Should I skip Sapa Vietnam?

Is it worth going to Sapa in Vietnam?

Sapa… it’s complicated. The beauty’s still there, I guess. But the town itself… ugh.

It’s overrun. Noisy. So much construction. The air… heavy. Not the clean mountain air I’d hoped for.

The trekking is still worth it, though. The rice terraces are stunning. Absolutely stunning. But the town… it drains you.

• Overwhelming tourism: Too many people. Too many tour groups. It’s lost its charm.
• Pollution: The air quality is awful, especially in the town center. Exhaust fumes everywhere.
• Noise: Constant noise from construction, motorbikes, and loud tour guides.
• Authenticity lost: It feels manufactured now, geared towards tourists. Not authentic.
• However, the surrounding areas remain beautiful. The natural scenery is still breathtaking. Go trekking.

I went in 2023, July. The heat was intense. Even the altitude couldn’t cool it down completely. I spent three days there. Three days was enough. More than enough. The surrounding villages are better, though the journey there is long. My ankles still hurt from the hike. The views… breathtaking. But the town itself? A huge disappointment. I’d go back for the hiking, but wouldn’t stay in Sapa Town again.

What is special about Sapa?

Sapa. The word itself hangs in the air, heavy with mist and the scent of rice. Terraces, endless, sculpted into the mountainside. Green, impossibly green, a living tapestry woven by time. Each curve, each fold, a whispered story.

The air, thin and cool, bites at my cheeks. I remember that chill, sharp and clean. Mountains, colossal, thrusting towards a sky perpetually veiled in soft, ethereal grey. A timeless beauty, this.

Ethnic minority groups. Their vibrant clothes, a flash of colour against the muted landscape. Their songs, haunting melodies carried on the wind. I felt their history, their strength, etched onto their faces. A tapestry as rich and varied as the rice terraces themselves. 2023, and the echoes of centuries past still resound.

Fansipan. The roof of Indochina. The climb was arduous, my legs screaming in protest, but the view. Oh, the view. A panorama of cloud-swirled peaks, a breathtaking, impossible vista. Worth every aching muscle. Absolutely worth it.

The markets, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells. Handwoven textiles, vibrant silks, the murmur of bartering voices. I bought a small silver amulet, a reminder. It rests in my pocket now, cool against my skin.

• Breathtaking rice terraces: Endless cascading layers of emerald green.
• Majestic mountains: Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, dominates the landscape.
• Unique culture: Diverse ethnic minority groups, each with its own traditions and customs.
• Vibrant markets: A sensory explosion of colours, sounds and scents.

I felt Sapa in my bones, in the very air I breathed. It wasn’t just a place; it was a feeling, a memory etched deeply, a yearning that remains. The mist still clings to me, I swear.

How do I get from Hanoi to Sapa?

Hanoi to Sapa? Train.

Overnight Hanoi-Lao Cai. Eight to nine hours. Exhausting.

Lao Cai to Sapa? Bus or taxi. One hour. Simple.

Expect discomfort. Mountains. Crowds. But stunning.

My last trip: July 2024. Remembered the altitude sickness. Bring medication.

• Train: Hard sleeper recommended.
• Bus: Negotiate price.
• Altitude: Prepare.

Sapa’s beauty compensates. Worth the journey. Trust me. It’s breathtaking. The views alone…

Is Sapa more expensive than Hanoi?

Sapa? Pricey. Hanoi? Dirt cheap. Like, ridiculously cheap. Think street food for pennies. Sapa’s like that fancy avocado toast you can’t resist. Hanoi’s your reliable bowl of ramen. Good, basic stuff in Sapa exists. But wanna feel like royalty? Wallet gonna cry. Luxury in Hanoi? Still cheaper than Sapa’s “budget” options.

• Sapa: Tourist trap. Still gorgeous, mind you. Think Instagram vs. reality. My grandma’s dentures cost less than some Sapa hotels. Seriously.
• Hanoi: Authentic. Like that vintage band tee you found at the thrift store. Cool and cheap. Got my haircut there once. Cost less than a bottle of water in fancy-pants Sapa.
• Sapa Food: Tasty. But expect to pay. Ordered a banana pancake once. Price of a small car. Okay, slight exaggeration.
• Hanoi Food: Amazing. And the price? Highway robbery! …Just kidding. It’s basically free.

My trip to Sapa in 2024? Beautiful. Bank account? Not so much. Hanoi in 2024? Amazing. Wallet happy. Like, doing the cha-cha happy.

• Hotels: Sapa – pricey. Hanoi – cheap as chips. Like, embarrassingly cheap.
• Transportation: Sapa – you’ll need a ride. Hanoi – walk, scooter, whatever. I once rode a water buffalo. (Not really).
• Activities: Sapa – Trekking, views. Expensive views. Hanoi – wandering, exploring. Free! Except for that one time I bought a knock-off Gucci bag. Regret that.

Sapa’s like that fancy gym membership you never use. Hanoi’s your trusty pair of sneakers. Both good. One’s just way more expensive. My advice? Go to both. Just hide your credit card in Sapa.

Should I spend more time in Sapa or Hanoi?

Sapa or Hanoi? Hmm.

Okay, Sapa is def more romantic, period.

• Mountains.
• Rice terraces.
• Cozy vibes.

Hanoi is, like, a city city. Though, I actually liked the street food more? Okay, what was I saying?

Yeah, Hanoi is better for budget ppl, I guess. Sapa’s touristy, prices are higher, so Hanoi wins for backpackers.

• Cheap eats.
• Hostels everywhere.
• Beers!

But for a couple? No contest. Sapa all the way.

Wait, depends on the couple tho, right? Me and Sarah went to Sapa last summer and it was amazing, but Mark and his gf went to Hanoi and loved it so what do I know?

Okay, new thought, is it rainy season? Sapa is a muddy mess in the rain. Hanoi is still…Hanoi.

Sapa’s beauty trumps Hanoi’s chaos. Just sayin.