Tinh Lao Cai Travel Forum

I'm planning a trip to Sapa during the Tet Holiday period (14th to 17th Feb 2010), is it advisable as it's a holiday season? Are the markets in Sapa open during this time of the year?

Would appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

We are thinking of going to Sapa on the overnight train, spending the day, probably a Saturday and then back on the overnight train. Could we plan a motorbike tour on the spot or should we organise it beforehand? ..or just spend the day at the markets?

In February 2010, I'm planning a trip to Vietnam and am considering a side trip (2 days r/t) to Sapa. I've read about it and it sounds intriguing and not at all a glitzy tourist trap. However, I'm a "mature" (60's) female traveler with mild back problems. Can probably trek 2 miles w/o a problem. My travel buddy thinks it's too far and perhaps too difficult. Any insights this forum can provide will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Hello
I ll go to Vietnam soon, and I am planning to go to the north for a few days.
I'd like to ask you what you think about my potential plan.

I ll arrive by the night train from Hanoi in the morning, and find a GH in Lao Cai.
After a short rest, I would like to go and see Bac Ha during the day.
Do you think it worth it to go to Bac Ha, and also is it possible in a day?
I m not sure, I ve been very clear on that one, haha.

Sleep in Lao Cai, and next morning, catch the bus to Sapa: spend a day there relaxing, and next day, go trekking, and sleep in Sapa.
Next day, go back to Hanoi by the day train to enjoy the landscape.

I m really grateful to those who will answer that post.
I have 18 days holiday with a tight budget (I live in Thailand) so I am trying to plan something great....

Have a great day everyone!!

We can only visit Sapa in January - is it worth it or will the weather make it a waste of time?

Can someone advise on whether footprintsvietnam tours are reliable? Have found a 3 day 4 night tour leaving Hanoi for Sapa, covering the market on the Sunday. Am looking to visit Hanoi in August and have limited time

we are considering a 2night 3 day trip to sapa including private driver ,hotel stay and transportation for $320 .Is this a good price?
thank you

Anyone recently on either of these train? Appreciate feedback on which train is better in terms of cabin comfort? Which is newer? From the pictures of the trains, Livitrans seems to be a better choice but I rather hear from her passengers....... Price wise, Livitrans 4-berth sleeper is 10USD lesser compared to the Et-Pumpkin. Thanks in advance.

Hi, do I have to join a 2D/3N Sapa Tour on leaving Hanoi on Friday night in order to visit the local market? Are these specials markets only operating on weekends? Will I still be able to visit the local market on Thursday and Friday?

I may have to change my plan for the Sapa tour, i.e. to join on a Wednesday night train instead.

Hi,

I will be traveling with a buddy from Hanoi to Sapa. We will like to book a 2 berth soft cabin for a comfortable ride. I note that there are quite many different train companies to choose from and am wondering any of you guys have experience with or recommendation for one that provides relatively new and comfortable train and 2-berth cabin. Victoria Express is out of the question as I understand it is exclusive for its hotel guests.

Appreciate any assistance!

Hi,

i plan to visit Sapa 4D3N, 3rd week of Jan 09, just myself.
Any travel agency recommended? price range?
should I prebook online first or book thru Hanoi hotel?
How is the weather there?

Cheers,
Marcus

Can we travel in Sapa in June-July or is it too muddy? we know it's the monsoon but it is the only time we can travel!

Hi,

I am going to Sa Pa late september, I would like to know if there is any malarya risk, to get some tablets with me or not.

Cheers!

Jon

If I get off the train in Pho Lu (train Hanoi-Lao Cai) is there any transportation to Bac Ha?
Many thanks

Domenico

Is it possible to rent a car (or another trasportation) in Bac Ha in order to go around visiting the nearby market places (such as Can Cau and Coc Ly)?

We are arriving in Hanoi on July 25th and after afew days there would like to visit Sa Pa. Please could you help with our questions?

