Trekking or hiking in Vietnam never came cross our mind until I stumbled upon a beautiful rice paddy picture of Sapa last year. Heading to Sapa was quite a bit of journey... so this is not a typically holiday destination for people (like myself) based in Hong Kong. However, I was just so determined to make this trip and soak in the nature before returning to the bustling city.

Sapa is located in the Northern part of Vietnam near the Chinese boarder. The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Sapa is flying into Hanoi and take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. From Lao Cai, you will need another 40 mins transit to Sapa town where you start your trek. 

Train running between Hanoi and Lao Cai is operated by the Vietnam State. However, each cabin is managed by different companies. The company we rode with was Sapaly Train. We rode in a private compartment with 2 single beds and it had all the amenities we needed for an overnight train ride. 

We suggest researching for a trusted travel agency before you head to Sapa. This way you can get the most out of the time you have there. Having a private guide definitely gave flexibility according to our interests and capabilities. We booked our tour through Sapasister which was amazing. Our guide was born and raised in Sapa, she was very helpful, knowledgeable and speak very good English. She also shared with us many local cultures and history as we trek through different villages. 

Sapasister Link: https://sapasisters.com/

Do ask your travel agency for the option to have lunch in a local house. There, you can learn more about Sapa's traditional food and cooking. The people we met were simple and happy, and the food was delicious! It was a truly lovely experience.  

Sapa is a small town in the Northern part of Vietnam. There are few luxury resorts up in the mountain, but to get the full experience, we suggest staying in a boutique hotel near town centre (which was what we did). If you are feeling adventurous, book a homestay in one of the villages! 

The hotel we stayed at (The Hill Station Boutique Hotel) is a chic and modern B&B situated in the heart of Sapa. You not only wake up to some breathtaking views, they also prepare you with super delicious breakfast as a prep for the day of trekking ahead.

Hotel Link: http://thehillstation.com/

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