Sapa Travel Tips

Sapa Travel Tips 

Bear in mind that some of the minorities do not wish to have photos taken of them. Ask permission beforehand. Smile, lower your head down and raise your camera up to show them is the good manner sign for asking the permission. After that, show them their pictures is the very good manner too. If they allow, their allowance is free and expect no money back at all.

Sapa Travel Tips

Bring along a poncho. You can also buy a cheap one in the many shops around at sapa

Rubber boots and trekking shoes can be rented from some shops or perhaps at the hotel you are staying in. However, do bear in mind that they have limited sizes.

Do buy some hand made items direct from the ethnic minorities, especially if you have enjoyed a good conversation or received help from them. Though they do charge slightly more than the shops, bear in mind that the majority of them are very poor and depend on tourist money to survive.

If you want to support the ethnic minorities, try to hire a guide directly instead of doing it through your hotel. This way all your money goes directly to the minorities instead of the 50% they get if booked through a hotel or agency. Some hotel asks for $30/people for private trekking of group of 2-4, but pay $10 to a guide. If you want to save money you can bargain with minorities a 4h hike to their village (including a lunch) for 600 000 VND (30$) for a 4 people group but keep in mind that this very cheap price does not includes return and you will have to come back by your own or ask a lift to a motorbike (around 50 000VND or 3$)