Be sure to read our accommodation guide on where to stay in Sapa. This article explains the best place to stay in Sapa and breaks it down into different budgets to make the most of your time!
Sapa is a popular travel destination in the Northern Vietnam region. Many travelers flock to this hilly region to amidst the mighty mountain range and terraced paddy fields with a trekking or hiking tour. It is also the best place to experience the local Vietnamese culture where you can visit the minority tribe village. Sapa has so much to offer!
If you do decide to visit, make sure you choose the best place to stay in Sapa. Being one of the cheapest destinations for traveling around Southeast Asia, it’s not surprising you will find a lot of accommodation options available here.
There is an enormous amount of choices, ranging from extremely cheap hostels, mid-range hotels, to affordable luxurious hotels. Sapa has some of the best hotels even if you are budget travelers and backpackers.
Below, I’ve detailed the best places to stay in Sapa with accommodation options to fit any style and budget. Let’s take a look at our top-rated places to stay in Sapa.
When it comes to where to stay in Sapa, be sure to book your accommodation centrally in the heart of the city. Staying in the central is perfect because accommodation is cheap and you’re right in the action. Plus, most of the trekking tour is started from the city center for easy pick-up.
For quick and easy, we’ve picked out the best hotels in each different price range that best suit your budget.
Where to Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays
Editor Pick: Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa featured a beautiful view of the city and mountains.
Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa is our editor’s pick when choosing where to stay in Sapa. This beautiful hotel is located at the center of Sapa. It’s very convenient with a lot of shops, restaurants, and even many local massage spas and facilities nearby. The property also offers free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. You will love spending your time in the rooftop bar as it featured a beautiful view of the city and mountains.
For those views and services, it’s worth the stay!
Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery
Where To Stay in Sapa Luxury – Hotel de la Coupole
Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel is probably the most luxurious hotel in Sapa. It is the first 5-star hotel in Sapa that sets the foundation for luxury travel in style. The property is designed in French architectural style while still showcasing rustic touches. The rooms are equally as impressive and offer a balcony with a stunning view. The highlight of the property is the rooftop bar and the heated pool, ensuring guests with the ultimate in comfort and the best experience!
Overall, it is a true luxury treat when choosing where to stay in Sapa luxury. No worry about staying in the property as even the most luxurious accommodation in Sapa is affordable! Check the room availability for Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery.
Pistachio Hotel Sapa
Where To Stay in Sapa – Pistachio Hotel
Pistachio Hotel Sapa offers the utmost luxury in a great location in Sapa. Your stay in Sapa has featured an amazing view overlooking the valley and an incredible rooftop infinity pool. The room is extremely clean, spacious, and well equipped and the bed is so comfortable. The staff were all very helpful and welcoming with a smile on their faces at all times.
Eden Boutique Hotel & Spa is an affordable luxury hotel that high recommended by travelers. This 4-star Sapa hotel boasts comfortable rooms and a beautiful decorated shared lounge in an excellent location in the town. It is very convenient and easy to access.
The room is spotless and spacious with a very comfortable mattress for a comfortable sleep. The staff is very attentive and helpful. Perfect place to stay in Sapa to get some rest and relaxation after a long day of exploring.
Phuong Nam Hotel
Where To Stay in Sapa on budget – Phuong Nam Hotel
Phuong Nam Hotel is one of the popular picks for the best budget stay in Sapa. This hotel with gorgeous and offers affordable rooms of good size. The room is clean and comfortable. We recommended choosing the room offering balcony with views of the mountain as the view is worth paying a little more.
The location is convenient with just merely a 3 minutes walk to Sapa Station if you would like to go to Fansipan. Numerous shops and restaurants around. The staff is very helpful and the breakfast was good. Good value for money!
Mimosa Hotel Sapa
Mimosa Hotel Sapa is another good choice for a budget stays in Sapa. The property is located in the heart of town and within walking distance of Sun Plaza. There are many restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby which is pretty convenient.
The hotel provides accommodation with a terrace. All the rooms are full of furniture, clean, and come with a spacious bathroom. Free private parking for guests if you are driving to Sapa.
Homestay in Sapa
One of the most popular activities in Sapa is to stay in a homestay with the locals in their village. We recommended staying in a homestay in Sapa if you are looking for a unique experience. Many houses and cafes are converted into a homestay and here is our recommendation.
Eco Hills Homestay
Family bungalow – Eco Hills Homestay
Eco Hills Homestay is the best pick if you are looking for natural beautiful scenery homestay in Sapa. Run a group of friendly locals, Eco Hills Homestay is spotless and very comfortable. It is a little off from the main road and situated in the middle of rice fields. But your stay is rewarded with incredible views of the valley.
The property offers a family bungalow and a spacious King room with a superb breakfast! They also offers scenic guided trekking into the nearby mountains where you can get to know the villages around Sapa.
Fansipan Terrace Cafe and Homestay
Best homestay in Sapa – Fansipan Terrace Cafe and Homestay
Fansipan Terrace Cafe and Homestay is the place where you need to look for a homestay in Sapa. In fact, this homestay is one of the popular cafes among the locals for its great location overlooking the valleys and terraces. It is located near to the city center and everything is accessible but features breathtaking views. The rooms are clean with all the basic amenities. The hosts are extremely helpful, welcoming, and accommodating to guests’ needs.
Little View Homestay
Best Place to Stay in Sapa – Little View Homestay
For a cheap and cheerful homestay in town, head to Little View Homestay. The property is adorable and beautifully decorated by the hosts. It is located within a 3-minute walk from Sa Pa Stone Church and Cay May street, and close to the main street. All rooms include a private bathroom with a hot shower, hairdryer, and slippers.
