Best of Sapa

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Sapa
The valley town of Sapa lies amid the spectacular landscapes of northwest Vietnam. Rolling, forest-covered peaks, rushing rivers and steeply terraced rice fields are all part of the backdrop of this remote region five hours from Hanoi. Sapa has a handful of attractions, but most travelers are only passing through as they head into tiny jungle-clad villages in the hills. There visitors can enjoy homestays among the Dzao, Hmong, Thai and other diverse ethnic groups. 

Sapa is one of the top trekking destinations in Vietnam, and you can travel between Hill Tribe villages, meeting locals in the fields and stopping for lunch at waterfalls and scenic overlooks along the way. Staying with host families immerses you in village life, and you’ll have the opportunity to help out with cooking, gardening, tending the livestock and other activities. You might also be able to catch a bustling market day as colorfully garbed traders come from all over the region. Although the region is an increasingly popular tourist destination, it’s possible to get off the beaten path as you travel to the fringes of Lao Cai province.
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Temples at the My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam
Map of Impressions of Vietnam & Cambodia - 12 Days
Impressions of Vietnam & Cambodia - 12 Days

Travel back through the centuries on a history and culture tour of Vietnam and Cambodia's most beautiful and ancient sites. It begins with tours of Hanoi's Old Quarter, and then you're off to the northern mountains for hikes to ethnic villages. Following a cruise on Ha Long Bay and a jaunt to the ancient river city of Hoi An, you'll fly to Cambodia and visit the massive, awe-inspiring temple complexes of Angkor.

A lush green landscape in the Vietnamese countryside
Map of Best of Northern Vietnam - 7 Days
Best of Northern Vietnam - 7 Days

Experience the best of northern Vietnam on this weeklong getaway. You'll tour the historic streets of old Hanoi, travel to mountain villages home to ethnic communities, and hike around the terraced rice fields of Vietnam's highland region. The adventure culminates with an unforgettable boat ride in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hạ Long Bay.

Hike to traditional villages in the terraced hills of Sapa
Map of Luxury Northern Vietnam for Nature Lovers - 7 Days
Luxury Northern Vietnam for Nature Lovers - 7 Days

Mix luxurious accommodations with active excursions on this grand tour of Vietnam's north. Your weeklong trip starts in the capital of Hanoi, where you'll explore the city like a local and enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the best restaurants in the country. The next leg of the journey is pure adventure as you hike between ethnic villages in the soaring green mountains of Sapa and finish with a luxury cruise around the otherworldly Ha Long Bay.

Vietnam
Map of Journey to Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Mai Chau, Sapa & Ha Long - 8 Days
Journey to Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Mai Chau, Sapa & Ha Long - 8 Days

The north of Vietnam is a treasure trove of wonders, and over eight action-packed days you'll experience the highlights. It begins in the ancient, incomparable city of Hanoi, and from there you'll venture to the countryside for nature hikes along green valleys to visit traditional ethnic villages. After touring the soaring mountains and rice paddies of Sapa, finish the trip on a cruise of the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

Discover Sapa's distinctive rice terraces and highland culture
Map of Secrets of Vietnam & Thailand - 14 Days
Secrets of Vietnam & Thailand - 14 Days

Explore the cultures and landscapes of Vietnam and Thailand on this 14-day escape that takes you beyond the typical tourist trail. Begin in northern Vietnam to trek to Sapa's hill tribe villages, sail UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, and ride a cable car to the country's highest peak, Mount Fansipan. Continue to Thailand to tour ancient palaces and gold-leafed temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, then meet the country's highland communities and bask in Krabi's hot springs and emerald lagoons.

Visit remote hill tribes near the town of Sapa in northwest Vietnam
Map of Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas
Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa spend about 12 to 14 days in Vietnam, which usually includes some time in Ho Chi Minh City as well. If you're only headed to Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in 10 to 12 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in eight or nine days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa trips below.

Discover Vietnam from the vantage of a traditional sampan
Map of Family Adventure in Vietnam: North to South - 14 Days
Family Adventure in Vietnam: North to South - 14 Days

Take the family on an in-depth discovery of a singularly beautiful country that's the well-spring of a deep culture: Vietnam. Over two weeks, you'll see it all, from the colonial Old Quarter of Hanoi to the terraced rice fields of Sapa and the historic fishing ports of the central coast. The trip culminates around the former Saigon, where you'll tour Ho Chi Minh City and explore the Mekong Delta by boat.

