SAPA TRAVEL TIPS

We hope you are excited as we are about your tour to Sapa. You have made an excellent choice to venture north one of the most inspiring and colourful regions of Vietnam. 

When you finally decide on a tour and/or arrive in Sapa, be sure that you have arranged for an extra 'free' day. The free day will be extremely beneficial for getting acclimatized (to the town and to the altitude), getting sufficient rest after the night train, and adjusting to the weather. Take some of this time to meet with some of the people from the different ethnic minorities (Red Dao and Black Hmong to start), and to get acquainted with the geography.

Your best bet is to get a map, track out your trekking routes and look into possible extra little jaunts and explorations to neighbouring villages along your route. 

As you village-hop it is recommended that you reflect on where your money is going. Even small decisions such as where you purchase bottled water can make a big difference and spread economic benefits more equitably. Additionally, try to purchase souvenirs from a member of every ethnic minority. These steps can help create a more equitable tourism economy and ensure that you are doing your part to be a respectful and sustainable visitor. 

To and from Sapa can be done via rail or highway. If we were to advise on the best, most effecient way of travel, we would suggest going to Sapa via overnight train and returning to Hanoi by bus.