Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? sapa , a mesmerizing destination in northern Vietnam, awaits you with its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences. However, before embarking on this exciting journey, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Here are some useful tips from BM Travel Adventure to ensure a safe and enjoyable Sapa motorbike tour.
Packing List
Clothing
Sapa's weather is cooler than other tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, with an average temperature of 13-15°C. Pack long-sleeve T-shirts for summer and warm coats for winter, as it can even snow during this season. Keep in mind that bulky items should be avoided since you'll be carrying a backpack on your motorbike.
Caption: Discover Sapa with the help of skilled easy riders.
A suitable pair of shoes is essential for your Sapa motorbike tour. Due to the specific terrain, you'll be walking or climbing through hills, mountains, and terraced rice fields. We recommend wearing sports shoes or flat shoes for maximum comfort and safety. High heels should be avoided as they can cause slips, especially on high hills and mountains in Sapa.
Personal Belongings
Don't forget to pack essential personal items such as glasses, towels, masks, and gloves. These items will help protect your eyes and keep you safe while riding on dirt roads. Additionally, bring a face towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste, as the ones provided at hotels might not be of good quality. And of course, don't forget your camera and selfie stick to capture beautiful moments during your journey.
Snacks
As your adventure mainly involves walking, you'll burn a lot of energy. Prepare some cakes, milk, chocolates, and candies to keep your energy levels up. You can enjoy these snacks on the way or give them as small gifts to ethnic children you encounter.
Time to Visit Sapa
Sapa not only offers a unique terrain but also boasts a typical subtropical climate, which is rare for a tropical country like Vietnam. The weather here is cool all year round, with each season having its beauty, making Sapa worth visiting at any time.
Spring
From February to April or early May, Sapa wakes up from its long winter sleep. This is the most beautiful time to visit Sapa, with white pear and plum flowers and pink cherry blossoms in full bloom. The cool temperature makes walking less strenuous and gives you more energy to explore the local specialties and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If it's your first time in Sapa, spring is highly recommended.
Caption: Experience the magical weather in Sapa.
Rice Season
From June to August, Sapa experiences its rainy season with the heaviest rainfall. Although the terrain may look muddy, the rice fields display a vibrant green color, creating incredible photo opportunities.
The period from September to November is the perfect time to visit Sapa. The average temperature is around 17°C, which is pleasant and great for sightseeing. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to explore hiking trails, admire the golden rice fields, and immerse yourself in the charming beauty of Sapa. The yellow color of the rice fields, combined with the clear blue sky, green mountains, and rustic stilt houses, creates a magnificent setting that is hard to find anywhere else.
Caption: Marvel at the stunning terrace rice fields in Sapa.
Winter
From late November to the end of February, Sapa experiences winter. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and you might even witness snowfall. Admire the roofs and hills covered in a blanket of white snow, but remember to bring extra gear and warm clothes if you plan on hiking in this weather.
Exploring Sapa in winter is a thrilling experience that brings people closer together. The cold weather creates a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect time for a warm cup of tea and meaningful connections with fellow travelers.
How to Get to Sapa
By Motorbike
Traveling to Sapa by motorbike is ideal for adventure enthusiasts looking for new experiences. It not only offers a cost-effective option but also allows you to conquer winding roads and immerse yourself in the majestic nature and rural life of the locals. There are two popular routes to get to Sapa from Hanoi:
Hanoi to Sapa via Lao Cai:
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Motorbike Route #1: Hanoi - Vinh Phuc - Viet Tri - Phong Chau - Doan Hung - Yen Bai - Lao Cai - Sapa (Total distance: 360 km)
- Hanoi - Vinh Phuc: After crossing Thang Long Bridge, go to Tien Phong or Phu Cuong intersection and turn left.
- From Vinh Phuc, cross Viet Tri city and proceed to Doan Hung (Phu Tho) on Highway 70.
- Follow Highway 70 to Lao Cai city. Then, turn onto Highway 4D and continue until you reach Sapa town.
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Motorbike Route #2: Hanoi - Hoa Lac - Son Tay - Trung Ha Bridge - Phong Chau Bridge - Phong Chau - Doan Hung - Highway 70 - Lao Cai - Sapa (Total distance: 370 km)
Hanoi to Sapa via Lai Chau:
- Motorbike Route #3: Hanoi - Hoa Lac - Son Tay - Thanh Son - Highway 32 - Sapa (Total distance: 420 km)
- Hanoi - Son Tay - Thanh Son: Go along Highway 32 to Khau Pha Pass, which is over 30km long. Continue to Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Lien Son National Park.
- From there, conquer the O Quy Ho Pass, one of the most stunning passes in Northwest Vietnam. Along this route, you can also visit Love Waterfall and Silver Waterfall if time permits.
By Train
There is no direct train to Sapa from Hanoi. Instead, take a train to Lao Cai and rent a motorbike to reach Sapa. The 40 km road from Lao Cai station to Sapa offers majestic mountain ranges and vast terraced fields, perfect for capturing breathtaking mountain scenery.
By Sleeper Bus
Sleeper buses depart daily from Hanoi between 6:30 am and 11:00 pm. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, and the bus goes directly to Sapa without stopping in Lao Cai like the train. If you want more time to explore Sapa, sleeper buses are highly recommended.
