Homestay is a good choice for a Sapa trekking tour. Many travelers love to stay in a traditional homestay as it gives them a chance to get an insight into the local lifestyle of the ethnic minority. The hosts are usually very generous and hospitable to show the travelers the daily life by letting them join the daily works as well as prepare some very delicious local dishes. A few days staying in the ethnic village in Sapa is one of most interesting experience you must try once trekking in Sapa.

 

Moreover, the homestay’s host can help you a lot in sharing trekking experiences in Sapa as the locals will show you some special tips to fully discover the beauty of the mountains and valleys. To sum up, the expenditure of this kind of accommodation is very cheap comparing to what you get.

You can spend a half-day or even a day for a trek in Sapa. In order to save time and energy, it is a good idea to hire a local guide. A person familiar to the terrain, weather and tourist destinations in Sapa will help your trip safer and more enjoyable.

You can book a tour guide at a hotel in Sapa, but it is better if you book a Sapa trekking tour in advance arriving in Sapa as it could be cheaper and you’ll have much more time to consult a lot of information from many travel agencies. Most of the guides are local people and they can speak English fluently. 

Actually, before any tour, you should find information about the destination which you will visit and trek. It is very important. Also, you need to search for the weather forecast to bring the suitable clothes. The guide is not a carrier, so only bring what is absolutely necessary to you.

 

In my personal experience, towels and bedding were not necessary. Wherever you stay, it all has mattresses, mosquito, clean bedsheets, warm blankets for the night, and fresh towels. That really was all we needed. A few people bring their own sleeping bags and heavy packs with who knows what…you really needn’t bother with your Sapa trekking route.

 

Also, keep in mind that the guide is not a porter (this is not Everest Base Camp) and he is not going to carry your bag for you. Only bring what you deem absolutely necessary. Remember, your bag may not feel heavy when you first try it out in your room, but it’ll only get heavier as the day progresses.

While you experience a trekking in Sapa, there are times when you scramble up the mountain on all fours, jump over the ditches, and have your bodies whipped by branches when across a bamboo forest. It is a demand that you’ll need good footwear.

You should buy a pair of hiking shoes that have good support and a solid grip. You should consider buying a pair of hiking boots if you are planning a long-lasting 2-day trip, such as Mount Fansipan.

However, you can find a lot of shops in Sapa that rent and sell the trekking gear. Here, you can easily find a pair of shoes suited to trek in sapa at a very affordable price.

Trekking for hours will make you lose energy quickly.  There will be stops for lunch and dinner, but you have no control over those times. On the road, bring some candies or snacks and save yourself from hunger to explore sapa in the best way.

 

In addition, water is also indispensable for a Sapa trekking tour. During the trip, you will be thirsty. It’s really horrible to realize that you just drank the last drop of your water and there are still another two hours of walking ahead. To not die of thirst, take plenty of water with you. 

The scenery in Sapa is natural and stunning. There are many beautiful places to explore such as the Muong Hoa valley, Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, the local villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Ta Van... You will be impressed by the majestic mountains, sprawling terraces fields, and colorful valleys. 
 

 

So, don’t forget to bring the camera to save the beauty of the sapa where your footprints come through. Make sure the battery is fully charged so that you do not miss any of the settings. Our guides are very gracious and allow us to take lots of pictures every time we come on a hill or reach a different point of view.