Where to Stay in SaPa
Budget to Luxury

February 4, 2026
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Sapa is famous for its breath-taking views over cascading rice terraces and mountain scenery. From here, you can start several incredible treks through the Vietnamese countryside and visit local villages of ethnic minorities like the H’mong. Here is where to stay to make the most of your Sapa adventure:

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Where to stay in Sapa, Vietnam for any traveller:

Sapa is a pretty walkable city with many incredible restaurants, activities and accommodation options. Many hotels offer beautiful views over the rice fields and small ethnic minority villages that the area is known for.

I’d recommend staying close to the city centre which is located around Sapa Square. Beware that many streets going from the square lead uphill and can be a bit challenging to hike, so research your hotel location before booking.

Vietnam in general is a very affordable country compared to many other travel destinations, so even the luxury hotels will usually only be around $60-100 per night.

Hotels at different price points in Sapa:

$ Minh Hưng Hostel (we stayed here, they have great, big private rooms , a little dusty in the corners but the staff is lovely)

$ Sapa Garden Retreat (stunning rooms and even a dorm room for those on a budget)

$ Thanh Ha Homestay Sapa (another beautiful, budget-friendly option close to the centre)

$$ Sapa Green Hotel (another hotel we stayed at in Sapa and loved, especially after a long and muddy hike through Sapa valley! The rooms were super nice and breakfast was included. Only thing is we had no view from our room)

$$ Quiet Sapa Hotel (gorgeous rooms, amazing location)

$$ Sapa Praha Hotel (another fantastic option with nice views)

$$$ Hotel de la Coupole Sapa (located in one of Sapa’s most photographed buildings, this hotel is pure luxury right in the city centre)

$$$ Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa (luxurious rooms, amazing views and a Spa on site)

You will also be able to find sffordable home stays for around $5 a night a little outside Sapa in the valley and nearby villages. You can either hike there or get a taxi, though I’d recommend a tour for hiking so that you don’t get lost. I can highly recommend Dinh Sapa Trekking.

Affordable hostels in Sapa

Vietnam is super affordable so I mostly ended up staying in budget-friendly hotels, but they do also have hostels that are as little as $5 a night.

Brocade Backpacker (a little outside the centre but super affordable and clean rooms)
Mega View Homestay (nice dorm, good location with Sapa valley views)

Is Sapa still worth visiting?”

I visited in November 2025 and loved the town and trekking. I have heard a couple people calling it a tourist scam, and I don’t necessarily agree, if you know what to expect and things to avoid.

Many of the local villages are still authentic, the famous ones like Cat Cat may be more of a tourist trap now. Things like the rainbow slide and glass bridge are certainly tourist activities but can be fun. Only visit Fansipan mountain on good visibility days, otherwise its a little bit of a waste of money.

I will say that there is a lot of ongoing construction and some disturbing things aimed for tourists, like little children being forced to dance in their traditional clothing at night to make money for their families.

I would advice to not give money to not encourage this, but instead stay in local homestays and book tours with locals to make sure your money goes directly to the people and communities of Sapa.

I LOVED the restaurants in Sapa and found some insanely delicious vegetarian food at places like YEN Vegan restaurant and Thong Dong Vegan Kitchen & Cafe.

I also found a lot of the outdoor shops that were a little outside the centre much better quality and cheaper than in e.g. Hanoi.

So in my opinion, yes, Sapa is 100% still worth visiting.

What should I pack for Sapa?

Sapa is a mountain town at around 1600m and can get pretty cold, especially early morning and at night. We visited in November and it was freezing at times, though still beautiful and warm when to fog lifted.

I’d pack lots of layers for Sapa, especially in winter. Good hiking shoes are key if you are planning a trek, as well as a sporty backpack. I’d recommend a rain jacket too, though most tours will be able to give you plastic ponchos and even wellies for the super rainy days.

My shoes got ruined on my trek as it was SO muddy, but it did all wash out and there are tons of opportunities to do your washing for cheap in Sapa. Maybe don’t bring any that you want to keep pristine though.

If you’re missing any of these things I wouldn’t worry as the outdoor shops in Sapa are stocked and actually well-priced. I liked Khánh Ly Trekking Shop (very no nonsense but the prices are fair). I bought some leggings there for my hike, whereas my friend got a fleece and beanie and all lasted well on the hike.

I also don’t think you need trekking poles as most tours will give you bamboo sticks.