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Vietnam Travel Guide​
Sapa Tours
Explore our best Sapa tours by small group or private trips. Go trekking through the rice fields, stay overnight in a homestay or comfortable hotel. Travel further to visit some of the local minority markets and go more off the beaten track.
View tours >>The Best Sapa Tours & Local Experiences
Not sure what Sapa tour to choose?
Whether you’re looking for the best group tour, private experience, a custom made tour or just a private driver to bring you around, we’re here to help. Our local team knows Sapa inside out and can give you honest, expert advice—no pressure, just good suggestions.
About Sapa
Sapa is a mountainous town in northern Vietnam, known for its terraced rice fields, misty valleys, and ethnic minority villages. Set against the backdrop of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, including Fansipan—the highest peak in Indochina—Sapa offers a cooler climate and striking natural scenery. It’s a popular base for trekking through rice terraces, visiting local Hmong or Dao villages, and learning about traditional ways of life. Many tours include overnight stays in homestays, local markets, or scenic drives through mountain passes. While the town itself can be busy, the surrounding countryside feels peaceful and authentic. Sapa is ideal if you want to experience Vietnam’s rural culture and landscapes in an active, immersive way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapa tours
When is the best time to visit Sapa?
The best time to visit Sapa is from March to May and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and beautiful landscapes. April brings blooming flowers, while September is ideal for golden rice terraces during harvest season. Avoid the winter months if you dislike cold or foggy conditions.
What happens when it rains during a Sapa tour?
Rain is common in Sapa, especially from June to August. Trekking routes may get muddy, but most tours still operate unless conditions are unsafe. Bring waterproof gear and expect changes in the itinerary if needed. Light rain can actually make the scenery more atmospheric, but heavy rain may limit views and access.
Is a 2-day Sapa tour enough?
A 2-day Sapa tour is enough for a short trek and a village visit, often with one night in a homestay. It’s a good option if you’re short on time. However, for more remote routes and cultural depth, a 3-day tour offers a better pace and wider range of experiences.
Do I need a tour to visit Sapa?
You can visit Sapa on your own, but tours make it easier to explore villages, navigate trekking routes, and connect with locals. Many ethnic minority areas are best visited with a guide, who can explain traditions and ensure respectful interaction. Booking a tour also simplifies transport and accommodation.
How do I get to Sapa from Hanoi?
The most common way to reach Sapa is by bus or limousine van, which takes around 5–6 hours. You can also take an overnight train to Lao Cai, then a 1-hour drive up to Sapa. Many tours include round-trip transport from Hanoi, making the journey more convenient.
What’s the weather like in Sapa year-round?
Sapa has a cooler climate than most of Vietnam. Summers (June–August) are warm and wet, while winters (December–February) can be cold and misty, with occasional frost. Spring and autumn are mild and dry, ideal for trekking. Always check the forecast—temperatures can vary widely in a single day.
10 Highlights in Sapa Tours
1. Trekking tours
The best way to see the valley with its villages and rice fields is to take a trekking. You can choose from half a day to multi-day trips.
2. Rice fields
View the most beautiful terraced rice fields in Vietnam. Walking is the best option, but you can also cycle or explore the area by motorcycle or car.
3. Minority villages
Learn about the unique culture of the ethnic minorities with their colorful clothing and traditional houses.
4. Homestay Experience
For a complete experience, stay in an ethnic minority homestay. The overnight stay is basic but will be an experience you will never forget.
5. Local market
Visit one of the unique minority markets. Here you have hundreds of colorful minorities gathered to trade local produce and livestock.
6. Fansipan
Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam. You can reach the peak by cable car, but if you are a real adventurer you can climb the mountain.
7. Tram Ton Pass
The highest mountain pass in the country has beautiful views. Visit the pass on the back of the motorcycle or by car with private driver.
8. Waterfalls
There are a number of waterfalls you can visit around Sapa, such as the Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall. A cooling change after a trekking.
9. Bike tours
Explore the area by bicycle or motorcycle. You can cover longer distances than walking and it is an adventurous and fun activity.
10. Sapa town
If you want to take it easy, you can explore the city on your own, with a market, old church, museum and lookout point on Ham Ruong Mountain.