Guide

Sapa travel guide: how to get to Sapa, hotel tips, weather, warnings, trekking tips and other travel advices

Some tips for travelling Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam:

1. How to get there. There are many trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai. However almost all sleeper seats are controlled by travel agents. It is ipossible to buy sleeper tickets. The seat tickets are available and a few 2nd class sleeper may be available at the train station without makeup. From Lao Cai train station to Sapa (35km). Many minibuses are waiting at the train station for Sapa. They are offering the service with 3 USD/person. More about How to get to Sapa  
2. When to go. Tourist Peak Dry Season: Mar – May, Oct – Nov. Good season for trekking. to join the regional markets, please see when to go
3. Weather in Sapa. The climate of Sapa is unique to Vietnam. It is highly seasonal, with a subtropical climate in summer and a temperate climate during the winter. The hottest months are May and June when temperature may goes up to 29°C and the coldest months are December and January when temperature may drops down to 1°C. More about Weather in Sapa
4. Maps of Sapa and around. Sapa map. trekking map  and the Fansipan map
5. What to do in Sapa when you are there: do some excursions in Sapa to the villages, waterfalls and trek Fansipan
6. How about Halong Bay after or before the trip to Sapa: I recommend the Dragon Pearl Junk  for overnight