Sapa

Why visit Sa Pa?

The countryside around Sa Pa looks positively otherworldly, especially when viewed from above. The swirling green and yellow rice terraces of Sa Pa almost resemble crop circles, so perfectly formed it’s like they were crafted by (a very creative) giant’s hand.

Even if you have zero interest in farming, or in how fertile the land is, you’ll surely appreciate Sa Pa’s blinding green hills and mountains, perfect distractions during an often bumpy bus journey (psst…for more comfort, take the overnight train here instead!)

Though of course, you don’t have to just view Sa Pa’s countryside from your window – you can trek throughout it as part of a guided tour for several days, or even just go for a walk from one of Sa Pa’s many scenic homestays and hotels to get back to nature.

What makes this area so special though, isn’t just its scenery: it’s the unique culture of the ethnic minorities dotted around its rice terraces and mountains who, even after decades of tourism, are as warm, welcoming and joyful as ever.

What to do in Sa Pa

Although Sa Pa can be a magical place and a great destination for families, couples and solo travellers alike, it doesn’t always have the best reputation. There can be a slightly dingy, seedy side to the town; plus, it can be hard to navigate the area for first-time travellers here – which is why a custom made Sa Pa tour is so valuable.

By working with a company like Wide Eyed Tours & Travel, who have a local travel team on the ground, you can find the best places to stay in and around Sa Pa. You’ll also be able to visit the various ethnic minorities – including Red Dao, Black H’Mong and Giay tribes – and to stay with them as part of an overnight homestay package.

Booking a Sa Pa tour with us means you can access the most authentic, and the best, parts of Sa Pa that you might miss otherwise: all the while feeling safe, comfortable and welcome.

Our Sa Pa travel itineraries are 100% customisable, depending on what you’d like to do and see…but to give you an idea, here are a few of the top things to do in Sa Pa:

• Mt Fansipan: Whether you choose to climb it over two days, or take the cable car for 30 minutes, the views from Vietnam’s highest mountain are outstanding.
• Ansapa Village: Kitsch as can be, but very entertaining – and great for photo ops!
• Muong Hoa Valley: Take a scenic train journey, or trek to visit different ethnic minorities, with plenty of chances for waterfalls and river swims along the way.
• Trekking: There’s heaps of half-day, full-day or multi-day trekking options around Sa Pa – our travel team can chat to you about your preferences (and your fitness levels!) to tailor your adventure.
• Homestay: Witness the morning rituals and daily work of one of Sa Pa’s ethnic minorities, with spectacular views beyond.

Though the city of Sa Pa itself isn’t seen as all that attractive, and many travellers would rather stay in the surrounding hills, we still think it’s worth visiting its chilled-out lake, the chaotic (and cheap!) Sa Pa Market and splashing out on some of the nicest Sa Pa accommodation around. There are some great restaurants in Sa Pa, too – something our travel assistants are happy to chat to you about.

What’s the best time to visit Sa Pa?

The best time for visiting Sa Pa is during low rainfall, sunny days and coolish nights – you’re likely to get these elements from March to May and from September to November, when the view of the terraced rice fields is arguably best.

You can still enjoy trekking in Sa Pa during the summer months: it gets warm but not as hot as many other parts in Vietnam. If you visit Sa Pa between April and May, you’ll get to see more of a variety of colourful flowers while those who travel during winter will be rewarded for enduring cold nights with incredible sunrises.

Really, Sa Pa is a year-round destination: just make sure you pack the right clothes for whatever season you visit. The scenery will be beautiful either way.

Where to stay in Sa Pa

With tourism a rapidly developing industry here, there’s plenty of Sa Pa accommodation types to pick and choose from.

It all depends on what you’d like to get out of the experience. Want to stay in a comfy hotel and visit local ethnic minorities at your own pace during a short day tour? We can book a room with our trusted partners.

However, the most popular option for accommodation in Sa Pa is typically a homestay with a local family. A huge part of Northern Vietnam travel, we’d recommend you do this at least one during your journey – it’s an experience like no other.

Ready to book your Sapa holiday?

Whether you choose the overnight train from Hanoi (the most comfortable option, a fun activity in itself!) or a ‘limousine bus’ to Sa Pa (which is handy, but not quite as luxurious as it sounds!), a trip to Sa Pa is more than worth it.

Sa Pa travel offers an opportunity to be welcomed into a unique, local community and to enjoy a slower, traditional way of life. Our Vietnam travel assistants can organise an overnight homestay experience, so you can immerse yourself in the culture and feel like part of the family – just make sure to bring your appetite as you will be fed plenty!

Though Sa Pa is fast gaining popularity, our local team can still lead you down roads less travelled. We can help you work out how to get there, where to stay, and what to do in Sa Pa for however many days you choose to spend.

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