Where To Stay In Sapa
Sapa is a misty mountain resort town located in the Lao Cai province of northern Vietnam. It's known for picturesque terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and serene rural landscapes that offer quiet reprieve from the country's chaotic and crowded cities.
Although the province expands all the way to China, Sapa itself is quite small. So the best place to stay is actually right in city center where it's most convenient and accessible for travelers coming in from neighboring areas like Hanoi or Ha Giang.
However, Sapa Town can be quite touristy and commercial, so in this article, we'll also dive into alternatives like Ta Van which present opportunities to support local families through ethical homestays.
So if you're ready to plan your Vietnam itinerary, this post will provide an in-depth look at the two best areas to stay in Sapa, with accommodation recommendations for each area depending on your budget and travel style.
At A Glance
🏔 Sapa Town | Best For First-Time Visitors | Browse Hotels In Sapa Town
🌱 Ta Van Village | Best For Nature-Lovers & Slow Travelers | Browse Hotels In Ta Van
Sapa Town
As I mentioned in the introduction, Sapa Town is the best place to stay when exploring Sapa.
It's where all the buses stop, so not only is it convenient from a transportation standpoint, but it's also a great base for trekking to smaller villages and visiting Fanispan (two of the best things to do in Sapa).
Historically, the mountains of Sapa were home Hmong, Dao, and Tay ethnic minority groups. But when the French colonized the country, they built it into a resort town for the rich to escape the summer heat.
Therefore, the area has a very distinctive European colonial feel and a long history of tourism, which is why prices tend to be (comparatively) higher and commercial hotels dominate.
That being said, if you're trying to travel more responsibly and are intent on spending your money where it counts, you can definitely still find a large selection of locally-owned accommodations to stay at.
Where To Stay In Sapa Town
Nam Homestay
Family-owned homestay right in the middle of Sapa Town. Super friendly and responsive host that can help book experiences and transportation if needed.
Sapa Horizon Hotel
One of the most booked hotels in Sapa Tiwn with incredible suites, private balconies, and stunning mountain views.
KK Sapa Hotel
Five-star luxury hotel built into the mountains with incredible views and decked out amenities.
Whisper Home
Eco-chic homestay with a pool and cozy common areas in a quiet neighborhood close to city center.
Ta Van Village
Although Sapa Town is by far the most convenient option, you can also stay at Ta Van Village for a quieter alternative that's closer to nature.
The village is located within the larger Muong Hoa Valley and is about a 30 minute motorbike ride from city center. It's home to a mix of Giay, Hmong, and Red Dao ethnic groups and offers a variety of different homestay opportunities.
I stopped by for my red dzao bath and really loved how quaint the village was and how friendly the locals were.
If you're interested in responsible tourism and want to intentionally support the local community with your travel, or if your main goal in visiting Sapa is trekking, then Ta Van Village is a good place to stay!
Where To Stay In Ta Van Village
Sapa Eco Villas & Spa
Beautiful space in the mountains with incredible amenities including a pool, and access to massage, restaurant and hot tub on-site.
Sapa Farmstay
Spacious farmstay in the Muong Hoa Valley with a warm host family, incredible mountain views, and a pool. This stay is pet-friendly!
Mai's Cozy House Ta Van
Adorable homestay in the terraced rice fields with a warm host family and family-style meals.
Muong Hoa Hillside Homestay
Spacious homestay with misty mountain views and the option for family vacation rooms.
Accommodations While Trekking In Sapa
If you plan on booking a multi-day trekking tour through Sapa, accommodations are likely already covered. Talk to your local tour operators on where they recommend staying before or after and they likely have discounted deals with local connections!
Why Choose A Homestay When Visiting Sapa?
One thing that’s really apparent in Sapa is the wealth inequality.
On one hand you have all inclusive mountain resorts for the rich, and on the other, you see children from ethnic minority groups performing in the city plaza for change rather than pursuing their education.
Staying in a homestay or with the local community is one of the best ways to give directly back to the people and the places that you visit. It can help address these wealth discrepancies while providing a more sustainable framework for development into the future.
So if you want to be a more ethical or responsible traveler, definitely consider staying with a local family. The amenities might not be five-star standard, but the experience offers a richness that cannot be found otherwise.
Quick Tips For Planning Your Vietnam Trip
The best way to get to Sapa is by overnight bus or train. I used 12Go to book all of my transportation through Southeast Asia.
Viettel is the best carrier for service in the mountains of Vietnam. However, their e-sim situation is a little confusing so I prefer to use Airalo for ease-of-mind.
Agoda is the best platform for booking accommodations in Southeast Asia! They have so many great, last-minute deals!
Make sure to buy travel insurance. Vietnam is a relatively safe country when it comes to personal safety, but automobile accidents and personal injury accidents all the time.
For most travelers, I definitely recommend staying in Sapa Town. There are a plethora of accommodations for all travel styles and it's by far the most convenient location. However, if you prefer a slower and more community-oriented experience, Ta Van Village is a great alternative. There are so many different homestays and chances to connect with the area a little deeper.
As always, I think it’s best to plan your itinerary first and look at a rough sketch of transportation before booking your accommodations. This will make your travel experience that much smoother logistically, so that you can focus on being fully present to experience your travels.
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