BOOKING YOUR TOUR

Here a few thoughtful questions to ask when booking your tour.

Will the tour be led by a local ethnic minority guide? Can I request a guide from the village I am staying in? What are the ethnic minorities I will be meeting? Will I be able to interact with my homestay hosts and what minority are they?

What are some cross-cultural considerations I should be aware of?  For example, Should I bring gifts with me for my tour guide, my tour guide's family, my host family (e.g. wine, school supplies, household tools)?

What proportion of the tour price is going to the guides and/or the homestay family? What are some ways I can increase these amounts (e.g. purchasing brocade/batik products or beverages)?

What is the current weather in Sapa? Do I have the right footwear? Can I buy rubber boots in Sapa if the weather is wet?

Be proactive and kindly ask to join in cooking and other village activities such as farming, embroidery, or feeding the animals. When you visit your homestay, be sure to tell the homeowner if you don't have a permit to stay overnight and they will assist you in acquiring one.