Vietnamese rice terraces
Map of Vietnam Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventure – 14 Days
Vietnam Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventure – 14 Days

Stray off the beaten track on this adventurous 14-day Vietnam tour. Touch down in Hanoi and head north to trek through Sapa's towering rice terraces and visit remote villages where you'll meet Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities. Continue with an overnight cruise of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay and a trip to the lush Mekong Delta, where floating markets and peaceful river life awaits.

Golden-sailed junk boats in Ha Long Bay
Map of Honeymoon in Northern Vietnam: From Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days
Honeymoon in Northern Vietnam: From Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days

Tied the knot and want a customized trip to celebrate your love? Try honeymooning in Vietnam. This 10-day tour combines culture, relaxation, beautiful landscapes, and a touch of adventure, perfect for an unforgettable honeymoon. Starting in Hanoi, you'll spend two luxurious nights in the esteemed Topas Ecolodge amid some of the region's most remote hill tribe communities, overnight in a private cabin on Ha Long Bay, and end your stay in postcard-perfect Hoi An.

Your epic three-week trip winds down with beach time in Thailand's tropical south
Map of Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Thailand - 21 Days
Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Thailand - 21 Days

To get to the heart of Vietnam and Thailand, you need plenty of time—luckily, this itinerary offers just that. Over three exciting weeks, you'll ride Vespas along Hanoi's colorful streets, hike around terraced rice fields and waterfalls in Sapa, marvel at limestone towers in Ha Long Bay, and walk amid wartime history in Ho Chi Minh City. Then, hop over to Thailand to enjoy temple tours of Bangkok, visit elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, and relax on the postcard islands and beaches of Phuket and Krabi.

See rice fields en route to Sapa, an old French hill station in North Vietnam
Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas
Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 12 to 14 days is the perfect amount of time for a Vietnam trip with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 10 or 11 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Hue or Can Tho. Get inspired with our Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa trip ideas below.

Stand atop Fansipan, Vietnam's highest mountain
Map of Off the Beaten Path in Northern Vietnam & Cambodia - 10 Days
Off the Beaten Path in Northern Vietnam & Cambodia - 10 Days

Step off the tourist trail and spend 10 days experiencing the full spectrum of Vietnam and Cambodia's dramatic natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage. In Vietnam, mix pottery workshops and food tours in Hanoi, followed by an overnight train journey deep into the terraced rice fields of northern Sapa. Visit remote hill tribe villages and ascend Mount Fansipan, then travel to Cambodia to see the highlights of Phnom Penh on three wheels and marvel at the ancient ruins in Angkor.

Sped time with hill tribe members in northern Vietnam
Map of Authentic Vietnam & Thailand: Homestays, Workshops & Local Experiences - 21 Days
Authentic Vietnam & Thailand: Homestays, Workshops & Local Experiences - 21 Days

This three-week Vietnam and Thailand adventure is as much about people and culture as it is about beauty and history. Experience the full spectrum, starting in southern Vietnam with wartime history tours followed by time on the river in Hoi An and the Mekong Delta. After hiking the terraced rice fields of Sapa, you'll head to the coast for a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Finish in Thailand with visits to villages near Bangkok and Chiang Mai before ending up on the postcard beaches of Phuket.

Mekong Delta
Map of Discover Vietnam From North to South - 13 Days
Discover Vietnam From North to South - 13 Days

From north to south, discover the heart and soul of Vietnam on this 13-day adventure. Immerse yourself in the frenetic cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Soak up breathtaking natural landscapes atop Fansipan Mountain, in Ha Long Bay, and on the waters of the Mekong Delta. Then, step back in time to unravel the cultural and architectural melting pot of Hoi An. Along the way, meet local villagers, eat traditional meals and street snacks, and leave with rich, colorful memories.

Ascend Mount Fansipan, Vietnam's highest mountain, via cable car
Map of Off the Beaten Path in Vietnam & Cambodia - 14 Days
Off the Beaten Path in Vietnam & Cambodia - 14 Days

This two-week journey through Vietnam and Cambodia celebrates these nations' deep cultural heritage, with a focus on authentic experiences and outdoor adventures. Discover Vietnam's capital of Hanoi, then venture into the countryside to the rivers and rice paddies of Ninh Binh and Sapa. After touring ethnic villages and cruising the otherworldly landscapes of Ha Long Bay, you're off to Cambodia to marvel at the Khmer towers of Angkor.

