A Backpacker’s Guide to Sapa, Vietnam
- Martha Pillin
- Feb 4
- 10 min read
Sapa is stunning - when the mist clears. The town can feel touristy, but step outside, and you’ll find quiet villages, endless rice terraces, and winding mountain roads. The weather is unpredictable, the trails can be rough, and the trek sellers persistent, but if you embrace the chaos, Sapa has a way of making it all worthwhile.
Travelling Vietnam? Read: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Vietnam
When To Visit Sapa
The best time to visit Sapa is March to May and September to November.
March to May (Spring): Clear skies, mild temperatures, and lush green landscapes. Ideal for trekking and exploring without heavy rain or extreme cold.
September to November (Autumn): The rice terraces turn golden before the harvest (especially in late September), making it the most scenic time to visit. Cooler, dry weather is perfect for hiking.
When to Avoid:
June to August: Hot, humid, and rainy season - expect muddy trails and occasional landslides.
December to February: Cold, foggy, and sometimes even snow - great if you like dramatic landscapes but not ideal for trekking.
How to get to Sapa from Hanoi
Sapa doesn’t have its own airport, so the journey involves traveling to Hanoi first and then making your way to the mountains by train, bus, or motorbike. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get there, including costs and what to expect:
1. Sleeper Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Then Bus to Sapa)
Time: ~8 hours (train) + 1 hour (bus)
Cost: £20 – £40 (train) + £2 – £3 (bus)
Taking the overnight train is a classic way to get to Sapa. The train runs from Hanoi to Lao Cai, the nearest city to Sapa. From Lao Cai, you’ll need to take a minibus or taxi for the final 35 km up the mountain to Sapa.
Trains leave from Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hanoi) in the evening (8 – 10 PM) and arrive in Lao Cai early morning (5 – 6 AM).
Several classes are available:
Hard Seat (~£5) – Cheapest but not recommended for an overnight journey.
Soft Seat (~£10 – £15) – Better, but still not great for sleeping.
Sleeper Cabin (~£20 – £40) – Comfortable beds in 4- or 6-bed cabins, best option for backpackers.
Private train companies (Sapaly, Victoria Express) offer more luxurious options, but standard Vietnam Railways trains are fine.
Once in Lao Cai, minibuses to Sapa are everywhere, costing £2 – £3. The ride takes about an hour on winding roads.
2. Sleeper Bus from Hanoi to Sapa
Time: ~6 hours
Cost: £10 – £15
The sleeper bus is the most budget-friendly and direct option, taking you from Hanoi straight to Sapa without transfers.
Buses depart from My Dinh, Gia Lam, or Nuoc Ngam Bus Stations in Hanoi. Many also offer Old Quarter pick-ups. Most are sleeper buses with reclining seats/beds, but some have semi-sitting seats. Prices vary by bus company, but expect £10–£15 for a one-way ticket. Travel time is around 6 hours, meaning you can leave Hanoi in the evening and arrive in Sapa early morning.
Recommended bus companies:
Sapa Express – Comfortable, reliable
Green Bus – Good safety record
Interbus Lines – Offers VIP sleeper options
3. Motorbike from Hanoi to Sapa
Time: ~8 – 10 hours
Cost: ~£5 – £10 per day (bike rental) + fuel
Riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Sapa is an adventure, but it’s not for beginners. The 320 km journey involves winding mountain roads and unpredictable traffic.
Route Options:
Hanoi → Lao Cai → Sapa (Highway route, faster but more traffic)
Hanoi → Son Tay → Nghia Lo → Mu Cang Chai → Sapa (Scenic route through rice terraces, best for experienced riders)
Things to Consider:
Rent a semi-automatic or manual bike (~£5 – £10/day).
Wear a good helmet and pack rain gear - weather can change fast in the mountains.
Fuel costs are around £5–£8 for the trip.
If you’re not confident riding the whole way, you can put your bike on a train to Lao Cai and ride from there.
Which Option is Best for You?
If you want comfort, go for the sleeper train. If you’re on a budget, the sleeper bus is the best value. And if you love adventure, a motorbike trip could be the highlight of your Vietnam travels.
Transport Option | Cost | Time | Best For | Notes |
Sleeper Train + Bus | £20 - £40 | 9 hours | Comfort & safety | Best for avoiding bumpy roads at night |
Sleeper Bus | £10 - £15 | 6 hours | Budget backpackers | Direct but can be uncomfortable |
Motorbike | £5 - £10/day | 8–10 hours | Adventure seekers | Only for experienced riders |
How to Get to Sapa from Other Places in Vietnam
While most people go to Sapa from Hanoi, you can also reach it from other major destinations like Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, and Da Nang.
1. From Ha Giang to Sapa
Time: 6 – 8 hours
Cost: £8 – £15
Bus:
Direct sleeper and minivans run between Ha Giang and Sapa. They take about 6–8 hours and cost £8 - £15.
Motorbike:
If you’re already riding the Ha Giang Loop, you can continue to Sapa by motorbike via Bac Ha. It’s a long and challenging ride (~300 km), so only attempt it if you’re experienced.
