Adventures around Sapa - Vietnam Travel Story
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Title: Adventures around Sapa
Website: http://www.thedriftbackpackershostel.com
VIETNAM
On my first time to Vietnam's north I was constantly being told "you have to see Sapa. Halong Bay is good but Sapa is where it's at."
I hadn't really done any research into the area, and had barely opened my "all knowing" Lonely Planet that I had been given by a relative before I came over to South East Asia, so I didn't really know what Sapa was all about.
Now I have been up to Sapa almost a dozen times and thought it was about time to jot down a few first hand experiences spent up there...
Sapa is a town up in the mountainous area of the country's northwest. Departing from Hanoi is easist way to get there which by overnight train takes around 9 hours.
A township built by the french many years ago as a retreat for soldiers back in the day, Sapa has a really awesome feel to it. The bus ride on the way up from Lao Cai is stunning and provided you don't fall asleep due to the lack of sleep on the semi-comfortable overnight train you will be able to take in some wicked views. (providing the mist and cloud haven't engulfed them)
Granted, Sapa is no stranger to tourists, and you will be greeted hungrily by a pack of Black H'Mong tribal women and girls after disembarking from the bus.
They are for the most part lovely people, albeit a touch agressive on the sell.
They will ask your name, where you're from, and of course if you will "buy from me! Buy from me?"
If you do what I did and say, "Yes I will buy later" they will hunt you down at some stage during your time up there, remembering your name and your country of origin and of course your 'promise' of purchasing that pretty little pencil case you always wanted. Tips for newcomers to Sapa: bring small change with you and keep in your pockets. For pulling out a 500K note on a souvenier purchase will result in an absolute frenzy.
The town of Sapa is small, but fairly well equipped with restaurants, bars, accommodation, markets and other amenities. ATM's are a bit hit and miss depending on your card of choice, so best take up some cash.
The setting of Sapa is awesome. Sitting up at something like 1600m above sea level with beautiful rice terraced valleys extending from it and the highest peak of Indochina, Fanxipan, staring down at you, it is hard not to be in awe of the place.
In terms of things to do up in the area, trekking is the most popular reason why people visit Sapa. And there are heaps of options and ways to do this. Most tour operators will take you down to a village called Ta Van. The trek down to Ta Van is by far the most popular and I suppose 'tourist friendly' way to do it. An easy trek down the valley stopping off at numerous village houses and points of interest along the way.
A homestay is a popular tour option and is where you spend the night in one of the local village houses overnight. You will eat, drink, learn to cook, maybe go for a swim, possibly get quite wasted of homemade rice wine and spirits and recite Vietnamese love songs and Beatles tracks on Kareoke. A good bit of fun either way.
The area is populated by many native ethnic minority groups, each with different customs, dress, languages and characteristics. Most are hospitable and friendly and genuinely pleased to see new faces visiting and learning about their village and culture.
Cat Cat village is another popular 'touristy' destination from Sapa. A half day is all you need to visit Cat Cat, which is actually a bit put on for tourists. For the most part it is not really that rewarding and by all means no great loss if you don't have the time to go down there.
Besides the rice terrace and homestay treks down to Ta Van and also down to Ta Phin which is another village down another village which is far less touristy, the best option for getting around and taking in the sights is by motorbike.
On a motorbike, the area opens up and you will be able to see so much more and get a lot more out of it. With a good guide you will be able to go to places that no one usually does. See views that no one usually does and get a completely diiferent feel of the whole area.
Also there are heaps more treks to do up in Sapa that aren't the 'same same' as the other tourist flooded popular options. A good guide and good tour provider are a must to get the most out of your time up there.
Don't get trapped follwing the most popular routes because they're easier and cheaper. You will totally miss out on the 'good stuff'
Sapa is a brilliant place, and totally worth the trip up there. Be sure to head up there when visiting Hanoi, and be sure to take at least 3 days, otherwise it may feel a bit rushed. Like I said, there are heaps of options up there if you know the right people. I am really looking forward to heading up again soon to try out some different treks throuh some new areas.
