The mountainous and foggy resort of Sapa among the rice fields in the province of Lao Cai (46 photos). Sapa - attractions and what to see? Trekking in Sapa

Sapa- the most famous mountain resort in Northern Vietnam. Sapa is located in the mountainous province of Lao Cai bordering China. It is here that the highest point of Vietnam and the whole of Indochina is located - Mount Fansipan (3143 meters). The provincial capital is the city of Lao Cai. The area of ​​the whole province is 8 thousand square meters. km, the population - a little more than 600 thousand people. In addition to the Vietnamese themselves, numerous mountain peoples live in the province of Lao Cai - Hmong, Tai, Nung, Muong and others. This gives the province a special flavor.
Sapa is located 330 km from Hanoi and 40 km from the provincial center of Lao Cai. To get to Sapa, you need to buy a ticket for the Hanoi - Lao Cai train (4 trains a day, travel time 8 hours; there is a night train, which saves overnight costs). From the station in Laocai every hour there is a bus to Sapa. There is also a bus that goes from Hanoi directly to Sapa. Departure at 5 am, travel time - about 12 hours.

CLIMATE

Sapa is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level. The climate here is not hot: in summer the temperature fluctuates between 15 - 20 degrees, in winter - about 10 (sometimes dropping below zero). Therefore, visiting the sights here is comfortable at any time. The main thing is not to forget to take warm clothes. By the way, Sapa and the areas near it are almost the only place in Vietnam where you can see snow. Most precipitation falls in July-August.

STORY

The French took up the arrangement of the resort here at the beginning of the 20th century. Captivated by the beauty of these places and at the same time nostalgia for their native lands, the colonialists gave them the name "Tonkin Alps". The first - wooden - rest house was built here in 1905. And by 1943 there were already more than 200 French villas here. Unfortunately, during the wars, almost all of these buildings were destroyed.
A few years ago, Sapa was reopened to tourists and has become one of the most popular destinations for both Vietnamese and foreign travelers.

ATTRACTIONS OF SAPA

First of all, the resort itself, or rather, the fabulous nature of this area. Sapa, like no other city in Vietnam, and perhaps in all of Asia, looks like a city from a fairy tale. This feeling arises due to the surprisingly harmonious combination of nature, houses and even people of this mountainous area. While in Sapa, you should definitely get acquainted with the life of the mountain peoples, which differs in many ways from the Vietnamese.

Mount Fansipan- the highest peak in Indochina - 3143 meters. Located in the southern part of Sapa in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The relief of this area is very diverse. In the lowest part - 950-1000 m above sea level - the Muong Hoa Valley is located. An ancient stone platform was discovered here, which is considered a monument of ancient Vietnamese civilization.
Higher at an altitude of 1300-1400 m above sea level, a narrow strip of the foot of the mountain stretches. The terrain changes as you go up. The borders pass at an altitude of 1700-1800 m, 2100-2200 m and 2700-2800 m. From the lowest point, the top of the mountain appears as an indistinct, blurry silhouette. The rich flora of Fansipan includes about 1700 species of plants, many of which are rare and valuable.
This area invariably attracts fans of extreme tourism. Although the top of the mountain is only 7 km bird's eye view from the city of Lao Cai, however, it will take 6-7 days to climb it!

Mountain Dragon Jaw. It is located just 2 km from the center of Sapa. The mountain range resembles a huge dragon curled up in a ball.

Silver Falls (Thac Bak)- one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Vietnam. Located 12 kilometers from Sapa.

Bak Ha Fair- the largest fair of mountain peoples in North Vietnam. Bak Ha is a small town located 80 km northeast of Sapa. The fair is organized on Sundays. For the local population, it's not just

a place where you can buy or sell something is a whole culture with its own traditions.
Having already decided that during your trip to Vietnam you will find time to visit Sapa, you need to decide in advance what to see in this amazing province. The features of the mountainous area suggest that most of the sights will be located high above sea level, and during the tour, all new amazing beauties will, as if by magic, appear in front of you from a haze of light mountain fog. The best time to visit this area is from May to November.

We have prepared a detailed guide about Sapa in Vietnam. See the rice terraces, meet the sunrise in the mountains, take the funicular above the clouds and get to know the real Hmong!

