Thai Hotel in Sapa (Sapa Thai hotel)

Thai Hotel in Sapa: A Real Experience with Brother Supachai in Lào Cai City

When talking about Sapa, a town located in Lào Cai Province in northern Vietnam, many people often think of misty mountain views, hill tribe villages, and a cool atmosphere. But for me, mr.hotsia, my latest visit to Sapa has a story I want to share in detail because it involves a Thai person living here who runs a hotel warmly serving tourists.

When I arrived in Sapa after taking the train from Yen Bai to Lào Cai train station, which is the gateway to Sapa (those interested in train routes and travel details can read the articleTrain from Yen Bai to Sapa), I had to take a van for about 1 hour to reach Sapa town.

While walking around the stadium and the central town church, I met Brother Supachai, a Thai man who has lived here for a long time. He runs a small hotel serving Thai and international tourists. What’s charming about Brother Supachai is that he plays volleyball with Vietnamese locals at the stadium and church almost every day. In the evenings, if you pass by, you can greet and chat with him comfortably. It’s a true experience of Thai life far from home but still maintaining genuine Thai friendliness.

Thai Hotel in Sapa: A Cozy Accommodation in the Heart of Town Like Home

I had the chance to stay at Brother Supachai’s hotel, which is very quiet and clean. The price is very reasonable compared to what you get. The atmosphere in the hotel feels like being at a friend’s home, very friendly and suitable for travelers who want to experience the sincerity of Thai people in this faraway land.

Although I tried to contact Brother Supachai by email after returning to Thailand, there seemed to be some issues, so I didn’t get a reply. If anyone has the chance to visit Sapa and wants to try staying at a genuine Thai hotel, I recommend looking for Brother Supachai at the stadium or church in the evening. If you get to talk and exchange experiences with him, I guarantee you will take home a memorable impression.

Taste Salmon Fish Liquor and Cold Beer with Thai-Vietnamese Friendship

After talking with Brother Supachai, he took me to eat salmon fish liquor at a restaurant in Sapa town. The salmon here is freshwater fish raised locally in Sapa. The taste is fresh and sweet, the meat is firm and delicious, rivaling sea fish. It is served with side dishes and a special dipping sauce blending authentic Vietnamese flavors.

The atmosphere at the restaurant was full of Vietnamese tourists and locals enjoying drinks happily. Brother Supachai and I drank several bottles of cold Vietnamese beer, chatting and exchanging life and travel stories. The friendliness of the people here made me feel right at home.

Recommended Budget Food Zone in Sapa

For those who love to taste local food without spending much, I recommendBudget Food Zone in Sapalocated near the morning market. The atmosphere is like a real hill tribe market with many small food stalls serving stir-fried tofu, fresh vegetables, and other local dishes with bold and tempting flavors. Some stalls even have foreigners dining, showing the popularity of this food zone.

If you like the authentic Vietnamese drinking atmosphere, try the corner near the stadium where there are many bars frequented by Vietnamese tourists. Prices are affordable and the food is very delicious. I have socialized there many times with Brother Supachai and still crave the taste of the freshwater salmon here.

Sapa Is Not Just a Destination but a Life Full of Stories

I, mr.hotsia, have written about my experiences traveling in Sapa many times, including the train journey from Yen Bai toSapavisiting the Bac Ha marketBac Ha Marketwhich is full of hill tribe lifestyles, and visiting the Cat Cat villageCat Cat Villagewhich still retains strong local charm.

Sapa is not only about beautiful scenery and cool weather but also filled with stories of people who work and live here with resilience. Although it has become more crowded with tourists recently, if you have the chance to talk with locals or at least meet a Thai person living here like Brother Supachai, you will feel warmth and friendship that you won’t find elsewhere.

Tips and Advice for Travelers

If you are planning to go to Sapa, don’t forget to prepare your travel and accommodation well. I recommend buying a van ticket from Lào Cai train station to Sapa for 50,000 VND, about 75 THB, which is cheaper than paying the higher prices told by agents. Also, try to find opportunities to taste local food in the zones I recommended to truly experience the atmosphere and authentic flavors of Sapa.

And if you have the chance, don’t forget to greet Brother Supachai, the Thai man in Sapa, in the evening at the stadium or the central church. Sometimes talking with a fellow Thai abroad like this can make your trip more meaningful.

For more information and in-depth travel experiences in Sapa, you can read my other articles atSapa Travel InformationandSapa Town 2013where I have detailed everything.