Far in the north of Vietnam lies Sapa, a remarkably beautiful mountain town on the frontier edges of Vietnam’s Chinese border. Famous for its rugged mountains and Hmong hill tribe culture, Sapa is quickly becoming one of Vietnam’s top tourism destinations. Accessible from Hanoi by road and rail, Sapa is truly a frontier town — lacking air travel and appealing only to the most adventurous and adventure seeking tourists.

Sapa (spelt Sa Pa in Vietnamese) is 9 hours from Hanoi by train, and over 10 by road. Rail is the most simple and comfortable way to travel to Sapa, with Vietnamese first class rail services available for the same amount as the average tourist bus. Be aware that ‘first class’ in Vietnam doesn’t mean quite the same thing that it does in English, and that cabins may occasionally be a little rough. Still, there are generally simple beds on offer which will prove much more comfortable than the average crowded bus.

If you’re traveling by road, there are several options available. Firstly, tourist buses and trucks access Sapa, however the mountain road means that you’ll be spending a long time on a highly uncomfortable journey. Adventurous tourists will be delighted to hear the Sapa is accessible by motorcycle. Standard 110cc semi-automatic bikes can be rented in Hanoi for around $4-5 per day and will easily cover the road to Sapa. For greater power and comfort look around for a Russian Minsk motorcycle — 150cc and much more comfortable than the average Vietnamese scooter.

If you’re attempting to travel to Sapa by motorcycle, be aware of the length and difficulty of the journey. Novice motorcyclists will need at least 10 hours to get there, and the road winds quite violently at times. While it’s not particularly difficult, it will leave you feeling drained and tired afterward. Be sure to refuel regularly, and bring a 1ltr bottle to carry extra fuel in case you get stuck between petrol stations.

What to see:

The major draws for visitors to Sapa are its remarkably beautiful countryside and interesting hill tribe culture. Most tourists will be quite content simply enjoying the charming mountain town and absorbing the scenery, however the adventurous will want to venture out into the scenery itself and enjoy northwest Vietnam’s remarkable countryside.

Hiking trips are available, most of which will include a visit to a hill tribe community and a guide that will provide understanding and information about the area. Look around at several travel agencies before committing to any trip, as there are generally several on offer, each offering different locations and hill tribe communities to visit. The Hmong minority are particularly present in this area, and can be seen around the town selling handicrafts and artwork.

The roadways around Sapa are perfect for motorcycling or even exploring on foot. Small 110cc motorcycles can be rented for as little as $4 per day, and are the perfect way to see the countryside. Keep in mind that the routes surrounding Sapa can be quite windy, and keep your bearings about you as to avoid getting lost.

Where to stay:

Sapa is quite an inexpensive town to stay in, especially when compared to Hanoi. Basic rooms cost as little as $5, and more expansive and comfortable rooms are available from around $15. A $5 room will likely include a basic, typically uncomfortable Vietnamese bed and a shared bathroom. For $15 you’ll have no trouble finding a room with a comfortable double bed, private hot water bathroom and balcony.

Be sure to look out for rooms with a balcony, or at least large windows, when traveling in Sapa. The town’s biggest draw is the incredible scenic views on offer, and it would be a shame to miss out on them because you needed a slightly cheaper room. Allow a few dollars more to make the most of the area, and focus on getting the greatest possible comfort and environment when looking at rooms.

Walk downhill from the town center and you’ll be surrounded with cheap accommodation options, some as low as $3. While these rooms are inexpensive, they’re not particularly comfortable, and aren’t the ideal place to be in Sapa’s winter. Remember that Sapa is very far north (by Vietnamese standards) and experiences all four seasons every year, not the two that South Vietnam experiences.

How to get around:

Sapa itself is quite small and can easily be navigated on foot. However, the major attraction of the town is the beautiful countryside and scenery, which requires some form of motorized transport to enjoy. Small 110-125cc motorcycles are available for around $4-6, depending on your negotiating skills, and are the perfect way to truly enjoy the area. Take some of the mountain roads around Sapa and enjoy the view.

For short journeys in the town there are motorcycle taxis around, all of which are relatively inexpensive. Be sure to negotiate on prices before setting off, but don’t get too involved in the process — you’ll likely get much better service when you don’t bargain for every last penny (or dong, in this case). Typical rides shouldn’t cost much more than $1-2.

Costs, Customs and Extras:

While Sapa is quickly becoming one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist locations, it’s still a small town at heart. Treat the locals respectfully, especially the hill tribes and minorities, and remember that things move slightly slower here than in the major cities.

Budgets for Sapa can vary greatly, with the most luxurious trips costing over $200 per day. A simple backpacker budget can go as low as $15-20 per day, with a more comfortable spending limit of around $30 per day.