known for the natural spectacular footpaths along mountains and tribal villages where a few ethnic minority groups are residing in. Trekking is always one of the must-do things when exercise-lovers travel. This article is about to highlight you should know before arranging your backpack for journey of trekking in Sapa and be sure to check out the strolls, treks and scenic drives listed below.

I. How Many Days to Trek in Sapa?

For trekking alone, it is recommended that one full day is enough. But if you don’t want to miss an opportunity to discover a new lifestyle as well as totally unwind experiencing the beauty of nature, then a 3-day-2-night trip will be perfect.

II. Best Time to Trek in Sapa?

Sapa has 4 distinct seasons .

Spring is from March to May when people start planting rice and flowers bloom under warm sunlight. The picturesque scenery of peach blossom and plum blossom over the village will depict what a countryside-featured paradise looks like.

Summer (June-August) best shows off how warm such a tropical country can be, what’s more, it also has the heaviest rainfall of the year. You may encounter an unexpected downpour while enjoying the brightest green rice paddies with your fellows. As a result, it is definitely low season to go for a trek in Sapa here.

From September to November is Autumn, the weather is drier but still rainy sometimes. Please be noted that it is harvesting season, the yellowish color of terraced fields which are on top most magnificent backgrounds in Asia is ready to make your heart skip a beat.

Winter is chilly and misty. Sapa covers itself with heavy fog, occasionally snow on peak as if it were trying to hide its mysterious beauty

Honestly, Sapa is worth trekking all year round, but if you opt for the finest weather, Spring and Autumn will suit you best.

III. Sapa Treks and Trails

1. cat cat falls – one step at a time.

Overview:  More country stroll than hike, this short walk provides an excellent introduction to the countryside surrounding Sapa.  Most people tackle this trail on their first day in Sapa, when they’re still feeling worn out from the long night-train ride from Hanoi.  

Trail Route:  This hike begins just past the popular Cat Cat Hotel, continues on past the turreted mansion-like HQ for Hoang Lien National Park , and then descends by staircase to Cat Cat Falls.  After crossing the river on a plank-floored suspension bridge, the trail then climbs steeply up the other side of the valley before descending to cross the river yet again on another narrow suspension bridge.  At this point you can walk back to Sapa or hire one of the waiting motorcycle drivers to take you back on a high-speed ride up twisting mountain roads.  

Hilltribes:  Black Hmong live in an extended village scattered along the river valley.  

The Scenery:  The Cat Cat Falls are picturesque, though nowhere near the size of the famed Silver Waterfall (see below).  

Fitness Level:  Moderate, as the trail features hundreds of concrete steps. 

Trail Conditions:  Cement staircase or sidewalk the whole way.  The second suspension bridge has lost some planks, so watch your step.  

Trail Rules:  Cattle and water buffalo always have the right of way.  

Reality Check:  Expect to share the trail with not just backpackers but more well-heeled travelers as well, since tour buses regularly unload their charges at the stairs leading down to Cat Cat Falls.  

Costs:  Though it’s not always collected, foreigners normally pay 10,000 Vietnamese dong (US$0.70) to enter Cat Cat Village, payable at the gatehouse just past the Cat Cat Hotel.  The motorcycle ride back from the end of the hike should cost about 10 to 15,000 dong (US$0.70 to 1.00) with a little polite haggling.  

Guides:  This hike is so easy to follow that a guide isn’t necessary.  Keep in mind that if you go to Sapa with an organized tour, a guided version of this hike will likely be included in the itinerary.  The Kangaroo Café in Hanoi offers inexpensively priced tours to Sapa that consistently get good reviews from travelers .

2. Lao Chai and Ta Van – Down by the river

Overview:  This hike offers spectacular cloud-shrouded mountain scenery and the chance to walk through traditional hilltribe villages and their surrounding rice paddies.  

Trail Route:  The hike initially follows a mountain road that leads out of Sapa, then descends into a deep valley, crosses the Ta Van River, and winds through rice paddies and the spread-out homes of Lao Chai and Ta Van villages.  Eventually the trail crosses back over the river and rejoins the road, where most hikers then hire a jeep or motorcycle for the return ride to Sapa.  

Hilltribes:  Black Hmong and Day communities line the hiking route.  

The Scenery:  From the road you’ll get an absolutely stunning view of the mountains across the river valley as well as the villages nestled down in the valley itself.  In the summer, expect to see luminous green rice paddies.  

Duration:  3 to 4 hours at a reasonable pace, assuming you take a jeep back to Sapa; add another two hours minimum if you don’t.  

Fitness Level:  Moderate.  

Trail Conditions:  Construction crews are currently improving the road out of Sapa, so expect to encounter torn-up portions of pavement with axle-deep mud and piles of blasted rock.  The trail down into the valley can be steep and slick in spots, so be sure to buy a bamboo walking stick from one of the local Hmong kids for 2,000 dong (US$0.15).  Don’t wear your best shoes and pants, as the trail’s rust-orange mud can permanently stain your clothes.  

Trail Rules:  Behave as if you’re walking through somebody’s front yard, because often you will be.  And remember that while this hike is a photographer’s dream, you should ask first before taking pictures of anyone you meet.  

