Visiting SaPa is not only about seeing the picturesque landscapes and taking photos of it but it’s also about the mixture of an amazing culture, friendly people, and tasty food. Your journey to Sapa will be a lifetime experience and it’s a good opportunity to share it with your kid. Being in this place with your little one will not stop you from enjoying your visit۰

Our trekking through Sapa with our 15 month old son was so smooth and enjoyable with a little bit of planning. Our experience was successful that’s  why we would share with you some advice to help you enjoy it as well۰

 Hire a private guide

Getting on your own outside the town of Sapa is not easy. The trails are uneven and difficult to reach with no signs to guide you۰

The Sapa experience will not be complete without the trekking. To really enjoy it absolutely go with a guide especially if you travel with kids۰

The local guide is familiar with the trails and the locals of Sapa. He will guide you to the best views, the stops, the photography spots and help you to understand the daily life of ethnic minorities۰

The best grilled corn you can have

We recommend choosing a private guide that can adapt the trekking with your level and speed as a family. He can wait while you feed your baby, or when you want to take a break to relax or even to take pictures. They even sometimes help you to entertain your little one۰

We hired our guide May through Indochina Junk company. She was so kind, knowledgeable and spoke good English۰

Our driver and our guide

 Bring a good gear

The trekking paths are far from being stroller-friendly. The carrier is a must۰

Wear comfortable shoes that can have good grips on the trail and that can handle the mud and the rocky paths۰

The rain can come out at any time, so a poncho or an umbrella will be good۰

Believe me, you can experience the 4 seasons in one day! Don’t forget to bring a layer especially for the kid because the weather can change suddenly۰

The shops in Sapa sell all kind of gear for trekking۰

If you’re above the standard size of Vietnamese people, bring your own shoes or clothes. trust me you won’t find you size 14 of shoes or your XL size of clothes۰

 Go light

Your guide is not your hat-rack. Bring only the essential and don’t forget your child۰

 Some snacks stops are available

We stopped at an ice cream stand and a very lovely coffee shop. If your kid like some special snacks then bring some for this journey. You will need it۰

The trekking usually finishes by lunch time but sometimes time runs quickly. I’m sure you will stop several times to rest, to feed the kid or even to take pictures۰

 Take lots of water

The hiking will make you thirsty all the time. To avoid any dehydration, drink water as much as you can especially if you travel during summer time۰

Be prepared for locals to follow you

During your walk, you will pass by the villages of the hill-tribes. Locals especially young girls will try to sell you their goods and you will hear the famous phrase: “You shopping?”. They will start the conversation by: “Hello, what’s your name?” And “Where are you from?”. Our guide tried every time to convince them that we have no intent to buy from them۰

 People of Sapa like kids

The locals will try to approach your kid to entertain him or simply to say hello. If you are uncomfortable with such a move just smile and keep moving۰

 Interact with locals

If you are with a Vietnamese guide, it’s an opportunity to interact with locals and ask them some questions to know more about their life style. You will pass by their villages or sometimes you will go into their houses so keep smiling and be kind۰

 Sunscreen

Wear the sunscreen all the time even if it’s cloudy. The last thing you want to worry about when you are on a vacation like this is the sunburn

Make sure to bring the right sunscreen for your kid. You can rarely found one in Vietnam۰

 Insect repellent

Mosquito and flying insects will be your only enemy so don’t forget your cream or spray repellent۰

 Your camera is your best friend

Bring along your camera, you will not resist taking hundreds of photos of people, animals, and landscapes but especially for your child by having a wonderful time trekking in Sapa۰

First aid kid

Sometimes even with a good preparation for your trekking, there is no escape from small accidents such as blisters or slippery

Did you ever visit SaPa with or without kids? Share your experience with us۰