bigtravelbuzzSapa: A place to climb huge peaks, balance on the edges of rice fields and swim under breathtaking waterfalls. The city of endless beauty is a must-see on your Vietnam itinerary. The Sapa Valley and its surrounding nature are located in northern Vietnam, close to the border with China. Experience trekking through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful scenery, visit tribes, and immerse yourself in culture by staying with a local family.
Trekking in Sapa
Discover layers of lush green and yellow paddy fields outside Sapa town. The undulating pattern of the terrace creates a ripple effect across the beautiful landscape. Trekking in the Sapa rice fields is definitely something to tick off your list of things to do!
The colors change throughout the year, depending on the season of travel and the weather. For this reason, it is advisable to check the visiting hours. Summer offers the richest greenery. On the other hand, in autumn you can see the rice fields dyed in a beautiful golden color. Arranging a trek in Sapa town is very easy as there are many guides on the streets. Traditionally dressed guides are Hmong, a local tribe from the Sapa area. Some of these guides are not licensed for tourist trekking. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the trek isn’t good.
Tips: If possible, we recommend arranging a reliable trekking route through hotels, guesthouses or homestays. This way you can read our reviews and have the most enjoyable and informative trekking experience possible.
If you are looking for a simple package tour, you can book an all-in-one tour from Hanoi to Sapa. This usually includes several other locations as well.
Fansipan mountain and cable car
Through the clouds to the pinnacle of Fansipan Mountain! It is the highest in Indochina and can be reached in only 15 mins with the help of using cable car. Once you reach the top, you will have a great view of Sapa and the rice fields below. Sapa’s cool, wet climate means that the peaks are often covered in thick fog. But this is still a good experience! Enjoy the view of the clouds and the towering Great Buddha.
The cable car station is in Sapa town, about a 30-minute walk from Notre Dame. If you don’t want to face crowd try to reach early. Once you reach the upper cable car station, it’s a 30-minute walk to the top.
Open from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Tickets are 700,000 VND for adults.
Tips: Before the arrival of the cable car, the only way to reach the mountain was on foot. It’s a moderate hike, so it’s still an option for those with physical fitness. It can be done as a 2-day trek or as a 1-day trek back by cable car.
Love Waterfall & Silver Waterfall
These beautiful waterfalls are at the bottom of the mountain. It is also the starting point for hiking trails to Fansipan Peak. According to legend, this waterfall was visited by fairies. They says one day, one fary fell in love with a flutist who was sitting by a waterfall. For this reason, it is also called “Love Falls”.
Travelers can take a taxi or rent a scooter and drive to a nearby parking lot. From here, take a pleasant 30-minute hike along mountain trails to discover these waterfalls. Note that the Silver Waterfall is in the middle of the Love Waterfall.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Sapa town is centered around a beautiful little stone cathedral.
Notre Dame. It is called Notre Dame Cathedral because it was built here during the French colonial period. While strolling through the city, it would be nice to stop and take pictures.
Sapa lake
The center of the city is a beautiful lake in the middle surrounded by beautiful mountains. As you approach Sapa and see the view of the city reflected in the crystal clear water, it is simply breathtaking. Take a walk by the lake and breathe in the fresh Sapa air. Head here at night and take a break to eat and drink at the lakeside cafe.
Sapa market
Near the lake is the famous Sapa Market. There are a few others, but this is the main market in the area. Here you can find typical handicrafts in the traditional colors of the local Hmong people. In addition, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables are available for purchase. This is a great way to see what local life is like and pick up souvenirs from your trip.
Best time to go to sapa
Visit Sapa from March to May and September to November to enjoy the best temperatures. Visit between May and September to ensure spectacular green rice paddies. Be aware that these months will be wetter.
If you visit during the winter months, always check for rice growth as it may not be available at all. Temperatures can also be very cold. Nevertheless, Sapa is beautiful at this time of year, and the rice terraces and mountains can be covered with snow.
How to get from Hanoi to Sapa
There are several ways to get to Sapa from Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi.
Train from Hanoi to Sapa
Night trains arrive in Lao Cai, 40 kilometers from the Chinese border. It takes about 8 hours and ticket prices start at US$20.
Prices vary depending on whether you sleep hard or soft. From Lao Cai, he drives an hour in a minivan along winding roads through the beautiful Vietnamese countryside. You can buy a combined train + minivan ticket at Hanoi Central Station.
Bus from Hanoi to Sapa
Sleeper buses to Sapa have become more popular in recent years. The reason is the new highway opened in 2014. It takes about 6 hours from Hanoi to Sapa city center, making the journey more comfortable.
The fare is about ±10 to 20 USD, which is cheaper than the train. Bus tickets are sold at many agencies in Hanoi. You can book Sapa Express online as well.
Tips: Hop on the train on your way to Sapa and experience the ride. Let’s take a comfortable bus on the way back.
Homestays or Hotels in Sapa
Where you stay is entirely up to you and your choice of trek. If you’re going on a day hike, you might want to stay in a hotel in Sapa town. If you decide to do a multi-day trek, we recommend spending the night in a homestay in the Sapa Valley. This is also a great way to meet local families and understand the life and culture of the people who live here.
There are very basic homestays on offer and homestays with more amenities like Lucky Daisy Buffalo House.
Tips: Get great guides and routes without too many tourists! Lucky Daisy Buffalo House can arrange guided multi-day hikes. Ask for your guide Zu.