Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Rice Terraces in Ta Van

A Guide to Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is located in the Lào Cai Province of Vietnam and is a region that draws visitors from across the world. The town is situated on the side of one of the many mountains in the massive Hoàng Liên Son mountain range. It overlooks the valley below. The valley floor is filled with rice terraces that change from bright green to yellow depending on the time of year that you visit.

Most people visit Sapa to immerse themselves in the gorgeous landscape through trekking expeditions as the roads aren’t great and there are well-maintained footpaths. Trekking is definitely the best way to explore the region of Sapa, Vietnam.

Read on to learn all about what to do, where to stay, and how to book with this guide to trekking in Sapa!

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Rice Terraces in Ta Van

Trekking in Sapa Guide

If you want to go trekking in Sapa with a local Hmong guide, we highly recommend our good friend A Hang Thi.

You can message her on Facebook or on WhatsApp at +84 94 736 0557 (once you arrive in Vietnam you can also call or text her at +84 38 886 5878 once you have a local Vietnamese SIM card).

Sapa Travel Basics

Getting to Sapa

The town of Sapa is about 200 miles north of Hanoi. You can either hire a driver, which will be pricey, take a bus (which we recommend), or take a sleeper train. Sapa Express is by far the best bus operator as it has clean, comfortable buses with safe drivers. They generally leave right on time. It’s super easy to book your bus or train tickets ahead of time on Bookaway!

You can choose the 7 am bus with spacious seats (called the “Limousine Bus”) or the later times that offer beds. We found the seated option to be far more comfortable than the beds, especially for people who are tall or who have mobility issues.

As soon as you get off the bus in the center of town, you will be bombarded by Hmong women wanting to sell you their wares or offer you a trekking tour to their village. So you don’t necessarily need to book a trekking tour ahead of time unless you really want to.


Weather in Sapa

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: View from the Fansipan Cable Car

The weather in the Sapa region varies widely by season. In the summer months, it is considered subtropical and often experiences heavy rainfall. The weather in the winter is moderate, even chilly, and can even snow high in the mountains. July and August are the warmest months, and also the rainiest. The coldest months are December and January.

The wet season is from May to September, and although it can be rainy and miserable at times. This is when the rice paddies are their brightest green.


Planning Your Visit to Sapa

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Val Wheatley with H'Mong girl in Ta Van village

Depending on your preference, you can either plan your entire trekking in Sapa trip ahead of time. Or, you can get on the bus and wing it once you get there. Either is completely doable, it just depends on your preference and how much flexibility you have in your Vietnam itinerary.

There is no real need to book a trekking tour in advance as you’ll be approached by Hmong ladies as soon as you arrive, offering to guide you on a trek. You can choose to do a day trip or a multi-day trip in which case your homestays will be included in the tour.

If you have time, we would recommend booking your first or two nights in Sapa town so you can visit Cat Cat village and Fansipan mountain. Then, schedule a 2-day trekking tour with a local guide. Finally, spend a few nights in one of the smaller towns nearby to relax and unwind.


What to Pack for Sapa

There are countless stores in Sapa town (and all over Vietnam) hawking knock-off trekking gear. You can find anything and everything you’ll need for a trekking excursion. The only issue with relying on this gear is that it isn’t necessarily good quality. You don’t want to end up with a soleless hiking boot mid-hike!

If you do decide to pick up a jacket or backpack in Sapa, you’ll find much cheaper prices at the Sapa Market compared to the shops in the center of town. But you’ll need to haggle.

Pack a pair of comfortable hiking shoes that have a lot of traction and will keep your feet dry if you get caught hiking in a downpour. Throw a lightweight, compact, and water-resistant jacket in your bag. If you visit during the winter months, pick up a few pairs of water-resistant, fleece-lined leggings to keep you toasty. Don’t forget a small day-pack if you plan on doing a multi-day trek. You can leave your larger bags at your hotel.

