Sapa Vs. Ha Giang
Sapa and Ha Giang are two of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam. They're both famous for their stunning mountainous landscapes and ethnic minority villages, so how do you choose between the two of them?
Obviously, it would be ideal if you could visit both towns, but if you're short on time, I've got you.
I spent a few days in each of those regions during my month long trip in Vietnam, and found them both to be beautiful, but in vastly different ways.
Long story short, Sapa is great for trekking, rice terraces, and taking things at your own pace. It was originally a resort town, so a lot of those amenities are still available.
Ha Giang on the other hand, is mostly known for its motorbike loop through the province's rugged terrain. It's the obvious choice for thrill seekers and offers a unique experience that you can't really try anywhere else in the world.
This article is going to dive into the similarities and differences of each destination and how to decide which province is best for you. So if you're ready, let's get started!
Sapa
Where Is Sapa?
Sapa is a town in the northwestern province of Lao Cai. It's about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Hanoi and accessible only by bus, car, or motorbike. The drive takes five to six hours depending on traffic.
When To Visit Sapa
The best time to visit Sapa is from March - May or September - November when the weather is mild and clear. I visited in winter and it was quite brutal motorcycling through the rainy and windy mountainside to only be disappointed by a scenic view blocked by fog. I still had a great time, but it's definitely something I wouldn't wish on anyone else.
What Is Sapa Known For?
Sapa is most famous for its multi-day treks through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. These long excursions take you past charming rice fields, picturesque waterfalls, dramatic valleys, and through the ethnic minority villages of the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay.
The town itself had been carved out by the French during colonial times as a resort destination, and a lot of that architecture remains, so it's quite the quaint experience in and of itself.
Sapa is also home to Fansipan, the tallest mountain in Vietnam (and the entire Indochinese peninsula). I highly recommend climbing the 650 steps from the cable car to the summit for incredible 360 views of the province.
How Long To Spend In Sapa
2-3 days is enough time, but I personally stayed a little longer because I wanted to fully immerse myself in the culture. The villages and landmarks are also quite far apart, so having multiple days gives you more time to take things at a slow pace.
What To Expect From Sapa
Sapa is a really cute mountain town. It's whimsical but in many ways, also quite touristy.
You'll have plenty of options for food and accommodations but they might be more expensive depending on when you visit.
You can also rent a motorbike and so, it's a lot more flexible of a destination. I found it to be relaxing and thoroughly enjoyed being able to explore at my own pace.
Who Is Sapa Best For?
Sapa is best for refined travelers who value accessibility, flexibility, and to a certain extent, comfort.
You can customize your itinerary according to your interests and it's definitely the more relaxed option of the two.
However, it also has a long history as a resort destination so in some ways, it's also more commercial and touristy.
Ha Giang
Where Is Ha Giang?
Ha Giang is a northeastern province that lies on the border of Vietnam and China. The town itself is about 292 kilometers (181 miles) from Hanoi but many landmark attractions such as the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and Lung Cu Flag Tower are further north.
There are no trains or planes between Hanoi and Ha Giang and the only way to get there is by car. The drive takes roughly 6 hours (depending on traffic) and many travelers opt for an overnight bus to make the most of their time.
When To Visit Ha Giang
It's best to visit Ha Giang between September and November, when the weather cools down just after monsoon season.
November is also buckwheat flower season, when the lush green mountains of this northern province become speckled with vibrant purple and white flowers.
Regardless of when you visit, the weather in Ha Giang can be quite unpredictable.
I did my tour in early November and was unprepared for the sudden bouts of rain, fog, and wind. It was surprisingly cold and a lot of my tour-mates had to buy jackets and sweaters last-minute in order to stay warm. Make sure that you avoid this mistake by packing lots of layers!
I'd avoid visiting Ha Giang during the summer (July and August) because it gets uncomfortably hot. Vietnam is also hit with regular monsoons during this time of year, leading to an increased chance of landslides.
What Is Ha Giang Known For?
Ha Giang is most famous for its motorbike loop.
This 3-5 day tour takes you on a winding path through the province's diverse ethnic minority villages and dramatic landscapes featuring towering limestone mountains and deep low-lying valleys.
How Long To Spend In Ha Giang
Most people spend 3-5 days in Ha Giang. You can obviously spend more time in the province if you plan on exploring on your own, but most guided tours only take a few days.