Overview: Best Place to Stay in Sapa
All in all, we are covering the hotels and homestays that are highly recommended. Travelers can’t do better as there are so many incredibly valued accommodations in great value. Most of the accommodation is very affordable and we highly suggest paying a little bit more by choosing rooms offering breathtaking valley or mountain views. I am sure the money is worth it!
In short, if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Sapa, look no further than staying at Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa. It is mid-budget accommodation and featured a beautiful view of the city and mountains. It is clean and comfortable. For luxurious travelers, Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery definitely is your pick if you looking for a true luxury treat in Sapa.
Traveling to Sapa? Check out my Sapa travel posts below:
To find the best food in KL, here are the places that will take you through some of the best dishes that Malaysian cuisine has to offer. Let’s read this Kuala Lumpur food guide when looking for where and what to eat when visiting the city.
Malaysia is a multicultural country and the fastest way to explore the fantastic culture of the city is to go out and experience their food. Malaysian cuisine is majorly a combination of Malay, Chinese, and Indian with a variety of ingredients and rich in taste. All the influence makes the food truly amazing.
If you are a foodie and enjoy trying types of Malaysian food, then Kuala Lumpur will not disappoint. As the capital of the country, KL is home to some of the best restaurants and street food to fix your cravings. The city is a food paradise where you can eat and dine all day and night. Spend some time food hunting in Kuala Lumpur when visiting the city. I am assured this to be a wonderful and memorable time indeed.
To find the best food in Kuala Lumpur, there are so many restaurants, hawker stalls, and Kopitiam (coffee shops) in this city to indulge yourself in all the Malaysia delights! However, it can be difficult to find places for a first-time visitor to Kuala Lumpur.
Listed here is the Kuala Lumpur food guide for where and what to eat in KL. All those places serve mouth-watering food that you can easily find when wandering around the city and most importantly serve delicious Malaysian food.
If you’re planning on visiting KL for the first time, here is a quick list on this Kuala Lumpur food guide to experience some of the best dishes in the city.
Kuala Lumpur Food Guide – Where and What to eat:
Malaysian Chinese Breakfast – ICC Pudu.
Traditional Kopitiam – Restaurant Kopi Lai Foong.
Street Food at Petaling Street.
Cafe Hopping at Kwai Zai Hong (Jalan Pengguna)
Hainanese Local Food – Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam, Yut Kee Restaurant.
Jalan Alor Food and Restaurant.
Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Mee.
Mamak Food – Roti Canai, Mee goreng, Nasi Lemak.
Banana Leaf Rice – Restoran Devi’s Corner.
Pro Tips: For the best convenient for food hunting in KL, we staying at Dorsett Kuala Lumpur. It is a high-range hotel situated right in the heart of Bukit Bintang and super convenient to explore the city and nearby. The hotel is only a very short walk to the Pavilion KL shopping mall and has easy access to MRT Bukit Bintang station. The excellent location makes sightseeing and transports seamless.
For the most authentic Malaysian breakfast, head to the Integrated Commercial Complex (ICC) Pudu for some of the local Chinese food. ICC Pudu is the new home of the Imbi Market (also known as Pasar Baru Bukit Bintang) where hundred of the city’s long-standing hawker stalls relocated into a newer establishment.
The ICC Pudu can be considered a huge food court that houses a lot of food stalls. It offers a wide variety of local delicacies, mostly Chinese food such as noodle dishes (soup/dry), rice dishes, dim sum, fried snack, kueh, and Hainanese coffee.
Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun
Recommended food included Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun (Stall Lot G30), Ann Nasi Lemak (Stall G-24), Sister Mei’s Nyonya Kueh and Put Chai Ko (Stall G-11), and many more not to be missed local food.
ICC Pudu is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch by offering a huge variety of affordable and delicious food. It is always packed with people during the weekend especially morning. Get there earlier for enjoyable food!
Integrated Commercial Complex (ICC) Pudu Address: Jalan Kijang, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. What To Eat: Chee Cheong Fun and Yong Taufu, Nasi Lemak, Curry Mee. Price range: RM20-30 (Depend on how much food are ordered)
Traditional Kopitiam
When visiting Malaysia, you can also visit the traditional Kopitiam to have a wide range of local food in one place. The Kopitiam, or coffeeshop in the Hokkien dialect, is an integral part of Malaysian-Chinese culture. It is a type of neighborhood coffee shop with a simple offer of food and drink to local people.
Kopitiams have been open in Malaysia since the 1800s and there are more than a thousand Kopitiam across the country. Kuala Lumpur is filled with amazing long history Kopitiam. This is the type of KL food experience with the aroma and energy of a lively Asian city.
Restaurant Kopi Lai Foong
Restaurant Kopi Lai Foong
For a piping hot bowl of noodles served in front of you, visit the Restaurant Kopi Lai Foong located at the intersection of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Jalan Tun HS Lee. This coffee shop has been around for more than 50 years and is still frequent by locals. The shop is located between the Central Market and Petaling Street, and best coupled together on your Kuala Lumpur visit.
Restaurant Kopi Lai Foong – Lala Noodle
Restaurant Kopi Lai Foong is well-known for its irresistible Lala (clam) noodles. The bowl of rice vermicelli with superior soup is served hot with a generous amount of clams, topped with ginger, scallions, and red chillis, and beautifully infused with fragrant rice wine.
Piping hot and flavourful, making it excellent comfort food. Something you will die for.