Sapa - what is it?

Halong Bay with its emerald water and bizarre rocks is worth seeing at least once. But I want to reveal a secret: in the north of Vietnam there is an even more colorful and authentic place. Its name is Sapa.

This small town, built by the French in 1910, is located almost on the border with China. From the very first minutes, it makes a pleasant impression: neat and clean streets, an abundance of flowers and greenery in the scenery, architecture with European-style elements, and many cozy cafes.

Surprisingly, tourism here began to develop only in 1993. Now it seems that it is literally created for tourists. Wherever you look, everything is pleasing to the eye.

However, the main charm of Sapa is different. From almost anywhere in the city, a breathtaking view of the mountain gorge opens up. And this is not a simple gorge - down there, for many, many kilometers, the most picturesque rice terraces stretch.

Interestingly, all this is perceived as a miracle of nature, but the rice terraces are created by people. Perhaps this is the case when the environment and man live in harmony. And you, contemplating these beauties, created with such love, as if you become a part of something great and eternal.

How to get there?

The most convenient way to go to Sapa is from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is possible by train, but it takes as long as 9 hours and stops in the city of Lao Cai, from where you still need to take a bus / taxi to Sapa.

Personally, I had the experience of traveling to Sapa by bus. And not on the usual, but on the slipping bass (from the English “sleeping bus” - sleeping bus). It looks like a classic 2-story bus. But inside it is like a big reserved seat! There are not just seats that recline a little, as in our Russian buses and planes. You have full-fledged lying places with blankets, pillows and shelves for food / drinks.

It was so comfortable that I fell asleep like a baby. And despite the fact that we often drove along the mountain serpentine, I did not get sick at all. Travel time takes 5-6 hours. If you go in the morning/afternoon, the bus will make a half-hour stop at one of the cafes along the way. Toilet, if anything, is in the bus itself.

Slipping basses are cheaper than trains. The price is about 700-800 rubles. Tickets can be bought at any travel agency in the center of Hanoi. You can also be offered a two- or three-day package tour to Sapa for about 6-7 thousand rubles.

Where is the best place to stay?

The city has a very large selection of hotels at affordable prices - from 700 rubles per night.

Closer to the countryside and in the villages themselves, the Homestay format is common - living in a house with the owners. In such places, the price for accommodation is generally ridiculous - from 150 rubles per night. The only difficulty is getting to the city is far and inconvenient. And do not expect special amenities - most often, for such a price they offer shared 6- or 8-bed rooms. But in this way you can completely immerse yourself in the local culture and customs, spend a sincere evening with your host family.

I found a hotel within walking distance from the center - Sapa Scenery Hotel. He had a very tempting promotion - a 2-bed deluxe room with panoramic windows and a private balcony overlooking the gorge, for 1100 rubles per day. I decided to allow myself such a luxury for one day. And never regretted it!

When I got to the hotel, I could not get enough of its location right next to the gorge. And my number was simply royal! In the distance, among the clouds, peeped Mount Fansipan - the highest point not only in Vietnam, but throughout Southeast Asia (3143 m above sea level).

What to see?

1. Cable car and funicular

As soon as I checked in, the owner of the hotel advised me to take a ride on the cable car leading to Fansipan through the rice terraces. And a funicular leads to the cable car itself from the center of Sapa. I decided to go explore. As soon as we walked a few meters from the hotel, a high-flying train opened up.

"What is this? Road to Hogwarts? – was my first thought. It turned out that this is the same funicular to the cable car! “No, well, it’s a sin not to ride like that!” I decided and enthusiastically ran to look for the point of its departure.

The funicular boarding station is located in the bright and majestic building of the Mgallery Hotel, reminiscent of a bit of Big Ben. And inside, it’s true “hello” to platform 9 and 3/4! All that was missing was young wizards with carts running out of the wall.

The funicular started and left the dark tunnel into the sun-drenched Sapa. Oh, how high we were, as if we were already riding a cable car. And the rice terraces, which were practically below us, created a truly fabulous effect! The train, which develops a maximum speed of up to 10 m/s, includes two carriages with panoramic windows and a capacity of 200 passengers.

