Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam Review 2026: New Wing, Heated Pool, and How It Compares to KK Sapa

Thinking about booking Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam in 2026? This long-running favorite is known for being reliable, comfortable, and easy for first-time visitors. In this honest review, we’ll cover the difference between the classic building and the New Wing (Chau Long 2), what the heated indoor pool is really like, typical price ranges, and whether it’s a smarter choice than KK Sapa Hotel for your budget.

1. The Castle in the Clouds

Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam. The Castle in the Clouds

Sapa is changing fast. Every year, there seem to be more shiny new buildings climbing up the hills. But right in the middle of all that modern glass and concrete, Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam still stands out for a totally different reason. With its red-stone look and fortress-style design, it honestly feels like a small European castle that somehow landed in the Vietnamese mountains. The big question for 2026 is simple: is this “old faithful” still a smart booking, or has Sapa moved on?

Before we talk about views, pools, and rooms, we need to clear up the biggest confusion that catches travelers every single year. Chau Long isn’t just one hotel experience. There are essentially two properties in one name:

  • Chau Long 1 (Old Wing)
  • Chau Long 2 (New Wing)

Important advice: don’t accidentally book the wrong one. If you’re expecting a comfortable, upgraded stay, you need to make sure your booking is for Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel (the New Wing). The Old Wing can be much more basic, and it can feel like a completely different level of hotel. This guide is focused on the New Wing, because that’s where you get the experience most travelers actually want in 2026.

Chau Long Sapa 2 is still one of the best choices for a classic Sapa stay. It doesn’t try to compete with flashy, trendy hotels that look designed for social media. Instead, it wins with character, a strong location, and a heated indoor pool that makes a real difference when Sapa turns cold. If you want a hotel that feels like Sapa, not like a copy-paste luxury tower, Chau Long remains a solid pick.

2. Location: Where Is Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam?

Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam. Location: Where Is Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam?

One of the biggest reasons people keep coming back to Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam is its location. You’ll find it at 24 Dong Loi Street, Sapa Town, and this address is quietly one of the hotel’s best features.

Dong Loi is what I like to call the “quiet center” of Sapa. It’s not on the loud, traffic-heavy main road, but you’re still right where you want to be. From the hotel, it’s only about a 5-minute walk to the Sapa Stone Church and the Love Market area, which means you can easily go out for dinner, explore the town in the evening, and return without needing a taxi. Important point: you get central convenience without the constant noise.

But convenience is only half the story. The other half is the view. Chau Long sits on a cliff edge, and that’s what makes the back-facing rooms so special. Instead of looking into neighboring buildings, many rooms look straight out to the Muong Hoa Valley with Fansipan Mountain rising in the distance. On clear mornings, it’s wide and dramatic. On foggy mornings, it feels like the valley is disappearing into clouds right beneath your window.

Quick takeaway: Chau Long’s location gives you the best combination for a first-time Sapa trip: walkable town access + real valley views, without being stuck in the busiest, loudest part of the center.

3. The Rooms: Old Wing vs. New Wing (Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel)

Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam. The Rooms: Old Wing vs. New Wing (Chau Long Sapa 2 Hotel)

If you’re browsing Chau Long Sapa Hotel photos, it’s easy to get confused because you’ll see two very different styles mixed together. That’s because Chau Long is basically two experiences under one name. Choosing the right wing matters more than choosing the right room type, because the comfort level can feel worlds apart.

3.1. Chau Long 1 (Old Wing): for strict budgets only

The Old Wing is the simpler, more basic side. Think 2-star standard, practical, no-frills, and often chosen by backpackers who just need a cheap base in the center. Some parts may have no elevator, which can be a pain with luggage, especially in a hilly town like Sapa.

Important: only book Chau Long 1 if you’re on a very tight budget, typically under $30 per night, and you’re okay prioritizing location over comfort. If you’re expecting a proper 4-star experience, this is where people get disappointed.

3.2. Chau Long 2 (New Wing): the “real” Chau Long experience

Now, Chau Long 2 (New Wing) is what most travelers actually mean when they say they enjoyed Chau Long. This is the 4-star standard side, and it matches the hotel’s “castle in the clouds” personality. You’ll see dark wood floors, stone-style walls, and that warm, slightly dramatic aesthetic that feels perfect for Sapa’s chilly weather.

If you’re booking the New Wing, there’s one room choice that consistently makes the stay worth it: Deluxe Mountain View. This is the category that gives you the full Muong Hoa Valley and Fansipan feeling.

Important warning: don’t waste your stay on a city view room here. You’re not coming to Sapa to look at town buildings, you’re coming for the mountains.