Beef Noodle from Kedai Kopi Lai Foong
Another highly recommended food is the beef noodle at Lai Foong. This signature dish lives up to its reputation and is popular among locals and tourists. The bowl of beef noodles is served with beef balls, beef slices, tendon, tripe, and intestines with flavorful broth. Excellent choice for a bowl of tasty authentic beef noodles if you are into innards.
Besides, the restaurant also served other local eats such as chicken rice, char kuey teow, fish noodle soup, and more. All have their loyal following that is worth a try.
Kedai Kopi Lai Foong Address: 138, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hours: Daily from 6:30 to 16:30. Stalls may close after dining hours. What To Eat: Lala Mihun Soup, Beef Noodles. Price range: RM10-20.
Shin Kee Beef Noodles
If you are enjoying beef noodles, there is also another popular shop that is recommended when looking for the best food in KL. Shin Kee Beef Noodles is one of the famous beef noodle stalls in Kuala Lumpur. The shop is situated just opposite the Restaurant Kopi Lai Fong and beside the entrance to Petaling Street. The shop has been around since the 1930s, and its original Hakka beef noodle recipe is still being preserved by the current third-generation owners.
Street Food at Petaling Street
Next, continue your food journey to Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown. A variety of street foods can be found on Petaling Street and many have lasted for generations. From traditional hawker food to street snacks, you’re not exploring Kuala Lumpur until you get a taste of the local food heritage in Petaling Street!
Here is a few must-try food when looking for what to eat in Petaling Street, KL.
Air Mata Kucing
Must Try Food in Petaling Street KL – Air Mata Kucing
An unique herbal drink that is well-known in Chinatown. This delightful drink is made from dried longan, monk fruit, and winter melon. It is very refreshing and tastes better when you walk through along the street with soaring Malaysian heat. Whenever I am in Chinatown, I will surely get a glass of it.
Kim Soy Bean
Right opposite the Air Mata Kucing stall, there is another popular drink stall called Kim Soy Bean. Run by the second generation, Kim Soy Bean is famous for its homemade soya bean and tau fu fah. All the drinks served are made fresh daily. The tau fu fah has a light ginger flavor with a silky smooth texture. You can also get the soya bean served with cincau, or grass jelly.
Hon Kee Porridge
Operation since 1949, Hon Kee Porridge is a hawker stall that has been long-lasting on Petaling Street. Hon Kee is known for their Cantonese porridge and chee Cheong fun. The bestseller is the Fresh Raw Fish Porridge where raw slice crap fish is served together with a bowl of piping hot porridge. Pop the fish slices into the bowl and mix it thoroughly and the heat from the porridge would gently cook the fish!
There are still more street food that worth recommended when looking for best street food in KL. We will share more detail in the What To Eat in Petaling Street.
Petaling Street Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur What To Eat: Air Mata Kucing, tau fu fah from Kim Soy Bean, Hon Kee Porridge. Price range: Less than RM10 for one type of food or drink.
Cafe Hopping at Kwai Zai Hong
One cannot complete a trip to Malaysia without the cafe-hopping experience. Kuala Lumpur has many unique cafes with IG-worthy backdrops and chills vibes. Local even make use of the historical old shops at Kwai Zai Hong (Lorong Pengguna) and transform them into local vibe cafes.
Here are some of the best cafes with great food and coffee that are perfect for a brunch day out.
Merchant’s Lane
Merchant’s Lane is one of the jewel cafes in Petaling Street that sees the transversing of local charm. This cafe refurbished the upper floors of one of the old shophouses into an eating place, amidst an old shop surrounding.
Merchant’s Lane serves delicious Malaysian fusion food such as Nasi Lemak Pancake, and Taukay – a charcoal bun beef burger with peanut sauce. The portion is reasonable but the price is slightly on the high side. Immerse yourself in this nostalgic place, relax and enjoy the food.
Merchant’s Lane Address: 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hour: Weekday from 11:30 to 20:30 and Weekend from 10:30 to 20:30. Close on Monday. Price Range: RM40-50 per person.
Luckin Kopi
Luckin Kopi is another popular refurbished retro cafe behind Kwai Chai Hong. It is a fantastic spot serving great local Malaysian and Western food with a modern twist. My ice kopi kaw and Ais Kacang are refreshing and I am truly enjoying the drink after a long walk at Petaling Street. Popular amongst youths due to the wide menu range at a reasonable price.
Luckin Kopi Address: 14, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur Business Hour: Weekday from 10:00 to 16:30, 17:00 to 21:00. Weekend from 9:00 to 16:30, 17:00 to 21:00. Price Range: RM30 per person.
Mingle Cafe
Mingle Cafe is a vintage-themed café serving food, desserts, and coffee from brunch to dinner. Here you can enjoy the food and coffee in this very cozy and snuggly environment. The interior aesthetics has a rustic chic vibe and is very Instagram-worthy. The food is Malaysia-Western fusion where you can order food such as Petai burger, Nasi Jersey, flavored tea, and more.
Mingle Cafe Address: 55, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hours: Weekday 11:00 to 22:00 and Weekend from 8:00 to 22:00. Price Range: RM40-50 per person.
Hainanese Kopitiam
Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam
Probably one of the most popular eatery shops nearby Kwai Zai Hong. Not a hister cafe, Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam is a lovely Hainanese eatery converted from an old shophouse with a nostalgic dining environment. Run by Mr. Ho Kow, the shop serve the most traditional local delight in town since 1956.
Their signature food is kaya toast, Ayam Goreng Nasi Lemak, Chee Cheong fun with curry, fried mihun with curry chicken, and Hainanese coffee. Due to the popularity, expect to wait for a table.
Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam Address: 1, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hour: Daily from 7:30 to 14:30. Close on Monday. Price Range: RM20-30 per person.