Reality Check:  In just a few years this hike has become highly popular, so expect to share the trail with your fellow travelers.  

Costs:  Try to buy something from the locals, even if it’s just a lukewarm can of Coke.  They’re desperately poor and need the cash, which is one reason why foreigners must pay 10,000 dong (US$0.70) to enter the Lao Chai area.  You pay the fee at the gatehouse on the road out of Sapa.  

Guides:  Though the trail has become so well established that you could probably hike it on your own without great difficulty, you’ll get more out of the hike if you hire one of the local Hmong teenagers as a guide.  These self-assured young women can explain Hmong culture, interpret what the locals say, and tell you their own fascinating life stories — and they can do all this in startlingly good English.  Keep in mind that if you go to Sapa with an organized tour, a guided version of this hike will likely be included in the itinerary.  The Kangaroo Café in Hanoi offers inexpensively priced tours to Sapa that consistently get high marks from travelers.

2. Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) and Tram Ton Pass

Don’t pass on this one.

Overview:  Jeep or motorcycle ride to the 300-foot (100 m) Silver Waterfall and 6,200-foot (1,900 m) Tram Ton Pass.  

Trail Route:  Drive five miles (8 km) out of Sapa to the Silver Waterfall , then continue another four miles (7 km) to Tram Ton Pass.  Retrace the same route back to Sapa.  

Hilltribes:  Black Hmong live in the area, but no villages are in the immediate vicinity of the pass or falls.  

The Scenery:  The waterfalls are impressive and the pass offers a stunning view of the road to China’s Yunnan Province.  

Duration:  2 to 3 hours, but confirm how long you have hired the jeep for before setting off, as the driver may have a schedule to keep.  

Fitness Level:  Moderate, because while the waterfalls can be seen from the road, you will probably want to scale the staircase that climbs beside it for a better — and wetter — view.  This cleverly engineered route features a bridge that crosses in front of the cascades about half way up the falls, allowing hikers to ascend down the opposite side. The view from Tram Ton Pass can be seen from the road and requires no hiking whatsoever.  

Trail Conditions:  The road can be bumpy, especially in the no-frills ex-army jeeps used by most drivers, so expect a slow ride. The trail at the waterfall consists of concrete stairs and is in excellent condition.  

Trail Rules:  Be  very  careful if you deviate from the staircase trail beside the waterfall.  

Reality Check:  The scenery is beautiful, but all of it lies in the endangered Hoang Lien National Park.  Keep in mind that the waterfall can be a washout during the drier first half of the year and that clouds often sweep over the pass and reduce visibility to near zero.  

Costs:  Foreigners are theoretically required to pay 3,000 dong (US$0.20) to climb up alongside the waterfall, but nobody seems to be bothering with collecting the fee.  Jeeps to the falls and pass can be hired for US$12, which is a real bargain considering you can split the cost among five passengers.  If you want to go it alone, Minsk motorcycles can be rented for about US$8 a day.  

Guides:  If you hire a jeep, your driver will know the route, so no guide is needed; if you drive your own motorcycle, you’ll want to pick up a map at the Sustainable Tourism Information and Service Centre on Cau May Street in Sapa, which sells maps of Sapa and the surrounding areas for 15,000 dong (US$1.00).   

3. Ta Phin – Mountain valley outside of Sapa

Overview:  Several hilltribe villages lie in Ta Phin, a misty valley nine miles (15 km) out of Sapa.  

Trail Route:  Jeep or motorcycle ride down the main road to Lao Cai, with a left turn down a side road to Ta Phin .  If you’re driving your own motorcycle, be warned that this turnoff is not marked.  You’ll know you are on the road to Ta Phin when you pass the haunted-looking ruins of a burnt-out French seminary.  Within Ta Phin valley there are any number of possible trekking routes, though most people follow the main trail leading through a Hmong village and up to the Ta Phin caves.  

Hilltribes:  Black Hmong and Red Dzao live in neighboring villages.  

The Scenery:  Luminous green rice paddy and traditional villages set in a highland valley ringed by mountain peaks.  

Duration:  Variable, as you could easily spend a whole day here.  Most people take about 2 to 4 hours total.  

Fitness Level:  Easy to moderate in spots, especially in the caves.  

Trail Conditions:  Generally good, as the main “roads” are mostly concrete sidewalks sized for motorbikes rather than cars.  

Trail Rules:  Always ask before taking photos, as the Red Dzao are particularly camera shy.  

Reality Check:  This mountain valley has an idyllic feel to it, but keep in mind that tending those rice paddies is back-breaking work barely sufficient to feed local families.  Also, while Ta Phin is a great way to get outside Sapa, it’s hardly undiscovered.  Expect to spot some of the same foreign faces you’ve been seeing in the cafes and restaurants of Sapa. Costs:  Foreigners pay 10,000 dong (US$0.70) to enter Ta Phin valley, payable at the gatehouse near the ruins of the seminary.   Xe om  motorcycle taxis can take you to Ta Phin for US$2 to 3 one-way, while jeeps can be hired for US$12 round trip.  Alternatively, you can rent your own motorcycle for about US$8 a day.   

