Sapa is home to stunning mountain landscapes, verdant rice terraces, unique stilt villages and Indochina peak, the Fansipan. The most prominent attraction in the town of Sa Pa is Fansipan, which is the highest mountain in Viet Nam and it is only 19km from town.
It may seem like a short distance, but the trek is not easy; the rough terrain and unpredictable weather present some difficulties. Tourists who are fit and have mountain climbing experience will enjoy this attraction the most, as the peak is accessible all year round. Technical climbing skills are not necessary, but endurance is a must.
Sapa’s picturesque setting
The town of Sapa has a picture-postcard setting, located in a valley with a small lake and surrounded by majestic mountains often enchantingly blanketed in mist. A room with a view is a must here so you can take in the changes to the vistas, especially how the clouds mesmerize with their continual flow into the valley and over the hills. When the clouds and mist decide to clear off, the views of the surrounding mountains are simply jawdropping.
Sapa’s hill tribe culture
There are several minority groups in the Sapa region and we were lucky enough to meet many of them. The most enjoyable experience was walking through Ta Giang Phinh Valley and meeting the Blue Hmong. As the adults worked in the fields, the children played and looked after one another. Unlike a few other minority groups in the area, this region is still completely unchanged by tourism, so it gave us a really authentic insight into the lives of the villagers.
Markets
The local Sapa markets are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Fresh produce, just plucked or picked that day, is in abundance while steam rises off giant pots of stock from which vendors ladle out endless bowls of soup. The market is also the place to buy souvenirs, with an array of colorful textiles, costumes and crafts to choose from, often being made right at the stall while the ladies wait for customers. It is one of our favorite markets in Southeast Asia.
The sunrise and sunset in Sapa
The cool morning breeze will make you shivered. Raise the cup of coffee in hand, next to the omelet plate, looking out the window at an umbrella from the hotel with beautiful views. You will experience a gentle Sapa in the morning mist. Wait until sunset, the sun slowly disappeared behind the Hoang Lien Mountains, Sapa is tinted with the color purple, there is something romantic and melancholy.
A great place to hike and cycle
Sapa is northern Vietnam’s premier hiking destination and also one of the best places for cycling in the country. Whether you want to wander through the foothills for a few hours, or do some lengthier and more strenuous exploring, you’ll be able to enjoy the views as you travel between the small villages dotting the landscape.
How to get to Sapa from Ha Noi
A train ticket costs from 18 USD/ person/ way and it takes you a whole night with time to wait for transit and it is hard to sleep well on the train. Now the high way is in perfect condition, you just spend 5 hours and half (included 30 minutes rest stop) to Sapa on the most comfortable and modern bus (with English speaking assistant staff, complimentary water, wifi and transport insurance) and pay around 18 USD/ way/ person.
Moreover, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape on the countryside or mountain city that you cannot do anything with the night train. More importantly, you will save time and money to spend on more trips.
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