Having reached the station from where the cable car to Fansipan begins, I was very embarrassed by the price to the top of the mountain - 2000 rubles, while the funicular cost 200 rubles. Maybe I would have forked out, if not for the afternoon, when it began to slowly get dark. Yes, and the opening hours of the cable car are limited - from 7 am to 6 pm. According to experienced travelers, the visibility on the mountain is the best in the morning after 9 o'clock.

In the end, I decided to stay and explore the nearest space - the tourist area of ​​Sun World's Fansipan Legend. She turned out to be very interesting! At least it's worth stopping here to:

• Enjoy the expanses of well-groomed and beautifully decorated flower beds.
• Admire the rice terraces from the observation deck
• Count the dragons on the roof of the Buddhist temple, which is located next to the observation deck. Here you can also listen to the music of the wind, which enlivens the bells standing along the temple.
• Take a walk along the picturesque paths in the hilly area and find funny huts resembling the houses of fairy-tale creatures.
• Get to know other tourists in a calm and unhurried atmosphere.

Most of the tourists in Sapa are from Europe. I managed to meet two women from Luxembourg. They turned out to be the most unusual fellow travelers of the whole trip! These active, inquisitive and cheerful laughter girls charged me for several days. And when I found out that they were both 72 years old, my world turned upside down. And it will probably never be the same again. I don't seem to be afraid of getting old anymore.

2. Beautiful sunrises

Waking up early and seeing the city floating in the clouds is what you should definitely do in Sapa.

Despite the wonderful view from the window of the room, I took the camera and ran outside in search of other shooting points. Sapa greeted me with closed cafes and empty streets lit by soft sunlight. The landscapes changed every 5 minutes: the morning fog either dissipated or thickened, the colors constantly flowed one into the other, becoming richer and brighter.

Suddenly, I noticed a local old woman selling textiles on one of the streets. My first thought was that she must be in a bad way if she had to get up so early for work. Why is there a smile on her face then? Why does it emanate radiance, love of life and peace? And her eyes! When you look into them, you absorb all the secrets of life and age-old wisdom. She happily posed for me and did not even bother asking me to buy anything. Maybe she also loves the morning time and was just glad to start a new day?

By the way, this granny is a representative of one of the ethnic groups that live in the Sapa area. Previously, I read about them on the Internet, and according to the descriptions, it looks most like the Hmong.

3. Mountain villages with ethnic settlements and rice terraces

In any travel agency in Sapa or even in your hotel, you can buy a tour of the villages. I was offered a 5-hour walk with an English-speaking guide and lunch included for only 600 rubles.

There were 4 other people in the group with me: a young couple from Germany and a mother and son from Ireland. Our escorts were a local English speaking guide and two lovely schoolgirls. These fragile creatures, who are no more than 10 years old, helped adults cross unreliable bamboo bridges, gave hands during steep climbs and calmed us when we stumbled and almost fell.

The female guide told a lot of interesting things about the locals along the way. The mountain villages in the vicinity of Sapa are predominantly Hmong and Ziao, each separate ethnic group has its own language (in addition to Vietnamese), customs, traditional clothing and beliefs.

The Hmong are an ethnic minority whose descendants from China migrated to Vietnam in the 19th century, and today the Hmong live in the mountains near the Chinese border. Their main activities are animal husbandry and rice cultivation. However, many Hmong women are exclusively engaged in needlework and selling handbags, belts, bracelets, etc.

Traditional Hmong clothing and ornamental embroidery on it are sacred. And those who wear it believe that they become protected from evil spirits and all that is bad.

The Hmong people are outwardly recognizable - they are smiling, friendly and have expressive faces! This once again confirms that I was not mistaken about that granny in Sapa. True, most often the Hmong use this to melt the hearts of tourists and empty their wallets. Unfortunately, people from traditional tribes make up the poorest sections of Vietnamese society.

Along the way, we met a lot of children who were left to their own devices. In one of the villages where we went, there were also only children. The adults seemed to be in the rice fields at that time.

Rice is one of the most difficult crops to grow. It is especially difficult for those who cultivate fields on the slopes of the mountains, because the rice field must be flat, so you have to create small islands that follow one after another, like stairs. That is why in Sapa the rice terraces have such a cascading shape.

