🚍 How to Get There
You can reach Sapa by train, bus, or sleeper bus from Hanoi:

• Train: Overnight journey (9 hours) to Lao Cai station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Sapa.
• Sleeper bus: The fastest and most budget-friendly option (around 450,000 VND / $18). Comfortable but sometimes bumpy on mountain roads.
• Booking platforms: Check Vexere or 12Go for tickets.

🏨 Where to Stay
The best location is around the central lake or southwards along the tourist road leading to the villages. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and small stores.
Accommodation options:

• Budget hotels & hostels – $10–20 per night.
• Boutique hotels with views – worth paying extra for a balcony overlooking the rice terraces.
• Homestays – ideal if you want to experience local culture and traditional food.

☀️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the dry season: October–April.

• Heavy rains in summer often cause landslides and flooding, making trekking unsafe.
• Autumn (September–November) is especially beautiful, with golden rice terraces before harvest.

🌡️ Weather in Sapa
Expect much cooler weather than in Hanoi. When it’s 35°C (95°F) in the capital, Sapa usually sits at 13–17°C (55–63°F). The climate is highly unpredictable — forecasts often change overnight. Bring layers and rain protection.


⏳ How Long to Stay
Despite its small size, Sapa deserves at least 5 days. This gives you time to explore rice terraces, trek through Muong Hoa Valley, and visit nearby villages.
If you plan to combine sightseeing with remote work, consider staying 7–10 days.


🌐 Internet and Connectivity
One of Sapa’s downsides: slow and unstable internet. For freelancers and digital nomads, it’s not the most convenient place to work.
We ended up spending most of our working hours in Cong Cafe, one of the few places with decent Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, there are only a couple of such spots in town.


📌 Quick Tips for Travelers

• Always check weather conditions before long treks. Landslides and slippery paths are common in rainy season.
• If you’re sensitive to cold, bring warm clothes — nights can feel like winter.
• For trekking, carry proper shoes, a raincoat, and water.
• Download offline maps — internet coverage in the mountains is unreliable.