Yut Kee is one oldest Kuala Lumpur Kopitiam scenes that have been around for almost 90 years since 1928. The food is a traditional colonial Hainanese style which serves old-time favorites such as chicken chop, toast bread, kaya roll, soft-boiled eggs, and coffee.
Yut Kee Must-Eat Roasted Pork Chop
Yut Kee offers a variety of Hainanese food, a mixture of Western and Chinese styles. It is a good Kopitiam set with a wide variety of food and drink options. The restaurant is always packed with local people and some tourists graving for their authentic Hainanese food. The best place for breakfast and brunch for local taste.
Yut Kee Restaurant Address: 1, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Operating Hours: From 7:30 to 15:00. Close on Monday. Price Range: Average RM20 per person for food and drink.
Jalan Alor Food
If you are craving food in the middle of the night, head to the bustling Jalan Alor night market. The street of Jalan Alor is one of the most popular places in Kuala Lumpur for food at night.
The Alor street is lined with restaurants and street vendors serving local delights and even Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Chinese, seafood, and street food. The staff shouted for customers, making the place loud and vibrant.
Wong Ah Wah Restaurant
Among all, Wong Ah Wah (W.A.W) stands out for their famous BBQ chicken wings. For over 70 years, the eatery serve Chinese-cooked food and has grown from a humble stall to the present 5 shops space along Jalan Alor today.
It is still one of the most well-known eateries frequented by locals and popular among tourists. Their signature BBQ chicken wings are charcoal grilled and occasionally licked by the flames, resulting in a crispy skin with tender and succulent meat with a touch of smokiness.
For a fuller meal, get a plate of Hokkien black mee, juicy satay, and grilled seafood such as fish, and squid, and wash down with an ice-cool beer or lime juice. The food is delicious but the portion is slightly small and the price is on the high side. But still, we are recommended it for the lively ambiance and good food!
Wong Ah Wah Restaurant Address: No 1, Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hour: Daily from 16:00 to 2:00 next day. Price Range: Average RM40-50 per person depending on what you order.
Street Food at Jalan Alor
Street Food at Jalan Alor
Alternatively, there are also many restaurants and street vendors serving various of snack food along the Jalan Alor. Stroll along the street and get the one you are liking. But make sure the price is well listed or check the price before order the food.
Depending on the season, you can get the fresh fruit such as durian, mangosteens, rambutans, and more Malaysia fruit. But the price is higher in Jalan Alor than seen in markets and supermarkets.
You can also try the Lok-Lok, a Malaysian treat where raw vegetables, meats, and other items are on skewers. Just pick your choices skewered and dip into boiling water or get it fried in the deep-fry station. Then choose your choice of dipping sauce, ranging from chili, sweet-and-sour, peanut, and spicy sauce.
The food is nothing special but for nice ambiance accompanied by the wide array of food choices certainly makes this a pretty good place to chill.
Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee also known as Dai Lok Mee is one of the signature dishes in Kuala Lumpur. The thick yellow noodles are slowly cooked and gradually absorbed with generous amounts of dark fragrant sauce and crispy lard, resulting in the noodles turning into a thick, tasty, and rich flavor. It is one of the most famous dishes among the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur.
Kim Lian Kee
For those who wish to indulge in black-colored charcoal-fried Hokkien Mee, head to Kim Lian Kee on Petaling Street. The restaurant is the oldest Hokkien mee eatery and it is also where the dish is invented by the founder Kim Lian Kee. Though the taste is not as good as before, the store is still one of the best-tasting Hokkien mee in KL today. Alternatively, you may have dined at its outlets across the city including Hutong at Lot 10 Shopping mall.
Kim Lian Kee Address: 92, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hour: Daily from 11:00 to 23:00. Close on Wednesday. Price Range: Average RM20-30 per person.
Mun Wah Hokkien Mee Restaurant
Mun Wah Hokkien Mee Restaurant is another authentic restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that is famous for its traditional taste of Hokkien mee. Since 1926, Ming Hoe has been running its business for more than 2 decades. Their style of cooking is traditional, using a wok and charcoal for cooking. With their generous ingredients and chewy noodles, no one can resist!
Mun Wah Hokkien Mee Address: 155, Jln Maharajalela, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Business Hour: Daily from 16:30:00 to 23:30. Close on Wednesday. Price Range: Average RM10-20 per person.
Mamak Food Stalls
Mamak is probably the longest-lasting “cultural” scene in Malaysia. It is an indoor and open-air food establishment for casual Indian Muslim cuisine. Here you can order most of the local Malaysian food such as roti canai, roti tissue, tosai, teh tarik, Cheese naan, tandori chicken, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kadar, mutton curry, and many more.
Roti Canai from Mamak Stall
Mamak is the best place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even midnight food as most mamaks are usually open 24 hours a day. This is the place where locals gather to eat, drink, chit-chat, and watch live football and badminton game on tv. Mamak food stalls are easily found all across Malaysia and you will always find them at almost all business squares.
Nasi Kandar Pelita
For the best Mamak experience at KL, head to the Nasi Kandar Pelita. This is probably one of the nation’s largest Nasi Kandar restaurant chains, covering multiple states in Malaysia. Known for its 24 hours freshly hot cooked dishes makes the place is always filled with customers.
Their signature “Kuah Campur” concept of Nasi Kandar dining etiquette by mixing all kind of spicy gravies over your rice. This for sure will give you a burst of Malaysian flavors and truly something you die for. You can find one located in the lively town of Kuala Lumpur besides KLCC. The convenience also makes this Mamak stall always full of locals and visitors.
Nasi Kandar Pelita Business Hours: 24 Hours! Price Range: Average RM10-20 per person.