Guides:  You’ll get more out of your visit to Ta Phin with a guide, who will speak English and be able to offer you insights into local hilltribe culture.  In some cases, they will invite you into their homes.  Often no fee is charged, though in these cases, be sure to buy something from your guide at the end of your hike, and don’t bargain too hard when you do.  The dong you spend will help feed, clothe and school local families.

3. Coc Ly Market – Want to buy a water buffalo?

Overview:  The market at Coc Ly literally lies at the end of a road that winds along the scenic Green River.  Because of its remote location, both the merchants and the customers are almost all from various hilltribe groups.  In fact, ethnic Vietnamese look almost as out of place here as foreigners do.  Aside from the expected water buffaloes, other goods for sale include a wide array of food, clothing and practical items like tools and corrugated metal roofing.  The market is in full swing only once a week, usually on a Tuesday.  

Trail Route:  About 100 miles (160 km) from Lao Cai, or a three-hour road journey.  

Hilltribes:  Black Hmong, Flower Hmong and Tay all frequent this market.  

The Scenery:  The market sits above the Green River, which you can cross on a narrow suspension bridge straight out of an  Indiana Jones  film.  You can also hire a boat for a run down the river through limestone gorges and isolated villages.  

Duration:  If you opt for the boat trip, this is really an all-day affair.  Expect to spend a good chunk of that time driving to and from Coc Ly.  

Fitness Level:  Easy.  

Trail Conditions:  The market can be jam-packed on busy days, so expect a crowd.  There’s not much to keep you from falling off the middle of the suspension bridge, so those who are afraid of heights will want to give it a miss.  

Trail Rules:  Though it’s rapidly being “discovered,” Coc Ly is still largely off the tourist trail.  Try to leave a small footprint.  

Reality Check:  Though they are cheerful and colorfully dressed, the locals lead extremely difficult lives marred by poverty.  

Guides:  Ms. Loan, owner of the popular Cat Cat Hotel, can organize a guided minibus trip to Coc Ly.  For a bit more cash, she can send you off in your own jeep.  If you don’t mind getting lost or breaking down in the middle of nowhere, you can skip the tour and rent your own motorcycle for about US$8, plus gas and the inevitable fees for roadside repairs.

IV. How to Get to Sapa?

Sapa is easily accessed by train or sleeper bus departing from Hanoi.

• Going by sleeper bus takes about 4-4.5 hours, costs 230,000 – 280,000 VND ($10 more or less), you can set off any time of the day.
• The second option is by train, which takes a bit longer (6-7 hours) not including an hour to get on a minibus to move from Lao Cai train station to Sapa town but you can sleep pretty well at night with a flat bed and a thin blanket. The price is different depending on the kind of cabin you book, but slightly higher than a bus ticket in general.

V. What to Pack for Sapa Trek?

• A good preparation is the beginning of a nice trip, Sapa hit the nail on the head. There is a list of specific things to pack for trekking in Sapa due to the unpredictable weather and unstable trekking paths. It will be a long route, so just bring along the most essential items to reduce unnecessary weight.
• Rain jacket: It is hard to tell if the weather is nice all the time during your trek. An easily-folded light rain jacket is a must, you can find one in any market, in Hanoi or Sapa.
• Backpack cover or waterproof backpack: In case of rain, those will be extremely useful to protect the valuable equipment inside like your camera or smartphone.
• Comfortable hiking shoes: The trail is super muddy, rough and narrow in some parts, therefore a durable comfortable pair of shoes can protect your feet well against sliding and falling. Water- resistant ones are even better, since you might cross small streams as well.
• Water bottles: No need to say, you don’t want to be thirsty and exhausted during your trek, do you? Bring double the amount of water you assume needed.
• Trekking a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: In a high altitude area, the ultraviolet index is immensely high and does more harm than good. Wear them even when it is not too sunny.
• Insect repellent: In such a place covered by jungles, you will be provided a mosquito net at night, but in day time, apply some insect repellent to get rid of itchy rashes when you come back.
• First aid kit
• Clothes depending on seasons: appropriate clothes are well- needed for a convenient smooth trip.

VI. Should You Choose Homestays or Hotels During The Day Treks?

Sapa downtown boasts all modes of accommodation, from 5-star luxurious hotels, hostels, guesthouses to homestays . It is really dependent on your budget and services you are inclined to get. If you want something cozy but still enough facility-well-equipped, it is suggested to choose Ta Phin Cottage for your stay during the day treks.

During holiday, the price of rooms usually doubles, but there are undoubtedly a larger range of choices for drinks and food. On the other hand, homestays tend to be more popular as this model has been developed for the past 20 years and it reaches even the most remote area.

If you want something more local, in an ethnic groups’ village, there is no hard effort to find a homestay near the trekking route and beautiful spots with nice hosts, lavish meals, at around $6, though roommates and dishes have been decided beforehand.

