Is Sapa Expensive?

Is Sapa expensive to visit?

Sapa is a very affordable travel destination with an average daily cost of $36. Compared to the rest of Asia, it is a reasonably affordable place to visit. It's ranked in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability, comparable to places like Jodhpur and Koh Tao.



The rice fields near Sapa, Vietnam

How expensive is Sapa?

For a trip to Sapa, travelers spend on average $36 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Sapa here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Sapa?

On average, a weekend trip to Sapa costs about $108 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $216.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Sapa?

A one week trip to Sapa costs about $252 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $505.



Rice Terraces near Sapa, Vietnam

Is it expensive to backpack in Sapa?

With more than 20 hostels around town, Sapa is a very popular backpacker destination. Hostels usually cost around $6 per night. There's a wide range in prices though, with the cheapest beds costing about $2 and the most expensive rooms costing about $13. (See hostel prices in Sapa here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Sapa.

  • $7 for a dorm bed at Lustig Hostel
  • $5 for a dorm bed at Venus Sapa Hostel
  • $13 for a dorm bed at Mega View Homestay

Are hotels expensive in Sapa?

Examining hotel prices in Sapa, we can see that they are moderately priced when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $25. The city is equipped with about 1 five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $59. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $35 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $20 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Sapa
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 1 $59
4 stars 9 $50
3 stars 53 $35
2 stars 28 $20
1 star 12 $10
No rating 3 $14

Hoang Dieu Street,, Sa Pa
Overall Rating 9.3
No. 30 Hoang Lien Street, Sa Pa
Overall Rating 9.0

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Sapa?

In Sapa, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $6 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $13.

Is food expensive in Sapa?

In Sapa, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $16 per day on food, which is more than the country's average of $14.

Is transportation expensive in Sapa?

Local transportation in Sapa can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $10 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $12. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Sapa

If you're planning a trip to Sapa, Vietnam, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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