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How Long to Spend in Sapa?

Replies: 5 - Last Post: Jan 24, 2013 5:39 PM Last Post By: addynguyen

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RichardNova

RichardNova avatar

Jan 21, 2013 11:09 PM
Posts:  68

How Long to Spend in Sapa?

Hey guys,

I've been having a little look around recently, and haven't really found a general consensus.

This is my current itinerary for Feb 1st onwards:

1st - Arrival in Hanoi
2nd - Hanoi
3rd - Hanoi (night train to Sapa)
4th - Sapa
5th - Sapa
6th - Sapa (night train to Hanoi)
7th - Hanoi
8th - Hanoi
9th-11th - Halong Bay Tour (to escape Tet closures elsewhere)

However, I've recently been hearing noises that perhaps 3 full days is a bit much in Sapa. We're all for trekking, for sure, but I don't want to get bored whilst we are out there! Our budget is rather small generally speaking, so we won't be able to necessarily get expensive guides or tours done (that's for Halong).

My Question is: Is there enough to do in Sapa to fill those 3 days (we won't be there for the market)?

Thanks on any feedback.

hanno

hanno avatar

Jan 22, 2013 1:22 AM
Posts:  1,262

1

Difficult question. I love Sapa (spent 1.5 years up there), but then I do like walking (it is not really trekking, mostly gentle strolls). But then 2 nights are really the minimum as the train leaves most people quite tired. Your itinerary looks good to me.

RichardNova

RichardNova avatar

Jan 22, 2013 2:03 AM
Posts:  68

2

I like walking too, I was just a little concerned about running out of places to walk to! Well that's good to hear, do you have any tips for good day walks? If you've spent so long up there I guess you must have an idea or two!

Thanks.

hanno

hanno avatar

Jan 22, 2013 3:01 AM
Posts:  1,262

3

Far away from the tourists:-) Seriously: I would spend a little money on guides that get you away from the usual Cat Cat or Ta Phin walks (though both are nice if you start really early). You could also rent motorbikes and head much further down the valley towards Ban Ho.

Maanvis

Maanvis avatar

Jan 22, 2013 1:30 PM
Posts:  6

4

Hi,

I went there one year ago. We did a 'trekking'/walking tour of 2 days, with just 1 overnight stay in a small village.
It was short but I had good sleep in the night train and it didn't feel too short.

addynguyen

addynguyen avatar

Jan 24, 2013 5:39 PM
Posts:  2

5

Hi there!

Your itinerary It sound great. And I have to say that it look like the one tourist often done it,
for your 3 days you should do the trekking with homestay in village then you will have more extremely experience of the local life in Sapa. There about 6 different hilltribe up there. and I am sure that you will never been bored with those.
Cheer
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