Trekking in Sapa

If you’re travelling all the way up to Sapa, you’re likely thinking of going trekking. This is, after all, one of the most scenic regions of Northern Vietnam, and if there is one thing the frontier town of Sapa is known for, it’s rice terraces with sweeping mountain vistas. Sapa offers a wide range of trekking spots from easy to hard level. Tourists can choose the most suitable route depending on their skills and abilities from easy ones such as some walk around the town, visiting some tribal villages to the great achievement of climbing to the top of Fansipan at the height of 3,143 meters above sea level.

It is quite easy to undertake day hikes through the valleys around Sapa without the assistance of a guide. However, for overnight stays in villages and longer treks into the mountains, it is advisable to hook up with I guide. Where possible we suggest the use of minority guides, as this offers a means of making a living. There are endless for trekking. Pick up a decent map your course. The villages and the surrounding landscape are now part of Hoang Lien National Park.

The nearest village within walking distance is Cat Cat Village (admission 5000d), 3km south Like everywhere in this area, it’s a steep and very beautiful hike down; if you’re too exhausted or unfit to hike back up, there are plenty of xe om ready and willing to cart you back to your hotel.

Another popular hike is to Ta Phin Village (admission 5000d), home to Red Dzao and about 10 km from Sapa. Most people take a xe om to a starting point about 8km from Sapa, and then make a 14km loop through the area, passing through Black H’mong and Red Dzao villages. Most hotels offer guided day and half-day treks; depending on the number of people and what, if any, vehicles are needed, expect to pay somewhere between US$10 and US$30.

There are also community-based tours to the nearby H’mong village of Sin Chai with an overnight in the village to learn about textiles or music and dance. Other popular communities to visit include the Giay village of Ta Van and the Black H’mong village of Matra.

On the way, you will feel the hospitality of local ethnic people and discover many interesting facts about their ordinary life as well as culture and architecture. And the beautiful scenes of valley, terraced rice fields and numerous fantastic attractions on the trekking routes won’t let you down.