VII. Tips on Trekking in Sapa

• Sapa has been a touristy destination for not only Vietnamese people, but a huge number of foreign hikers and visitors, so don’t need to worry about the language barrier. People there can speak English pretty well and even be your trekking guide.
• In Sapa town, you can get everything, from coffee to waterproof backpacks at a reasonable price compared to Hanoi, which means if you haven’t spent enough time shopping for important gears in advance, you can absolutely do it when reaching Sapa.
• Local goods such as jewelry, scarves, clothes or rice wine are all home-made and sold by people from ethnic minority people.
• Be well-prepared before your journey, especially of weather
• Tipping is not required in Vietnam. But it would still be welcome to tip your guide or homestay hosts.

These are all suggested notes for a successful, safe and enjoyable trekking time in Sapa. Be prepared and you will see how amazing and special it can be. Share with us your experience by commenting below, will you?

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How Many Days is Enough for Sapa?

• February 5, 2023

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Nestled in the remote reaches of Lao Cai province , the picturesque town of Sapa beckons all those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. How Many Days Is Enough For Sapa – With its awe-inspiring panoramas of rolling hills, verdant rice terraces, and towering peaks, Sapa has established itself as a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike? But with so much to explore and experience, many travelers wonder – just how much time is enough to immerse oneself in the magic of Sapa fully? Let us delve into the question, “How many days is sufficient for Sapa?”

Table of Contents

Overview of Sapa

Nestled amid the majestic Lao Cai Province, Sapa is a surreal town that boasts of a unique mix of elevated landscapes and rich cultural diversity. The town stands tall at a breathtaking elevation of 1,600 meters above the sea level, making it one of the highest settlements in the entire country. The surrounding area of Sapa is enveloped by rolling rice paddies, towering mountain peaks and verdant forests, that seamlessly blend to create a mesmerizing natural wonder.

This pristine town is also the abode of numerous ethnic groups such as Hmong, Dao and Tay, who have been living here for generations, cherishing and preserving their distinct cultures, traditions, and customs. These communities are famous for their captivating handicrafts and vibrant traditional attires, adding charm to the already picturesque town.

The answer to the conundrum of the optimal duration for a visit to Sapa is contingent on individual inclinations and the desired extent of immersion. For those seeking a cursory glimpse of the town’s hallmark landmarks and offerings, a stay of two to three days might suffice. On the other hand, for those yearning for a complete immersion into Sapa’s unique culture and experiences, it’s recommended to linger for at least five days.

What will I see during trekking?

Embark on a journey to uncover the mesmerizing beauty of Sapa through trekking and brace yourself for a breathtaking experience like never before! Soak in the lush green rice paddies, meandering hills, and majestic peaks that embrace you as you traverse the mountainous terrain. As you navigate your way through the region, you will come across charming ethnic minority villages, offering you a rare glimpse into their traditional way of life and customs.

The trek through Sapa is not just about admiring the scenic beauty, but also about uncovering the rich cultural heritage of the place. Visit local markets and be entranced by local textiles and crafts’ vibrant colors and textures. Who knows, you may even bring back a souvenir to remember this incredible journey by.

Apart from the natural beauty and cultural experiences, trekking in Sapa offers a chance to witness some of the region’s rich wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for buffalo, goats, and other animals you may encounter during your hike. And if you’re lucky, you may spot some of the many species of birds or monkeys that call Sapa their home.

Overall, trekking in Sapa is a fusion of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just seeking a relaxing getaway, this unique and picturesque region of Vietnam has something for everyone. So, gear up and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

Can I go trekking in Sapa?

Yes, trekking is one of the most popular activities in Sapa , and visitors can join organized trekking tours or set out on their own. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there are many trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty.

Trekking in Sapa immerses you in the region’s stunning natural beauty, including lush green rice paddies, rolling hills, and towering mountains. It is also a chance to interact with the local ethnic minority communities and learn about their traditional ways of life.

It is recommended to hire a local guide, as they can provide valuable information about the area and help ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. With proper preparation and the right gear, anyone can trek in Sapa and enjoy this incredible adventure.

Itinerary for 2-3 Days

If you only have 2-3 days to spend in Sapa, here’s a suggested itinerary:

• Early morning train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai
• Transfer to hotel/homestay in Sapa town
• Visit to Sapa market
• Afternoon trek to nearby ethnic minority villages
• Dinner and relaxation at hotel/homestay
• Full-day trek through the breathtaking scenery of Sapa, including rice paddies, hills, and mountains
• Visit to a traditional minority village and interact with the local community
• Lunch en route
• Return to hotel/homestay in the late afternoon

Day 3 (Optional):

• Visit to the Sapa Love Market, held every Saturday in Sapa town
• Trek to a nearby waterfall or hot springs
• Return to Sapa town for shopping and souvenir hunting
• Late afternoon train journey back to Hanoi

Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be customized to your specific interests and preferences. The exact activities and schedule may vary based on your preferences and local tours and guides availability.

Overall, a 2-3 day trip to Sapa is an excellent way to experience this unique region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Sapa has something to offer for everyone.