In 2026, the overall style in the New Wing is still more traditional than trendy. It’s not minimalist or “Instagram white.” But that’s actually part of its charm. When the air outside is cold and foggy, the classic décor feels cozy and warm, like a mountain lodge rather than a modern tower.

  • Book Chau Long 1 only if you’re on a strict budget and don’t mind basic comfort.
  • For the full experience, book Chau Long 2 (New Wing) and choose Deluxe Mountain View. That’s where Chau Long earns its reputation.

4. Amenities: The Heated Pool Factor

Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam. Amenities: The Heated Pool Factor

One reason Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam still holds its ground in 2026 is that it offers something genuinely useful, not just pretty in photos. Sapa can get seriously cold in winter, especially from December to February, and this is where Chau Long quietly wins against many “trendier” hotels.

The biggest highlight is the indoor heated pool. This is not a small detail. When it’s around 5°C outside, an outdoor infinity pool can look amazing but feel impossible to enjoy. A warm indoor pool, on the other hand, is something you’ll actually use. It turns a freezing afternoon into a relaxing break, especially after trekking or walking around town all day.

Important takeaway: if you’re traveling in cold season, a heated indoor pool can be more valuable than any rooftop pool photo.

Even better, the pool isn’t just a warm box hidden in the basement. It has large round windows that look out toward the valley, so you can swim while still feeling connected to the mountains. That “Sapa scenery” doesn’t disappear just because you’re indoors, it’s framed like a postcard while you float in warm water.

Now let’s talk food, because it matters when the weather is foggy and you want an easy morning. The hotel’s Sky View Restaurant sits on the top floor, and it’s set up perfectly for slow Sapa mornings. Breakfast is usually a solid buffet, and the best part is that it includes hot options that actually make sense in a cold mountain town, like phở, plus made-to-order eggs so you’re not stuck with lukewarm trays.

The real bonus is the outdoor terrace. If you like “cloud hunting,” this is one of the easiest ways to do it, no hiking needed. Grab a coffee, step outside, and watch the mist move through the valley below.

Important highlight: terrace + morning coffee here is one of the simplest, most memorable moments you can have at Chau Long.

Chau Long isn’t trying to be the flashiest hotel in Sapa. It wins by being practical and cozy, with a heated indoor pool and a top-floor restaurant terrace that make the mountain weather feel like part of the experience, not something you have to fight against.

5. Comparison: Chau Long vs. the New Kids

Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam. Comparison: Chau Long vs. the New Kids

Choosing Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam in 2026 is really about choosing a travel style. Do you want “new and polished,” or do you want “classic and cozy”? Sapa now has plenty of modern, shiny hotels, but not everyone enjoys that big-city luxury feeling in a mountain town. Here’s how Chau Long stacks up against two popular alternatives, so you can pick the one that fits your vibe.

5.1. Chau Long vs. KK Sapa Hotel (classic comfort vs. modern 5-star)

KK Sapa Hotel is the modern giant. It’s newer, more sleek, and built to feel like a full 5-star experience: bigger scale, more contemporary design, and typically stronger family facilities like a better kids’ club. If you want everything to feel “fresh and high-end,” KK is the safer luxury choice.

Chau Long, on the other hand, feels more like a mountain lodge. It’s a classic 4-star with more personality. It usually comes at a slightly friendlier price point, and for many travelers, it feels more “Sapa” because it’s warm, traditional, and focused on comfort rather than showing off.

Decision shortcut:

  • Choose KK Sapa if you want a modern, polished 5-star stay with family-friendly extras.
  • Choose Chau Long if you want character, coziness, and mountain-lodge vibes without paying top-tier resort pricing.

5.2. Chau Long vs. Sapa Charm Hotel (same vibe, different convenience)

At first glance, Sapa Charm Hotel and Chau Long can feel similar. Both lean toward a classic style and often sit in a comparable price range. The difference is location, and in Sapa, location changes your daily energy level more than you expect.

Sapa Charm is positioned further down the hill, which can mean a tougher walk back up when you’re tired, especially after trekking or a long day out. It’s not a deal breaker, but you’ll feel it in your legs.

Chau Long wins on convenience. It’s closer to the center and generally offers an easier walk to town for meals, evening strolls, and quick plans.

Important takeaway: if you’re a first-timer or you don’t want uphill walks to control your schedule, Chau Long is the simpler choice.

Quick summary: Chau Long isn’t the newest hotel in Sapa, but it’s a reliable classic. If you want a stay that feels warm, practical, and close to the heart of town, it’s still a very strong option in 2026.

