SaPa Vietnam is a stone’s throw from the Chinese border, 350km from Hanoi . The area’s Hoang Lien Son mountain range includes Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan, at 3,142m. The trek can be done in a day, but it is recommended that hikers go overnight as you don’t want to run down a muddy trail to beat the sunset. Sapa weather is moderate and cool in the summer, wet from May to September and foggy and cold in winter with occasional snow.
Sapa is home to many ethnic minorities, namely the H’mong and Yao group, the Tay, Zay and a small number of Xa Pho. Most of them live in small villages in modest huts and hamlets scattered throughout the district.
If you’re in the market for ethnic minority handicrafts, the villagers will be more than willing to oblige. Sapa is a bit off the beaten path compared to other destinations in Vietnam, making for more engaged locals. Especially popular are the traditional quilts and clothing.
One of Vietnam’s best hiking destinations, it is easy to hire a local guide for both day hikes and longer trekking adventures. Don’t be surprised if your guide effortlessly scales cliffs in nothing more than plastic sandals while you trudge behind.
There are daytime and overnight sleeper trains between Hanoi and Lao Cai. Sleeper trains leave Hanoi at 9:50 pm and arrive in Lao Cai at 6:15 am. Private cabins are available at livitrans.com.