The town of Sapa itself is relatively small and the best means of transport around its centre is on your own two feet.
The alternative, of course, is the ubiquitous taxis. But you're probably most interested in getting around Sapa between local villages and attractions.
Straight from Sapa, you can set off on a journey through the villages either on your own or with one of the local guides on foot. To get to more remote places, you will need a rented scooter, or you can take an organized tour. There are no public buses to the tourist attractions.
Rent a scooter
As in other areas of Vietnam, most locals in Sapa mainly ride scooters. A scooter or motorbike is the best means of transport for exploring local villages, getting to waterfalls and various sightseeing spots.
However, renting a scooter in Vietnam can only be recommended to those tourists who are really experienced in riding a scooter and have a valid motorbike license. In the local mountains, the roads are not always of the best quality, and often chickens, dogs or even children can get under your bike.
Where to rent a scooter and what are the prices?
You can easily rent a scooter from any hotel reception or travel agency. Just ask and you'll even get several offers. When renting, always choose cash as a deposit and do not leave your travel document as collateral. Also, take a good look at the scooter and take a photo or video so that any damage is noted.
Scooter prices can vary greatly depending on the performance and condition of the scooter. The cheapest scooters can be found from 120 000 vnd, for a better scooter you will usually pay around 150,000 - 200 000 vnd.
With an organised tour
If you don't want to ride a scooter and still want to see famous tourist spots like waterfalls, use the services of an organised tour. You can either book a trip in advance or look for one at your hotel or at one of the travel agencies in Sapa.
It depends on which particular trip you choose, but you can get a full day tour from 750 000 vnd per person.
