Packing Tips Travelers Should Know Before Visiting to Sapa

The most breathtaking views of the panorama of town in the summertime 

​

If it’s your first time travelling to Sapa, I believe you should read this article, as it will provide you with packing tips about how and what you should pack in your suitcases, especially when you are trekking, hiking or riding motorbikes. To enjoy the trip and have the best experience, tourists are advised to be well-prepared before setting off. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you bring all the essentials and enjoy your Sapa tour to the max.

​

Firstly, you may know that Sapa is located in north-west Vietnam and lies in the shadow of Phan-Xi-Phang, the highest peak in the country which tickles the clouds 3143m above sea level. It keeps watch over the terraced rice paddies that line Sapa and its steep valley walls and is home to a great diversity of ethnic minority peoples. As it is located near the highest mountain in Vietnam, the weather is quite cool and lovely, especially in the summer if you want to hide from the high temperatures. Sapa is a great destination for that reason alone!  However, the weather changes dramatically from being really cold in the mornings and the evenings in cooler seasons and it is still really easy to get sunburnt in the hot season. It may also have snow in the winter, wow, so much variety to choose from.

​

To start, pack light and make the switch to carry on bag travel:

​

All the accommodation caters for both hot and cold weather so they have warm blankets for cold nights, aircon and a mosquito net for warmer weather.

​

Here are some essentials to consider packing for your trip to Sapa:

• 1 warm hoodie

• 2 pairs of leggings for trekking or to keep you warm

• 4 T-shirts

• 1 pair of sunglasses

• 1 hat

• 1 hiking boots or trainers (with good support and solid grip)

• 4 pairs of socks (1pair for hiking)

• 1 pair of comfortable sandals or light walking shoes

• 1 day bag (a smaller bag that you can stuff with items that you deem absolutely necessary for a day, such as camera equipment, water bottle and perhaps some snacks)

• 2 padlocks for your suitcase and day bag

​

 Packing list - Toiletries

Keep your Sapa packing list specific to your needs and bring things that you can’t purchase in Sapa (it is on a mountain and not a big city)

• Mosquito repellent

• Tiger balm (will help with itchiness from insect bites or will reduce your pain from hiking or trekking)

• Soap

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Sunblock (bring your own from home as it’s expensive in Vietnam)

• Nail cutter and a nail file (especially useful if you are climbing on the mountain)

• Face wash

• Earplugs (for light sleepers)

• Medications & Health kit (Popular diseases such as flu, diarrhoea, stomach ache, headache tablets, and fever)

​

Packing list - Electronics

And lastly, of course, camera equipment to record your precious memories. The scenery in Sapa and the surrounding region is stunning so you’ll want to make sure you bring your camera and that the battery is fully charged.

• Power bank

• Camera + lenses + charger

• SD cards

• Cell phone + charger (check to see if your phone is unlocked so you can buy a local SIM)

I hope you’ve found my Sapa packing tips useful and it helps you to have a great trip to Sapa.

Enjoy yourself and ‘hen gap lai!!!’ (see you later!!!)