3 Days In Sapa Itinerary: The ULTIMATE Guide (2025)

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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia

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How Many Days Should You Spend In Sapa?

Many tourists spend about two to four days in Sapa to explore the scenic town, the nearby valley, and the beautiful mountains.

Three days are considered perfect as this should give you enough time to get out into nature, take in the beautiful scenery, sample the delicious cuisine, and shop for souvenirs.

This is simply because most travelers are limited to 30 days here, and Vietnam is a huge country. You need time to explore it all. Throughout the majority of my travels in Vietnam, I found having 3 days in each location was a great way to experience the best of that place.

Honestly, if you want to do some Sapa trekking and maybe a homestay, 2 days in Sapa would not be enough for this and to take in the town as well. Therefore three days at a minimum is recommended.

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How To Plan The Best Sapa Itinerary

Now when it comes to your itinerary, you do have a couple of options for getting to and visiting Sapa:

Independent travel: You can find numerous buses and trains traveling from Hanoi to Sapa, so it is pretty damn easy to book it yourself over on 12 Go Asia. Once here, hostels and guesthouses are everywhere, and treks into the valley are easy to arrange.

Organized tours: You will find numerous tours departing from Hanoi to Sapa, which include your transfers, accommodation, activities, and some meals. This is a stress-free and easy way to explore Sapa on a budget.

Recommended Tours:

• Homestay: 2 day, 1 night Sapa trip in homestay accommodation. It’s super affordable and the most popular choice for travelers. Perfect if you are on a tight itinerary
• Hotel: 2 day, 1 night Sapa trip in 3-star hotel room perfect for those who enjoy a more comfortable stay.
• Homestay AND hotel: 3 day, 2 night Sapa trip including 1 night in a hotel and the other in a homestay, this has the best of both worlds and gives you to best option to experience Sapa.

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Day 1 Of 3 Days In Sapa

Get ready for your first day of the Sapa itinerary! Today we will concentrate on exploring the beautiful nature around the town and what makes it so special.

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Morning: Mount Fansipan

First up, it’s an adventure to the highest mountain in Indochina. Though, before we do that, you’ll need to fuel yourself with some breakfast. Head to Good Morning View Restaurant for a cheap meal to start the day.

After a delicious meal, it is time to start your backpacking Sapa adventure.

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What You Need To Know About Mount Fansipan

Before figuring out how to get to the top of Mount Fansipan you’ll need to get to the base. It is located about a 30-minute drive from the township of Sapa.

The easiest way to get there will be by Taxi or Grab. You should estimate spending around $20.00 for the round trip. Alternatively, you could also book a group tour to visit.

A cheaper way to do it is by buying a ticket at Sun Plaza in Sapa. For $30.00, this gives you return transport in a tram and the cable car up the mountain.

Once at the base, you then have two different options to get to the top, either hike or take the cable car. Whichever you choose, be sure to wear decent shoes, as even taking the cable car, you will need to climb up over 600 steps to reach the top.

You will also want to bring along some warm clothes as the weather can be quite harsh at the peak.

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Reaching Mount Fansipan Peak

Hike: Now, if you perhaps don’t want to do everything in this itinerary and are just using it for inspiration, then you may find yourself keen to hike to the top.

Be aware this is a full-day adventure that’ll take you around 10 hours just to arrive at the peak! You can book a hiking tour to Fansipan Peak on Viator for $80.00, including entrance fee, food, drink, and transfers.

Cable Car: For those short on time or just not keen to inflict that kind of pain on themselves, taking the cable car is an excellent way to reach the peak of Mount Fansipan. The journey will only take 20 minutes, much quicker than the 10-hour hike.

Each cable car can hold up to 35 passengers, though try to get a window seat for the best views! Also, it only operates between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

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Afternoon- Waterfalls

After exploring the incredible Fansipan Mountain stop in at Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall on your journey back to Sapa. This is on the way to the town of Sapa, so it is the perfect excuse to stop.

Love Waterfall should be your first stop. This is a short 15 to 20-minute hike away from the main road. It is a peaceful walk underneath a beautiful forest.

The entry fee is $2.90 / 70,000 VND, and it is worth it.

A few kilometer’s drive away is also Silver Waterfall. This can be seen from the roadside. However, I definitely recommend hiking up the stairs to the top for the best view.

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Evening – Sapa Night Market

Time for an early dinner as you haven’t really had a chance to stop and simply relax. Head back to Sapa town and grab a bite to eat at Anise Sapa Restaurant.