Another popular mamak chain is the Restoran Al Sarifa. It is a 24-hour Mamak eatery just two streets north of Jalan Alor. It’s a popular place to try local specialties with a great range of food available at very reasonable prices. Best place for affordable food in Kuala Lumpur.
Banana Leaf Rice
Originally from South India, the banana leaf rice or just “banana leaf” is an essentially rice dish for Indian community. The dish consists of a mound of plain rice, normally comes with three or four different vegetable dishes served on a banana leaf cut.
The popular Devi’s Corner is famous for its mouthwatering and variety of banana leaf that it offers. The location is slightly far from the downtown and right opposite Bangsar Village Shopping Mall. It is also one of the popular mamak stalls and packed with locals. You would often see a queue right outside their stalls during lunch and dinner hour. Besides, Devi’s Corner is also famous for its Garlic Cheese Naan, Mee Goreng, and Nasi lemak. Be sure to also try these items out when you pay them a visit.
Restoran Devi’s Corner Address: 9, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Business Hours: Daily from 7:00 to 23:00. Price Range: Average RM20 to RM30.
Overall: What To Eat in Kuala Lumpur
That’s it! We hope you find this Kuala Lumpur Food Guide helpful for your food hunting journey in KL. Of course, there is still much more mouthwatering local food that can be put into your food list. But those are the best pick that you can check out when visiting KL and are easily accessible as a visitor.
Eating like a local when visiting KL! We promise you that all the food is truly Malaysian flavor and would be worth the visit.
Lastly, if you need more ideas on what to do and food to eat in Kuala Lumpur, feel free to check out below travel blogs and stories.
Are you planning a Sapa itinerary? In this Sapa travel guide blog, we will tell you where to go and what to do in Sapa, and what you should know when it comes to visiting the hillside region.
Sapa is fantastic and it is more impressive than what we expected. In Sapa, you will find misty lush green scenery, rice terraces, and charming hill-tribe villages in this hilly region. This place blows us away with its nature and unique culture.
During our trip to Sapa, we visited the local market and have great hiking through the local villages where the tribal people that live here. Meeting the minority ethnic groups in remote mountainous areas just amazed us.
In this Sapa travel guide blog, we will share with you our itinerary when visiting the region. We’ve packed all of our travel guides and tips to help you plan and prepare your Sapa trip. Let’s check it out!
Personally, we found it was quite hard to plan for the Sapa itinerary. Most of the attractions are in the hilly region and traveling time is long and exhausted from one place to another place. Plus, transportation is not very well connected. Therefore, there are many local tours to help you plan for your 1 day, 2 to 3 days of Sapa itinerary.
You can pre-book ahead before your trip or find it once arrived at Sapa. Either way is good and each has its benefit. Our advice is to know what is your interest and have an idea of where you want to go. Most tours included the transportation option. It is best to pre-book it ahead for hassle-free. Else you might need to find time to wander around.
Be prepared that you’ll need to spend time on the long-haul journey to visit the hilly tribe village in the mountainous area of Sapa. Besides, the weather is unpredictable and can turn moist and bad very quickly. An early start to kick start your day to explore the beautiful scenery is always recommended.
How To Get to Sapa From Hanoi
From Hanoi to Sapa, you can either take a bus or train which takes you around 5 to 6 hours. Here is the transportation option:
Over-night Train – The best budget option for those with limited time as you will arrive in Sapa in the early morning to kick start the Sapa itinerary.
I would suggest you catch a night train from Hanoi to Sapa as it will save you the traveling time and accommodation costs. Tiring but pretty convenient. Plus the train is pretty clean.
Alternatively, you can also join the tour with transport included, which is a lot more convenient. So basically you can rest along the trip and travel to Sapa hassle-free.
Accommodation in Sapa
Most of Sapa’s accommodation are mid-range and budget. There is a large selection of hotel options in the town and there you can find suitable accommodation for every travel budget.
We can recommend Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa which is probably one of the best hotels in Sapa. The room is clean with fantastic views and good facilities. The staff are so friendly and helpful. Most important, the price is very reasonable and worth it.
A few more Sapa accommodation at different budget for your selection:
Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery – Enjoy the most luxury stay in a great location in Sapa. Your stay is featured an amazing view overlooking the valley and an incredible rooftop bar and heated pool.
Pistachio Hotel Sapa – Affordable luxury hotel boasts comfortable rooms and incredible rooftop infinity pool.
Phuong Nam Hotel – Best budget stay in Sapa. The location is convenient and close to the Sun Plaza with the railway to Fansipan and with numerous restaurants around.
For more options, feel free to check out the accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Sapa.
Recommendation Sapa Tour
The distances to each attraction in Sapa are much further than you initially think. Plus, it is very hard to plan for the self-DIY Sapa itinerary. Perhaps you might want to consider joining a tour to reach certain destinations.
You can visit Sapa alone or together that coupling the Northen Vietnam attraction such as Sapa, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay without grappling with public transport. There are multi-day tours option depending on how many days you plan to spend on your Sapa itinerary.
Due to the long-haul traveling journey, spending at least two days in Sapa is a great option. We started our Sapa itinerary in the early morning after the overnight train from Hanoi. Next, we spent the fulfillment 2 days in Sapa before heading back to our next travel destination.
We had lots of fun time as well as a short trek in Sapa. We didn’t have to organize anything as everything is already pre-booked before our arrival. Take a look on how we plan for the amazing Sapa trip.
Planning on Sapa itinerary:
Day 1: Arrived in Sapa from Hanoi. Visit Bac Ha Sunday Market.
