Welcome to Sapa, where the best hotels, lodges, and stunning views await you. Nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including the iconic terraced rice fields cultivated by local ethnic minorities. This guide will help you discover the best places to stay, ensuring you wake up to spectacular views each day. Whether you’re here for the picturesque landscapes or the myriad of activities like trekking, Sapa offers an unforgettable experience.
Where to find hotels in Sapa with the best view
One of the biggest reasons to visit Sapa is for its iconic terraced rice fields. These marvels, created by ethnic minorities over centuries, are best explored through trekking. However, what could be better than waking up, opening your curtains, or stepping out onto your balcony to enjoy these stunning views right from your room?
To help you find a hotel with a view in Sapa, we start by explaining the layout of Sapa so you understand where to look.
City Center
When you arrive in Sapa from Lao Cai train station or the bus from Hanoi, you will find yourself in the city center, where most hotels are located. While these hotels don’t offer views of the rice fields, some are situated around the town’s lake and provide mountain views in the background. Staying here means you are close to numerous restaurants, the local market, the stone church, and the mountain train to the Fansipan cable car station.
Muong Hoa Road
Heading to the edge of Sapa town, you’ll find Muong Hoa Road. Hotels on the right side of this street offer views of the terraced rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley. However, keep in mind that some hotels are built closely together, so not all rooms may have a view.
Further Along Muong Hoa Road
As you drive further down Muong Hoa Road, you get farther from Sapa town, but the views become even more impressive. Hotels in this area generally offer stunning vistas and are more luxurious and expensive. If your budget allows, this is an excellent area to stay in, as you are not far from Sapa town, and the views are some of the best you can find.
Resorts and lodges
Continuing even further down Muong Hoa Valley, you’ll find fewer hotels but some excellent lodges and resorts. For more information on these options, check out our article on the best resorts in Sapa.
How to get there?
You are likely starting your journey in Hanoi. Even if you are coming from other places like Ninh Binh or Cat Ba, it’s best to travel to Hanoi first, as the main highway to Sapa and the train all leave from there. Here are your options:
- Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai: This is a wonderful experience, though a bit rocky. In Lao Cai, you can take a taxi directly to your hotel in Sapa.
- Limousine Bus from Hanoi to Sapa: This comfortable option takes around 5 hours and drives during the day.
- Sleeper Bus: This saves both a night’s accommodation and daytime travel, taking around 6 hours. You have options like the normal sleeper bus and the VIP sleeper bus with more room. However, it’s not recommended for everyone, as some travelers find it difficult to sleep and feel unsafe traveling at night by bus.
When your hotel in Sapa is a bit out of town, you might need an additional taxi ride upon arrival.
Booking a Sapa package with hotel
Sapa is a complete experience that requires arranging multiple things: your hotel, transfer to Sapa, taxis to your accommodations, and activities like trekking tours, sightseeing, Fansipan, or hill tribe market visits. Unlike Hanoi or other city trips where you can walk out of your hotel to sights, Sapa requires more planning.
To make your trip hassle-free, consider letting us take care of everything for you. We work with many hotels in Sapa and can often arrange better deals. We handle train tickets from and to Hanoi with taxis to your hotel in Sapa or limousine buses from and to Hanoi. Additionally, we can organize activities like trekking or private car rentals with a driver, customized to your preferences. Our knowledge and experience in Sapa go beyond what you can find online, ensuring you have a memorable and seamless experience.
Let us know your wishes, hotel preference or let us do all the work: send us your wishes here.
Best hotels in Sapa with a view
Below is a list of hotels in Sapa that offer stunning views of the iconic terraced rice fields. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, check out our list of resorts and lodges with a view. Some of these even include infinity pools with breathtaking vistas.
Not all rooms in each hotel necessarily have a view of the terraced rice fields. Some hotels offer many rooms with these views, while others have only a few. Be sure to check which room you are booking. Keep in mind that hotels with a view are typically more expensive than those in Sapa town without a view. Additionally, within hotels that offer both types, rooms with a view are always pricier.
Prices below are indicative and can vary based on the season or hotel policies.
1. Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa
- Distance from Sapa: Central location
- Price Range: From $85 USD; Mountain view rooms from $115 USD
- Facilities: Rooftop café, spa, restaurant, bar
Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa boasts a rooftop café that offers a panoramic view from Sun Plaza to Cat Cat Village, giving the area a semi-European vibe. Centrally located, it’s easy to explore Sapa town’s local attractions from here. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with many offering stunning mountain views. The staff is noted for their exceptional service, making your stay pleasant and hassle-free.
2. Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel
- Distance from Sapa: 1.4 km
- Price Range: From $140 USD; Mountain view rooms from $210 USD
- Facilities: Swimming pool, spa, restaurant with a view, shuttle service
Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel is celebrated for its modern design reflecting the terraced rice fields. Rooms feature spacious balconies with unobstructed valley views. The hotel provides luxurious amenities including a swimming pool, extensive breakfast buffet, and shuttle service to the town center. The helpful staff and excellent spa facilities ensure a memorable stay.