Tour the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An as you head south to Ho Chi Minh City
Map of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas
Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long Bay & Sapa: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 13 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Vietnam trip with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 12 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country. Keep reading for more inspiring Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa itineraries.

Take to the terraced hills and meet the locals of the Muong Hoa Valley
Map of Vietnam Cultural Journey - 13 Days
Vietnam Cultural Journey - 13 Days

Delve into Vietnam's culture as you traverse its diverse landscapes on this 13-day tour. Start in Hanoi, where you'll enjoy Vietnamese cuisine and water puppet shows before heading north to trek through Sapa's towering rice terraces dotted with remote villages. Next, take an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay and discover UNESCO-listed architecture in Hue and Hoi An. The adventure ends in the tropical south, where you'll sail through the lush Mekong Delta.

Northern Vietnam landscape
Map of Vietnam Off the Beaten Track - 14 Days
Vietnam Off the Beaten Track - 14 Days

Spend 14 days exploring some of the far corners and favorite cities of Vietnam. You'll not only explore Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but also trek through the mountainous northwest, visiting ethnic minority villages. Cruise through limestone formations to Cat Ba island and along the Mekong river to see what life is like across the country.

Terraced hillsides near Sapa, Vietnam
Map of Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days
Authentic Vietnam - 14 Days

Go off the beaten path in Vietnam as you tour Hanoi like a local, visit traditional villages in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and hike amid terraced rice paddies in the highlands of Sapa. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll stroll amid ancient history in cities like Hoi An before ending the trip with street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City and adventures down the Mekong River.

Explore the beaches and coastline of Vietnam's Phu Yen region
Map of Hidden Corners of Vietnam & Cambodia: Mountains, Cities & Beaches - 21 Days
Hidden Corners of Vietnam & Cambodia: Mountains, Cities & Beaches - 21 Days

Dive deep into Vietnam and Cambodia, two of the richest cultures in Southeast Asia, with three memorable weeks of off-the-beaten-path adventures. Enjoy the best cuisine in Hanoi, hike through the terraced rice fields and hill tribe villages of Sapa, cruise Ha Long Bay, and discover the unspoiled beaches of the Phu Yen coast—and that's just Vietnam. The thrills continue in Cambodia with visits to the ancient citadels of Angkor and the powdery white-sand beaches of Koh Rong.

Rice fields in northern Vietnam
Map of Trekking in Rural Vietnam - 8 Days
Trekking in Rural Vietnam - 8 Days

One of the best ways to experience the culture, people, and beauty of Vietnam is on a nature hike. That's exactly what you'll do over eight days on a long-distance trek in the countryside along the Vietnam-China border. On this adventure, you'll pass terraced rice paddies and soaring mountains while enjoying the renowned hospitality of the ethnic tribespeople who reside in the villages you stop at along the way.

Boat down Vietnam's Mekong River
Map of Highlights of Vietnam - 15 Days
Highlights of Vietnam - 15 Days

This 15-day adventure will take you to the most beautiful locales in Vietnam while immersing you in its cultural heritage. Starting in Hanoi, you'll visit historical sites and meet local artisans, then head north to hike the terraced rice paddies in the Vietnamese highlands. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll travel south to imperial cities, dip into the wartime history of Ho Chi Minh City, and cap the trip on the Mekong Delta.

Step back in time in Hoi An's Ancient Town
Map of Vietnam Discovery Tour - 15 Days
Vietnam Discovery Tour - 15 Days

Experience the very best of Vietnam on this 15-day journey from north to south. See the highlights of Hanoi before traveling outside the city to the terraced rice fields and ethnic villages of Sapa. After cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay, you'll travel down the coast to historic Hoi An on your way to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll end the trip in style with city tours and trips to the famous Mekong Delta.

Delight your senses on this food-focused tour of Vietnam
Map of Vietnam Three Regions Food Tour - 15 Days
Vietnam Three Regions Food Tour - 15 Days

Vietnam is one of the world's great culinary destinations, and you'll experience this renowned gastronomy on a tour of its main regions, from north to south. On this 15-day adventure, you'll sample street food in Hanoi, take cooking classes with master chefs, visit organic farms, and enjoy fine dining in total darkness in Ho Chi Minh City. Plus, there are excursions to mountain villages and a cruise on the famous Ha Long Bay.