Day 2: Sapa – Trekking tour to local Village (Cat Cat Village, Ma Tra, and Ta Phin Village)
More days in Sapa? A visit to Sun World Fansipan with an exciting cable car ride.
Sapa Itinerary Day 1
Sapa Travel Blog – A Visit to Bac Ha Sunday Market
One of the best things to do in Sapa is visiting the traditional local market, and glad that we visited the Bac Ha Sunday market. It is truly a memorable experience to enjoy the traditional culture of ethnic groups in the mountainous areas of North Vietnam.
Our Sapa itinerary started with an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa. We booked a private tour and the tour guide picked us up at the train station. We next headed to Bac Ha weekly market in a minivan. The journey was painful as it took about 2.5 hours to reach the rural area of the village. But once we arrived, we know that it was worth the effort.
Bac Ha Sunday Market
We arrived at Bac Ha Sunday Market at around 10 am and the market is in full swing. The market is bursting with color and life and it is one of the unique Vietnam experiences.
Locals including the minority peoples are gathering here to buy and sell a wide variety of goods. From household goods, clothes, food, vegetable, handicrafts, and even live animals for sale. All the people, especially women and ladies wear their traditional clothes. You can also meet the Flower Hmong people who live in Lao Cai and Ha Giang Provinces. They look so nice in their colorful clothes.
Food Eating Area in Bac Ha Market
We didn’t buy anything here but if you want don’t forget to barter, but don’t push too hard. Most of the people are having a tough life living in the area. After visiting the market, we will bring to a restaurant where lunch is included in the tour.
All in all, Bac Hac Sunday Market is a lively and colorful tribes market. It was a lot of fun and you’ll be delighted with the authenticity of this Sunday market. Like much of traditional Vietnam it is a disappearing lifestyle in Bac Ha. It is getting more and more touristy and please visit Bac Ha market when this kind of place still exists.
Sapa Travel Tip: Bac Hac Market is only held at Sunday. If possible, overnight at a nearby village one day before and try to get there early to beat the crowd. Most tour buses on a day trip from Sapa will arrive at around 10 am and the market is packed with tourist.
Sapa Itinerary Day 2
A good trekking tour to explore the local village and learn about the culture and history of the people in Sapa.
There are few local villages to choose from. Cat Cat village is probably the most popular destination on the Sapa trekking tour. This is probably because the village itself is fairly easily accessible compared to the other villages in Sapa. But this also makes it very touristy with lines of souvenir shops.
If you are planning to witness the settlement of the local’s life I would suggest visiting others villages such as Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village.
Sapa Trekking Tour
We started our trekking journey early in the morning. There is approximately a 3 km downhill walk toward the village from Sapa town. The trek was easy and more of a stroll although with uneven stairs. But, this is not recommended for people with health conditions.
The trek journey is about 5 to 6km from our starting point. Alternatively, you can even get a taxi from Sapa to Cat Cat Village.
Our tour guide is a very nice lady from Black Hmong. She can speak good English and is knowledgeable about the area. We have ample rest and take to take photo along the trek. The walk to the village could be tiring but it was worth it.
Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village is a picturesque local village in a stunning mountain range with a beautiful natural landscape. It is also home to the Hmong people who emigrated from China 300 years ago. The village itself is gorgeous and it was really interesting to walk around the Cat Cat village to learn about the tribe in the village. There is a small admission fee to enter the village.
Once in Cat Cat Village, there are loads of craft stalls, shops, little cafes, and local houses. Most local people no longer live in this village but those houses are still maintained to showcase their local village life.
We have the chance to visit the local houses demonstrating the local crafts and have a glimpse into the daily life of local ethnic people. It is truly impressive to see the craftsmanship such as weaving fabric.
But be prepared to be asked for buying the handicraft. Some can be pushing but gentle no is recommended.
You can also walk to the waterfalls downhill and terraces is breathtaking. Lots of great photo opportunities and many local tourists are renting traditional costumes to take photos in the village.
After the walking tour, we were picked up by the van and brought back to the town for a nice simple Vietnamese lunch that was included as part of the tour. We have a great time in Cat Cat Village and are recommended for those who want a glimpse of a local village.
More Attractions in Sapa
As we only have a limited 2 days in Sapa, so we have to skip some of the attractions. We choose to visit the Ba Hac Market and trekking tour to the local village as we prefer a more cultural visit. There is much more attractive that can be coupled together on the Sapa itinerary.
If you have more days in Sapa, consider visiting below attractions on your visit to Sapa.
Sun World Fansipan
The Sun World Fansipan turn out to be one of the popular attractions in Sapa. Take a scenic cable car ride up 3,143 meters above sea level to the peak of Fansipan Mountain. It is the longest and highest cable ride in Vietnam. The ride up to the top of the mountain top is very picturesque. Every different minute you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of nature.
At the summit, it is a fantastic picturesque destination with Buddhist temples, shrines, and breathtaking views. Amazing place and cold weather for an epic experience in Sapa. The highest point in Indochina on countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Make sure to visit Sun World Fansipan in good weather!
The cost is relatively high for a cable car ride to the peak. Get the discounted Sun World Fansipan Legend Admission Ticket with a different package option from Klook. Easy to use and cheaper than buying tickets at the counter!
Final Tips for Sapa Travel Guide
Here is a few more handy tips for this Sapa Travel Guide Blog:
Is Sapa worth a visit?
Definitely worth it! There are many cultural villages in Sapa where you can experience authentic Vietnamese village experience.
How many days in Sapa is enough?
Three days in Sapa is the perfect amount of time to spend in Sapa. You can explore the main sightseeing and have an easy trek into the northern mountains.
