Sapa Vietnam Travel Guide: An Adventure Through the Chilly Mountains

Sapa is a neat little town about 1,500 meters high in the mountains of northwest Vietnam. It’s in Lào Cai Province, pretty close to the Chinese border. The French used it as a hill station, and like many of its kind, it is now a popular spot for those seeking to escape Vietnam’s heat.

Written by Kris Soliongco | Edited by Bianca Versoza

We love Sapa as a family getaway. The idea of cooler weather, beautiful hikes, experiencing a totally different culture, and even possibly snow sounded perfect. Plus, I figured it’d be an excellent chance to spend badly needed time with family. Little did we know just how much we’d enjoy this place!

I couldn’t help but gawk at the misty mountains and endless rice terraces. It felt like we’d entered a whole new world.

Getting to Sapa 

Our Sapa trip kicked off with a quick hop from Manila to Hanoi (Airport). The flight was a breeze, and before we knew it, we were touching down in Vietnam’s hectic capital. After a whirlwind tour of Hanoi’s highlights (hello, delicious pho, and egg coffee!), we geared up for the next leg of our journey.

Getting to Sapa by bus

Bright and early the next day, we embarked on our bus journey to Sapa with Sapa Express. The experience began smoothly with a convenient shuttle pickup from our hotel in Hanoi’s old quarter, whisking us off to the main terminal. There, we boarded a sleek, Korean-made bus that ensured our comfort for the six-hour ride ahead.

I’ll admit, I was initially quite apprehensive about the long journey. However, my worries quickly dissipated as the bus was impressively clean and well-equipped, boasting ample legroom that comfortably accommodated my 5’10 frame. We had decent Wi-Fi, cool air conditioning, and complimentary mineral water – small things that made a big difference and elevated the entire experience.

As we left Hanoi’s bustling streets behind, the landscape transformed. Concrete jungles gave way to green fields, and soon enough, we were winding our way up mountain roads. The journey was split up by two well-timed rest stops – a 30-minute break followed by a 20-minute pause. These were perfect opportunities to stretch our legs, use the facilities, and sample some mystery Vietnamese snacks.

The entire ride turned out to be an adventure in itself, offering us a glimpse into the beautiful countryside of northern Vietnam and building our anticipation for the mountain paradise that awaited us in Sapa.

Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that the winding mountain roads in the latter part of the journey can be hard for anyone prone to motion sickness. The sharp turns and occasional bumpy stretches can get uncomfortable for some passengers. We even saw a few fellow travelers vomit, and in hindsight, some motion sickness medication would have been a wise precaution for them.

Getting to Sapa by train

While bus travel remains popular for reaching Sapa, alternative options offer unique experiences and added comfort. Train travel, in particular, provides a distinctive and scenic journey, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s stunning landscapes while enjoying a comfortable ride.

The train route from Hanoi to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa, typically lasts 8 hours. Most services operate overnight, presenting a cost-effective option that saves on accommodation expenses.

Vietnam Railways offers a range of train classes to suit various preferences and budgets. Passengers can choose from hard seats for budget travelers, soft seats for added comfort, or sleeper cabins in both hard and soft variants. 

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, premium services like the Victoria Express Train and Sapaly Express provide upscale cabins with enhanced amenities and personalized service.

Upon reaching Lao Cai station, the final leg of the journey to Sapa town involves a scenic one-hour bus or taxi ride through the mountainous terrain. Many hotels in Sapa offer convenient shuttle services from Lao Cai station, ensuring a seamless transition for their guests.

Best time to visit Sapa

Coming from Manila, where it’s always hot, Sapa was a real treat for me. It’s even chillier than Baguio, the coldest city in the Philippines, which usually sits between 16 to 21°C.

Don’t rush your visit—give yourself at least 3-4 days to appreciate Sapa. Be open to unexpected experiences, whether it’s joining a local family for dinner or taking an impromptu hike to a hidden waterfall. 

