Sapa Trekking: Valleys, Villages, Mountains and Clouds

If you love trekking, Sapa in Viet Nam should be at the top of your list. 350km far north-west from Hanoi, Sapa, the capital of Sapa District in Lao Cai Province, lies at an altitude of 1600m. 

Because it is the best place to trek in Vietnam, there are various trekking spots ranging from easy to hard levels, from one day to multiple days. It can be confusing for first-timers deciding which treks to pursue and whether to trek alone or to join a tour. It’s a headache.  But don’t worry, we can help you!

Weather is a very important factor in making that decision. It is necessary to have nice weather when you embark upon your trek because it can make or break the experience. Clouds can impede your view and the mud makes it difficult and sometimes unpleasant to walk up a steep slope. The best time to visit Sapa is from March to May and from September to November. It is dry and clean with sunshine during March to May, a very comfortable climate for traveling. But if you want to enjoy the terraces, September to November is the perfect time.

There are 3 levels trekking tour difficulty:

Level 1: Easy trekking. This also means playing it by ear. Walk around and pick the path you feel is best and experience the unplanned adventure. Normally these paths will lead you to small ethnic villages which will give you a brief understanding of Sapa.

Level 2: Medium trekking. These treks normally lead to pretty places that you may find on the internet, but they are not easy to access by car or motorbike. These treks are long but worth it. The most popular trek in Sapa is through Muong Hoa valley ,with a lot of undulating hills. You will pass the Lao Chai valley, Ta Van village, Ma Tra, Ta Phin or Hau Thao village on the way.

Level 3: Hard trekking. What can be harder than the trek to the top of Mount Fansipan peak? This is considered one of the most challenging treks for travelers. Normally, you will need 3 days hiking to complete the trek but it depends on what trail you take. For this trek, I recommend you find a porter to support you along the way. We have created a detailed guide on how to do this trek correctly.

You can try it by yourself or contact us. We’ll help you!