Do you need a tour in Sapa?
Planning a Sapa trip can be a difficult task due to the long traveling journey and transportation arrangements. Joining a tour with transport included is recommended but not compulsory.
Overview: A Visit to Sapa
A Visit to Sapa Bac Ha Sunday Market
All in all, you should plan at least 2 days for your Sapa itinerary. The landscape here is so breathtakingly beautiful and a visit to Sapa is definitely worthwhile.
The traveling might take times that leads you through the beautiful landscape of the local village. But you are rewarded with beautiful views of the lush green nature in all directions. You can see the local life as is it although a bit touristic still simple and genuine countryside. Whether you’re looking for a rad solo trip or an all-inclusive family holiday, Sapa is highly recommended.
Ever wonder where to have authentic local food for breakfast in Kuala Lumpur? For years ICC Pudu is the popular hawker food center that frequently visited by locals. Here, you can sample all the local delicacies in one place. My ICC Pudu Food Guide featured!
Integrated Commercial Complex (ICC) Pudu is the best place to enjoy all the old tastes of KL if you are craving authentic local Chinese food. Over 260 stalls are shifted from the famous Imbi wet market to ICC Pudu since 2016 to make way for the development of the Tun Razak Exchange. Consisting mostly of Chinese vendors, it is a classic Chinese hawker center housing all kinds of Asian food in one place.
The local favorite’s ICC Pudu is bustling with people enjoying their breakfast, with long queues seen at many of the popular stalls. The food court offers an enormous selection of Malaysian food. It will take you at least a few visits to try all the delicious food. Many hawker stalls sell a great variety of food and you will have a hard time deciding what to eat in ICC Pudu.
If you are not sure what to eat, let’s have a look at our list below with Best Foods You Must Eat in ICC Pudu.
ICC Pudu Food Guide
We’ve tried many mouthwatering food in ICC Pudu and here is our recommendation:
Chee Cheong Fun and Yong Taufu
Nasi Lemak
Nyonya Kueh and freshly made Put Chai Ko
Hainan Coffee and Tea
Crispy Pohpiah
Wantan Mee
Curry Mee
Kuih Bakul
Ginger Wine Noodles
Charcoal Egg Tart
Yellow Rice Wine Chicken Bun
Chee Cheong Fun
For the best Chee Cheong Fun paired with Yong Taufu in KL, go to Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun in ICC Pudu. The Chee Cheong Fun is a type of rice noodle roll while the Yong Taufu is the Hakka-style tofu and vegetable variations filled with ground meat mixture or fish paste.
Since Imbi Wet Market, Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun is also known for its freshly made Yong Yaufu. Crispy deep-fried beancurd, Ladies’ fingers, tau foo puffs, chili, brinjal, and a variety of items to pick from.
Follow the queue and pick the one you like and the food will come doused with a generous amount of sweet and chili sauce, topped with a generous amount of sesame seed. You can also ask to serve with curry gravy and sesame seeds if you want.
The Yong Toufu that I had picked was filled with generous portions of fish paste. They were quite big chunks when sliced into piecs. So satisfying!
The stall is always a long queue in line. So please be ready to queue but the line moves pretty fast.
Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun: Stall Lot G30
Nasi Lemak
Next, one of the must-eat food in ICC Pudu is the Nasi Lemak (non-halal). Dubbed Ann Nasi Lemak, this stall serves Chinese-style nasi lemak and is particularly famous for its pork skin curry, cockles sambal, and sliced pork curry.
Ann Nasi Lemak usually has a short queue in front and it took less than 5 minutes to have our plate of mouthwatering nasi lemak. See our plate of Nasi Lemak with pork skin curry and fried chicken cutlet. So tempting! One of the must-try food in ICC Pudu.
Ann Nasi Lemak: Stall G-24, ICC Pudu.
Nyonya Kueh and Put Chai Ko
Another worth recommended stall in ICC Pudu is Sister Mei which sells colorful Nyonya kueh with 3rd generation of the recipe. Regulars still flock to here for their traditional Nyonya kueh.
Whenever I am patronized here, for sure I will be debating what to choose with a variety of traditional Nyonya Kueh lining on the table. Don’t miss their freshly made Put Chai Ko, Cantonese pudding-like steam cake. It is freshly made on the spot so expected to wait in line. It has a soft and slightly chewy texture. One of my favorite food in ICC Pudu.
Sister Mei: Stall G-11
Hainan Coffee and Tea
ICC Pudu is the battleground of Hainan Coffee and you’ll see many traditional coffee stalls scatter around the counter in the building. Take a slip of Hainan kopi and then take a bite of traditional kaya toast, this is what we call enjoy life in the fullness!
Some people will love the Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea & Coffee and rated the coffee shop as one of the best breakfast places in KL. The stall serves authentic traditional Hainan tea, coffee, soft-boiled eggs, and toasted bread. Youngest will vote for the Lintang and you’ll be seeing the longest queue in the center court.
I personally like the Hainan Iced Coffee from Lintang. It is one of the vendors with the longest queue in ICC Pudu. Be prepared to wait for this best coffee in ICC Pudu, but the line moves very fast.
Lintang Coffee Stall ICC Pudu used clay pots to brew their coffee with their recipe. Their coffee is thick, and smooth, and has a nice coffee scene. Very refreshing after the sip.
Lintang: G-138
Crispy Pohpiah
Popiah refers to a Fujianese / Teochew-style fresh spring roll. It is made with a thin, paper-like crepe filled with finely grated turnip, bean sprouts, lettuce leaves, grounded peanuts, and variety of vegetables depending on the store recipe.
