Sapa Tips: |
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Ethnicity
85% of the people living in and around Sapa are ethnic groups suchs as the H'mong, Dao and Giay. The Kinh (majority Vietnamese aka the people who own and run things) consist of only 15 %. Making informed choices about where and how you spend money in Sapa is vital if you wish to see the minority groups empowered through tourism.
The train "experience"
Commonly, travellers to Sapa take a 4-berth soft sleeper train cabin to Lao Cai. So there is the potential to share with up to three other people. There isn't a lot of room but the cabin air conditioned. Most carriages are equipped with a wash room and two toilets, a squat toilet at one end of the carriage and a pedestal toilet at the other end. Bear in mind that toilet facilities are basic and are often far more user friendly at the beginning of the journey than the end.
Most train operators provide passengers with a small bottle of water, a pillow and a quilt. More often than nit there are no sheets, so if you have your own silk sleep-sack, have it handy - you will be glad. A lot of the personal lights above the bunks, don't work, so a torch is also useful. There isn't really food available on the train (although it may not be necessary as you get on at 9pm and off at 5 - 6am). Some cabins have a vendor selling coffee and snacks early in the morning.
You also need to be aware of security. There is space under the bunks and a void above the door for luggage storage. The train stops along, so staff are keen to emphasise the need to us to use the locks and latches on the inside of the cabin door and to keep luggage under the beds at the window end.
The four bed cabins consist of two bunk beds.The top bunk has only one small "foot ledge" to haul yourself up to the bed. If you are older or a bit incapacitated in any way, please consider booking a bottom bunk for easy and safety.
Most train operators provide passengers with a small bottle of water, a pillow and a quilt. More often than nit there are no sheets, so if you have your own silk sleep-sack, have it handy - you will be glad. A lot of the personal lights above the bunks, don't work, so a torch is also useful. There isn't really food available on the train (although it may not be necessary as you get on at 9pm and off at 5 - 6am). Some cabins have a vendor selling coffee and snacks early in the morning.
You also need to be aware of security. There is space under the bunks and a void above the door for luggage storage. The train stops along, so staff are keen to emphasise the need to us to use the locks and latches on the inside of the cabin door and to keep luggage under the beds at the window end.
The four bed cabins consist of two bunk beds.The top bunk has only one small "foot ledge" to haul yourself up to the bed. If you are older or a bit incapacitated in any way, please consider booking a bottom bunk for easy and safety.
Bus to Sapa
When transferring from Lao Cai to Sapa by bus, there are a number of things you should be aware of. The journey from Lao Cai Train Station to Sapa is about 36km and should take approximately one hour. The standard cost for this journey is 50,000 VND ($2.5 US) per person although many minibus drivers will try to charge a lot more. Be vigilant and try to pay what is fair and no more. The area immediately adjacent to the train station is usually quite chaotic in the morning and there will be a lot of people vying for your custom. If you choose an empty bus, you may end up waiting a long while as most drivers prefer a minimum number of passengers before embarking on the climb to Sapa. Choosing a fuller bus will likely minimise any waiting time in Lao Cai.
Should you require assistance arranging a bus collection on arrival in Lao Cai Station, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can arrange for our driver to pick you up outside the train station with a name card. He can drop you off directly at one of our partner hotels should you wish. The cost for this service is 50,000 VND ($2.5 US) per person.
Should you require assistance arranging a bus collection on arrival in Lao Cai Station, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can arrange for our driver to pick you up outside the train station with a name card. He can drop you off directly at one of our partner hotels should you wish. The cost for this service is 50,000 VND ($2.5 US) per person.
Footwear
Be aware that during rainy periods, trails around Sapa may be muddy and slippery. Walking shoes with good grip are highly recommended.
For a comprehensive list of suggested kit for Sapa, please click on the following link:
| sapa_kit_list__weather.pdf |