Sapa, Vietnam?

Question

I plan to take the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai/Sapa and spend just a day trip at Sapa before boarding on the train back to Hanoi on the same day. Is that possible? Is Sapa an easy place to venture on our own without a guide? Is the place very big? Don't plan to do any trekking. Just look around. Is that possible? Understand from Lao cai station to Sapa is not far..45minutes?

Answer 1

It seems a long way to go for a 3 or 4 hours visit. I think it is a couple of hours up, maybe a bit quicker back.

Sapa is a great town. Lots to look at - you don't need a guide. Just be friendly and enjoy yourself.

The interesting "core" part of town is fairly small. You can walk outside of town on the roads and see some of the countryside wthout too much effort.

There is an area with carved stones in the field. I don't know where it is, but it might be worth seeing - I read about it in the Vietnam News.

There is a plaza below the beautiful stone church. Go there around 5PM or so and see the various sellers, slight-of-hand artists and others. An interesting spot.

Sapa is nice, spend the night. It isn't expensive, and it is definitely worth more than a couple of hours.

Answer 2

sorry, not sure..i go by auto when i travel in vietnam..

Answer 3

Is possible, if you have the energy...

the night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai take 8hrs..

from the station..take the taxi..around $500 thousand round trip if you bargain with them..

tell the taxi take you to Ham Rong Mountain

is the only place you can go..for one day in Sapa..

there you can view the whole city..meet the people...and smell the fresh air of Sapa..then take another 8hrs trip back to Hanoi..

goodluck my friend..

if you want to see some Pix...go to yahoo 360..and search "henryhyper"

Answer 4

Hi, We never suggested to our client one day trip at Sapa. But in case of your sejours are too modest, you can just go there (to Ta Van village) to get an idea of climate and local life ... and come back.

PS: yes, it is about 45 minutes per way.

Answer 5

I also think the journey is too long for just a day trip.

In my view, Sapa itself is not the main attraction. Sapa is to be used as a base for trekking the surrounds. You can do that without a guide, but I definitely recommend that you plan on spending one night in Sapa and not just a handful of hours.