2023 – THE BEST LOCAL SAPA EXPERIENCE – 1 DAY TREKKING

Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle so do not bring things you can do without. You can leave some of your luggage at your hotel in Hanoi, especially when you return there. 

Thanks to its geographic condition, Sapa has one of the most favourable climates in Vietnam. The temperature remains stably cool throughout the year though winter may see more severe changes, with frost and even snow for a few days per year (mostly from mid-December to mid-January). In the valley the altitude is 1000 meters and temperatures don’t drop below 6 degrees Celsius. 

Trying to predict the weather in Sapa is almost impossible. However, here is our best attempt: 

Sapa weather is characterized by a sub-tropical climate. However, as a result of the high altitude, the weather in Sapa is cool all year round. In summer, Sapa does not suffer the harsh heat like that on the coastal plains. Temperatures in summer fluctuate from 10-18°C at night and 20-28°C during the day.  

 When the sun shines, it can be harsh, even on cloudy days so expect to need sun protection. Rain and fog is possible throughout the year. 

In winter, Sapa Town is often blanketed by fog and cold air, temperatures may drop below zero degrees Celsius some days. 

Luggage and bags: 

A daypack to bring on your treks is a good idea. These can be easily bought in Hanoi or Sapa. 

Clothing/ Shoes/ Weather Gear: 

Bring clothes to suit the local weather. 

Always keep your spare clothes in a watertight bag to ensure they stay dry if there is a sudden downpour. The Sapa climate is totally unlike the rest of Vietnam.

Essential items to have for the trek are some layers of warm & light clothing (mornings can be cold but you may get pretty warm during the day as you trek). A pair of sturdy trekking shoes is essential. 

In January to March it can be quite cold, foggy and rainy. A fleece and raincoat/ poncho is advisable and gumboots/ Wellington boots. 

These items are available in Sapa at good prices. 

Bring your camera! Any camera will do, or you will be sure to regret it. 

Recommended kit list for homestays 

• Long-Sleeved Shirt/ T-Shirt 
• Fleece for evenings 
• Trousers (Such As Lightweight Cargo Trousers, avoid Jeans) 
• Shorts Optional 
• Swimwear Optional 
• Lightweight Water & Wind Proof (Jacket & Trousers) 
• Walking Shoes (Sturdy, with good grip) 
• Gumboots/ Wellington boots (for the wet and wintery periods) 
• Sun Hat and sun protection 
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste, 
• Ear Plugs & Eye Mask Optional 
• Flash light 

• Meals:
  In order to take care of any special food requests, please inform us by email in advance. 
• Transfer from Ta Van back to Sapa 
• Entrance fees  
• English speaking local Hmong guide
• Taxes and Service Charges 

• Beverages 
• Tips and personal expenses 
• Travel insurance 
• All not indicated in our itinerary 

• Booking voucher from us 
• Cash for personal expense

Specific food requests

Please let us know if you have specific eating restrictions, allergic for certain things or if you are vegetarian, we can take that into account during the trips.

Useful information

Especially for the north and central Vietnam;

In the period between November and April, the weather is variable, from sunny to cold and rainy. It is advisable during this period to bring some rain gear with some warmer clothes. In the period from April to November, it is good to pack a hat with a wide brim, sunscreen (at least SPF15) and a reliable insect repellent. A thin rain poncho is useful all year round.

The south of Vietnam is generally a lot warmer all year round, so warm clothing is not really necessary.

Get Up And Go Vietnam does everything to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, we have no control over weather conditions. Our apologies for that!