Situated in Lao Cai Province, Sapa is a lovely hill station town which is one of the top tourist destinations in Vietnam. It’s famous for the spectacular views of the thick mist rolling across the peaks of the grandiose mountains. The eye-catching scenery and beautiful villages are truly the treasures that Mother Nature dedicated to Vietnam. Coming to Sapa, you will have interesting experiences with stunning scenery and friendly locals.
Sapa Overview
Besides its naturally gifted beauty combined with human creativity, the topography of the mountains, green forests, Sapa also has long been attracting more and more people for being a miniature Europe with the sub-temperate climate all around the year.
With a subtropical climate in the summer (May to September): blue, clear sky, light wind, slight sunshine, fresh atmosphere, the average temperature of 15-20 degree Celsius and a temperate climate during the winter (from November to February): constantly cold, wet and foggy weather, climate sometimes below 0 degree Celsius, the unique highly seasonal climate is the pride of this charming town.
In recent years, Sapa even has snow and freeze in several days of winter which attract thousands of Vietnamese to come here and capture the beautiful moment of Sapa.
Summertime is when to go for more gorgeous views than those at any other time of year, winter is a time for blurry landscape full of mystery, the white color of snow covering all roads and fields, spring is when the town is blossoming with pink and white flowers, green pastures in valleys and autumn offers views of exceptional yellow terraced fields.
Each season in Sapa has its own charm making it the foremost choice for honeymoon couples!
Where To Go and What To Do in Sapa?
1. Conquer Fansipan Mountain
Fansipan mountain is known as "the roof of Indochina" as well as the tallest peak in Vietnam. If you are a person who is interested in adventure, you should start a journey to the top of Fansipan. It’s always an exhilarating challenge but it will give you a lot of memorable experiences for mountain trekking.
The most suitable time to climb Fansipan is between April and May because the weather is good, not cold or rainy. So, you can have a great view to see many kinds of flowers in full bloom.
2. Admire Terraced Rice Fields
According to the US’s Magazine Travel and Leisure, rice fields in Sapa is one of the most magnificent terraced fields in the world. Muong Hoa Valley is one of the most famous destinations for breathtaking scenery and is the largest farmland for rice growing in Sapa. It is far from town about 14 kilometers. Going to visit Muong Hoa, you can trek along Muong Hoa River sneaking through the valley nearby Sapa town. This valley lies between two high ranges of mountains running in the parallel South-East of Sa Pa town. On the way, you can learn more about how is rice cultivating.
You should visit Sapa's terraces between September and October because it is the harvest season. The landscape begins to change while remaining splendor rice paddies are tinted yellow. From a high viewpoint, rice terrace looks like a beautiful picture with yellow curving lines and the small houses of ethnic people. Travelers must stay a while to admire the heart-catching beauty of this place. In addition, the weather is stable with sunny days and cool nights. It is a perfect time for trekking and taking some photos.
3. Visit local Villages
Ta Phin is a village which is not widely known by visitors. But if you have a chance to visit this place, you will definitely have a wonderful experience.
This is the place that "Dao Do" ethnic group live. So, you will see many Dao Do women in a very beautiful and colorful dress. Coming to Ta Phin villages, you can explore the tradition, culture, and customs of the ethnic community. Besides, you can also join in interesting folk games in traditional festivals such as walking on stilts, shooting crossbows and enjoy traditional cuisine.
Your journey to Sapa will not be completed if you don’t visit Ta Van village. It is a peaceful village hidden in the dense cloud. It’s a nice place for you to learn about traditional features such as special food, fascinating recipes, and fresh ingredients.
4. Stop by Colourful Markets
Opened every Sunday at the center of Bac Ha Township, Bac Ha is known as the most colorful market in Vietnam. It is a place where ethnic people gather to sell the things that they make. The market offers many kinds of livestock, household items, souvenirs, rice wine, and other delicious food. The most colorful part of the market is traditional costumes with embroidery patterns in different motifs lying on dark batik background.
Other local markets that you should visit in Sapa are Can Cau, Muong Hum, Coc Ly,... Here, you can find a wide range of local products of the Flower H’ mong ethnic group. Furthermore, you can also stroll around the villages nearby and interact with the locals.
5. Get Unique Experience at Homestay in Sapa
Homestay in Sapa will give you a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a great opportunity for you to learn more about ethnic minority life. You will stay with local people, try local food and discover Sapa in a different perspective. They will tell you about the mystical stories that a tour guide can’t tell you. They will show you some unknown beautiful places that you should visit in Sapa.
6. Take in the Beauty of the Waterfalls
Sapa not only attract tourists by the spectacular mountain ranges, terraced rice fields but also by the charming of the waterfalls. There is a lot of waterfall in Sapa but Silver Waterfall is one of the most beautiful falls. It streams down 200 meters from the top of the mountain. You can have a great time to relax, enjoy outstanding nature and listen to the sound of water, birds.
Passing Sliver Waterfalls, Love waterfall is a next stop that you should visit in your Sapa trip. It is a great place for you to enjoy the breathtaking nature and explore a legendary love story.
7. Try local cuisines
Sapa is very famous for many delicious and unique dishes. And seven color steamed glutinous rice is one of the most special cuisines that you should not miss.
This steamed glutinous rice is made by Nung people. They are always proud of it because it expresses their ingenuity and skill. Seven colors of this food are made from different colors of trees leaves in the forest. But you don’t have to worry about the food poisoning because those ingredients are often used as medicines by the locals.
You can try the other delicious food called “Com Lam”. The local's mix rice with a little bit of salt then they cram it in a bamboo tube. “Com Lam” rice is served with grilled chicken or grilled pork which is marinated with Indian pepper and grill on a hot stove by the locals.
8. Ride a bike through Thanh Phu villages
If you want to try a different way to explore Thanh Phu villages, riding a bike is a fantastic choice for you. You will ride on a small path surrounded by magnificent mountains and paddy fields, enjoy fresh air, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
In a nutshell, above is just our suggestion of the best places to visit in Sapa. This alluring land is also a great choice to discover the peaceful life and culture of Vietnamese ethnic minorities. Consider our Sapa Tours to start your memorable excursions now!
What To Eat and Drink in Sapa?
It is undeniable that Sapa is also a heaven of food. Here you will be overwhelmed by grilled dishes: grilled pork, grilled beef, grilled vegetable and especially Com Lam (grilled rice in bamboo). Enjoying grilled meat with Com Lam in the windy and cold weather of Sapa is an unforgettable memory.
Sapa also has a lot of pubs and bars which serve beer, wine, tequila as well as local wine. Don’t worry about the drink in Sapa!
When To Visit Sapa?
The best time to visit Sapa is from May to September when the sky is clear and there are beautiful terraces along the road. That will be so wonderful to visit Sapa this time when the terrace field is filled with colorful rice. You may do trekking through the terraced rice fields and take the best photos of your life while interacting with the local people there.