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Mountain town in Lao Cai, Vietnam

Internet in Sapa: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources
301 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Sapa?

Median fixed broadband in Vietnam is 301 Mbps and mobile is 220 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi is fine in town cafés and hotels but slow or absent in villages; mobile coverage is patchy on treks.

Getting online in Sapa

Details
Home fibreFibre is available in Sapa town; rarely relevant, since most visitors stay in hotels or homestays.
Cafés and coworkingWifi is fine in town cafés and hotels but slow or absent in villages; mobile coverage is patchy on treks.
OutagesStorms and landslides can cut power and internet for hours.
Tourist SIMViettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper.
eSIMLocal carriers sell eSIMs to visitors.
CarriersViettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone
Monthly data plan₫100,000–250,000 ($3.9–9.6)
Blocked servicesTelegram has been blocked since mid-2025; other major apps work. VPNs are widely used.

Coworking in Sapa

There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.

Internet speeds in Southeast Asia

National medians, Speedtest Global Index.

CountryFixedMobile
Singapore463 Mbps164 Mbps
Vietnam301 Mbps220 Mbps
Thailand299 Mbps134 Mbps
Malaysia179 Mbps165 Mbps
Philippines114 Mbps66 Mbps
Brunei86 Mbps254 Mbps
Laos60 Mbps45 Mbps
Cambodia55 Mbps112 Mbps
Indonesia51 Mbps66 Mbps
Myanmar25 Mbps—

Quick answers

Is the internet fast in Sapa?

Median fixed broadband in Vietnam is 301 Mbps and mobile is 220 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Wifi is fine in town cafés and hotels but slow or absent in villages; mobile coverage is patchy on treks.

Which SIM card should I get in Sapa?

Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper.

Can I use an eSIM in Vietnam?

Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.

More about Sapa

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Sources

Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.