Built in the 1920s as a hill station for the French armed forces, Sapa was re-discovered in recent years as a tourist destination. A mountainous area on the Vietnam-China border, Sapa sees 160 days a year of mist and rain, and is home to a wealth of ethnic minorities and hill tribes. It is one of the region’s major towns and where many ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Dao and Tay live. This scenic valley town had its fair share of unfortunate events throughout its history. Conflicts during World War 2 and successive wars after that nearly resulted in Sapa being entirely wiped off the map. The town was almost forgotten, save for a few dedicated residents. With the recent surge of tourism in Vietnam, Sapa experienced a revival of sorts. Roads have been upgraded, new hotels and resorts have sprung up and electricity service has become consistent and reliable. Besides, many French-era colonial buildings remain in the area, lending Sapa a genteel, nostalgic air.
Experience it firsthand
Colonial Walking Tour
See the buildings established by the French, which include the town hall, the church and the town square. Don’t forget to stop in at the Sapa Culture Museum as well to learn about local traditions and customs. Afterwards, eat at the Hill Station Restaurant, which features pate, ham, wine and cheese - a legacy of the French. For coffee lovers, there’s a special Italian coffee blend.
Trekking
With its mountainous topography and the diversity of ethnic minorities, Sapa offers the best trekking experience. The breathtaking natural scenes and the deep understanding of the culture will make your trek for an unforgettable experience. Trek lesser-known routes through the breathtaking natural scenes to visit traditional Hmong villages and learn about their way of life and unique methods of weaving and dying their colorful ethnic garments or follow small trails around Sapa town, meeting farmers on the way and enjoying spectacular views at every turn.
Heaven’s Gate
Trek near the mountains by Heaven's Gate, for a stunning view overlooking the valley, with its jagged mountains, verdant forests, and elaborate, terraced rice paddies.
Sapa weekend markets
Visit colorful markets and villages near Sapa, meeting members of different hill tribe groups and seeing their unique cultures. Bac Ha, at 700 metres above sea level, is a ’little Sapa’, and while it’s much less developed for tourism, it’s in an ideal location for off-the-beaten-track treks to visit colorful weekly markets. The Can Cau and Bac Ha markets in particular feature local scenes that have been going on every week for generations, where cattle, horses, goats and dogs are bought and sold, as well as many traditional goods like saddles plus elaborate textiles, handbags and other trinkets made by the local hill tribes people, the Flower Hmong. Their intricately woven daily costume is one of the main drawing points in itself. This is an incredibly beautiful part of Vietnam.
Homestay experience
Head to a remote corner of Vietnam for a trekking adventure filled with colorful cultures and remarkable landscapes. Spend a week on the trails, hiking away from Sapa to villages untouched by time. Experience hill tribe customs while staying in local houses and enjoy beautiful scenery at every turn.
Taphin village & Ma Tra village
Ta Phin Village and Matra village are five miles from Sapa. Visitors will be able to meet the Red Dao, who are known for their elaborate, special headgear. Visitors can also embark on a 6 to 7 miles (10 to 11 kilometers) circular trek that will pass through both Red Dao and Black Hmong villages.
Mount Fanxipan & Fanxipan Legend
Sapa is home to Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam. At 3,143 meters above the sea level, you will have the most impressive view of the terraced rice paddies lining Sapa’s steep valley walls. It drizzles during the summer and it can get very cold and foggy during the winter. You might even see snow!