Sapa 1 Day Tours

• 1 day experience
• Moderate to challenging
• Cultural immersion & active adventure
• Rice fields, valleys & villages
• ​Private tours
• Vegan-friendly

Sapa 2 Day Tours

• 2 days 1 night experience
• Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages

Sapa 3 Day Tours

• 3 days 2 night experience
• Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages

Sapa 4 Day Tours

• 4 days 3 night experience
• Mountains, valleys, rice fields & villages
• ​Private tours – Less Touristic

Itinerary for 5 Days

If you have 5 days to spend in Sapa , here’s a suggested itinerary:

• Visit to a traditional minority village and interaction with the local community
• Late afternoon visit to a local wine tasting and distillery
• Full-day trek to Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina
• Early morning visit to a local traditional minority weaving village
• Lunch in Sapa town

Note: This is a sample itinerary, and can be customized to your specific interests and preferences. The exact activities and schedule may vary based on your preferences and local tours and guides availability.

Overall, a 5-day trip to Sapa offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of this beautiful region. From the stunning natural beauty of its hills and mountains , to its rich cultural heritage, Sapa has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing getaway, you are sure to have an unforgettable time in this unique corner of Vietnam.

In conclusion, the number of days you should spend in Sapa depends on your interests and the type of experience you want. For a brief visit, 2-3 days might be sufficient , but for a more comprehensive and immersive experience, we recommend staying for at least 5 days. With its beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and friendly people, Sapa is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Sapa Trekking FAQs

What is the best time to visit sapa.

The best time to visit Sapa is from September to November, when the weather is cool and dry, and the terraced rice fields are a beautiful green.

What is the best way to get to Sapa?

The best way to get to Sapa is by taking a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short drive to Sapa.

What should I bring to Sapa?

When visiting Sapa, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat or umbrella, and warm clothing for the cooler temperatures. You may also want to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

Is it safe to visit Sapa?

Sapa is generally a safe destination for travelers, however, as with any place, it’s always best to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Are there any vaccinations required for visiting Sapa?

There are no specific vaccinations required for visiting Sapa, but it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or travel clinic for recommendations based on your individual health and travel itinerary.

Can I participate in cultural activities in Sapa?

Yes, Sapa offers various cultural activities such as trekking to ethnic minority villages, visiting local markets, and participating in traditional festivals and ceremonies.

Are there any hotels or accommodations available in Sapa?

Yes, various hotels, guesthouses, and homestays are available in Sapa to suit different budgets and preferences.

Can I try local cuisine in Sapa?

Yes, Sapa offers a variety of local and regional cuisine, including traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients and herbs grown in the area.

Is it possible to do a day trip from Hanoi to Sapa?

Yes, it is possible to do a day trip from Hanoi to Sapa, but we recommend staying overnight to experience the town and its surroundings fully.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do in Sapa?

Sapa offers a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. You can also visit local waterfalls and hot springs for a relaxing experience.

In conclusion, Sapa is a must-visit destination in Vietnam for those who love nature, adventure, and culture. With its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and friendly people, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Sapa.

Dowload free guide how to get from Hanoi to Sapa

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Bus From Hanoi to Sapa

Inexpensive, fast, daylight hours, many amenities, partially refundable, breathtaking views.

Bus From Sapa back to Hanoi

Booking chapa express train, way hanoi to sapa.

*SP3 train departs at Hanoi station at 22:00′. These train tickets will take you to arrive in Lao Cai province, then you have to take a taxi (25$ – go whatever you want) OR a local bus ($5 – leave at 5:30) to Sapa. *NOTE all prices will go up 10% during public holidays (pay later) – Holiday price 2023 will apply on the following dates: 20/1 – 26/1, 28/4 – 3/5/, 1/9 – 5/9, 30/12 – 4/1 (2024)

Way Sapa back to Hanoi

SP4 train departs at Lao Cai station at 9:30 pm. From Sapa, you have to take a taxi (25$ – go whatever you want) OR a local bus ($5 – leave at 5:30) to Lao Cai.

Limousine/Minivan From Hanoi to Sapa

Fast, comfortable, flexible pick up, consistent prices, soft seats. Ticket price according to seat position: 02 first seats $18/person/way, 04 holding seats $23/person/way, 3 last seats $21/person/way

Limousine/Minivan From Sapa back to Hanoi

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How many days should we visit Sapa

  Mar 28, 2023

  By Thao Le

Sapa is a small town, about 6 hours by bus from Hanoi, close to the border between Vietnam and China. Sapa is famous for its mountain scenery, terraced fields that stretch along gentle hillsides, and the locals' enthusiasm and hospitality. Sapa has a lot of activities, such as traveling by cable car, trekking through villages, conquering Fanxipan Mountain, etc. There are some destinations with suitable weather and timing for each purpose of your trip in the Vietnam Tour Package . So, considering how many days we should visit Sapa , we recommend visitors take a 2-4 day trip to get the best experience in Sapa.

2-day trip 

If you have a tight budget and less time to travel here, a 2-day trip to Sapa is a good choice for going through some basic activities here. On the first day, we start at 7 by bus and arrive at Sapa at 12.30 on the same day. In the afternoon, you can choose to trek through villages, including Lao Chai, Ta Van villages, or Cat Cat village. After that, have dinner in the restaurant with some local food and spend a night here. The next morning, conquering Fansipan peak by cable car and bus back to Hanoi on Expressway from 2.30 to 8.30 PM. 