Do note that Sapa’s weather changes a lot throughout the year, and each season has something unique to offer. Let me break it down for you:

Spring (March to May):

  • Average temperature: 15-20°C
  • It starts getting warmer, and flowers bloom everywhere
  • Great for hiking, but bring a light jacket and umbrella

Summer (June to August):

  • Average temperature: 20-25°C
  • Warmer but still cooler than Manila
  • Expect some rain, but the rice terraces look amazing in green

Fall (September to November):

  • Average temperature: 13-18°C
  • My favorite time to visit
  • Mild weather, less rain, and golden rice fields

Winter (December to February):

  • Average temperature: 7-13°C
  • It can get really cold, sometimes near-freezing
  • This is when you might see snow!

Speaking of snow, it’s pretty rare in Sapa, but it does happen! In 2016, Sapa saw its first snowfall in many years, which was a big deal. The town turned into a winter wonderland, with snow covering the rice terraces and buildings. It doesn’t snow every year, but when it does, it’s usually in late December or January.

Even without snow, winter in Sapa is chilly. The fog can get thick, and frost isn’t uncommon. It’s beautiful, but make sure you pack warm clothes!

No matter when you visit, Sa Pa’s weather is a nice break from the heat of Southeast Asia. Just remember to check the forecast and pack the right clothes. Trust me, you’ll need more than your usual hoodie here!

Where to Stay in Sa Pa

Sa Pa offers many accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From cheap hostels to luxurious resorts and unique homestays, you’ll find something that perfectly fits your needs.

Budget hostels and guesthouses

Hostels and guesthouses like Sapa Hostel, The Sapa View Homestay, and Green Valley Hostel provide great and affordable comfort for budget-conscious travelers. 

These establishments often offer dormitory-style rooms or basic private rooms, perfect for backpackers or those looking to save on accommodation costs. The friendly atmosphere in these places also makes meeting fellow travelers and sharing stories an absolute breeze!

Mid-range hotels

Mid-range hotels in Sa Pa strike a balance between comfort and value. Popular choices such as Sapa Charm Hotel, Sapa Legend Hotel & Spa, and Bamboo Sapa Hotel offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and may include additional amenities like on-site restaurants or small spas. 

These hotels are ideal for travelers who want more privacy and comfort without spending more money. Many are centrally located, making exploring the town and nearby attractions easy.

Luxury Resorts

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Sa Pa boasts several high-end resorts that offer a wider selection of top-notch amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. 

The Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, with its unique blend of French colonial and ethnic hill tribe aesthetics, stands out as a premier choice. Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa and Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel are also excellent options, featuring spacious rooms, gourmet restaurants, extensive spa facilities, and personalized services. 

These resorts are perfect for travelers looking to indulge in a memorable, upscale stay while enjoying the natural beauty of Sa Pa.

My experience at Catcat Garden House

During my visit to Sa Pa, I stayed at Catcat Garden House, and I’d highly recommend it. The homestay offered a very clean twin-bed room. One of this room’s highlights was the fantastic view, which provided a picturesque backdrop to our stay.

What I particularly appreciated about Catcat Garden House was its convenient location. It is situated near Catcat Village, allowing easy access to this popular attraction. 

Additionally, its proximity to the Sa Pa bus station made arrival and departure hassle-free. The homestay’s central location also meant the rest of the town’s attractions and amenities were within easy reach.

The staff’s warmth and hospitality truly stood out. My mom even had a chat with the owner, who was friendly and went out of his way to recommend some fantastic local eateries in town. One of his suggestions was the chicken pho at Pho Khuyen restaurant, which turned out to be absolutely delicious. 

Opting for a homestay like Catcat Garden House provided comfortable accommodation and a more authentic and personal experience of Sa Pa. It allowed us to interact more closely with locals and gain insights into their way of life, making our experience feel much more authentic.