Recommended Bus Companies:
Green Bus
Interbus Lines
2. From Ninh Binh to Sapa
Time: 8–10 hours
Cost: £12–£18
Direct Sleeper Bus:
Some companies operate direct Ninh Binh → Sapa routes, taking around 8 – 10 hours and costing £12 – £18.
Train via Hanoi:
Take a train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi (~2 hours, £5 – £10), then continue by train or bus to Sapa.
Recommended Bus Companies:
Sapa Express
Green Bus
Good Morning Sapa
3. From Da Nang (or Hoi An) to Sapa
Time: ~18 – 24 hours
Cost: £25 - £40
Flight + Bus/Train:
Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi (~1.5 hours, £25 – £50).
Take a train or bus from Hanoi to Sapa (see details above).
Direct Sleeper Bus:
A few companies run direct buses from Da Nang to Sapa, but it’s a brutal 24-hour ride with multiple stops.
4. From Ho Chi Minh City to Sapa
Time: ~12 – 16 hours
Cost: £35 – £70
Flight + Bus/Train:
Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (~2 hours, £30 – £60).
Take a sleeper train or bus to Sapa (see Hanoi-Sapa details above).
Train + Train/Bus (Budget Option):
Take the Reunification Express Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (~32 hours, £25 – £50).
Continue by train or bus to Sapa.
Travel Tip
I would avoid the direct sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh to Sapa - it takes 40+ hours and is not worth the discomfort.
5. From Cat Ba Island (Ha Long Bay) to Sapa
Time: ~10 – 12 hours
Cost: £15 – £25
Bus + Ferry + Bus:
Take a ferry from Cat Ba to Hai Phong (~1 hour).
Take a bus from Hai Phong to Hanoi (~2 hours).
Take a sleeper bus or train from Hanoi to Sapa.
Direct Bus:
Some companies run direct Cat Ba → Sapa buses (ferry included), taking about 10–12 hours.
Which Option is Best for You?
Starting Point | Best Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
Ha Giang | Sleeper Bus | 8 hrs | £8 - £15 | Some routes require a transfer in Lao Cai |
Ninh Binh | Sleeper Bus | 10 hrs | £12 - £18 | Direct buses available |
Da Nang / Hoi An | Flight + Train/Bus | 24 hrs | £25 - £40 | Flying to Hanoi saves time |
Ho Chi Minh City | Flight + Train/Bus | 16 hrs | £35 - £70 | Avoid the 40-hour bus |
Cat Ba / Ha Long Bay | Direct Bus | 12 hrs | £15 - £25 | Includes ferry |
Getting Around Sapa
Sapa town itself is small and easy to explore on foot, but getting to the surrounding villages, rice terraces, and viewpoints requires a bit more planning.
1. Walking
Sapa town is small enough to walk around, with most restaurants, bars, and hostels within a short distance. If you’re planning to visit nearby villages like Cat Cat (2 km away), walking is a great option.
Cat Cat Village – 30 – 45 minutes (downhill, but steep on the way back)
Lao Chai & Ta Van – 3 – 4 hours (longer but very scenic)
Ham Rong Mountain – 30 minutes (for a great view of Sapa town)
2. Renting a Motorbike
Cost: £3 – £6 per day (+ ~£2 for petrol)
Renting a motorbike is the best way to explore beyond Sapa town. Roads can be rough, so only rent if you’re comfortable riding on steep, winding roads. Most hotels and hostels offer rentals for 100,000–150,000 VND (£3– £6) per day. Some rental shops also provide semi-automatic and manual bikes, which are better for Sapa’s hilly roads.
Best places to visit by motorbike:
Ta Van & Lao Chai Villages – 10 km (beautiful rice terraces)
Silver Waterfall & Love Waterfall – 12–15 km (stunning waterfalls)
O Quy Ho Pass – 18 km (one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain roads)
Tram Ton Pass – 15 km (highest mountain pass in Vietnam)
3. Hiring a Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm)
Cost: £1 – £5 per trip, depending on distance
Motorbike taxis (known as xe ôm) are everywhere in Sapa. You’ll often find drivers waiting near bus stations, markets, and popular tourist spots. Always negotiate the price before getting on and check that the driver provides a helmet.
4. Local Buses – Limited but Cheap
Cost: £1 – £2 per trip
A few local minibuses run between Sapa town and surrounding villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van. They’re used mostly by locals and can be an option if you’re on a tight budget.
Where to stay in Sapa
Hostels in Sapa Town
Lustig Hostel – Budget-friendly dorms with a social atmosphere and a terrace café. (From $4 per night)
Hmong Sisters Hostel – A mix of hostel and homestay with a hilltop location and great access to trekking routes.
Sapa Soul – Offers a unique cultural experience with direct interaction with the H’Mong Tribe.
Homestays for an Authentic Experience
Zizi Mekhoo Sapa Homestay – Mountain-view private rooms with breakfast included.
Ta Van Family House (Ta Van Village) – Located in Muong Hoa Valley, offering peace and beautiful scenery.
AnhDuc Homestay – Highly rated for its hospitality and connection to local culture.