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Complete Guide to Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam

Things to do in the Town of Sapa

As tourism in the area has increased, so has the infrastructure in the town of Sapa. It is now filled with hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars. It can be difficult to walk around the town as sidewalks are few and far between. But, it’s likely that will change in the coming years.

Sapa town is lively but it is also incredibly touristy. It is filled with backpackers who are being followed by Hmong ladies dressed in traditional attire, trying to get them to purchase their handmade woven treasures. If you are looking for a more tranquil, authentic experience, you may want to stay in one of the nearby villages like Lao Chai or Ta Van.

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Hồ Sa Pa Lake

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Ho Sa Pa Lake at Sunset

Most foreigners come to Sapa for the sole purpose of trekking. But there are a few things you can do if you have extra time in the town. The first (and free) activity is to have a stroll around Hồ Sa Pa Lake around sunset for beautiful mountain views. It’s also a bustling area in the evenings and a great place to people-watch.


Shopping in Sapa Market

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Sapa Market (Cho Sa Pa)

There is no lack of shopping in Sapa and you will be constantly bombarded by locals on the street showing you their wares. For the best selection and prices, you should head to the New Sapa Market (“Cho Sa Pa”) located ~1/2 mile east of  Hồ Sa Pa Lake. On the second floor, you’ll find rows of women selling both new and second-hand textiles from the local communities.

Bac Ha Market is the most popular market in the area as all of the minority groups in the area come together to sell their wares here. It takes place on Sundays and is about a 2.5-hour drive outside of town. Many tourists add this market to their guided tours. Or, you can rent a motorbike and check it out on your own.


Fansipan Mountain

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Fansipan Mountain Cable Car

Sun World has constructed a cable car that runs to the very top of Fansipan Mountain. At over 10,000 feet, is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula. The 15-minute cable car ride provides spectacular views of the lush rice terraces far below. However, this is probably not the best activity for those that are afraid of heights. When you exit the car, you’ll enter a huge restaurant and gift shop with a viewing area.

From the restaurant, you can choose to either climb the 600 or so stairs to the summit or buy an additional ticket to take the Fansipan funicular. It is generally quite cloudy at the top. If you wait a little while and get lucky, the clouds may open up to provide the most amazing views of the valley below.

Only buy a one-way funicular ticket and take the stairs back down. There is a massive Buddha statue, a temple, and several other statues and walkways on the way down.


The Local People in the Sapa Region

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Smiling Dao lady in Giang Ta Chai village
Traditional Dao attire

The Sapa region is home to several ethnic minority grounds –  Hmong (pronounced “mung”), Dao (pronounced “zow”), Giáy (pronounced “zai”), Pho Lu, and Tay people. They rely on farming and tourism to provide for their large families.

Each group has its own dialect and attire to differentiate themselves. And they don’t just wear the traditional attire for tourism purposes – you’ll see many women doing mundane chores in the countryside while wearing the same thing.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Young girls playing

The women and children that sell traditional souvenirs can be quite pushy. They will ask you where you’re from, what your name is, and how long you’ll be in Sapa before asking that you buy something. After a few “no thank yous,” they’ll eventually move on to the next tourist.

Keep in mind that buying something won’t actually make them leave you alone. In fact, it will likely have the opposite effect. If you say “yes” to one, you’ll attract several others also hoping to cash in.


Government Rules

In an effort to protect the Sapa region, the Vietnamese government asks that foreigners follow these rules:

  1. Do not buy and use the services of the street vendors and beggars
  2. Do not give children money or presents
  3. Do not litter on the streets or on the tourist sites
  4. Do not take photos of the local people without asking
Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Dao lady in Giang Ta Chai village

Of course, numbers 3 and 4 are a given. But we would argue that the first two are debatable. It is unclear how much of the money that you spend on entrance tickets actually goes to the local people. Many of them are living in extreme poverty. We did choose to purchase some souvenirs from the street vendors but tried to spread the love to multiple people rather than just buying from one.

