An insider’s guide to... Sapa, Vietnam
FLY WITH: Air New Zealand operates flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin to Saigon from June 24- October 25.
BEST TOURS: Asia Charm Tours, Hanoi, provided us with a package deal, including a bus from Hanoi to Sapa, a night’s accommodation, a guided trek of the terraces and a bus back to Hanoi. See asiacharmtours.com for more information.
WHAT TO PACK: Make sure you bring some seriously grippy shoes such as hiking boots – my Converse sneakers did not cut the mustard on the wet trail. Though you can buy a poncho, a raincoat would come in handy too. LOCAL ETIQUETTE: Remember to bring a good amount of Vietnamese Dong as well as US dollars – many local eateries on the way to Sapa would not accept USD or a credit card.