so much to do?!! itinerary and guide to Sapa 🏔️

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Sapa is such a good place in the sense that it can suit all types of people and holidays. Whether you're looking for something more adventurous, or more chill, Sapa can do it all! Personally, I went with the chill route, so unfortunately I can't help too much for those looking for an adventure, but I still have some suggestions 👇🏻

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1. Fansipan Mountain (p2-4)

The first place we headed to after arriving in Sapa! To get there, we took an amazingly picturesque mountain train, followed by an extremely long cable car ride (those with acrophobia like me, beware!!!). Tickets to both can be purchased as a set via Klook. The views on the way are so stunning! There is a restaurant and some stalls for you to eat if you arrive on an empty stomach. To reach the peak of Fansipan, you have to take another short funicular up. These were not in our klook tickets so we had to pay additionally. Fansipan is an extremely picturesque place, however it can get very windy, cloudy and COLD so please dress warmly! Also, PLEASE take note of the timings for the last furnicular/cable car/mountain train. I believe they end at about 5pm so you need to plan well in order to not get stuck halfway with no ride down.

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2. Have banh mi for breakfast at Banh Mi & Breakfast (p6)

This, to me, is hands down the highlight of my trip, and the main reason why I'd return to Sapa in future. I've never had such AMAZING banh mi, and it's upsetting to know that no banh mi will ever compare 😭 the store is at the owner's humble abode, so yes your table will be in their living room. The baguette was crispy yet soft, the filling and sauce were on point. I highly recommend the butter+meat+sausage combination, I know people usually have patè instead of butter, but the butter here was so fragrant. It's slightly further out from the main city (5 mins or less via taxi), but it's 101% worth taking a taxi up there, then taking a nice leisurely walk back down. We went back to the place 2 times in our 3 day stay. I even left a google review just for them, cos it's what they deserve 😭 Google "Banh mi & Breakfast Sapa"! This delicious meal only costed us S$1-2!

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3. Enjoy Vietnamese coffee at the cafes with a view (p7-8)

After breakfast, we headed over to a cafe to enjoy the beautiful view. There are loads in Sapa, but I chose White Cloud Coffee and it just so happens to be empty that morning! Loved the salted coffee there. Another option I recommend would be Viettrekking Sapa cafe. The only cafe where you can get a view of the mountain train going past!

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4. Moana Sapa (p9-10)

We loved us our pictures, so of course we had to head to Sapa. A few simple structures for us to take pictures with, nothing too fancy! Simple, does the job (aka allow us to take cute pics), has toilets with paper. Nothing to complain about! Entrance fee costed us S$6-7 and comes with a bottle of water.

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5. Massage

Massage, massage, massage! The main roads of Sapa city centre are filled with massage parlours, so prices are extremely competitve and all rather similar. Just head to whichever looks emptier! If you're looking for a place that looks more fancy, try out Eden Central Massage & Spa! I got a full body massage there, t'was fine.

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6. Want to wash your hair?

I'd say... beware! On my first night, I opted for a hair wash as I dreadddd washing my hair (long thick hair problems...). Most of the massage parlours offer a hair washing service for an extremely cheap price. However, do take note that they use their NAILS to scratch at your scalp. Highly DO NOT recommend, you can try to tell them not to use their nails, but the language barrier is a pain. Will not be getting a hair wash service in Sapa anymore...

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7. Trekking

Sapa is full of trekking places, from mountains to ethnic villages. I was considering joining a trekking tour to one of the ethnic villages but eventually cancelled due to a lack of proper hiking shoes. The terrain looks extremely muddy and wet, so I don't recommend unless you have proper hiking boots/shoes! It will not be like taking a walk in the park for sure. There are lots of tours via Klook, and if you're looking for a proper mountain hike, check out Viettrekking Sapa. They organise multi-day tours to hike several different mountains, and they have different difficulty levels.

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8. Hotels

I initially wanted to stay at some of the more rustic bungalows out in the countryside, such as Topas Ecolodge. However the lack of convenience was such a huge factor, and they are all rather far out from the city. So I eventually settled on Viettrekking Sapa, a modern hotel in the city with an amazing mountain view as well. I fully enjoyed my stay, the rooms with the view are all so affordable and worth the price (p1). I paid $103 per pax for 2 nights; of which 1 night was in a room with an amazing view such as in p1! They have a restaurant and cafe, which makes things so much more convenient. When you book direct with them, I believe they give you restaurant credits as well so you basically save on one meal! Food was really nice. Would def stay at Viettrekking the next time I come back.

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