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Where to Stay in Sapa

Trekking in Sapa: Topas Ecolodge

Topas Ecolodge

If you really want to treat yourself during your trip to Sapa, consider booking a few nights in the Topas Ecolodge. This stunning and unique resort is outside of the town and offers absolutely breathtaking views of the rice terraces from your comfortable room and from the pristine outdoor pool. It’s a great way to pamper yourself and an experience that you’ll never forget!

Check Prices on Booking.com


Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa

Aria Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, then Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa is the perfect getaway during your vacation in Sapa! Featuring spectacular views of the valley, a gorgeous outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and beautifully decorated rooms – you’ll enjoy all of the comforts of home here.

Check Prices on Booking.com


Trekking in Sapa: Sapa Horizon Hotel

Sapa Horizon Hotel

If you still crave luxury but want a more modest price point, consider booking a room at the Sapa Horizon Hotel. You’ll love the ultra-comfortable bed that you can sink into after a long day of trekking. And the delicious breakfast is the perfect way to start every day in Sapa!

Check Prices on Booking.com


Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Praha Hotel Sapa

Praha Hotel Sapa

An even more budget-friendly accommodation in town is the Praha Hotel Sapa. You can get really reasonably priced rooms or pay a bit more for a lovely private balcony overlooking the valley. The rooms are spacious and clean and the staff is so friendly!

Check Prices on Booking.com


Where to Eat in Sapa

We found the dining options in Sapa to be, well, pretty much all the same. Most of the restaurants offer similar cuisine options, including typical Vietnamese classics, hamburgers, and pizza. None of them are necessarily bad, but you probably won’t be raving about the food scene in Sapa when you leave. These two were our favorites:

  • Fansipan Terrace Cafe offers really beautiful views of the valley, a peaceful garden for relaxing, and yummy, reasonably priced dishes. Spend a few hours here sipping hot wine and enjoying the view!
  • La Roma Pizza has mediocre reviews on Tripadvisor which is a mystery to me because the barbeque chicken pizza is surprisingly delicious (especially for Asia). Plus, they offer a free beer and an order of garlic bread with every pizza!

Where to Drink in Sapa

Hot wine is the classic alcoholic beverage in Sapa. You’ll find restaurants serving different variations of it all over town.

  • Le Gecko Cafe is a cute little French restaurant with a prime location right on the lake. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a glass of hot wine, a tasty dessert, and watch the sun go down.
  • H’mong Sisters is probably the most popular hangout in town. At least, that’s what was recommended to us by the locals.
  • The Hill Station is a chain so you might spot them all over Vietnam. You can trust that every location will have a lively atmosphere and really good craft beer.
  • Luckydaisy’s Bamboo Bar is actually located down the hill from Sapa in the village of Tả Van. If you happen to be staying in Tả Van, this is the perfect place to relax with a cup of hot chocolate or hot wine.

Villages Near Sapa, Vietnam

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Dao ladies in Giang Ta Chai village

If the town of Sapa sounds too touristy for your liking, there are several other smaller villages nearby as well. They are just beginning to build their tourism infrastructure so roads aren’t as good, homestays can be lacking in luxuries, and restaurant options are a bit limited. But you’ll probably feel like you’re having a more “authentic” experience!


Lao Chải Village

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking:  Val Wheatley and H'Mong Lady in Lao Chai Village

Lao Chải village is just about four miles east of Sapa town. The locals here are referred to as “black Hmong” as their traditional clothing is thick jackets that have been dyed black from indigo. Many of the homestays in this village are not yet available to book online. You may want to go without a reservation and check out your options when you get there. If that makes you nervous, Eco Palms House is a good choice.


