we really went OFF the beaten track 😨
me and my bf went on a sapa trekking trip to connect more with nature and we had the most amazing time with our hmong guide and a student guide.
They were very accommodating and meet us right outside our airbnb and we started our trek from there. While walking towards the rice fields, they explained hmong tribes history and recommended us places to visit and eats as it was our first full day in sapa.
They gave us 2 choices if we want to take a more adventurous or relaxed route and we chose the adventurous one. 40 mins in and we saw water buffalos, there were at least 10 of them and we were so close to them!!!
1 hour in and were we above the clouds. The views were breathtaking and so beautiful. We trek through paddy fields and crossed some farms and it was so worth it.
It was quite slippery imo as it rained the night before and my shoes were just not helping me. I recommend wearing proper shoes as I have to carefully watch where I step and worry that I might slip. Our guides were so friendly and they assisted me when I was climbing up and down as I almost fell half of the time I was there due to my shoe. I can never thank them enough for the times they saved me from the falls.
After trekking and admiring the views for ~4hrs, it was finally time to eat. The package we signed for included home cook food and it was so good. There were chicken slices, cabbage, spring rolls and tofu but we were so hungry that we already started eating. The drinks are chargeable but still very affordable. The meal was so comforting in such a chilly weather.
After the meal we were given 2 choices again, to continue trekking (1.5hrs) or to walk a slope down (30mins) to reach the charter car. We decided to continue trekking and we reached ~2hrs and the drive down was ~2mins and they brought us back to our airbnb.
The whole trek was an eye opening experience for me as it was manageable and it felt so worth going to sapa.
We booked this trekking experience from SeekSophie and I will definitely go again if I’m going to Hanoi/Sapa. And its only S$75.53 for 2 pax for 6hours, + in the clouds!!
#sapa #sapavietnam #travelrecommendation #TravelGuide #traveldestination
If you’re planning a trekking trip in Sapa, it’s important to prepare well to make the most of this unique experience. Since the trail can be slippery, especially after rain, wearing sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with good grip is highly recommended to avoid accidents and ensure comfortable walking. Water buffalos, a common sight here, offer a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese farming life, serving as a memorable highlight along the trek. The Hmong guides greatly enrich the journey by sharing cultural insights and history of the mountain tribes, which adds an educational layer to the hike beyond just the natural beauty. Selecting the more adventurous trekking route offers not only a physical challenge but also the reward of spectacular panoramic views, often above the clouds, creating breathtaking photo opportunities and a true sense of connection to nature. Meals after the trek are a rewarding aspect as well. Home-cooked dishes like chicken slices, spring rolls, and tofu provide a comforting and authentic taste of local cuisine, especially appreciated in the cooler climate of Sapa. While drinks may incur a small additional charge, they remain very affordable. Booking through local companies like SeekSophie can be cost-effective and offers well-organized tours with friendly guides who help ensure safety and enjoyment throughout the trek. Whether you choose to extend your trekking or opt for a quicker descent after lunch, the experience in Sapa offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility away from the usual tourist routes. Overall, this off-the-beaten-track trekking experience in Sapa combining nature, culture, and local hospitality is ideal for travelers eager to explore Vietnam’s mountainous landscapes authentically and safely.
