Sapa, Place to stay and things to do?

[Spaniel]

Wife and I plan to visit Hanoi and Sapa around the end of June. Any recommendations for a place to stay in Hanoi and Sapa for under $30? We have been to Hanoi, about 8 years ago, but never to Sapa so looking mainly for travel advice for there.

[Spaniel]

Guess not many travelers to Sapa here!

[anotheruser]

Probably would do better in the SE Asia forum as Sapa is not in Thailand.

[simple1]

If you're traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train beware of the touts at the station where you get off for Sapa, they are aggressive and annoying, try to get your hotel to arrange a pickup. Sapa is OK for a 2 / 3 day stay, the local hill tribe people do hassle a fair amount when you first arrive, but worth visiting.

Use TripAdvisor / Agoda for info on cheap hotels.

Edited June 19, 2016 by simple1

[Spaniel]

If you're traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train beware of the touts at the station where you get off for Sapa, they are aggressive and annoying, try to get your hotel to arrange a pickup. Sapa is OK for a 2 / 3 day stay, the local hill tribe people do hassle a fair amount when you first arrive, but worth visiting.

Use TripAdvisor / Agoda for info on cheap hotels.

We were thinking about taking the bus. I have checked Agoda as well as other sites for hotels and have identified a couple that look ok. I was hoping to get a recommendation for a place that some one had stayed at. Thanks for the reply.

[Spaniel]

Probably would do better in the SE Asia forum as Sapa is not in Thailand.

Yes, guess I should have posted there. I'll do it now.

[tartempion]

We booked a trip to Sapa up the Fansipan train, hotel, food all inclusive at a travel agency next to our Hanoi hotel. Will not recommend the Hanoi hotel though.

I think there is a nice Sofitel in Hanoi...

Edited June 19, 2016 by tartempion

[LawrenceChee]

Sapa is a very nice hill retreat and the train ride there is great suiting lots of budgets

The Victoria hotel has a very nice spot and offers a private railway car for those who wants to splurge out although I have taken both that and the local ones and frankly for an overnight train that arrives about 5am it's not much difference

Ensure you book the hotel transfer as the ride is Long winding and a reputable van is preferred and the touts outside are extremely aggressive for those without booking and of course at 5am the coffee has not kicked in yet and one can really do with out the hassle of bargaining

The city has turned more touristy but still beautiful trekking is great there and a good few days to escape the city

Edited June 19, 2016 by LawrenceChee