Sapa

Where We Stayed: Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa

We took an overnight train to Sapa, a mountain town located in the hills of the Lo Cai province. Sapa is home is best known for it’s picturesque rice paddy terraces. 

The highlight of our day in Sapa included our hike through the rice paddy fields alongside several members of local ethnic tribal groups. Sapa is home to five main ethic groups: including the Hmong, Tay, Dao, Giay, and Xa Pho.  Each tribe is distinguishable by the uniquely colorful clothing that they wear.

We had the privilege of interacting and hiking with a group of four Hmong women and three of their babies that they carried along with them. The Hmong easily recognized by their handmade, brightly embroidered clothing that is often dyed with indigo. We were amazed to find out that these ethnic groups were surprisingly fluent in English. Our guide told us that the tribes love learning English through meeting tourists on their hikes in the rice paddies.

Helpful Tips for Trekking in Sapa:

• Prior to trekking in Sapa, make sure to have a legitimate tour guide with you. This is crucial in helping you to communicate better with the locals while also helping to ensure your safety.
• Expect that after your trek with any of the tribal groups, they will expect you to purchase something from them. Our guide encouraged us to buy a small souvenir in order to help support the women we walked with. A little goes a long way!

After our trek, we stopped for lunch. Our A&K guide purchased us ingredients to make our own spring rolls! He taught us their local rolling techniques – and they were delicious!

Later that night, our A&K guide rented us a scooter and we drove up the winding roads of Sapa. We reached the top just in time to capture the most amazing views of the valleys.

On our last morning in Lao Cai, we visited the Coc Ly Hilltribe market. This lively marketplace was filled with local vendors, selling everything from pottery to fabrics.

After this, we took a scenic boat trip and floated down the Chay River to the Trung Do Village. Our A&K guide introduced us to several families who welcomed us into their homes for visits.

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Lao Cai and travel to our next destination… hello Halong Bay!