Sapa is a North-side town with the rugged scenery and the rich cultural diversity. Therefore, not only the views but also the culture and people will “wow” you. There are 8 things you should know about Sapa Travel before you go.
1. Sapa train is clean and comfotable to sleep overnight.
You can book the overnight train or bus to get to Sapa. The train from Hanoi to Lao Cai station takes around 8-9 hours, you will open your eyes and see Sapa in the very morning view. Sapa train is clean and comfortable to sleep overnight. You may have to book in advance both the Sapa train tickets from Ha Noi to Lao Cai and the bus/taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa town. The prices will be higher in the holidays and weekends. Read more about Sapa train.
See more: 10 Things you need to know about the train to Sapa
2. Sapa roads are curvy, you’d better bring the medicines.
You may feel one-hour Lao Cai to Sapa trip is super terrible. Both coming and leaving roads are curvy and the drivers are reckless. If you have the carsick, bring plastic bags or drugs along with you.
3. Hire a trekking guide for Sapa travel trip
Sapa Valley is known for its hilltribes and trekking. If this is just your first time in Sapa, you should hire a Vietnamese trekking tour guide from the travel agency. You may like the idea of trekking Sapa on your own or with a map. This is a great idea only when you know the Sapa roads well, as many tourists are easy to get lost when trekking Sapa without a tour guide. Contact us to get an experienced trekking tour guide.
4. Trekking to villages requires permits
Some Sapa villages may request to show a permits at the entrance. If you’re with an agency, this is alread covered in the fee. If you’re travel on your own, you may have to buy this permit in advance at the tourists information center in town.
Click and see more detail about our trekking tours.
5. Sapa Market is a culture shock for foreigners
This is not just a normal local market with fresh produce, herbal remedies and handmade cloths, Sapa market will shock you with the freshly-killed meats as chicken feet, horse legs, even dog.
Visit and book our interesting Sapa market tours.
6. The colors dye on the crafts can transfer
Hmong fabric is one of the best things you should buy in your Sapa travel trip. However, the colors can transfer to your hands, and your cloths easily. So, take the tips: 1) keep them separate from your clothes and 2) set the dye before you wear/use any of them (usually several washes with vinegar and salt)
7. Sapa travel food
Diverse in culture, colorful in cloths, and delicious foods become Sapa own attractions. You may want to visit P Cau May road, Sapa Square strings, or Sapa market for the dilicious street foods. The food was fresh, made with care and well-flavored.
Read more: Sample Local Food in Sapa
8. Cat Cat village is a must
Cat Cat is a peaceful place to enjoy the local people life and the majestic mountain sightseeing. Only tip for you is about gifting children: avoid giving them candies, give them balloons, pencils, notebook and others useful things instead. There are a lot of cool adventure tours to Cat Cat for you, check it out!
Now, you all know well about Sapa travel. Would you want to go there in this weekend? Come and book with Trekking Sapa for the best experience!