During the walk, the female guide regularly asked if we needed a rest. During one of these breaks, she took a knife out of her bag and began to cut branches. I really didn’t understand what was happening: are we going to burn a fire or something? But having cleared one of the branches, she began to gnaw at it. She suggested other branches to us. “Thank you, of course, but I’m not that hungry yet!” Fortunately, the Irishman then enlightened me, explaining that she offers to taste real cane sugar.

Only 5 hours of excursion, and the feeling that we wandered around for at least a day. Not a single repetitive landscape, not a dull moment, despite the absence of civilization as such. This land of mountain landscapes, cascading rice terraces, amazing sunrises, friendly people and original streets will remain forever in my heart!

The places I have listed are far from a complete list of what else you can see in Sapa. Therefore, I advise you to book in advance for a trip to Sapa a full 2-3 days. In my case, it took a little over a day. But even if your time is limited, it is better to come here at least for a day than not to come at all.

Among Russians, Sapa is not yet very popular, but in Vietnam itself they are very proud of this place. You will always be prompted how to get there by train, bus or any other way. Seeing this beauty, you will not regret the time and effort spent on the road. Sapa is worth it!

Sapa (Vietnam)- in Wikipedia the name is translated - "hoe" - a small town founded in 1910, thanks to the French colony. From the end of the twentieth century, the tourism business began to unwind. Now it is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, where energetic and versatile personalities go.

The city is called by a couple of names - Sapa and Shapa. On the map, it is located in the province of Lao Cai, in the north-west of the state, almost on the border with China.

general information

In the county, the population is made up of ethnic groups that differ in the color scheme of traditional dress. Near the town there are a large number of medieval villages. Peoples adhere to a detached way of life.

Why should you visit Sapa? Sapa is a completely different Vietnam - expressive, authentic. It differs in weather and natural conditions, relief, indigenous people. According to the reviews of tourists, there are all conditions for excellent shopping - high-quality fabrics and various hand-made items are sold at retail outlets. This place is perfect for a short trip. There are practically no entertainment establishments, but good infrastructure, a large selection of housing.

Important to remember! There is no beach in the city! Hiking, various walks, guest tours to the villages of local residents.

How to get there? Sapa is a small city in a mountainous area and you can only get here by bus. From Hanoi to Sapa, the distance is almost four hundred kilometers, the duration of the journey is approximately ten hours.

More shipments are from Halong. The ticket price is twenty-five dollars, but they go in transit through Hanoi.

Attractions in the city

The most basic- the center of the settlement and the market. There are cafes and restaurants, various trading shops, a walk along the pond on a rented boat.

Sapa Museum. A detailed account of the fate of the settlement. The exhibit is not large, but the ticket to the museum is not paid, but you can make a donation if you wish.

catholic temple or stone church located in the central square of Sapa. Built at the beginning of the twentieth century from stone, inside is restrained decoration. Worship services are being held. At night, it is lit up with lights and looks unique. There is no entry fee.

Base Ham Rong mountains is located in the central part of the city. Climbing to the peak is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna. This is a tidy, beautiful park, decorated with gardens and waterfalls.

The road is winding - it goes down, then it rises. It takes at least a couple of hours. Price - 70,000 VND, for children - 20,000 VND.

Ham Rong Pass- the path lies at an altitude of two kilometers through the Fansipan mountain range on the north side. The panorama is mesmerizing! But there is often increased cloudiness or nebula, which can make it difficult to see.

Love Market- an interesting name has long roots. Previously, there was a gathering of young people for the purpose of acquaintance and serious relationships. Currently, the market hosts a show on the first day off. Artists sing, collect money in return, but the entrance ticket is not paid.

main market is the center of the town. Here they sell and buy everything possible - ready-made food, household products, mountain equipment. The market operates only during daylight hours, admission is free.

Nearby attractions.

Tha Bak Waterfall(Silver) one hundred meters high is located ten kilometers from the town. The waterfall radiates grandiosity and dazzle mainly in the rainy season, in the drought - the dimensions are rather modest. Not far from it there are stalls and parking. On the way up there are pavilions. They are allowed to rest and take pictures. The entrance ticket costs ten thousand dong. The waterfall is located north of Sapa.