They have the most incredible hot pots here. A sure way to build your energy back up after a busy day of exploring!

Next, head to the Sapa Night Market. This is only held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. So be aware you may need to switch this Sapa itinerary around depending on which days you plan to visit.

It runs from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and is located on N1 Street in the middle of town, so it is super accessible.

This is the perfect place to partake in some souvenir shopping or perhaps go for a second dinner. Buying here is a great way to support the economy and the minority tribes here in Sapa.

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Day 2 Of 3 Days In Sapa

For the 2nd day of 3 days in Sapa, we will head further out into the countryside and stay at a homestay.

There is so much more to see than what is in the main town so make sure you venture further while backpacking Sapa.

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Morning & Afternoon- Trek Towards Ta Van

After a delicious breakfast at Le Gecko Cafe. Make sure to fuel up as you’ll need the energy for today’s adventures as we will be doing some serious trekking to the small community of Ta Van.

Here you can find loads of Homestays where you can experience local life and appreciate countryside living. Trekking the incredible landscapes of Sapa is a must while you are here.

If you perhaps don’t feel like trekking but still want to experience some beautiful sights, then you can actually still take a taxi the majority of the way.

This will cost you around $20.00. However, be prepared for a bumpy journey, as the roads are not the best.

You can decide whether you want a guided trek to Ta Van or not. I recommend talking to your accommodation and asking whether you can leave your luggage there for the night. That way, you will only need to walk with a day pack.

Remember, if it has recently been raining, then be prepared to walk the main road or just get muddy. We decided to walk the main road. Though if the weather is good you will want to trek in the valley among the rice fields.

Whether you decide to do a guided or unguided trek is completely your choice. Though since you are backpacking Sapa I will assume you want to do it unguided and on a budget.

Therefore I recommend you download the Maps.Me app and the Sapa map offline. This points out the routes you can take and highlights along the way.

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Evening- Home Stay In Ta Van

You will want to book your homestay in Ta Van in advance. You will find plenty of places available, and I recommend checking out Booking.com to see what’s out there.

This is how I found my homestay, and it was all super straightforward. To narrow down your search options you can filter by homestays or simply look at the map view for a stay a bit further out of the main township.

I stayed in a homestay slightly outside of Ta Van, though it only took about a 15-minute walk to be in the town. Unfortunately, it is no longer available. Though, a lot of homestays are quite similar in terms of facilities and inclusions.

Make sure you contact your host in advance if you require a trekking guide. They will be able to recommend one or may even do it themselves.

I also recommend asking if they do a family-style dinner and partake in that. They generally cost a few dollars, and you will get to experience a local-style dinner and share stories over a meal. Seriously some of the best food I had in Vietnam was during my homestay.

You don’t necessarily need to stay in Ta Van. There are plenty of other homestays dotted around the countryside in Sapa.

Though Ta Van is a small little village with quite a lot going on. There are a couple of delicious restaurants here and shops in case you require anything.

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Day 3 Of 3 Days In Sapa

On our last day of the Sapa itinerary, we will be experiencing a bit more of local life.

Explore the township of Ta Van or simply the peacefulness of life at your homestay, the culture at Cat Cat Village, and then top it all off with a well-deserved massage.

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Morning- Explore Ta Van / Head Back To Sapa

Spend your morning exploring Ta Van village and returning to the main town for Lunch. You can choose to either walk there or take a taxi.

Be aware it is quite uphill, whereas the way to Ta Van is downhill. A taxi will only cost you $20.00, so it can work out quite affordable if you have people to share it with.

If you want to visit Cat Cat Village in the afternoon then I would recommend taking a taxi. Though be aware it is quite touristy, so perhaps you would rather enjoy a peaceful walk back to Sapa town than visit Cat Cat Village, and that is okay as well.

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Afternoon- Cat Cat Village

Before heading out to Cat Cat Village be sure to grab lunch from one of the delicious restaurants in town. There is plenty to choose from, and you deserve a hearty meal. Therefore, if you are craving pizza or pasta, just get it!

Cat Cat Village is a popular spot for tourists to visit while in Sapa. It is super accessible, being located in the Muong Hoa Valley, just 3 kilometers from Sapa Town.

It is a super easy walk to get here, and the pathway is well-maintained. The entry fee is $1.00 / 25,000 VND.