I did a 4-day tour and found that to be the perfect amount of time. One to two days is a bit rushed and any longer than 5 days makes it too physically exhausting.
What To Expect From Ha Giang
A lot of time on the back of a motorbike. Obviously.
But all joking aside, if you've ever take a road trip before, you'll know exactly what I mean when I say that it's both tiring and rewarding when the journey is the entire experience.
I found the Ha Giang Loop to be a simultaneously beautiful, exciting, stressful, and meditative. Basically any emotion that you can have, you'll probably feel it on this trip.
It was a deeply insightful experience that unexpectedly gave me a lot of time to process things that I had been putting off.
On a literal front, the trip takes you through some of the most otherworldly scenery featuring views from Meo Vac of the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River. You also get to experience different cultures through the visits to H'mong, Tay, Dao, and Nung villages.
Who Is Ha Giang Best For?
Ha Giang is perfect for adventurers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and anyone chasing bucket-list experiences.
It's an incredible way to connect with fellow travelers and engage with locals on a deeper level over several days.
While the journey requires some physical endurance and high energy levels, it’s truly a must-do experience for first time visitors.
What Is Better, Sapa or Ha Giang?
Ultimately that answer depends on your priorities and preferences in travel, right?
Sapa
Sapa is more of a resort mountain town that suits relaxed travelers who like to take things at their own pace. It's a cozy, foggy town with surprisingly a lot to do.
Pros:
Comfortable travel experience: better accommodations, wide variety of food, paved paths
Flexibility to explore at your own pace
Cute and intimate neighborhoods (eg. alleys of the main town)
Cons:
Very touristy in some areas with pushy locals (eg. Cat Cat Village)
Can be expensive, especially compared to Ha Giang and other areas of Vietnam
Ha Giang
Ha Giang on the other hand is definitely more intense, both physically and energetically, but is well worth it if you're looking for adventure and connection.
Pros:
Unique opportunity that you can only experience in Vietnam
Exquisite landscapes
Deep connection: both with the locals and with other travelers
Local food and drinking traditions. Happy water~~!
Cons:
Physically taxing. You're definitely going to be wet, cold, sore, and tired during this journey.
Not the most diverse menu. Repetitive with lots of conventional dishes (we were sick of spring rolls and tomato egg by the end of it)
Caters to the young, European, backpacker crowd. Quite annoying if that's not what you're looking for.
Pre-set destinations and travel schedule
A lot of my criticism of Ha Giang has to do with the tour experience. If you plan on riding the loop on your own, it probably won't apply to you.
Additionally, the Ha Giang Loop (especially the way it's structured with the motorbike tours) is better suited for young people.
I cannot overstate how physically tiring it is, even as someone who works out five times a week.
Emotionally, it also takes a lot of patience. I felt out of place as a 30-year old because everyone else was in their early 20s, on a gap year, and just looking to party.
If you're over 30 years old, I'd recommend going with a private group or riding the loop on your own.
What If You Can Only Choose One?
If you can only choose one, I'd go with Ha Giang. It's an experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world and if you're young and physically able to, you should take advantage of it now.
FAQs
Should I do Sapa or Ha Giang first?
It depends on your itinerary.
If you plan on heading east to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island afterwards, you should do Sapa first and then Ha Giang. Work with the geography and move in the direction that you're going towards.
If you plan on going back to Hanoi after the northern provinces, it might be better to do Ha Giang first and Sapa afterwards. Get the intensity over with and then take things at a slower pace in Sapa.
Honestly, the order doesn't matter that much. They're both comparable in terms of accessibility and logistics.
Does the Ha Giang Loop go through Sapa?
No, the Ha Giang Loop does not go through Sapa. The Ha Giang Loop typically heads north towards the Chinese border and then loops back down to the main town of Ha Giang.
Can you go from Ha Giang to Sapa?
Yes! You can go directly from Ha Giang to Sapa.
A lot of people will opt for an overnight bus which you can book directly using 12Go. If you're booking a guided motorbike tour, your tour operator might be able to arrange transportation as part of the deal.
I hope that this article clarified some of the main differences between Sapa and Ha Giang, and that you can now make an informed decision according to your travel style.
For more on slow travel through northern Vietnam, you can read my full review of the 4-day motorbike loop tour.
If you're heading back to Hanoi, it might be worth it to check out some day trips that take you to nearby destinations like Ninh Binh.
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