Discover underground wonders in Vietnam
Map of Vietnam Trekking & Caving Adventure - 15 Days
Vietnam Trekking & Caving Adventure - 15 Days

Get ready for 15 days of nature adventures and cultural excursions throughout Vietnam. In the north, you'll go off the beaten track in Hanoi, hike along terraced rice fields, cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, and explore the spectacular Phong Nha Cave. Finish the trip in Ho Chi Minh City where one last adventure awaits: a trip to the famous Mekong Delta.

Start and end your trip in Vietnam's capital where you'll see top sights like the Temple of Literature
Map of Best of Northern & Central Vietnam - 15 Days
Best of Northern & Central Vietnam - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary squeezes in the best experiences of Northern and Central Vietnam. After sampling delicious street food in Hanoi, you'll hike between rice paddies and villages in Sapa, float through Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, and walk through Hue's UNESCO-listed Imperial City. You'll also take a two-night cruise in the lesser-known Lan Ha Bay, explore the streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, and catch views from the highest peak in Vietnam before returning to Hanoi for one last night in the capital.

Head to the countryside near Hoi An for a bike ride and fishing lesson
Map of Highlights of Vietnam: North to South - 16 Days
Highlights of Vietnam: North to South - 16 Days

This Vietnam itinerary combines culture, cuisine, and nature into 16 fantastic days. Travel from north to south, starting in the capital of Hanoi, where you'll explore historic sites and street food before heading inland to Sapa to hike between rice paddies and ethnic villages. From there, spend a night cruising around Ha Long Bay, see Hue's Imperial Citadel, and learn to cook in Hoi An. Finally, reach Ho Chi Minh City to zip around the streets on a scooter and boat through the canals of the Mekong Delta.

See the greener side of Vietnam at Chau Doc
Map of Epic Cultural Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia - 21 Days
Epic Cultural Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia - 21 Days

With three weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, you can experience it all, from nature and city tours to cultural workshops and cooking classes. In Vietnam, embark on food tours in Hanoi, visit the rice terraces of Sapa, cruise Ha Long Bay, and see the ancient city of Hoi An. Then, travel from the former Saigon to the lush Mekong, stopping at floating markets on your way into Cambodia, where 1,000 years of Khmer culture awaits.

Fishermen on the water in Vietnam
Map of Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Cambodia - 21 Days
Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Cambodia - 21 Days

Three weeks is just enough time to immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and history—both fascinating and infamous—of Vietnam and Cambodia. Start with tasty food tours in Hanoi, then visit the terraced rice fields and mountain villages of Sapa. After exploring ancient and modern coastal cities, fly to Ho Chi Minh City for Mekong Delta adventures and finish in Cambodia with tours of Phnom Penh, its beguiling capital.

Walk across the Golden Bridge while staying in Da Nang, Vietnam
Map of Highlights & Adventure in Vietnam & Thailand - 21 Days
Highlights & Adventure in Vietnam & Thailand - 21 Days

Three weeks allows for plenty of fun in Vietnam and Thailand. This grand Southeast Asia adventure begins with culture and food tours in Hanoi, then continues up and down Vietnam, from the jade waters of Ha Long Bay to the terraced mountains of Sapa. Then, it's time to hop over to Thailand to discover Siam and Lanna culture in Bangkok and Chiang Mai—plus river rafting and snorkeling in the spectacular south.

Jayavarman II Cambodian sculpture
Map of  Discover Vietnam & Cambodia - 14 Days
Discover Vietnam & Cambodia - 14 Days

This two-week odyssey includes visits to some of the most historic cultural sites not only in Vietnam but in Cambodia, too. Beginning in Vietnam, you'll tour the capital of Hanoi, cruise along gorgeous Hạ Long Bay, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage river town of Hội An. After a stop in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), you'll jet off to Cambodia and tour the largest religious temple site in the world: Angkor Wat.

Other popular travel destinations in Vietnam
Hanoi · Ha Long Bay · Ho Chi Minh City · Hoi An · Hue · Ninh Binh · Can Tho · Pu Luong Nature Reserve · Phu Quoc