1. what the weather would be like
2. what type of clothing would be best
3. Should we book the overnight train from Hanoi before we leave England.
4. should we book an organised tour before we leave England or can we do it from Hanoi when we arrive?
5. Any suggestions as to how long we should stay in Sa Pa?

Thank you for your help in anticipation

What with China making it very tricky to get a 1 month visa during and just aftre the Olympics they are asking for entry and exit tickets to and from China.

Does anyone know if it is possible to pre book a ticket from China to Vietnam (confimation to be used to get Chinese visa), i guess Kunming - Lao-Cai is a well worn route?

Thanks a lot!
Rachel

Just researching places in Sapa (and Hanoi) and came up with web sites that say that Baguette & Chocolat in both places is part of a cooking training school for disadvantaged youths. If this is so then I will be there as soon as I arrive in Sapa! Good on them. Any comments welcome.

Regards, David

Hi,
I will be arriving early in the morning and leaving late night the next day.
WHich excursions are a must? Is it necessary to speak to any trekking guide to cover any of those excursions? Do you know anyone or have a contact in the area? Do you think that the excursions could be done by our own or will we be missing something?
Thanks a lot!!

Hi,
I would like to know if you can help me...
When does the train from hanoi arrive to Lao Cai, and how long does it take by car from Lao Cai to Sapa.
When does the train leave to hanoi from lao cai?
When and where are the markets?
Is it enough arriving by train day one, sleep, day two leave at night?
Thanks a lot!!!

I am traveling to Sapa in March thru a tour company called Handspan. I asked the person helping me arrange the trip if it would be possible to bring some clothing and supplies to donate to a school there. She advised me that it is very complicated for a foreigner to get permission to do this and it would be better to leave the items at the booking office in Sapa and they would be responsible for delivering them.

Can anyone tell me if this is really the case? I just want to make sure that the items go where they are supposed to.

Any advice is appreciated.

I have a limited time in Hanoi for weekend. I would like to visit Sa Pa by train on Friday night. And I need to back to Hanoi by Sunday evening. Is there a bus or other trasportation from Sa Pa to Hanoi on Sunday ?

Has anyone out there taken the day train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. What is it like? The scenery, comfortor lack thereof, anything?

Thank you,

Stuart of Oz

Has anyone out there taken the day train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. What is it like? The scenery, comfortor lack thereof, anything?

Thank you,

Stuart of Oz

Hi There,
We arrive in Sapa on Feb 6, in the early AM, which I understand is the start of Tet. Will the markets be open that weekend? Can we still book tours or does everything shut down and if so for how long? I really wanted to travel around and see the markets but we're only there till the 13th so I hope the markets are open. Also, are there any cultural activities that we could take in? If anyone could give us any advice we'd really appreciate it as we've never been to Vietnam before. Thanks.

Hi everyone,

Is there anyone know about markets info in sapa or area nearby, So far i have info on Bac Ha, Muong Hon and Coc Ly but i don't know if where is located.please enlighten me?

Many thanks

Visiting Sapa end of February. Different tours offer a variety of trek options. I've identified the following villages: Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin, Giang Ta Chai (is that the same as Lao Chai?), Y Linh Ho, Hau Thao, Su Pan, Ta Van, Nam Keeng, Ban Ho, Cau May, Nam Toong, Nam Ken, Mi Son and Than Phu.
My questions are:
1. Have I missed out any?
2. Which ones are in the cannot-miss category? (which are the best from a scenic and cultural perspective?)
3. Which village would offer the best home-stay experience?
Would appreciate any advice, recommendations, ideas.

What will be the expected weather at the end of October, will the rice fields be green? What would the best out of the way treks and markets be?

Suggested attire for this area?

Anyone stayed at the Cat Cat View Hotel in Sapa? Or done a 3-4 day trek around the area, any comment welcome and if you're in Melbourne can be repaid in beer.

Hi Vts,

I need your s to help this time
My pre book tour guide in sapa has cancelled my booking last minutes.
I need to find replacement for that.

Can anyone provide me with some contacts.
If cant get the tour guide, please kindly advice on the budget tour operator for the tour..

Thanks


Regards