Trekking? Again? Each time we think the hiking chapter closes, another beautiful destination pops up and we soon find ourselves ooing and ahhing over idyllic scenery right out of a postcard. If you find yourself in northern Vietnam, you shouldn’t miss out on trekking in Sapa, after all, it’s one of the most scenic regions in the country.If you are also planning to get a Sapa trekking trip in the near future, keep in mind some of the helpful tips below.
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| Photo: Vietnam Typical Tours |
1. What to do?
Sapa is a picturesque little town in the northwest, with views of green rice terraces and mountain landscape a home to Ethnic Tribes. While trekking is the number one activity, you shouldn't miss out on the other little adventures on offer.
Best Trails: Cat Cat village, Y Linh Ho village, Ta Phin village, Giang Ta Chai village, Lao Chai and Ta Van village, Muong Hoa valley, Ham Rong mountain.
Scenery: Love waterfalls, Silver waterfalls, Muong Hoa valley pass, Ham Rong garden, Ta Phin cave.
Bucket List: Cab;e car to Fansipan, Climb Fansipan peak, Sapaa love market, Motor bike tour, homestay experience.
Foods to try: Pau Play Day Cake, Bamboo sticky rice, Thang Co, Cap Nach pork.
Do's: Get to know the locals, Carry enough water, support local, community by buying their food and handicrafts.
Don't: Ask before taking someone;s picture. Avoid saying "maybe: to people selling you handicrafts. You'll be stalked!
2. Experience local life
Immerse yourself in the local culture by choosing a home stay experience. You'll get a snippet of how Ethnic people live in the villages and you'll be supporting them.
3. Know the Ethnic Tribes
There are 54 different racial-ethnic groups live in Vietnam. In Sapa, the ethnic groups are more diverse and colorful.
Each group wear different traditional costumes decorated with many color and details, todistinguish themselves from other groups.
4. When to do
The best time to trekking in Sapa is from March to May and from September to November. At these times, the weather is relatively stable with sunny days and cool nights. The first period is the fall time. At this time of the year, the weather is very comfortable for tourism.
5. How to get there
Take a night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai station near Sa Pa. We went through Sapaly and arrived safely in about 9 hours. You'll need to take a bus or taxi from the train station to your accommodation. Some hotels will set this up for you so plan ahead for this if possible. Once in Sa Pa, you can walk pretty much anywhere.
Sapa will leave you speechless, you'd want to return someday. I hope these travel tips have been useful. For a great experience book with Vietnam Typical Tours, I can't recommend them more! Do share some of your own or ask me some question.