Sapa is a beautiful region in the northern part of Vietnam. It’s geographical location makes for the perfectly green environment full of lush hills, tea plantations and agricultural land as far as the eye can see. However, travelers choose to make Sapa tours not only due to its wonderful landscapes, but also due to eight ethnic tribes that live in this part of the world.
Ethnic minority village in Sapa
Landing a spot on the tourist map not so long ago, Sapa became an interesting destination for one wanting to get an insight into the lives of Vietnamese ethnic minorities. The town center was built on tourism and over the years many of the ethnic tribes sort new income from their visitors. Through selling their goods and opening up their homes for guests, Sapa became a very popular destination to participate in a homestay experience with the local people.
With an abundance of options available it is now very easy to stay in a homestay in Sapa. The question is though – How do you choose the right one?
Here are some options for choosing a homestay in Sapa and tips to guide you to choose one that’s right for you.
1. Book online
There are homestays that have made their way to Booking.com and Hostelworld, although one might consider them halfway between a homestay and a guesthouse. While these might not be the most authentic choices you are still getting a chance to stay in a relatively traditional home only with a few more comforts.
Inside a luxury homestayin Sapa
- Advantages – Those extra comforts! The homestays listed on Booking.com are often catered to tourists meaning you probably have yourself a western toilet, a restaurant and perhaps even a bar. Great for those who aren’t yet ready to take on the old traditional Vietnamese living style, which includes a bucket shower and a squat toilet.
- Disadvantages – Your money is more than likely going to a more affluent family. Not that there is anything wrong with that but there are many other people in Sapa who can’t afford the option of marketing their property on the Internet. If you want to support a smaller family then it’s best to book directly with a local.
2. Book through a tour agency
There are countless tour agencies both in Sapa and Hanoi that offer all-inclusive homestay and trekking packages in Sapa.
A village of Sapa which is often chosen to be a stop of tourists
- Advantages – Booking through a tour agency allows you to have a structured itinerary with ease-of-mind about the activities in your tour. To maintain their level of professionalism tour agencies generally offer support and detailed information about every aspect of your tour.
- Disadvantages – Tour agencies have been known to take excessive profits from the local people. While you might pay $90 for your tour, there is a chance that the owner of the homestay will only get a small percentage of that money, potentially less that $20. Given the fact that the tour company has to make a profit, you will more than likely be paying in excess of what the tour is actually worth.
3. Book directly with a local
When you arrive in Sapa you will have many local women coming to offer you their tours. The most common is a one or two day trek, with a homestay and all meals included.
Inside local house, simple but warm and full of new friends to discover
- Advantages – Your money is going directly to the local people, providing them with an income and giving them the option to set their own fair prices. The tour will also cost much less than a tour agencies price. Plus your homestay experience will be as authentic as it gets!
- Disadvantages – There are no real regulations other than the discussion you have between you and your host. Depending on the person you may or may not get all the information you require. It’s a mutual agreement between you and them, and trust is often required. Currently local guides who don’t work for an international or domestically licensed company are currently considered as operating illegally and choosing an unlicensed guide can result in fines for both guides and guests – however we are unaware of any instances of this occurring but it is worth bearing in mind.
Now you should be more equipped with information to make your Sapa tours in Vietnam memorable ones. You certainly won’t be disappointed when you visit this region, which is known to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
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