A three-day trip to Sapa will bring you more highlights of Sapa. The departure time is the same as the two-day trip on the first day, however, you can choose to trek through villages in Sapa and spend a night in a homestay in the local area to experience the lifestyle of locals’ customs and join in numerous night activities such as dancing. Then come back to the center of town the next morning to visit Fansipan peak and bathe herbal in Sapa or Ham Rong Moutain . On day 3, visitors can set a foot on the glass bridge tour and then bus back to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Therefore, from 2 to 3 days in Sapa, you can have a full experience in Sapa, and no need to think about the itinerary of how many days to spend in Sapa. 

Some popular activities to do in Sapa 

Trekking through villages

To answer the question of How many days should we visit Sapa, Trekking is the activity that attracts a lot of adventure lovers who come to Sapa to find their best trekking tours . What makes Sapa become one of the most astounding trekking tours is the beauty of the rice terrace field, especially from August to November, when the whole valley turns into a giant golden carpet. Another time in the year, from February to May, Peach blossoms, plum blossoms, and other flowers bloom all over the hillsides, halfway up the mountains, in the valleys, on the mountainside, or on the roads in the town, all full of flowers. Moreover, to get genuine experiences of locals’ customs, visitors can have a night in villages’ homestays where many cultural activities have occurred. 

Fansipan peak by cable car

Fansipan , located at 3,143m above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula; therefore, it’s usually called the "roof of Indochina. You can choose to go to the summit by cable car. With views of the Muong Hoa Valley and the spectacular peaks of the Hoang Lien Son Range , it cuts through the clouds. When you set foot at the highest point, you’re rewarded with the mighty nature, the blue sky, and floated clouds. Do not forget to shoot some photos to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Therefore, Fansipan Mountain is one of the best places to visit in Sapa.

Herbal bathing in Sapa 

Herbal bathing in Sapa is an experience that everyone—wellness enthusiasts and casual tourists alike—should partake in. Not only is it good for your body and mind to soak in a hot, therapeutic bath while enjoying a view of nature, but it also gives you the chance to learn about Vietnamese ethnic minority wellness practices.

Glass Bridge 

The longest glass bridge in Indochina at the present is the one in Sapa. Although being only 60 meters long and 5 meters broad, the Sapa Glass Bridge offers an incredibly breathtaking vista from a height of more than 2000 meters above sea level. Also, the Glass Bridge is around 60 meters away from the cliff, giving visitors access to a 360-degree panoramic.

The Sapa Glass Bridge is unquestionably the greatest choice besides Fansipan Mountain for those that come during the cloud hunting season (October to December). When you come here to look for clouds, you can fall into the clouds sea. 

Hopefully, you can use our information as a reference for your itinerary in Sapa depending on How many days should we visit Sapa . If you are interested in the Vietnam package tours , you can consider our tours to Sapa to give you the best experience in Hanoi. 

Contact Vietnam Escape Tours Travel - One of the best tour agencies in Vietnam if you need any advice, our travel consultant will give you the best advice.

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5 Days Itinerary: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa (for the first timers)

• Day 1: Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi to Sapa
• Day 3: Sapa to Cat Cat Village to Hanoi
• Day 4: Hanoi to Halong Bay
• Day 5: Halong Bay to Hanoi

If you’ve got 5 days to explore Northern Vietnam and you’re not quite sure what to do, we’ve got your back. This itinerary will take you from the ancient streets of Hanoi to the towering mountains of Halong Bay to come to an end in the hills and mountains of Sapa.

• Spend the first day exploring Hanoi’s highlights.
• On day two, head towards Sapa where you will explore Ham Rong mountain.
• Day three takes you to Cat Cat village, where you will learn about H’mong culture.
• The final destination is a 2-day/1-night cruise to Halong Bay.

• 8:00: Leave your hotel and go to Tran Quoc Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, near the West Lake.
• 9:45: Take a stroll towards Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Ba Dinh, grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast along the way.
• 11:15: Next up, drop by the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples.
• 12:00: Stop to have lunch in a nearby local restaurant.
• 13:30: For a blast from the past, visit the ancient Temple of Literature, built in 1070 AD, it’s also Vietnam’s first university.
• 15:00: Head towards Hoan Kiem Lake, do as the locals do and walk around the lake and generally chill out. Visit Ngoc Son Temple and try some ice cream from one of the nearby gelaterias.
• 17:00: Return to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
• 18:30: Explore the Old Quarter, find somewhere for dinner - perhaps Bun Cha or Bun Bo Nam Bo?
• 20:00: Return to hotel and get lots of sleep in preparation for day two!

Summary: Visit 5 attractions including Tran Quoc Pagoda,Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem lake.

• 8:00: Board the shuttle bus headed for Sapa. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.
• 13:00: Arrive in Sapa and have some lunch.
• 14:00: Head for Ham Rong mountain, climb to the summit (takes 20 minutes) and explore the Indochina Orchid Garden.
• 17:00: Go back to the hotel and freshen up for the evening.
• 18:00: Find somewhere to have a delicious dinner!
• 19:30: Explore Sapa town by night.

Tip: You can also catch an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa. Train departs Hanoi at 22:00 and arrive Lao Cai (for Sapa) at 06:10 in the morning. it costs about 800,000 VND/person for one-way ticket.