Tả Van Village

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: H'Mong lady in Ta Van village

Tả Van village is about a 45-minute drive from Sapa town and is another more laid-back area to stay in. The Giáy people own most of the restaurants, shops, and homestays, but the Hmong people live further up the mountain and hike down to peddle their wares. We really enjoyed staying at the “Salem Homestay” but the owner doesn’t speak English and the property is not yet online (but they do have Facebook!). If you’d prefer to book in advance, Mountain River Homestay is a lovely choice.

The taxi ride to Tả Van village will cost about 200,000 VND for two people or 250,000 VND for four. But keep in mind that the road may be impassable if there have been heavy rains.


Giàng Tả Chải Village

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Cau May Waterfall in Giang Ta Chai village

Giàng Tả Chải is the next village down the valley from Tả Van. If you are staying in Tả Van, it’s an easy 2.5-mile walk down to Cau May waterfall situated at the base of Giàng Tả Chải. There are also a few homestays in Giàng Tả Chải but very little else in terms of bars or restaurants.


Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam

Trekking is the number one activity to do while visiting Sapa and there are several areas that you can visit. You can opt for self-guided tours but you risk getting hounded the whole way by Hmong women who will walk alongside you for what feels like forever in the hopes that you eventually relent and browse their goods. A guide will keep them at bay. Plus you’ll get to learn from a local!

Self-Guided Sapa Treks

Trek to Cat Cat Village from Sapa Town

If you would prefer to do a self-guided trek, Cat Cat Village is only 1.15 miles from Sapa town and is downhill for most of the way. Your walk will begin on the road but the road ends shortly after the ticket booth (you’ll need to pay 70,000 VND/person) before you begin walking on a well-maintained stone path.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: H'Mong Musician in Cat Cat Village

You’ll pass several cute coffee shops and restaurants along the way, perfect to take a break and enjoy the views. When you reach the bottom of the valley, you’ll come across a row of water wheels, two picturesque bridges, and the impressive Cat Cat waterfall.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Cat Cat Waterfall

If you continue on up the stairs across the bridge, you’ll have a steep climb but you can turn the trek into a loop. Shops selling souvenirs line each side of the stone stairs. There are also several motorbikes waiting to take you back up to town if you’d prefer not to walk. Expect to pay around 30,000 VND for a motorbike ride back to Sapa.

Trek to Tả Van Village from Sapa Town

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Views from Ta Van village

Many people hire a guide to hike to Tả Van village. You can take the main road all the way there (although it won’t be a very nice walk as there the road is heavily trafficked). Another option is to cut off to the pedestrian trail on the side of the mountain. The turnoff to the trail can be hard to spot but dozens of Hmong ladies lead groups that way every morning around 9 am. You can just linger nearby and watch where they go.

You’ll have gorgeous views of the valley and the river below for the entire length of the trek. And once you arrive at the village at the bottom, you can either walk back up or hire a motor taxi to take you back to Sapa.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Val Wheatley with H'Mong women in Lao Chai village

Guided Treks Around Sapa

How to Choose a Tour Guide

There is no need to book a tour in Hanoi unless you specifically want to. You will be surrounded by Hmong women offering you their tour guiding services as soon as you get off the bus. As well as daily when you’re wandering around town. Keep in mind that you’ll be spending several hours or days with your guide. Choose someone that is easy to communicate with and not too pushy. Don’t feel pressured to choose a guide on the spot.

If you would prefer to book a guide in advance, contact our good friend A Hang Thi via Facebook or on WhatsApp at +84 94 736 0557 (once you arrive in Vietnam you can also call or text her at +84 38 886 5878 once you have a local Vietnamese SIM card).

A Hang Thi grew up in a Hmong village, speaks perfect English, and is hilariously entertaining!

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: 'A Hang Thi' - our H'Mong Trekking Guide

Get Your Guide also offers tours of the Sapa Region, some including transfers directly from the city of Hanoi. If you’d prefer to have a tour agency take care of all of the logistics for you, it’s a simple and cost-effective way to visit Sapa, Vietnam.