Best Things to Do in Sa Pa

Sa Pa might be small, but it’s packed with exciting things to do. During our five-day visit, we were never bored. From shopping in local markets to exploring beautiful natural scenery, this Vietnamese town offers something for everyone.

Here are my top picks for things to do in Sa Pa:

Trekking through the Rice Terraces

One of the best activities in Sa Pa is hiking through the famous rice terraces. The green fields carved into the hillsides are a sight to behold, perfect for photos and nature enthusiasts. We spent an afternoon walking these terraces, enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Our hike followed narrow paths between the terraces. It was a workout, but the views made it worthwhile. We saw local farmers working in the fields, and as evening approached, the changing light on the terraces created a beautiful scene. It really made us appreciate both the natural beauty and the hard work that goes into maintaining these landscapes.

Shopping at Sa Pa Market

For a taste of local culture and a chance to pick up unique souvenirs, Sa Pa Market is a must-visit. This bustling is a hub of activity, especially on weekends when ethnic minority groups from surrounding villages come to sell their wares.

We spent several hours browsing the colorful stalls, admiring handmade textiles, traditional clothing, and local crafts. The market also has no shortage of fresh produce and street food, allowing us to try authentic Vietnamese flavors.

However, I should note the market can get quite crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak tourist seasons. Some visitors may find the persistent vendors a bit pushy, and it’s essential to be aware of potential overpricing for tourists. If you’re comfortable with lively environments and enjoy haggling, you’ll find the market a fascinating glimpse into local life.

Relaxing at Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village was just a short distance from our hotel, and it’s a cool spot to see how the H’mong people live. My mom, sister, and I checked it out on our third day in Sa Pa. The path down was pretty easy, which was great because my 67-year-old mom isn’t really big on hiking.

As we walked around, we noticed how peaceful it was. We even saw local women doing their traditional weaving and dyeing. My mom, who likes crafts, thought it was really interesting, so she ended up buying a scarf as a souvenir.

The waterfall in the village was pretty awesome. We sat near it for a while, enjoying the view and the cool air. It was an excellent spot for a family pic.

What I liked about Cat Cat was that it felt real, not just a tourist trap. Sure, there were some souvenir shops, but it didn’t feel fake. We even saw some kids playing games in the street, which was pretty cute.

The walk back up to Sa Pa was a bit tougher, but we all agreed Cat Cat was worth the visit. It was a nice, chill way to learn about H’mong culture without feeling like we were intruding.

Ham Rong Mountain and its Orchid Gardens

On our fourth day in Sa Pa, my sister and I visited Ham Rong Mountain while Mom rested at the hotel. We’d heard it offered good views of the area, so we thought it would be worth checking out.

The walk-up wasn’t too difficult, and the well-maintained paths made it easier than some of our earlier treks. Along the way, we came across an orchid garden, which was pretty impressive.

As we continued, we reached an area where clouds seemed to surround us. It was an exciting experience, though the visibility wasn’t great at times. However, at the summit, we got a clear view of Sa Pa town below and the surrounding mountains.

The entrance fee was reasonable (70,000 VND), and overall, it was a good activity for our last full day in Sa Pa, giving us a different view of the area we’d been exploring nearly all week.

What to eat in Sa Pa

Sa Pa offers a rich assortment of flavors that reflect the region’s diverse ethnic minorities and unique climate. If you’re a foodie like me, then you’re in for a treat. 

Local must-try dishes

From colorful sticky rice to hearty soups and grilled delicacies, the local cuisine is a feast for the senses.

Xoi Bay Mau (Seven-Color Sticky Rice)

The Xoi Bay Mau is a visually stunning and flavorful dish made with natural forest leaves. The vibrant colors and subtle flavors made this a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

Com Lam (Bamboo Sticky Rice)

These are rice cooked in bamboo tubes, often served with grilled meats. The bamboo imparts a unique, rustic flavor to the rice, creating a perfect partner to the smoky grilled meats.

