Sapa Backpacker Hostel is a small, budget address at 003 Pham Xuan Huan, right in the centre of Sa Pa. It has a property class of 2, and it offers private rooms rather than dorm beds, including a family twin room and a standard double for single use. Facilities are simple but practical: free Wi-Fi, free parking, a 24-hour front desk, a concierge for tour assistance, luggage storage and laundry. The great advantage is location. Sa Pa Square is about a three-minute walk, the Catholic church about four, the lake about eight and Sapa Station for the tourist train to the Fansipan cable car about five. It suits trekkers, solo travellers and anyone watching costs who would rather spend on guides and meals than on a hotel.
Location and getting around
You are in the middle of town, so cafes, restaurants, the market and tour offices are all within a few minutes on foot. Trek operators can pick you up nearby, and the front desk can help with tour bookings and luggage storage, which is useful if you finish a homestay trek and have hours before your onward transport. Taxis and motorbike taxis wait around the square.
The rooms and facilities
Expect simple, private rooms with air conditioning, a kettle, a television and a private bathroom, not hotel luxury. There is no pool, spa or restaurant on site, and breakfast is not mentioned, so plan to eat at the cafes nearby. Evenings in November can be cold, so ask about blankets and heating when you book, and bring a warm layer. Guests rate it very highly, though the number of reviews is small, so check recent feedback.
What to know
Check-in starts at noon, which suits early arrivals from the night train or a morning bus, and check-out is at noon. Parking is free for those with a car. It is a good base for a night before or after a trek, a sensible choice for budget travellers who plan to be out most of the day, and not the place for a romantic splurge. If you want a pool and spa after a long trek, choose one of the larger hotels on this page instead.
Why stay here
- ✓Private rooms
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Laundry service
- ✓Electric kettle in rooms
Good questions
Does Sapa Backpacker Hostel have dorm beds?+
The property offers private rooms, including a family twin and a standard double. Check the current room types when you book.
How close is it to the square?+
About a three-minute walk, with the church, the lake and the station for the cable car train also close by.
Is breakfast available?+
Breakfast is not mentioned for this property, so plan to eat at cafes nearby. Ask the front desk if anything has changed.