I'm sure they will be as great as the places I have found so far.
Website: http://www.thedriftbackpackershostel.com
VIETNAM
On my first time to Vietnam's north I was constantly being told "you have to see Sapa. Halong Bay is good but Sapa is where it's at."
I hadn't really done any research into the area, and had barely opened my "all knowing" Lonely Planet that I had been given by a relative before I came over to South East Asia, so I didn't really know what Sapa was all about.
Now I have been up to Sapa almost a dozen times and thought it was about time to jot down a few first hand experiences spent up there...
Sapa is a town up in the mountainous area of the country's northwest. Departing from Hanoi is easist way to get there which by overnight train takes around 9 hours.
A township built by the french many years ago as a retreat for soldiers back in the day, Sapa has a really awesome feel to it. The bus ride on the way up from Lao Cai is stunning and provided you don't fall asleep due to the lack of sleep on the semi-comfortable overnight train you will be able to take in some wicked views. (providing the mist and cloud haven't engulfed them)
Granted, Sapa is no stranger to tourists, and you will be greeted hungrily by a pack of Black H'Mong tribal women and girls after disembarking from the bus.
They are for the most part lovely people, albeit a touch agressive on the sell.
They will ask your name, where you're from, and of course if you will "buy from me! Buy from me?"
If you do what I did and say, "Yes I will buy later" they will hunt you down at some stage during your time up there, remembering your name and your country of origin and of course your 'promise' of purchasing that pretty little pencil case you always wanted. Tips for newcomers to Sapa: bring small change with you and keep in your pockets. For pulling out a 500K note on a souvenier purchase will result in an absolute frenzy.
The town of Sapa is small, but fairly well equipped with restaurants, bars, accommodation, markets and other amenities. ATM's are a bit hit and miss depending on your card of choice, so best take up some cash.
The setting of Sapa is awesome. Sitting up at something like 1600m above sea level with beautiful rice terraced valleys extending from it and the highest peak of Indochina, Fanxipan, staring down at you, it is hard not to be in awe of the place.
In terms of things to do up in the area, trekking is the most popular reason why people visit Sapa. And there are heaps of options and ways to do this. Most tour operators will take you down to a village called Ta Van. The trek down to Ta Van is by far the most popular and I suppose 'tourist friendly' way to do it. An easy trek down the valley stopping off at numerous village houses and points of interest along the way.
A homestay is a popular tour option and is where you spend the night in one of the local village houses overnight. You will eat, drink, learn to cook, maybe go for a swim, possibly get quite wasted of homemade rice wine and spirits and recite Vietnamese love songs and Beatles tracks on Kareoke. A good bit of fun either way.
The area is populated by many native ethnic minority groups, each with different customs, dress, languages and characteristics. Most are hospitable and friendly and genuinely pleased to see new faces visiting and learning about their village and culture.
Cat Cat village is another popular 'touristy' destination from Sapa. A half day is all you need to visit Cat Cat, which is actually a bit put on for tourists. For the most part it is not really that rewarding and by all means no great loss if you don't have the time to go down there.
Besides the rice terrace and homestay treks down to Ta Van and also down to Ta Phin which is another village down another village which is far less touristy, the best option for getting around and taking in the sights is by motorbike.
On a motorbike, the area opens up and you will be able to see so much more and get a lot more out of it. With a good guide you will be able to go to places that no one usually does. See views that no one usually does and get a completely diiferent feel of the whole area.
Also there are heaps more treks to do up in Sapa that aren't the 'same same' as the other tourist flooded popular options. A good guide and good tour provider are a must to get the most out of your time up there.
Don't get trapped follwing the most popular routes because they're easier and cheaper. You will totally miss out on the 'good stuff'
Sapa is a brilliant place, and totally worth the trip up there. Be sure to head up there when visiting Hanoi, and be sure to take at least 3 days, otherwise it may feel a bit rushed. Like I said, there are heaps of options up there if you know the right people. I am really looking forward to heading up again soon to try out some different treks throuh some new areas.
I'm sure they will be as great as the places I have found so far.
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