Thang Co (Horse Meat Soup)

Thang Co is a traditional Mong dish with a rich, spicy broth. The flavors were complex and interesting, and the broth was hearty. I only tried a small amount due to my hesitation about eating horse meat, but what I tasted was good. I understand why it’s a local favorite, even if it pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Salmon Sour Hot Pot

Featuring local salmon and mountain vegetables in a tangy broth is the Salmon Sour Hot Pot. The freshness of the salmon, combined with local vegetables and zesty broth, made for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Thit Trau Gac Bep (Dried Buffalo Meat)

This smoky, flavorful finger food was one of my trip’s highlights. The meat is thinly sliced and dried over smoke, resulting in a chewy texture and savory flavor. Thit Trau Gac Bep is often enjoyed with a cold beer or local rice wine, making it a perfect appetizer or late-night treat.

Street foods

Like the rest of Vietnam, Sa Pa has a vibrant street food scene, which offers a mix of local specialties and popular Vietnamese dishes. 

What struck us was how fresh everything tasted. The vendors often cooked right before us, using ingredients that looked like they had just been picked or bought from the market that morning. We also noticed how different the flavors were from the Vietnamese food we’d had back home — everything seemed more intense and vibrant.

Our street food journey in Sa Pa was more than just eating — it was a way to connect with the local culture, though it wasn’t always smooth sailing. We tried to chat with vendors and learn about ingredients, but the language barrier often made this challenging. 

Sometimes, ordering became a game of pointing and miming, which led to a few surprises! We also noticed that hygiene standards varied widely between stalls, which sometimes made us cautious.

Here’s a down-to-earth look at our food adventure:

Xien Nuong (Grilled Skewers)

These meat skewers were a hit with us. The local spices like mac khen and hat doi gave them a unique flavor that we hadn’t tasted before. The smoky smell was mouth-watering, and the meat was cooked just right – not too tough, not too soft.

Banh Ngo (Corn Cake)

We tried this simple corn cake made from young corn, water, and salt. Banh Ngo was surprisingly tasty, with a natural sweetness that didn’t need extra sugar. It’s a seasonal treat, so we felt lucky to catch it while we were there.

Xoi Ngu Sac (Five-Colored Sticky Rice)

This rice dish was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Each color of rice had its own flavor, which was interesting to compare. We learned that the colors come from natural ingredients like turmeric for yellow and butterfly pea flower for blue.

Com Lam (Fresh Green Rice)

Eating rice out of a bamboo tube was a new experience for us. The bamboo’s subtle, woody flavor gave the rice a slightly chewy texture that was different from regular steamed rice. It felt like we were eating something that belonged to the mountains.

Banh Goi Chien (Deep-Fried Pillow Cake)

These crispy pockets filled with meat, veggies, and quail eggs became our go-to snack. The Banh Goi Chiens were filling and satisfying, perfect for when we needed a quick bite between sightseeing.

Sua Bap Nong (Hot Corn Milk)

This sweet corn drink became our evening ritual. It was comforting and warming, especially on the chilly Sa Pa nights. We even tried making it at home after the trip, but it was quite different.

We also found familiar street foods like banh mi, pho, and spring rolls. It was comforting to have these options when we wanted something familiar, but we tried to push ourselves to try new things most of the time.

Best restaurants and cafes in Sa Pa

While street food is 100% the way to go, we also discovered several dining options that offer both quality and value. Here are my favorites:

Viet Deli Restaurant

With two branches in town, Viet Deli offers many specialties. We enjoyed their thang co and vegetable dishes. Prices start from 69,000 VND.

Red Dzao House Restaurant

This restaurant features unique decor inspired by the Dao ethnic group. We tried their stream fish fish salad, among other things. The warm atmosphere and reasonable prices (from 60,000 VND) made it a favorite.

A Quynh Restaurant

Known for its thang co, this place also serves excellent sturgeon hotpot and salmon salad. Prices begin at 100,000 VND.