This place is home to the ethnic H’Mong and Dzao people and here they demonstrate their handicrafts and skills to those interested, which includes cultivating rice and corn, as well as weaving fabric.

You will be able to enjoy not only the stunning scenery and villages but also meet beautiful people as they show you their way of life.

Be aware that you just spent the evening at a very authentic homestay experience and have spent the past 24 hours appreciating the beauty of the countryside. You may find Cat Cat Village a bit touristy compared to what you have already seen. I am just letting you know this so you can set your expectations accordingly.

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Evening – Massage

For the final evening of your 3 day Sapa itinerary, I highly recommend getting yourself a massage. For just a few dollars you can find yourself relaxing and getting a back or foot massage.

There are so many massage parlors located around Sapa town you won’t have trouble finding one close to your hotel.

Go on have a massage, after all that trekking in Sapa you deserve to relax and be pampered!

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Add To Your Itinerary In Sapa?

If you happen to be staying longer than 3 days then there are other things to add to your Sapa itinerary:

O Quy Ho Pass: This is one of the incredible passes in Vietnam’s northwestern region. At O Quy Ho Pass, you can check out the beautiful countryside as you travel over and around mountains.

Y Ty: A few hour’s drive away from Sapa is Y Ty. This is a much more authentic place when it comes to experiencing the culture in Northern Vietnam. Here you can find a few homestays that can sort you a bed. Located at over 2000 meters above sea level, the temperature here is cooler year-round. This is where the minority Ha Ni people live, and they cultivate many medicinal plants.

Ha Giang Loop: If you have some extra time and want to explore further up North, why not try the Ha Giang Loop? This is an epic adventure through the roads in Northern Vietnam and has been growing in popularity year after year!

Ha Long Bay: Another alternative is Ha Long Bay. This famous site is a must and one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia

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Map Of Places Around Sapa Featured In This Itinerary

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Best Travel Tips For Sapa

So we can tick off organizing the Sapa itinerary, now let’s check out the top travel tips for your 3 days here.

I mean, of course, we want you to have an amazing time, where you can enjoy great weather, stay in the best accommodation, and scams to watch out for.

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When Is The Best Time To Travel Sapa

Depending on the time of year you decide to book your Sapa adventures can really affect what you can do there, and how much you will enjoy your time overall.

I, unfortunately, didn’t do this research on this before visiting, and ended up there during the month of February. As a result, there was a constant fog, the temperature was below zero degrees Celsius and we had to buy more warm clothes as soon as we arrived in Sapa town.

Nevertheless, we made the most out of a bad situation.

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December To February

This is the coldest part of the year and also the time I visited. Be aware many homestays don’t have heaters so make sure to bring warm clothes.

It can even get so cold that it can snow in Sapa! It isn’t super wet, though there is a constant fog around, so things can feel quite moist.

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March To April

This is a beautiful time to travel to Sapa. It is when the rice fields are the greenest and many flowers bloom.

This is one of the most popular times to be backpacking Sapa.

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May To August

May to August is the wet season when it is known to rain. Though this is just for a few hours each day, so bring a rain jacket and some old shoes for trekking.

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September To November

During these months, the rice harvest happens. As a result, you may not get those bright green rice fields that Sapa is so famous for, as the rice paddies will be empty.

You will get a unique experience as you see the landscapes constantly being worked by the locals.

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How To Get To Sapa

The gateway to Sapa is Hanoi, so this will undoubtedly be your starting point. From here, you will find a heap of transport options, and I will give you a brief overview of each.

If you want to go more in-depth, you can check out my Hanoi to Sapa travel guide.

I recommend booking your tickets over on Baolau or 12.Go Asia. These are platforms I have personally used in Southeast Asia and Vietnam. I prefer Baolau for trains and 12.Go Asia for buses.

Train: The train is a great and super comfortable way to travel. The main thing to be aware of is that the train arrives in Lao Cai, not Sapa. From Lao Cai, you will have to take another transport method for the last hour.

Bus: Taking the bus is great if you are on a budget. You will find plenty of sleeper buses from Hanoi to Sapa. This total journey takes around 6 hours which honestly isn’t too painful. I find anything over 8 hours really makes you question your life choices. Plus, it is a direct journey, so there is no need to stop in Lao Cai like the train.

Taxi: If you can afford to splurge a bit then you have the option of a private taxi. This is the fastest and most comfortable way.

