Sa Pa
Updated: March2013
It’s a journey to get to Sa Pa via either a lengthy overnight bus or a combination of train and bus from Ha Noi but it’s worth it. The difference in the climate as well as the people you’ll meet is really like being in a different country. With Mount Fansipan looming on the horizon (assuming you can see through the mist) and with some excellent walks available, its worth that journey. Even if you’re not into walking, you’ll get to see a totally different side of Vietnam if you visit Sa Pa. Ensure to check weather conditions before travelling to this region to get the most out of your visit

If you’re not kitted out in the latest Northface gear, then you’ll find a “variant” of it here. It can get cold here and it’s wise to ensure you have a dry set of clothes vacuum packed if you’re considering a homestay/ hiking option.

Accommodation
Sa Pa isn’t the largest of cities and finding accommodation is relatively easy. You get a lot less for your dollar here though and subsequently it may be worth doing your homework before travelling.

Backpacker Guest House
Address: 1 Hoang Dieu Street
Prices from: Single, double and triple rooms for $4 per person
Includes: ensuite, fan, wi-fi, TV, shared terrace.
Tel: +84 203 873 646
Basic budget accommodation and with plenty of blankets to keep you warm in chilly Sa Pa. There is a large outside area to relax after a trek. The TV signal is very erratic and the rooms are basic but if you’re on a budget and not intending on spending hours in your room, it’s a good option.

Luong Thuy Family Guesthouse
Address: 28 D Muong Hoa
Prices from: Single $15, Double $18, Triple $22
Includes: En-suite, cable TV, Wi-Fi, balcony, mountain views
Tel:  +84 166 262 4308 Email: Web: familysapa.com/
At the south end of town and advertising “mountain view”… as do all hotels in the area! The rooms are big and clean and although you’re paying more than some of the other budget places in town, if you want some home comforts it’s worth the dollar.

Pinocchio Hotel
Address: D Muong Hoa 
Prices from: Dorm $5, Double $10
Includes: En-suite, cable TV, Wi-Fi
Tel: 0913 987 625 Email: Web: pinocchiohotel.com
Top choice for us in town really. Gives you a feel of Sa Pa when you check in and the staff are there to help as much as they can. The views are amazing (+$2 for a room with a great view) and if the clouds stay away it’s so relaxing to kick back and read a book here after a long days walking. Check-out their website for photographs of the rooms.


Eating and Drinking
Welcome to the home of pumpkin soup! And you’ll need it because very few places ever seem to want to light their big open plan fire or close any of the windows or doors. Lots to choose along the main street. A few more bars are opening up, but considering most people come here for walking, there’s not a big night scene even in high season.



The Leaping Lemur Group
Our Chosen Charities.

There are no charges for receiving information on this site, because this is about sharing the latest information and not making money. That said, please take the time to look at some of the charities that we've highlighted beneath, and if you want to "pay" for the information you've downloaded, then look into some of these worthy causes.
Elli xx


SOS Children provides children with a home, a family and a new mother in a purpose-built SOS Children's Village, where they can stay until they are ready for independent life. 
SOS Children currently cares for 1,952 children in Vietnam at its 13 SOS Children's Villages throughout the country, and a further 272 youths at its 10 SOS Youth Homes, where young adults go to prepare for independence. [more].

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. EPRC rescue and take-in primates that from around Vietnam as well as running an education/ visiting centre to help locals and foreigners understand these magnificent creatures. The aim is to rehabilitate the rescued primates and release them back into the wild where they belong. Volunteering at the EPRC gives you a unique opportunity to directly help endangered wildlife whilst sampling the highly cultured and welcoming country of Vietnam. You too could soon be near to the rarest primate in the world during the day and then enjoy some tasty cuisine (and possibly a ‘Bia Hoi’ or 2) in the evenings with a not so rare primate species. [more]


MilkCare Foundation Until economic reforms in 1986, the Vietnamese government provided free schooling. Now, students must pay for "public" schooling in addition to other expenses such as school maintenance fees, textbooks, school uniforms. With an annual per capita income of less than $150 (US dollars) in rural areas, many families simply cannot afford to send their children to school. For these children--some abandoned and homeless--even basic nutrition and education remain only a dream. [more]

Vets With A Mission is a group of Vietnam veterans and non-veterans who are dedicated to bringing healing, reconciliation and renewal to the people of Vietnam. We run many different projects from volunteering to donating and fund raising. Please visit us for [more] information.


Mine Awareness Group

We work with conflict-affected communities to identify their needs, removing land mines and unexploded ordnance, and helping those people in contaminated areas to live more safely. [more]

More links to charities in Vietnam can be found [here]


The Leaping Lemur

A Travellers Guide to Vietnam
Updated: March 2013
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A Travellers Guide to Vietnam
Updated: March 2013
Travelling to Vietnam? Then get our latest guide free by emailing us at NeSw365@gmail.com
Blogs
A Day with Easy Riders
"Da Lat on two wheels"
My brothers family of 4, my dad and my older brother and us two on bikes? Impossible! 
Follow us and like us to help promote charities around Asia.
Join the pack!
We are always looking for people to join our little group or to help promote charities or just to update us on your travels!
Blogs
Phong Nha
Paradise is a cave called "Paradise".
A firm Vietnamese favourite but a little too far for most tourists. Not for these travellers!
[more]
Looking for inspiration to travel to Vietnam? Then check out these amazing travellers photographs. Or join the group and share your own!
Suggested Routes
If you've been to Vietnam and have a route that you could suggest then why not let us know? Otherwise, if it is your first time in Vietnam, have a look at some of our readers suggestions.
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