Travel to Sapa 2015

Travel to Sapa 2015 with mr.hotsia: Experience the hill tribe lifestyle and delicious salmon

In May 2015, I, mr.hotsia, returned to Sapa city, Lào Cai province, Vietnam once again after nearly three years. This time was special because it was during the annual tourism festival. The town was filled with tourists of various nationalities, including backpackers and general travelers coming to enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere. I noticed that accommodations in town were almost fully booked, and the cheap food zone I had recommended beforeCheap Food Zone in Saparemained lively with a variety of restaurants to choose from.

Interesting Changes in Sapa 2015

One thing I noticed and want to share is the increase of bars selling freshwater salmon in Sapa. From being almost nonexistent, now there are dozens of places offering salmon to try. The salmon here is very fresh, and many restaurants offer it raw, fried, or fusion style. I recommend ordering one and sharing among 4-5 people because the price including cooking is very reasonable and truly delicious. For fresh fish lovers like me, this is a highlight not to miss.

Journey to the Tai Valley

This time I hired a private car to visit the Tai Valley, not far from Sapa city. It is an area becoming more known and offering homestays for tourists. There, I had the chance to visit an elderly Tai woman I once knew. Although she looked older and did not remember me, I still kept money for her as intended. This valley is a small community preserving traditional ways of life. I stayed one night at a homestay with internet available at a nearby shop. The weather was very cool but quite warm during the day. I recommend arriving in the evening and leaving in the morning for comfort.

Travel and Driving Experience in Sapa

I used a private car service driven by a local driver highly skilled with the routes. The driver drove very fast, overtaking on curves and taking lanes thrillingly, but I was confident it was safe because of his experience and careful driving. Despite the speed, there were no accidents. I recommend travelers to Sapa try this local car service for a more convenient and enjoyable trip.

Life in Sapa Town and the Charm of Bac Ha Market

While in Sapa, I still enjoyed walking around Bac Ha Market, located about 36 kilometers from Lào Cai city. It is a gathering place for many hill tribes to sell and buy goods. The market retains strong local charm despite increasing tourist visits. I liked watching hill tribe people dressed in full traditional attire, selecting vegetables, fruits, and a wide variety of local snacks. For those wanting to experience authentic local life, Bac Ha Market is a must-visit spot.

Local Food and mr.hotsia's Recommended Dishes

In Sapa, besides the salmon I mentioned, there is a wide variety of local food such as hill tribe-style stir-fried tofu or the sour-flavored nem phang that I really enjoyed. For those wanting to see how to make and taste authentic Vietnamese food, I recommend watching the videoVietnamese Nem Phangwhich enhances the travel experience. Or if you want to try simple Vietnamese dishes, there are videos likeVietnamese Chicken BiryaniandVietnamese Grilled Button Squidto watch as guides.

Travel to Sapa and Basic Preparation

For traveling to Sapa, I have previously shared that taking the train from Yen Bai to Sapa is a fun and challenging option. Details can be read inTrain from Yen Bai to SAPABut if traveling overland from Thailand, passing through Dien Bien Phu is an interesting route because you can stop at several towns along the way. Details are available in the articleTravel from Dien Bien Phu to SapaI have used this route myself and was impressed by the natural scenery and community diversity along the way.

Summary of the Sapa 2015 Travel Experience

This Sapa trip of mine, mr.hotsia, remains impressed by the town's atmosphere and the hill tribe lifestyle blended with some modernity. Eating fresh freshwater salmon, now more easily available, visiting the Tai Valley that preserves its original charm, and the challenging yet safe driving experience on narrow winding roads are all things I want everyone to try. For those planning to visit Sapa, remember to book accommodation in advance and don't miss walking the Bac Ha Market or tasting local food in the cheap food zones in town. I guarantee you will have a fun and fulfilling travel experience.