Things to do in Sapa
1. Go Trekking in the Muong Hoa Valley
Trekking is the main reason most backpackers visit Sapa. The stunning Muong Hoa Valley is filled with cascading rice terraces, traditional villages, and scenic trails.
Best Trekking Routes:
Sapa to Cat Cat Village (Easy, 3 km) – A short trek to a picturesque H’Mong village with a waterfall and local crafts.
Sapa to Lao Chai & Ta Van (Moderate, 12 km) – Trek through rice terraces and stay in a homestay with a local family.
Sapa to Fansipan Base Camp (Challenging, 15 km) – A more intense trek leading toward Vietnam’s highest peak.
Travel Tip
If you don’t want to trek alone, you can join a guided trekking tour with a local H’Mong guide for around £8-£18 per person.
2. Conquer Fansipan – The “Roof of Indochina”
At 3,147m, Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. You can either:
Hike to the summit (6-8 hours) – Requires good fitness, best done with a guide.
Take the cable car – The fastest way up, with incredible views. Tickets cost around 750,000 VND (£25) round trip.
3. Stay in a Local Homestay
For a real Sapa experience, stay with an ethnic H’Mong, Dao, or Tay family in a remote village. Popular villages include:
Lao Chai & Ta Van – Lush rice terraces and traditional stilt houses.
Ban Ho Village – Quieter and less touristy, with hot springs.
Cost: A homestay usually costs around £5-£10 per night, including meals.
4. Visit Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) & Love Waterfall
Two of the most beautiful waterfalls near Sapa:
Silver Waterfall – A tall, powerful waterfall (12 km from Sapa town). Best after rain.
Love Waterfall – A scenic waterfall hidden in a peaceful forest, ideal for photography.
5. Rent a Motorbike and Explore Sapa’s Countryside
Renting a motorbike is one of the best ways to explore hidden villages, winding mountain roads, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Where to go:
O Quy Ho Pass – One of Vietnam’s most stunning mountain passes.
Sin Chai Village – Less touristy, with gorgeous views.
Ban Pho Village – Famous for corn wine made by the local H’Mong people.
Motorbike rental is around 150,000-200,000 VND (£5-£7) per day.
6. Try Sapa’s Local Food
Sapa has unique mountain cuisine you won’t find elsewhere in Vietnam.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thang Co – A traditional H’Mong horse meat stew (best at the local markets).
Salmon Hotpot – Sapa’s mountain salmon is surprisingly fresh!
Grilled Street Food – Skewers of pork, sweet potatoes, and sticky rice cooked over charcoal.
Best Places to Eat:
A Phu Restaurant – Great for hotpot and grilled meats.
Good Morning Vietnam – Budget-friendly Vietnamese dishes.
Sapa Market – The best place for authentic local street food.
7. Shop at the Sapa Market
Sapa’s market is a cultural experience as much as a shopping trip. You’ll find:
Handmade textiles from the H’Mong and Dao people.
Silver jewellery and traditional clothing.
Fresh produce and exotic mountain herbs.
Best Time to Visit: Saturdays, when it’s busiest with local hill tribe sellers.
8. Ride the Sapa Cable Car & Muong Hoa Train
Muong Hoa Train – A scenic funicular train from Sapa town to the Fansipan cable car station. Cost: 200,000 VND (£6.50).
Fansipan Cable Car – Takes you from the valley to near the summit in 15 minutes.
9. Relax at a Mountain Café
After a long trek, there’s nothing better than sipping coffee with a view of the rice terraces.
Best Cafés with a View:
The Haven Sapa Camp Site – Panoramic views over Muong Hoa Valley.
Coóng Coffee Homestay – A cozy place in Ta Van Village.
Gem Valley Café – A mix of art gallery and mountain café.
10. Take a Herbal Bath in a Red Dao Village
The Red Dao people are famous for their herbal medicinal baths, made from local forest plants. These baths are said to help with muscle pain—perfect after trekking!
Where to Try It:
Dao’s Center Spa in Sapa town.
Homestays in Ta Phin Village (where Red Dao families live).
Cost: Around £3-£5 per bath.
Places to Eat and Drink
Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant – A popular spot offering classic Vietnamese dishes, including fried rice, noodles, and vegetarian options.
Little Vietnam Restaurant – Cozy and authentic, serving traditional Vietnamese specialties.
Moment Romantic Restaurant – Known for flavorful dishes like beef with green peppers and lemongrass.
Anise Sapa Restaurant – A stylish restaurant with a mix of Asian and European cuisine, along with local specialties.
Chapa Sapa Restaurant – Features highland ethnic-inspired architecture and serves dishes like grilled wild boar and black chicken braised with mushrooms.
Indigo Restaurant – A great place to try local Sapa delicacies with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Hill Station Signature Restaurant – A must-visit for traditional H’Mong and Red Dao cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
A Phu Restaurant – Well-known for its delicious hotpot and grilled meats, perfect for warming up in Sapa’s cool climate.
The Haven Sapa Camp Site – A combination of a bar, café, and restaurant offering stunning mountain views.
Dao’s Center Restaurant – Serves local Red Dao dishes and herbal teas, often combined with a traditional herbal bath experience.
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