3. En Hotel
- Distance from Sapa: 5 km
- Price Range: From $50 USD; Mountain view rooms from $80 USD
- Facilities: Restaurant, laundry service
En Hotel offers breathtaking mountain views from its rooms and balconies. Known for its clean and spacious accommodations, it’s a great base for visiting Fansipan Mountain and exploring local surroundings. The staff are friendly and helpful, often using translation apps to communicate effectively with guests. The breakfast is served in a nearby restaurant and includes a good selection of dishes.
4. My Gallery Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Distance from Sapa: 500 meters
- Price Range: From $115 USD; Mountain view rooms from $185 USD
- Facilities: Rooftop bar, spa, restaurant
My Gallery Boutique Hotel & Spa offers front balcony rooms with stunning panoramic mountain views. Situated close to local restaurants and away from tourist crowds, it provides a peaceful retreat. The manager, Lucie, is especially noted for her excellent service and local knowledge. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with a delicious breakfast buffet included.
5. Hotel de Sapa
- Distance from Sapa: 500 meters
- Price Range: From $80 USD; Mountain view rooms from $130 USD
- Facilities: Indoor pool, spa, restaurant with a view, jacuzzi
Hotel de Sapa is ideally located near Sapa’s town center, offering comfortable rooms with great mountain views. The hotel features an indoor pool, a relaxing spa area, and a variety of breakfast options. The staff is known for being helpful and accommodating, making it a popular choice for visitors.
6. Mega View Homestay
- Distance from Sapa: 1 km
- Price Range: From $35 USD
- Facilities: Restaurant, laundry service
Mega View Homestay is a budget-friendly option offering amazing views from its rooms. Run by a friendly husband and wife team, it provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The staff helps arrange trekking tours and other activities, making it an excellent base for exploring Sapa. The homestay’s social environment is perfect for meeting other travelers.
7. KK Sapa Hotel
- Distance from Sapa: 1 km
- Price Range: From $165 USD; Mountain view rooms from $200 USD
- Facilities: Indoor pool, restaurant, bar, spa
KK Sapa Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning mountain views. The hotel’s modern amenities include an indoor pool, spa, and excellent dining options. Guests praise the friendly and efficient service. The hotel is a short walk from Sapa’s city center, providing both convenience and tranquility.
8. Sapa Odyssey Hostel
- Distance from Sapa: 1 km
- Price Range: From $35 USD
- Facilities: Restaurant, laundry service
Sapa Odyssey Hostel provides one of the cheapest private rooms with a view. It’s slightly further from the town center but offers incredible mountain views and a comfortable stay. The friendly staff helps arrange activities and transport, ensuring guests have a memorable experience.
9. Sapa Valley View Hotel
- Distance from Sapa: 1 km
- Price Range: From $55 USD; Family Suite with Balcony from $110 USD
- Facilities: Restaurant, bike rental, laundry service
Sapa Valley View Hotel offers fantastic mountain/valley views, especially from the Family Suite with Balcony. The staff is friendly and helpful, even offering complimentary drinks upon returning from activities. Guests love the convenient location near trekking tours and restaurants with delicious food.
Tips
Cheaper accommodations with a view
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options that still offer spectacular views, consider staying in homestays outside of Sapa town. These accommodations provide stunning vistas of the terraced rice fields and surrounding mountains at a fraction of the cost of hotels in or near the town. While they might be a bit more rustic, they often offer a more authentic experience and a closer connection to the local culture.
Best time to see the view
The view in Sapa changes throughout the year, each season offering a unique perspective:
- Winter (December – February): There’s a higher chance of fog, which can either block the views or create a mystical, enchanting atmosphere.
- Spring: This season is very lively as it marks the beginning of the watering season. The landscape starts to green up, and the fields are filled with water, reflecting the sky.
- Summer: The rice fields are lush and green, offering a vibrant and refreshing sight as the rice grows.
- Autumn (September): This is the golden harvest season. The fields turn a beautiful golden color, providing some of the most stunning and picturesque views.
- Post-Harvest: After the harvest, the fields are bare, but the views of the surrounding mountains remain spectacular.
Checking reviews
Before booking a hotel, it’s crucial to read reviews from other travelers. Reviews can provide insights into the quality of the views, the comfort of the rooms, and the level of service. Look for reviews that mention specific aspects important to you, such as the view from the room, the friendliness of the staff, and the cleanliness of the facilities.
Room selection
Always confirm if the room you are booking has a view of the rice fields. Some hotels have a mix of rooms with and without views, and the latter are often less expensive.
Seasonal prices
Be aware that hotel prices can vary significantly depending on the season. Peak seasons like the golden harvest in autumn might be more expensive.
Location
Consider how close the hotel is to the attractions you want to visit. Hotels in the city center offer convenience, while those further out provide tranquility and better views.
Facilities
If amenities like a pool, spa, or rooftop bar are important to you, make sure to choose a hotel that offers these facilities.