Mini Van: Taking the minivan is another great option. This is slightly a more expensive option than the bus, but some of these minivans are fancy AF. Like they are known as limousine vans. Think plush, lazy-boy-style seats.

Transport Method	Time	Cost	Highlight	Book Your Tickets
Train	8 hours	from $23	Comfortable journey	Baolau
Luxury Train	8 hours	from $30	Super comfortable journey	Baolau
Bus	6 hours	from $10	The cheapest way to travel	12.Go Asia
Tourist Bus	6 hours	from $15	Most comfortable bus option	12.Go Asia
Taxi	5 hours	from $200	The fastest way to travel	12.Go Asia
Mini Van	5 hours	from $20	A fast and affordable way to travel	12.Go Asia

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Where To Stay While In Sapa?

When deciding on your accommodation in Sapa, you will have plenty of choices. Most people, including myself, decide to split their time between a hotel in the township and a homestay out in nature.

Sapa town offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels to luxurious new hotels. Bamboo Sapa Hotel is a fantastic choice, featuring an incredible pool and stunning valley vistas.

In terms of more budget options, I had a wonderful stay at Lustig Hostel. Here you can enjoy mountain chalet vibes at an affordable rate of just $4.00 per night.

I also recommend experiencing a homestay in Sapa, where you can live with a local family, enjoy their cuisine, and immerse yourself in the stunning countryside.

Homestays are generally more affordable than hotels in the town center, though they are simpler in amenities.

For homestays with dorms, Little Ta Van Homestay is a great option. The family is welcoming, and they have a couple of sweet cats and dogs for those in need of animal companionship. During our stay, we enjoyed cozy evenings by the fire, enjoying warm sugarcane with limited electricity, all of which added to the charm.

For a homestay with a touch of luxury, Sapa Riverside Eco Lodge and Spa offers private single rooms starting at $25.00 per night. This is an excellent choice for those who want the amenities and comforts of a hotel surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside.

Lustig Hostel A beautiful hostel with mountain vibes for backpackers. Dorms here start from $4.00 oer night. BOOK NOW	Flaco Hostel Sapa Super affordable private rooms in an excellent location. Rooms start from $10.00 per night. BOOK NOW
Sapa Clay House Mountain Retreat Beautiful private rooms from $82.00 per night and in an incredible location with a pool. BOOK NOW	Bamboo Sapa Hotel A super modern and luxurious hotel, starting from $40.00 per night with an amazing pool. BOOK NOW

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How To Keep Safe In Sapa

Sapa is a safe place for backpacking, though you will find many standard Vietnam scams. These are often to do with robbery and pickpocketing.

Some children in their traditional clothes may be thieves looking for an opportunity. One child may try to keep you occupied, while another will pickpocket you.

In Vietnam, motorbike snatch-and-grab theft is quite common. Thieves may spot an unsecured handbag, backpack, camera, or phone hanging off you and snatch it while riding by on their motorbikes.

Avoid drinking tap water. Most hotels and hostels offer water refill stations, and minimarts sell cheap bottled water.

The key is to use your common sense to stay out of dangerous situations. I wasn’t scammed or taken advantage of in Vietnam, thanks to thorough research and awareness of common tourist scams.

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Where To Go After Sapa?

North: There isn’t too much further North, but if you own a motorbike then you can explore more in-depth. However, if you want to tour the Ha Giang Loop with a group and have an easy rider, these typically depart from Hanoi.

South: Alternatively, you will have plenty of options heading South to Hanoi and beyond. If this sounds like you, definitely look into train hopping down to Ho Chi Minh. There are some great places to explore along the way, including the Imperial City of Hue, discovering the Hoi An old town, snorkeling In Nha Trang, spending sunrise at the sand dunes in Mui Ne, and exploring the tunnels outside of Ho Chi Minh.

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FAQs About This Sapa Itinerary

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Wrap Up: The Best Things To Do On Your Sapa Itinerary

Vietnam offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. With stunning landscapes, vibrant ethnic cultures, and adventurous activities, it is no wonder that Sapa has become a popular destination.

From trekking through picturesque rice terraces to visiting local villages and markets, this Sapa itinerary won’t disappoint.

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Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

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Photo credit: “Vietnam-Sapa-Cat Cat Village-P1070359” (CC BY 2.0) by mmmngai.rogers. “Sapa Love Waterfall” (CC BY 2.0) by Guerette . “Sapa Silver Waterfall” (CC BY 2.0) by Gueretto .

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