About us
Local Guide Sapa is a small, dedicated company powered by the experience and service culture of
Friends Travel Vietnam. Since 2013, our parent brand has grown from humble beginnings to a trusted, internationally licensed tour operator—built on hard work, authenticity, and a simple promise:
exceptional customer service while having fun providing it. In Sapa, that promise lives on through a local team that designs ethical treks, real village encounters, and flexible itineraries for couples, families, photographers, and curious travelers. We keep groups small, pay fairly, and partner with community-run homestays—so every journey benefits both guests and locals. Whether you want a gentle rice-terrace walk, a 3-day ridge adventure, or a Fansipan add-on, we shape the day around you.
Trusted by 1000s of Customers
Friendly &
Professional
Exceptional
Service
Safety
First
Why Choose Us?
- Expert Local Guides: Our team is made up of knowledgeable, passionate locals who know Sapa’s landscapes, history, and culture inside out.
- Authentic Experiences: Immerse yourself in the real Sapa with off-the-beaten-path treks, homestays with ethnic minority families, and hands-on cultural activities.
- Sustainability Focused: We are committed to eco-friendly practices and support local communities, ensuring that your trip contributes positively to Sapa’s future.
- Tailored Adventures: Whether it’s a quiet nature escape or a vibrant cultural journey, we customize every trip to meet your preferences.
- Safety & Reliability: With years of experience and the backing of Friends Travel Vietnam, we prioritize your safety and comfort every step of the way.
Choose Local Guide Sapa for an authentic and unforgettable experience in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations.
Our Story – From Friends Travel Vietnam to Sapase Us
Born from the Friends Travel Vietnam family, Local Guide Sapa brings the same spirit that Sidney and Thao poured into their Vietnam-wide operation: do the hard work, sweat the details, and treat guests like friends. FTVietnam has spent years testing routes, checking hotels and services, and building a culture of care. We apply that playbook in Sapa—walking trails ourselves, refining pacing, training guides, and choosing partners we’d happily recommend to our own families.
What this means for you
- Honest, detail-oriented planning (we’ve done the routes, not just sold them).
- Ethical, community-first experiences (fair pay, cultural respect).
- Fun, friendly service you can feel from inquiry to farewell.
Our Values
- Local Expertise: Sapa-born, English-speaking guides with deep cultural knowledge.
- Exceptional Service: Clear communication, careful logistics, and responsive support.
- Responsible Travel: Respectful village visits, fair wages, no “staged” shows.
- Small Is Better: Private or small groups for comfort, safety, and real encounters.
- Fun Matters: Travel should be joyful—for guests and our team.
Meet the People Behind the Promise
Ms. Thao Van Meenen
CEO, Co-Founder (Friends Travel Vietnam)
Tourism & hospitality since 2003. Built FTVietnam since 2013 with love, passion, and a “road-less-traveled” mindset.
Mr. Sidney Van Meenen
Managing Director, Co-Founder (Friends Travel Vietnam)
In Vietnam since 2007; dedicated to crafting experiences that stay with guests for life.
What We Do in Sapa
- Private Treks & Custom Itineraries – your pace, your photos, your start time.
- Shared Group Tours – budget-friendly small groups with fixed departures.
- Homestay Experiences – community-run stays in Ta Van and nearby villages.
- Fansipan Add-Ons – cable car summit or (for fit hikers) guided ascent.
- Sunday Bac Ha Market – culture-rich day trips (seasonal).
- Logistics – Hanoi↔Sapa train/bus tickets, private transfers, family travel support.
How We Work (Quality & Care)
- We walk the routes and review partner services ourselves.
- We cap group sizes for safety and comfort.
- We adapt to weather (rain, fog, mud) with alternate paths and realistic timing.
- We listen—special diets, kids’ pacing, photo stops, mobility concerns.
For Families
We’re parents too. We design kid-friendly pacing, keep a vehicle on standby when needed, and focus on moments that entertain little explorers without exhausting adults. Ask for our family packing checklist and easy-walk routes.
FAQs (About Us)
Are you part of Friends Travel Vietnam?
Yes. Local Guide Sapa is a small company under the FTVietnam umbrella—sharing the same service standards and ethics.
Do you pay fair wages and support communities?
Absolutely. We work with community-run homestays and pay fairly; we also brief guests on respectful conduct.
Can you help if I’m traveling with kids or seniors?
Yes—shorter distances, more breaks, and vehicle standby if needed.
Do you operate year-round?
Yes, with seasonal route adjustments for safety and visibility.
Can you assist with Hanoi↔Sapa transport?
Yes—overnight trains, express buses, and private transfers on request.