Hi I have never treked before and am going to Vietnam in early March 2008 and would like to
go treking in Sapa and surrounding area
What level of fitness is needed, what wiil the weather be like in early Mrch
what type of footwear should I have plus other clothing
I have been told that I can arrange some terk,s in Sapa from Hanoi
should I do this, I dont really want to be tied down to a set schedule
I was thining of getting the train from Hanoi and getting something started after arrival myself
I would have about 4 or 5 day,s
I wiil be traveling on my own is this a disadvantage
sorry for being so vague but I have not got a clue about treking or hill walking
and last bit not least what soret of budget will I need
was thinking of about $15/$20 for accomadation and about $30 after that for daily expences
Thank,s very much
Paul
try the mountain view hotel in sapa not bad rooms and great views, they can also arrange easy treks for you, it can be quite cool there in march
I went in early april it was cool and wet, probably similar in early march also
yes about $10 or $15 for hotel, but you can also stay at homestays in one of the villages
talk to the local hill tribe people you will see them all over town, they can arrange a trek into their village with you for next to nothing, and you can stay at a homestay at the village costs $4 or so, plus food thats maybe another $5. Easy enough, you really dont need to sort anything out until u arrive right in Sapa.
Hey Paul - I'll be in that area in early March '08 also (coming from Oregon) - we seem to have the same idea too. I'll also be alone and have very little trekking experience, but want to see the hill tribes and the rice terraces and especially meet the people. I've read that the place can be overrun with tourist minibuses, tour guides and trekkers (actually outnumbering the locals on market day). If this is indeed true, I think that I'll be forced to avoid the area on market day (the weekend), and perhaps altogether! I sure as heck don't want to be part of a mass tourist mob that I fear is all too true. Sounds to me like half the tourist industry in
N. Vietnam heads to Sapa on Saturday? Just thought I'd bring this up. Perhaps recent visitors to the area will tell us the real truth.
Trekking in Sapa is pretty lightweight, at least you can decide what level of exertion you want but if you just want an overnighter into the valley or something like that it's fairly easy going. I don't think you will need to book ahead for treks or hotels. Your budget looks fine too. I paid a mere $7 for my room in Sapa.
WeiLong in Sapa
Level of fitness - you'll probably be ok doing a couple of days trekking to a few villages from sapa even with just basic fitness. you'll need to be much fitter to do mount fansipan - 3-5 days might be involved and i think they do some climbing with ropes etc. an older couple with us struggled on a standard day-walk down through 3 villages and back out of the valley but it could've been the heat.
i'd recommend sturdy shoes with ankle support - light walking boots. it was a bit muddy when i did it and there are some steep bits.
you can easily arrange treks of one day or more once you arrive in sapa. some people who organised 'tours' from hanoi ended up on the ones the independent travellers arranged anyway.
if you travel independently, make sure you book a soft sleeper there and back well in advance. i had no trouble getting a soft sleeper up but to get back to hanoi i was stuck on a hard sleeper, even though i booked 3 days before in Sapa.
it's also better to have the tickets in your hand when you leave Hanoi rather than messing around in Lao Cai (where the train for sapa arrives and departs) trying to pick up tickets from dodgy agents - a whole bunch of us had some dramas there including having paid for soft sleepers and ending up in hard sleepers which are quite a bit less comfortable.
travelling alone is fine all over Vietnam including Sapa.
my room at Mountain View Hotel which did indeed have a lovely view was only $7. day-trips cost $10 through the same hotel.
yes, it is touristy. yes, it's a circus. but the scenery is pretty amazing and it can be quiet when you head out of town on a walk.
your budget sounds generous - you'll be able to do anything you want with that daily amount.
Hi Paul
4/5 days will give you a good insight into Sa Pa.
Most people come up for the Saturday and Sunday markets.
Its not only westerners but many Hanoians and other Vietnamese who come for the weekend
I dont believe that Sa Pa is overrun by tourists and certainly isnt a circus. Its alive and active
The 2 busiest days in Sa Pa are Saturday and Sunday
Saturday is Sa Pa market day and its fabulous , the town is abuzz with villagers who for the most part get dressed up for the day and its an opportunity for them to drink some , and sometimes , a lot of rice wine. and generally shoot the breeze.
A lot of H'Momg wear their shiny cloth outfits on this day . Its their dressing up gear.
Sunday isnt that busy as most people head out to the Sunday markets with Bac Ha being the most popular and the town is , compared to Saturday , deserted.
Monday is a great day in Sa Pa as the weekend crowd has left.
Do not book ahead for anything . Just turn up , its a breeze
Hard to beat having breakfast on a hotel balcony after having arrived from Lao Cai and taking in the view of the Fancypants range and then having a cold Ha Noi beer in the evening after coming back from a walk
There are many great walks and treks for all levels and they are easily arranged through the hotels and do go up to the Botanical Gardens.
If you are there on a Tuesday go to the Coc Ly market
Mountain View is an excellent basic hotel
Enjoy your time with H'Momg and Red Dzao
# 3 If you dont go you will never know . You will regret it.
Cheers
trusted partner