Accommodations in Sapa
Sapa welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, offering a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler's preference. From luxury hotels and eco-lodges to rustic hostels and homestays, Sapa has it all.
The accommodation area in Sapa can be divided into three zones: the lake area, Cau May - Muong Hoa, and the town center. Alternatively, staying in a homestay outside the town is a great way to experience the local culture firsthand.
Cau May - Muong Hoa: This area offers beautiful and comfortable hotels in Sapa, albeit at higher room rates ranging from 500,000 to 700,000 VND per night. Staying here allows you to walk easily to popular attractions such as Sapa Market, Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain Resort, and more.
Lake Area: If you're on a budget, the lake area provides the cheapest accommodation options with similar quality rooms compared to other areas in town. Room rates range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND, depending on your needs.
Town Center: The town center offers a wide range of hotel options, from affordable to luxurious. Additionally, it provides easy access to popular tourist destinations and various art and entertainment venues.
Homestay: For travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture, staying in a homestay is an excellent choice. You can find affordable homestays in Ban Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Phin, and even in the town center.
Caption: Enjoy the stunning views of Sapa.
What to Eat in Sapa
Sapa is renowned for its ability to grow a wide variety of vegetables, thanks to its mild climate. Exploring local markets in Sapa, you'll come across delicious fresh vegetables like cabbage, chayote, and medicinal herbs that you may have never seen before. Apart from greens and herbs, there are many other delectable dishes to try in Sapa.
Thang Co: This specialty, enjoyed by the ethnic people, is made from various ingredients from the horse, including blood, bones, meat, and organs. It's a unique dish that adventurous foodies would appreciate.
Lon Cap Nach (carried-under-arm pig): A traditional grilled pork dish eaten by the locals. These pigs, which are self-fed on steep slopes and endure the cold weather of Sapa, weigh only 7-8 kg as adults. Enjoying carried-under-arm pig meat with a cup of cat apple wine is a must-try experience in Sapa.
Caption: Delight in the diverse cuisine of Sapa.
Com Lam: This unique dish consists of glutinous rice stuffed into bamboo tubes and baked over a fire. The rice absorbs the wonderful aroma of burnt bamboo, creating a distinct flavor that cannot be replicated through any other cooking method.
Places to Visit in Sapa
- Ham Rong (in the center of Sapa town)
- Silver Waterfall (about 12 km from Sapa Town's center)
- Cau May (17 km from the center of Sapa town)
- Cat Cat village (2 km from the town)
- Ta Van village (8 km from Sapa Town's center)
- Ta Phin (12 km from the center of town)
- Ancient Rock Field (10 km from the center of town)
- Fansipan - the roof of Indochina (about 9 km from the town)
- Bac Ha Market (about 70 km from Lao Cai)
- Ha Khau border gate (located in Lao Cai City)
Off-road Sapa Motorbike Tours tailored by BM Travel Adventure
Check out scenic off-road Sapa motorbike tours designed by Vietnam motorcycle tours, perfect for those seeking thrilling off-road experiences. Choose the tour that suits your plan, and get ready for an adventure in Vietnam!
Off-road Sapa Motorbike Tour via Lai Chau and Sin Ho - 2 days
Motorbike Route: Sapa → Binh Lu Junction → Lai Chau city → Phong Tho town → Chan Nua Junction → Sin Ho town → Lai Chau city → Binh Lu Junction → Sapa town
Starting from only $298
If you're looking for a shorter motorbike ride to explore the hidden gems of Sapa, join our thrilling 2-day Off-road Sapa Motorbike Tour via Lai Chau and Sin Ho. This tour allows you to admire the breathtaking natural scenery, including rocky mountains and old forests, while immersing yourself in the unique customs of Vietnamese ethnic minorities. With unforgettable experiences guaranteed, our motorbike tour will exceed your expectations.
Off-road Sapa Motorbike Tour via Bac Ha and Can Cau Markets - 2 days
Motorbike Route: Sapa → Lao Cai → Bac Ha → Can Cau Market
Starting from only $298
Sapa, one of the greatest tourist attractions in northern Vietnam, is known for its vibrant Northwest markets, including Bac Ha and Can Cau markets. Join our 2-day off-road Sapa Motorbike Tour via Bac Ha and Can Cau Markets to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of mountainous areas. Experience the local cultural traditions, savor indigenous dishes, and explore the bustling mountainous kermis views. This tour promises memorable experiences that will stay with you forever.
Off-road Sapa Motorbike Tour to discover Bac Ha Market - 2 days
Motorbike Route: Sapa → Lao Cai → Bac Ha → Can Cau Market
Starting from only $298
Lao Cai, a mountainous province in Northwest Vietnam, is home to many famous sites, including Ham Rong, Fansipan, and Love Waterfall. Alongside these tourist spots, Bac Ha market is a must-visit place during your trip to Lao Cai. This market allows you to experience a challenging ride and discover the customs of the highlanders. Embark on our thrilling 2-day Off-road Sapa Motorbike Tour to discover Bac Ha Market, and explore every corner of this vibrant market. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere to create unforgettable memories.
Embark on an incredible journey to Sapa and explore the stunning landscapes, unique cultures, and thrilling adventures that await you. With BM Travel Adventure's expertise and tailored motorbike tours, your Sapa experience will be nothing short of extraordinary. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.