Choosing a Tour of the Sapa Region

Prior to selecting a guide, consider the following:

  • How many days would you like to trek?
  • How difficult and how long would you like the trek to be?
  • Would you like to see waterfalls? Or sweeping views from the top of a mountain? Or both?
  • Do you only want to trek or would you like to take a motorbike tour as well?

Once you give your guide the details of the kind of trekking that you’d like to do, they will determine what villages you will visit and where you will stay.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Motorbike ride with Dao lady

Our Trekking in Sapa Experience: 

Our trekking tour was 2 days/1 night. On the first day, we trekked 12 miles and much of the beginning was uphill so it was quite difficult. We had stunning views from the top and didn’t see any other tourists until we reached a small town where we ate lunch. Then we trekked all the way back down to Giang Ta Chai village where our homestay was right near a beautiful waterfall.

On our second day, we were sore from so much walking the day before, so we took a motorbike tour of the region that lasted about 3.5 hours. Everything was organized by our amazing guide, A Hang Thi.

Cost of Trekking in Sapa

If you book a tour ahead of time, you’ll pay around $25-40 per person per day depending on the length and difficulty. If you go for only one day, that price includes two meals. If you go for two or more days, the price will include the cost of your homestay and meals.

If you book a tour from one of the Hmong ladies around Sapa town, you can negotiate the price but you’ll likely end up paying around $20-30 per person per day. That should also include meals and homestay but you should confirm in advance.

Tipping Your Sapa Tour Guide

Tip (or don’t tip) your guide, it’s up to you. They don’t necessarily expect it but appreciate it of course. The locals in Sapa receive very little help from the government. They rely heavily on tourism to survive so if you can give them a few extra dollars, it goes a long way. A tip of 100,000 VND per person is pretty standard. If you are really happy with your guide, you are always welcome to give more.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam: Sapa Trekking: Hmong baby in Sapa

We hope this guide helped you to prepare for your trip to the beautiful region of Sapa, Vietnam!


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About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

5 thoughts on “A Guide to Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam”

  1. Nick and Val, My name is Karen and I am planning a trip to Vietnam in the spring and would like to visit Sa pa. I am a professional photographer and am looking the best sites in the area to hike and would like some guidance as to where these may be. My time is unfortunately limited so I don’t have the luxury of wandering for days in search of great locations. Also, I see online that there is a market that has lovely people dressed in their traditional clothing selling their wares in the streets, but I am getting confused with other markets in the region and am not sure if there actually is one in Sa pa, or if I need to travel several hours away to experience this. Finally, I would love a homestay if you have any recommendations. And, your website is fabulous! Did you take the photos, if so, bravo! Thank you so much for your time. Karen

    1. Hi Karen, So exciting that you’re going to Sapa – it’s the best! The market you are likely seeing pictures of is Bac Ha Market. It’s the largest minority market in the region. However, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive away from Sapa and it only happens on Sunday. If you want to see Bac Ha market you’ll need to plan your trip to make sure you’re in Sapa on Sunday. There are lots of tour agencies that can arrange for transportation out there.

      If you’re not going to be in town on a Sunday or a 5-hour roundtrip seems like too much don’t worry – there are lots of traditionally dressed women and children around the town of Sapa so you’ll have lots of photo opportunities. In the upstairs of the New Sapa Market there are loads of Dao women dressed traditionally and selling traditional textiles – it’s great for photos. Just don’t be afraid to ask people if they mind having a photo taken and carry lots of small bills. Many people expect you to buy something from them in exchange for a photo – not a bad trade really.

      In regards to hikes I would recommend hiring a local guide – our friend A Hang Thi is H’mong and knows the area very well. You might also consider taking a motorbike tour with her. You’ll be able to see more of the valley faster and you’ll have some great photo opportunities. She took us out to the narrow valley out past the Topas Ecolodge which has some of the most beautiful rice paddies I have seen in the area.

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