Hiking in SaPa, Vietnam

Most people who go to SaPa actually start their journey in Hanoi. I did this as well and went here by night train, which stops in nearby bigger city, Lao Cai.

SaPa Valley is situated about 1-hour drive from Lao Cai. If you go by a tour company, you'll have picked up ready waiting for you in the morning when you arrive. The train arrives around 5 am. If you go by yourself, make sure to book transportation through a homestay or agency before to save money - Otherwise, you might have to pay 500 000 dongs (22usd) for transportation.

A variety of companies offer tours to SaPa from Hanoi. Along with Halong Bay it's one of the top things to do in Vietnam, and something that should be included on your bucket list. However, after being here and went via a tour company, I would never do it again. Not because it was bad, but because the locals don't receive any of the money.

We had a lovely guide who was only 18 years old. She spoke good English and received less than 10 USD for two days of being our personal guide throughout the hike. I would instead recommend booking directly via her Facebook.

Why you should book through a local

• Cheaper (at least half the price)
• Same deal
• You contribute to the local community
• Help her dreams come true

Here:s her Facebook: Bau Thao

As for the adventure itself. The hike starts early in the morning around 8 am from the SaPa village. You can either go on a private hike or in a group. Despite what you choose, you'll soon be surrounded by lovely ladies from the local tribes anyhow.

The moment you go down the village street, these lovely ladies will greet you and follow along. There will be both younger tribe members as well as old ladies following along your hike. Some of them speak a little English, but most of them are just friendly and curious.

The trekking route takes you around the whole Valley and back to the village. In total, there are several different tribes living here such as Black Hmong, Red Dzao, Tay, Giáy, Thai and Phù Lá. They share a similar culture, yet differ in clothing, language, and traditions.

You can also choose to do a homestay and overnight in one of the local villages. It's often included if you do several days of trekking. At the homestay one gets the chance to eat local food and get to know the culture a bit more. We stayed at a homestay where the Black Hmongs live. It was incredible and I won't forget it in a long time.

After hiking all day you got back to your homestay. The host made some dinner and during the dinner they also serve local liquor - Rice wine. Afterwards you can sit infront of an open fire, and just relax and talk. Bau Thao, sat with us the whole time and we got to know her well. Such a lovely girl!

The homestay is very nice and something that I heartily recommend. It shouldn't be missed! 

While hiking in SaPa you're passing by all of the tribe's villages, and at each stop, you'll be accompanied by new ladies that belongs to the local tribe in that particular village. They will then follow and help you along the way until you reach the next village, and so on.

Kind of friendly, right? Well, indeed, they are very friendly and helpful. In fact, some parts of the trekking are both steep and a little dangerous. But with their help it's safe, and you never have to worry. The only thing to focus on is enjoying the scenic views and beautiful landscape, and of course taking a lot of photos! 

Of course, these ladies also have something else in mind. When you reach the next stop, they will try to sell you local handicrafts and jewelry. In my opinion, this is quite fair, because they help you for free and make the trekking more fun and enjoyable.

I loved speaking with them and learning more about their culture. So, of course, I bought things from the ladies who helped me in person. However, you should know that others will also try to force you into buying their stuff as well. You can do what you like, it's not much money, but at least buy something from the ladies who follow your trekking group!

What to expect?

Along the way, you'll see lots of scenic views. Beautiful rice terraces, cows, chickens, ducks, buffalos and many other animals. Indigo is also a big deal here (dye), and the locals make indigo colored clothes.

At some parts, you'll note that it's a bit steep and challenging if you haven't been trekking a lot before. But a newbie can do it, and you can decide the pace on your own while hiking privately.

Don't worry about anything - SaPa is a lovely place. In fact, one of my favorite places in all of Asia. Nature is stunning, and the tribe members are so friendly and warm.

Whether you go on your own, or with a tour company, you'll have the time of your life. And SaPa is definitely not something to be missed while visiting Vietnam.