6. Practical Info: Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam Price (2026)

Practical Info: Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam Price (2026)

If you’re budgeting for Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam, the price can look confusing at first because there are two wings under the same name. The good news is that once you understand the difference, it’s easy to choose the option that matches your comfort level and your wallet.

For 2026, Chau Long 1 (Old Wing) typically sits around $25 to $35 USD per night. This is the budget side of the property. It can work if you only need a basic place to sleep and you plan to spend most of your time outside.

Important note: this is not the wing you book if you’re expecting a 4-star feel.

Chau Long 2 (New Wing) usually ranges from $45 to $65 USD per night, and this is where you get the experience most travelers actually want: a more comfortable room standard, the classic “castle” atmosphere, plus the big bonus, the heated indoor pool and valley-facing views.

Important takeaway: if you want the “real Chau Long” experience, focus on Chau Long 2.

In terms of value, Chau Long is often a very smart deal in Sapa. On many dates, it can be around $20 cheaper per night than popular newer hotels like Pistachio or Amazing Hotel, while still giving you the two features people care about most in cold-season Sapa: a pool you can use and a view worth waking up early for.

Quick summary:

  • Tight budget? Chau Long 1 is the cheaper option.
  • Want comfort + pool + view? Chau Long 2 is the better booking, and it often feels like the best value for the money in town.

7. FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Where is Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam located?

Chau Long is at 24 Dong Loi Street, Sapa Town. It’s close to the main church area, but not right on the busiest road. You can walk to the Stone Church in just a few minutes. The walk involves Sapa’s usual hills, so it can feel steep, but it’s short.

Important highlight: central location without the constant traffic noise.

Is the pool at Chau Long heated?

Yes, but here’s the key detail: the heated indoor pool is in the New Wing (Chau Long 2), and it stays warm year-round. This matters a lot in Sapa because winter nights can get very cold, and many outdoor pools are more for photos than actual swimming.  

Important takeaway: if the heated pool is a priority, make sure you book Chau Long 2.

Where should you sleep in Sapa, Vietnam for the best view?

If you want a strong view and easy town access, Chau Long’s Mountain View rooms are a great choice because the hotel sits on the cliff edge facing the valley. If you want a higher viewpoint for cloud hunting and don’t mind colder, more exposed conditions, hotels like Viettrekking can offer a more dramatic “above the clouds” angle.

Quick shortcut: Chau Long = comfort + view. Viettrekking = higher view + trendier vibe.

Is there an elevator?

Yes in the New Wing (Chau Long 2), which makes arrivals with luggage much easier. The Old Wing (Chau Long 1) relies mostly on stairs, which can be inconvenient if you’re carrying heavy bags or traveling with elderly family members.

Important highlight: if you want elevator access, choose Chau Long 2.

8. The Reliable Choice

Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam. The Reliable Choice

If you want a stay in Sapa that simply makes sense, Chau Long Hotel Sapa Vietnam is still one of the smartest picks in 2026. It’s not the newest, flashiest hotel in town and that’s exactly the point. Chau Long feels like the kind of place built for the mountains: warm, dependable, and comfortable after a long day outdoors. For travelers who want both a real valley view and a pool you can actually use in cold weather, it delivers without forcing you into 5-star pricing.

The best part is the value. Chau Long gives you that classic Sapa atmosphere, plus the indoor heated pool, and a location that’s close enough to town to stay convenient. If you’re deciding between “pay extra for modern luxury” or “get a solid hotel that covers everything important,” Chau Long is the reliable middle ground that rarely disappoints.

Final tip (super important): when you book, triple-check you’re selecting “Chau Long Sapa 2” or “New Wing.” If the price looks too good to be true, like $25 a night, you’re almost certainly looking at the Old Wing. That’s the number one mistake travelers make with this hotel, and it’s avoidable with one careful click.

Quick booking CTA

If you want the best Chau Long experience, check availability for Chau Long Sapa 2 (New Wing) specifically and prioritize a Mountain View room.

Still comparing other Sapa styles?

If you’re deciding between a budget view stay and a resort upgrade, it’s also worth checking:

  • Cat Cat View Hotel for a budget-friendly balcony stay
  • Cat Cat Hills Resort for a pool-focused luxury option

Want to save time and effort planning Vietnam?

If you’d rather not spend hours comparing rooms, locations, transport, and weather timing, you can contact Asia Mystika, a trusted tour operator in Vietnam. Share your travel dates, your budget, and whether you want “classic cozy” or “modern luxury,” and we can help you choose the right hotel, arrange transfers, and build a smooth Vietnam itinerary with less stress.

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