Practical tips when visiting Sa Pa

Our trip to Sa Pa taught us much about making the most of this mountain destination. Here are some practical tips we picked up along the way, covering everything from responsible tourism to what to pack:

Support Sa Pa’s local communities

Sa Pa’s economy heavily relies on tourism, which contributes significantly to the region’s growth. According to ASEAN statistics, Sa Pa received over 3.5 million visitors in 2022, generating substantial income for local communities.

Interacting respectfully with ethnic minorities like the Hmong and Red Dao can greatly enhance your experience while supporting local livelihoods. Here are some tips to make your visit more meaningful and beneficial to the community:

  • Learn basic greetings: Learn a few words in H’mong or Red Dao languages. Simple phrases like “hello” and “thank you” are often met with warm smiles and appreciation.
  • Book local guides: Hire guides from ethnic minority groups for trekking or village tours. This provides direct income to the local community and offers authentic cultural insights.
  • Stay in homestays: Opt for homestays in villages rather than large hotels, as this ensures your money goes directly to local families.
  • Purchase handicrafts ethically: When buying souvenirs, negotiate respectfully and fairly. Remember that these items often represent significant time and skill.
  • Participate in workshops: Many villages offer traditional craft workshops. Participating in these not only provides income but also helps preserve cultural practices.
  • Respect local customs: Observe and follow local etiquette, especially in homes and sacred places. Dress modestly and be aware of local beliefs and cultural sensitivities.
  • Support community-based tourism initiatives: Look for tours or accommodations that are run by or directly benefit local communities.
  • Learn about and respect the “no photos” policy: Some ethnic minorities, particularly Red Dao women, have a cultural aversion to being photographed. If you wish to take photos, always ask for permission first and accept their decision without question.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your visit positively impacts local communities while gaining a deeper understanding of Sa Pa’s culture. Remember, sustainable tourism is about creating mutual benefits for visitors and hosts.

Pack for a mountain climate

Sa Pa’s weather can be unpredictable. We packed layers, including light sweaters and a waterproof jacket. Sturdy walking shoes (I recommend Merrel!) were essential for the often muddy and uneven terrain. Also, remember sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the mountain sun can be intense despite the cool weather!

Always bring cash

While there are ATMs in Sa Pa town, they can sometimes run out of cash or malfunction. We brought enough Vietnamese dong for a few days and used ATMs to replenish when needed. 

Many places accept debit and credit cards, but cash is still king in smaller shops and for trekking guides, so it’s wise to have small denominations for easier transactions.

Prepare to lose signal

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes in Sa Pa but can be slow or unreliable. We bought local SIM cards for our phones, which provided decent 4G coverage in town and limited service in nearby villages. 

Needless to say, it’s a good idea to have offline maps and translation apps before venturing into more remote areas.

Always prioritize your health and safety

We took standard precautions like using insect repellent and drinking bottled water. The altitude initially affected us mildly, so we took it easy on the first day. For treks, we hired reputable guides and informed our hotel of our plans. 

We also carried a basic first-aid kit. Be aware that medical facilities in Sa Pa are limited, so travel insurance that covers evacuation is advisable.

A place of cultural diversity and natural beauty

Our trip to Sa Pa was unforgettable. The stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality of the local people left a lasting impression. Despite some challenges, like unpredictable weather and occasional language barriers, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. 

Sa Pa offers a unique perspective on Vietnam that you can’t find in bustling cities or coastal resorts. It’s a place to immerse yourself in ethnic minority cultures, treks through rice terraces, and experience mountain life. The contrast it provides to other popular Vietnamese destinations makes it an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the country entirely.

While we didn’t see snow during our visit, Sa Pa was still great. The misty mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant local markets more than made up for the lack of winter wonderland scenery.

Most importantly, approach your visit with respect for the local culture and environment, and you’ll find Sa Pa to be one of the most rewarding destinations in Vietnam!