• 08:30: Wake up and enjoy breakfast in Sapa Town.
• 9:30: Go to Cat Cat Village, close to Sapa Town. Meet the Hmong people and learn about their distinctive customs and traditions.
• 12:00: Go back to Sapa to have lunch.
• 13:30: Explore Sapa’s market and buy some souvenirs.
• 14:30: Head back to Hanoi by shuttle bus.
• 19:30: Return to your Hanoi hotel and relax for the evening, or get dinner around the Old Quarter.

For train lovers: An overnight train from Sapa departs Lao Cai station at 21:40 and arrive Hanoi at 05:30.

• 8:00 - 8:30: Get a Banh Mi on-the-go for your breakfast, then board the shuttle bus heading for Halong Bay.
• 12:15 - 13:00: You should aim to arrive at Halong Bay ferry port by midday. Check-in and board your cruise.
• 13:00: Enjoy a set-menu lunch onboard the cruise boat.
• 14:00: First stop, visit Titop Island . Take some time to swim, sunbathe or explore the island.
• 15:30: Head to Sung Sot Cave , one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
• 16:30: Go back to the boat and freshen up in time for dinner. Have a shower and relax on the deck while you wait.
• 17:30: Enjoy the set-menu dinner.
• 19:00: Once the sun has gone down partake in squid fishing, karaoke singing and games.

Important Note: Passports are required for onboard stay, remember to take your passport with you.

• 07:00: Wake up nice and early to enjoy breakfast on board the ship.
• 07:40: Visit the pearl farm. Learn all about the cultivation of pearls in Halong Bay.
• 08:30: Try some kayaking, explore the area surrounding your cruise boat independently.
• 10:30: Have brunch on the boat and then take in Halong Bay as the boat travels back to Tuan Chau Harbor.
• 12:00: The shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 16:30: Return to your Hanoi hotel.

Recommended hotels for Hanoi: The Oriental Jade Hotel & Spa and Apricot hotel (2 minute walk from Hoan Kiem lake)

Questions and Answers (34)

Hi, I am planning to visit Hanoi - Sa Pa (Fansipan) and Ha Long bay within 5 days in April. My schedule probably like this: Day 1 - Hanoi to Sa Pa (arrival in afternoon) Day 2 - Sa Pa Day 3 - Sa Pa to Ha Long (via Hanoi) Day 4 - Ha Long to Hanoi Day 5 - Hanoi (Departure) Is this schedule look good?

Dear Mod Saiful, Thank you for your booking request!  Yes, we can customize the tour basing on your preference so please see the alternative itinerary below:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival. Pick up from Hanoi Airport. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay. Overnight on board.

Day 3: Halong Bay - Hanoi. Bus Hanoi to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa

Day 4: Sapa - Fansipan by cable car. Overnight in Sapa

Day 5: Free and easy day in Sapa. Bus back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi 

Day 6: Departure. Transfer to the airport. Trip ends

Hope this works for you. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Phoebe  

Hi, I am planning to visit with my wife for 5 days 4 nights between Hanoi to Sapa & Fansipan during end of March or beginning of April. Can pls advise what time flight to take is better and also the itinerary please. We are Hindu so appreciate can also advise which place we can go for food hunting and restaurants please. Thank u in advance.

@Agilan, Thank you for contacting us. We have sent you an email with more details about the trip. Please kindly check it. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards,

Hi, i planning to explore hanoi, halong bay and sapa ( including fansipan) in April for 5 nights. I’m traveling with my families. Can you give us some tips or perhaps itinerary. We thinking to try night train to Sapa From hanoi or from Sapa to Hanoi is it possible ? We plan to have night flight, I think we’ll be arrive in Hanoi in the morning, thank you so much

@Yoyoh Yohana, Thank you for contacting us. Our consultant has sent you an email to assist you better. Hope to hear from you. Regards,

i planning to gg in May for 5 days . is ther weather hot in May. Any tips. ?

Dear Jerene, Answering your questions, in May the weather in Halong Bay is around 15 degrees to 25 degrees. It's kinda hot but not like June from August. I also wonder which type of cruise you are interested in (budget, mid-range or luxury)? We have many different cruises with different costs so it is helpful to know your budget range? How many people (adults, children)? Your trip dates as well. I look forward to hearing back from you so I can send you our best offer. If you have any other questions please let me know any time! Best regards, Harzel  

Hi I want to visit Vietnam at the end of August, me and my friend, we both want to go on a trip to Ho Chi Minh and Fansipan (because of the cold weather), it is possible to do it ?, because we both plan to be in Vietnam for 5 days only, can you give us some tips. Thank you.

@Ariff, Thank you for your questions. We have sent you an email for better assistance. Please kindly check it. Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards, Visithalongbay Team

I would like to get a quote for 9 people for a 5D trip in mid May 2024. Can you provide the available package and itinerary

@Dear Maheenthran,

Thank you for your email and I would like to send you the itinerary below.

Day 1: Hanoi Airport - Hanoi City - Hotel in Hanoi Day 2: Hanoi City Tour 1 days - Hotel in Hanoi Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight cruise Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi. Return to Hanoi. Day 5: Hanoi departure, trip ends. 

