Are you planning a trip to Sapa ? You don’t know how many days you should spend in Sapa ? You are thinking to spend 3 days in Sapa and you are looking for the most suitable Sapa 3 days itinerary ?

Then, you are on the right page to find the answer to all your questions.

First of all, Sapa is located in the northern part of Vietnam. It takes around 6 hours to reach Sapa by bus (most of the people take the sleeping bus). This place is famous for its terrace ricefields and to see the highest mountain of Vietnam : The Fansipan mountain.

Then, Sapa is very nice place to visit in the summer time but because it is located in the mountainous area, you should check when is the most suitable time to go there. Indeed, in the winter, there is no rice in the ricefields and it can be very cold. You can check out the best time to visit Sapa by following this link : Best time to visit Sapa

Are 3 days in Sapa enough?

Many people will spend 2 days in Sapa but in fact, there are many things to see. Two days are not enough to see everything and it is not worth the 6 hours journey to reach Sapa when you come from Hanoi. That’s why, we recommend to spend 3 days in Sapa to enjoy the fresh weather and take your time to take photos at the different attractions around Sapa.

What can you see and do in Sapa during 3 days ?

The most popular attraction in Sapa is the Fansipan peak. You can reach the summit of Indochina (3,143 meters above sea level) by cable car. There is a train which brings you directly to the cable car station at the MGallery hotel in Sa Pa. It is the easiest way to reach the summit. After the 6km length cable car (the most extended three-line cable car system in the world), you need to walk to the summit with more than 500 steps.

The second popular attraction is Cat Cat village. This traditionnal village is a good destinations if you want to take beautiful photos and learn more about the local minorities of northern Vietnam without doing a long treck of few days. However, it is a very touristique place and sometimes crowded. This place lost its authenticity.

The third popular thing to do in Sapa is trekking in the Lao Chai – Ta Van valley. This valley is the most beautiful valley around Sapa town. It takes the whole day to discover the villages around the river. The view is very impressive when the ricefields are green or yellow from June to September.
In Sapa, it is also a good place to chill in a resort like : Topas Ecolodge. With its stunning view, comfortable bungalow and infinity swimming pool, you will surely enjoy your stay in Sapa. Note that the ecolodge is a bit far from the city and you should visit Sapa town before or after your stay at the Ecolodge.

The best Sapa 3 days itinerary

For a 3 days and 2 nights trip to Sapa, we recommend you the following itinerary :

  • Day 1 : Hanoi – Sapa – Cat Cat village trekking (B-L-D), overnight in Sapa
  • Day 2 : Fansipan by cable car – Glass bridge (B-L), overnight in Sapa
  • Day 3 : Lao Chai – Ta Van village – Hanoi (B-L), overnight in Hanoi

On the first day, you will take the limousine bus which is more comfortable than the sleeping bus and faster than the train. The price difference is worth the quality of the service. You will arrive for lunch in Sapa town. After lunch, take a short drive to reach the entrance of Cat Cat village.

On the second day, you can take ride by cable car to reach Fansipan peak. This visit will take you the whole morning. After lunch, in the afternoon, you will visit the Glass bridge located near Sapa to continue enjoying the stunning view on the mountains.

On the last day, we really recommend to do the famous trek of Lao Chai – Ta Van. This trek is not very hard to do. The roads are clean and easy. The trekking distance is around 6 km. After that, around 3pm, it will be time to take the limousine bus back to Hanoi.

How many days should I spend in Sapa ?

The ideal number of days to spend in Sapa depends on your preferences, interests, and the activities you plan to undertake. Sapa is a beautiful mountainous region in northern Vietnam known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant hill tribe cultures, and trekking opportunities. Here are some considerations:

  • Trekking and Exploration: If you enjoy trekking and want to explore the picturesque rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and the Fansipan mountain (the highest peak in Indochina), you might want to spend at least 2-3 days in Sapa.
  • Cultural Experience: To immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the ethnic communities, spending a few extra days could be beneficial. This allows you to participate in local activities, festivals, or simply spend more time getting to know the people.
  • Relaxation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience and just want to enjoy the stunning scenery, a shorter stay of 1-2 days might be sufficient.
  • Weather Considerations: Sapa can be quite misty and rainy, especially during the wet season (May to September). If you want to increase your chances of clear views and good weather, consider checking the weather forecast and planning your visit during the dry season.

In summary, a stay of 2-3 days is a common recommendation for most visitors to Sapa, but you can adjust based on your preferences and the activities you want to pursue. It’s always a good idea to check current travel conditions and weather forecasts before planning your trip.

We hope you enjoyed your stay in Sapa !