Get around IN SAPA

Get around IN SAPA

Anywhere in the main village of Sapa can be reached on foot, and the town is small enough that you're not likely to get lost. A basic map will be good enough for most travellers.

The way to CatCat is taxed 40,000 dong,while the way to Ban Ho & Lao Chai villages are taxed 40,000 dong in one ticket. The way to Ta phin village is taxed 20,000 dong as well.

Tourists intending to trek to the various villages through the paddy fields should be prepared with good trekking shoes or rubber boots, a walking stick and extra clothing kept in a waterproof bag. Depending on the season, the rice fields, which are build in terraces, can be very muddy and slippery. If one does not wear shoes which enables a good grip in mud, one is likely to keep slipping and falling or even sliding down the slopes! As the paths are also taken by water buffalos, excrement can be found everywhere. Walking sticks can be bought from children from the ethnic minority groups at about 5,000 dong. These enterprising children cut sturdy bamboo and sharpen one end to turn them into sturdy sticks.

For the less adventurous, some of the villages, such as Lao Chai Village, is accessible via jeep, motorcycle and van.

Renting motorcycle (MC) in Sapa is real challenge. The operator (18-20 yrs old boy) wants your passport as the gaurantee, or $250 deposit. However, be careful about handing out your passport.

Price of renting is around $4 - $7 depend on gear/automatic, engine size, new/old model. One day rental time is from morning until evening of the same day. You must return MC around 6 pm, though 7pm can be agreed in advance. Sapa is the mountain town. So the sun comes down pretty fast. When the sun goes below the mountain line, the temperature drops pretty fast, as well as light. So if you take MC, better go as-far-as-possible places, then bike-back-and-stop-for-sightseeing tempo.

Don't rely on your expertise of MC control. Use common sense and drive safe.

Mountain Dirt is not delicious. Doctor is none. Emergency support is none. And if accident occurs while you're in nowhere, no one'll know where you're. Drive slowly. Downhill at 15-20 km/hr is the safest bet. Horning every corner.

DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR THE HELMET AT SAPA ROAD !