Long Weekend in Sapa, Vietnam

One of my favorite parts about living in Hong Kong is being able to spontaneously hop on a short flight to visit other parts of Asia. And luckily in Hong Kong, we celebrate a mix of both Western and traditional Chinese public holidays, totaling 17 public holidays per year. This means more long weekends to spend exploring the beautiful destinations that this part of the world has to offer.

There are so many underrated places to see depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for. Last October, we decided to go to Sapa, a small town located in the mountains of northwestern Vietnam. It’s a place that I always recommend for people who are interested in traveling somewhere that’s relaxing, surrounded by nature and a little off the beaten path.

This guide is for first-time visitors to make the most of a long weekend in the peaceful, scenic town of Sapa.

When to visit Sapa

The best times to visit Sapa are from April to May, when the rice terraces are lush and green, or September to October, when the weather is cool, sunny and dry. In the summertime, Sapa enters its rainy season. Combined with the hot weather during this time, it can be difficult for outdoor activities, especially trekking.

How to get to Sapa from Hanoi

We flew from Hong Kong to Hanoi, and from there, you can find many transportation options to get to Sapa. We stayed at Pistachio Hotel Sapa and arranged a private car and driver through the concierge. This is a common add-on option offered by hotels and it takes about five to six hours for the drive. If you’re looking for a lower-budget option, you can also book a bus with a private cabin. No matter which option you choose, expect a scenic journey with glimpses of Sapa’s natural beauty.

Where to stay in Sapa

The goal of this trip was rest and relaxation, and we couldn’t have picked a better place to stay than Pistachio Hotel Sapa. Conveniently located in the center of town, Pistachio Hotel overlooks the magnificent mountain and valley views of Sapa. We were unexpectedly upgraded to the grand and spacious presidential suite, and were able to take in the scenery right from the comfort of our balcony. The hotel also has a picturesque infinity pool and a daily breakfast buffet. Every morning, we kept coming back to order a hot bowl of homemade pho - the perfect nourishing breakfast to start each day’s adventures.

Places to visit in Sapa

Sailing Sapa: One of my favorite finds in Sapa was this café called Sailing Sapa. Located in the heart of Muong Hoa Valley, this gem of a spot offers panoramic views of the terraced rice fields and surrounding mountains. We hired a private taxi through our hotel, as the café is about 30 minutes away from town. It’s worth the wait though, as we could have spent the whole day taking in the views while sipping on a delicious cup of egg coffee and trying a variety of local dishes.

Cat Cat Village: If you want a glimpse of the local culture, spend a morning or afternoon at Cat Cat Village. Nestled in a valley surrounded by lush green mountains, Cat Cat Village is home to the Hmong tribe and is a popular destination for tourists for its picturesque landscapes and natural scenery. Some main parts of the village can be a bit of a tourist trap, especially during peak season, but I think it’s still worth visiting, if mostly for the stunning views.

Trekking: One of the most popular activities that Sapa is known for is trekking. For travelers who love the outdoors, joining a guided overnight hiking tour is the perfect way to experience the beautiful landscapes of northern Vietnam, while immersing yourself in the local culture through your guide and homestay. While the accommodation at a homestay is usually basic, it’s a unique opportunity to get to know locals, enjoy a home-cooked meal and meet fellow travelers.

What to eat in Sapa

The Mist Sapa: We stumbled upon this cozy, quaint coffee shop and ended up visiting three days in a row. The shop is nestled in a small garden and surrounded by adorable, sleeping animal companions that the owner adopted or found on the street. I loved indulging in their egg coffee and freshly baked cinnamon roll cake, and on days where it rained, the café created a perfect environment for a slow morning of reading and relaxing.

Banh Mi & Breakfast: You can’t go to Vietnam without getting banh mi for breakfast. Just down the street from The Mist Sapa, we found a humble shop that’s single-handedly run by a lovely lady who made us the most delicious breakfast banh mi with egg, crispy, yet soft bread and flavorful, fresh ingredients. There’s only one table and a few stools, but we spent an hour there just talking to the owner, and even came back the next day to get another banh mi for the drive back to Hanoi.

Nhà Hàng Cá Hồi Vua Sapa: One local specialty that you have to try if you’re visiting Sapa is salmon hot pot. This spot was popular among locals and it was definitely our most memorable dinner during our trip. The dish consists of freshly caught local salmon, mountainous vegetables and a sweet, sour broth - perfect for the cool weather.

For more everyday videos and clips from my trip to Sapa, check out my Instagram Story Highlights.