Does this match your preferences? If you wish to add any other destinations please let me know!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Melissa  

I would like a quote for 8 people taking over night train to Sapa and back please

@Claire Burns, Thank you for contacting us. We have sent you an email for better assistance. Please kindly check it. Regards, Visithalongbay Team.

Hi. I am also interested in witnessing the Vietnamese New Year along with the above itinerary. Can you provide complete itinerary for 2 adults for new year 2024

@Vaishali Parihar, We have sent you an email about the suggested itinerary. Please check it and reply to us for better assistance. Regards,

Hi, am trying to plan an itinerary for 4 for 5 full days. Arrive Sun evening. Mon Day 1 in Hanoi and on Tue, Day 2 to Sapa and stay one night there. Day 3 in Sapa then travel back to Hanoi. Day 4 day tour to Halong Bay. Day 5 in Hanoi. Next day depart Hanoi for home. Any other suggestion?

@Carol Ong, Thank you for your inquiry. Please check the email we have sent you for better assistance. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Regards,

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Moscow Metro Tour - With Ratings

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• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Details : Get to the Biblioteka imeni Lenina (Lenin's Library, Red Line) or Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden, Light Blue Line) metro station. Use any exit. Find the Kutafia Tower of the Kremlin. The guide .. read more

The Moscow Metro has a long history to it. Also, the city has an extremely beautiful subway. It is very well maintained and is also extremely decorated. Each station and spot has a different artistic aspect to it. On this tour, experience the efficiency of Moscow Metro.

• Roam around the Revolution Square, with magnificent sculptures of the Soviet people
• Visit the Kurskaya Station Lobby, the Hall of Fame of the WWII
• Be awestruck at the Komsomolskaya , with impressive mural mosaics of Russian glorious victories
• See the artistic side of Novoslobodskaya , with the stained glass, although under the ground.

Know More about this tour

Take our Moscow Metro Tour and discover why our subway is recognized as the most beautiful in the world!

"They used to have palaces for kings, we are going to build palaces for the people!" said one of the main architects of the Soviet subway.

With us you will see the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow built under Stalin: Komsomolskaya, Revolution square, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya. Our guide will tell fascinating stories and secrets hidden underground, urban legends and funny stories.

How many babies were born on the Moscow metro? Where is the secret Metro 2? How deep is the Moscow metro? And where did Stalin give his speech in November 1941? Join out Metro tour and find out!

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Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel between 0 hrs To 24 hrs before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 100%
• If you cancel between 1 days To 180 days before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 0%
• Please note that in case of No show, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the listed tour fare.
• Please note tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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Orange crush: Boats packed with revelers tour Amsterdam canals to celebrate the king’s birthday

Thousands of people took to the canals of Amsterdam on Saturday to celebrate the Dutch king’s 57th birthday. Dressed in orange - the national color - they packed small boats and sailed down the historic waterways of the capital. (AP video by Ahmad Seir)

People dance on a boat during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

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An orange-clad man applauds for a girl playing violin as his orange-clad dog, bottom right corner, runs off during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Two girls sell orange pastries during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Mud, a rain soaked blanket and wet items are being sold during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

An orange-clad man and his orange-clad dog listen to a girl playing violin during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

An egg explodes on impact as a reveller takes part in a game during King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Decked in the national orange color, dancing to music, and eating orange-glazed pastries, many in the Netherlands Saturday are marking King’s Day , celebrating the birthday of their monarch who is enjoying a very slight rise in popularity as per a national poll.

As King Willem-Alexander celebrated his 57th birthday with his family in the northeastern city of Emmen, people across the country engaged in the traditional “free markets” held on that day, selling second-hand toys, books and other items. Others toured through the historic canals of the capital, Amsterdam as orange smoke from flares held aloft one boat drifted over vessels of all shapes and sizes jostling for space on a busy canal.

“Celebrating your birthday with your own family is the most beautiful thing you can experience. I’m very happy everybody is back,” Willem-Alexander told Dutch broadcaster NOS during a walkabout in Emmen, 190 kilometers (120 miles) northeast of the Dutch capital.

An annual poll published by the NOS for King’s Day showed Willem-Alexander’s popularity edging up very slightly since last year to 6.6 out of 10. His Argentine-born wife, Queen Maxima, scored 7.1 out of 10 in the poll of 1,015 people, conducted earlier this month.

The royals’ popularity took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic after Willem-Alexander and his family went on vacation in Greece during a partial lockdown. The royals cut short their break amid national uproar and Willem-Alexander took the unusual step of issuing a video message to express his regret and contrition for the trip.

The king’s three daughters, Amalia, Alexia and Ariane have all spent time out of the country recently — Ariane has been studying in Italy while Alexia has taken a gap year to travel. The eldest and heir to the Dutch throne, Amalia, also returned ahead of the king’s birthday after being forced to leave her student accommodation in Amsterdam and move to Madrid following threats from the criminal underworld.

Amalia, 20, who is studying politics, psychology, law and economics at Amsterdam University, told NOS she was “extremely grateful to everybody who made it possible” for her to live in Spain, where she said she was able to enjoy more freedom than in the Netherlands.

But, she added: “I’m glad to be back.”