Sister’s Crispy Popiah was once the most popular stall selling traditional local delicacies. The popularity is now taken by Auntie Mei’s Crispy Popiah after the stall is moved out. The popiah is freshly made and you’ll like the crunchiness on each bite. The filling was generous too. A good option for those who like a light snack for breakfast.
Auntie Mei’s Crispy Popiah has 2 stalls in ICC Pudu. One is located near the entrance, G-17 and another one at the inner court.
Wantan Mee
We were craving some delicious wantan mee and decided to give it a try at one of the stalls. They serve wantan noodles with a variety of your typical favorite toppings – char siew, wanton, poached chicken, or braised chicken feet with Chinese mushrooms.
Our plate of authentic wonton noodles in ICC Pudu is served with springy egg noodles and savory dark sauce. The noodles will be able to give you a taste of old-school. While the char siew is tender and succulent. Honestly, not the best wantan mee so far but still good tasting enough to compliment.
Curry Mee
ICC Pudu has many stalls that served a variety of noodles such as pork noodles, pan mee, and mee shua but the curry mee from Madam Eng is the favorite among customers.
Madam Eng Curry mee claimed to be one of the best curry mee in KL. Their signature curry mee is consisting of rice noodles served in a rich, spicy broth made of curry coconut milk, topping with fresh cockles.
Madam Eng Curry Mee: Stall G-38
Kuih Bakul
Kuih Bakul or Nian Gao is a sticky snack prepared from glutinous rice flour that the Chinese usually consumed during Chinese New Year.
For sweet lover, You can try this local snack at Imbi Kuih Bakul with their best seller Triple Kuih Bakul. The sticky rice cake is sandwiched between purple sweet potato and yam, then coated with batter, and deep-fried till golden brown. Eat while it’s hot!
Ginger Wine Noodles
Lastly, you can also taste the Mee Halia or ginger wine noodles in one of the stalls in ICC Pudu. This is the famous ginger wine vermicelli stall that has been in business for more than 30 years. The stall also offers some other dishes such as Fish Head Bihun and also “Tai Chow” or Big Fried dishes.
We tried the tasty hot ginger wine noodles. The bowl of ginger wine noodles soup was served piping hot, topped with generously sliced ginger, as well as fried eggs, and prawns. The broth is used with a mixture of village rice wine and China wine. A very flavorful noodles dish and super comforting.
Imbi Pasar Mee Halia: Stall G20
Charcoal Egg Tart
Bunn Choon are famously known for its signature traditional egg tarts for years. They even introduced the charcoal sesame-flavored egg tart and loved by locals.
Their egg tarts are freshly baked with flavorful egg filling and a delightful fragrant crispy crust. Eat it fresh or get some to eat later. It is still crispy and delicious. My tea-time favorite!
Bunn Choon ICC Pudu: Stall G-49
ICC Pudu Food Tips: Bunn Choon has opened another bakery shop at Lorong Pengguna (Kwai Zai Hong) which served dim sum, egg tarts, and various of pastry. You may also try the Durian tart here!
Yellow Rice Wine Chicken Bun
Last but not least is the popular yellow rice wine chicken bun from Chef’s Ming. The stall is selling all kinds of handmade steamed Cantonese-Hakka dim sum items like custard bun, pan-fried dumplings, char siew pao, siew mai, glutinous rice chicken, and more.
Their best seller is the yellow rice wine chicken bun which fills with Hakka-style chicken-ginger-rice wine and other ingredients such as black fungus, and ginger shreds for an additional textural crunch. The soft-pillow bun is tasty with a flavorful rice wine taste!
Chef’s Ming Yellow Rice Wine Chicken Bun: Stall G-29
My Final Tips on ICC Pudu Food Guide
ICC Pudu is located next to Pudu Plaza. The basement is a wet market selling local produce such as vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, dried food, and more. While the food court is located on the ground floor with more than a hundred hawker stalls selling a variety of local food.
The business hour is started from as early of 5:30 morning until 14:00 or until the food sell out. It is very crowded during breakfast and lunch peak hours. Come early if you want to avoid the crowd. Take note that ICC Pudu is closed on Monday.
Address: Integrated Commercial Complex (ICC) Pudu Jalan Kijang, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
How To Get To ICC Pudu
ICC Pudu is not easy to access by public transport if you are looking for how to get to ICC Pudu. The nearest station is the Pudu LRT where you need to take the Star LRT Line to Pudu station, and walk to the building for about 15 minutes. We recommended to take the e-hailing and get there hassle free. It will normally cost you around RM10 depending on your departure location.
For self-driving, the building itself is a multi-story complex with plenty of parking lot where you can park your vehicle at the fee of RM3 for the first three hours. The fee is more economical than parking at the open lot next to this places.
How To Order at ICC Pudu
ICC Pudu is a hawker stall where you need self-service to order your food. Firstly, you will need to find your place to sit and get the table number for ordering. Once you have your seating, you can wander around to look for the food and drink.
Depending on the stall and food type, you may probably need to have your food to the seating place.
Overview: Best Food in ICC Pudu
Lastly, we hope you enjoy reading our ICC Pudu Food guide. With so much selection, the popular ICC Pudu is the best place to sample the local food in one place with a great variety of food to choose from. We recommended the Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun and Ann Nasi Lemak as these two are my liking.
As a hawker stall complex, the ventilation is rather poor but the cleanliness is acceptable. But for the food, ICC Pudu is worth the visit. The food is delicious and cheap. So, always visit this place if you are looking for the best local food in KL. Friendly reminder, come early as some of the food will run out in the late morning.
Last but not least, if you’re planning on visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time, free feel to read through our KL travel stories.