Mount Fansipan has the highest mark of Indochina - 3.1 kilometers.

It is possible to climb to the top by routes of different complexity:

• one-day - designed for persistent people who are not afraid of an increased load;
• two-day - with an overnight stay in a prepared camp at an altitude of two kilometers;
• three-day - with a couple of overnight stays - in the camp and at the top.

All required equipment is provided by tour coordinators. It is advisable to take closed shoes, a raincoat, a change of clothes and energy food (bars, nuts) with you. The price of the tour varies from thirty dollars, the trip from Hanoi will cost one hundred and fifty dollars.

Journeys to the Indigenous People. Excursions often run from the town to the nearest settlements. The price depends on the complexity and duration of the chosen route: one-day - twenty dollars, two-day - forty dollars.

On a note! Self-conquest of the summit and travel to the villages of Ta Van and Ban Ho are prohibited. You can get lost!

Tips: it is better to come to rest on motor vehicles and rent accommodation in a guesthouse; for independent travelers - join a group; get acquainted in advance with the cost of residential properties and, if possible, book!

Terraced rice fields endow the landscape of the area with a special uniqueness. It feels like rice rivers are rolling down from the mountains. The old fields were formed by the population over several centuries. It is a symbol of the immeasurable creative human resource and the courage of mankind to fight against nature itself, to conquer lands, but not to forget about harmony. Irrigation systems are located from top to bottom and do not harm the mountain itself.

Ethnos of Sapa- these are peoples with individual rituals, language, civilization, way of life.

Black Hmong - numerous people. Their way of life is very similar to paganism - faith and worship of spirits. Headache is cured by applying a hot coin. The color scheme of the attire is black or dark blue. In the female half, black hair is collected in a hairstyle in the form of a ring with hairpins. An example to follow is large earrings in the ears in the amount of five to six pairs. They love to talk and are excellent guides to the mountainous regions. The Hmong sell souvenirs at Sapa outlets.

Red Dao (Zao)- Representatives of the tribe wear red scarves that look like a turban. Ladies shave their eyebrows, hair at the temples and forehead. This is a symbol of marriage. The people adopted rituals of sacrifice. The settlements are located far from the city, so excursions to those places are rare.

Tai and Giai account for ten percent of the inhabitants of Sapa. But throughout the country, the Tai tribe is large. They cultivate rice and pray to spirits and deities. Do not eat poultry meat. Indigo-colored robes are made of cotton, similar to Chinese tunics with colorful belts.

Cloth Giay rich pink hue, it is combined with green scarves. The people are not talkative and just do not meet.

Highland Sapa (Shapa) is an unforgettable combination of magnificent landscapes, wonderful climate and the original ethnic culture of the highland peoples of Vietnam. Sapa is located in a remote area, it retains its authenticity and special flavor.

Trekking and hiking in the vicinity of Sapa, which allow you to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the highlands and rice terraces and get to know the traditions and customs of local peoples, attract eco-tourism lovers from all over the world to Sapa.

Allocate at least 3 full days to Sapa.

View of Sapa. Photo credit: Bằng Ngọc, Flickr

what to go for

Don't miss in Sapa

• Upon arrival in Sapa, take a walk to the small picturesque village of Ket Ket, located just outside the city - this walk is a great way to "first meet" Sapa.
• Spend a day or two on long hiking trips to highland villages. Sapa's trekking routes lead through picturesque rice terraces and bamboo groves. In the villages, you can get to know the locals better and enjoy the pleasant and calm atmosphere of the Vietnamese hinterland.
• Get up early in the morning to visit Sapa's small but colorful market or visit one of the larger markets in the area.
• Rent a motorbike or rent a motorbike and head to Silver Falls, which has great views along the road and surroundings.
• Look for decent options among the huge number of fake branded sportswear and equipment offered by shops in the city.
• After long walks in the area, the best option for an evening is a foot massage or a traditional hot stone massage, plus a delicious dinner and a glass of local wine.

Lunch in Sapa. Photo (photo credit): Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog

locals

Ethnic peoples of Sapa

Hill tribes are migratory communities, each of which has its own ancient culture, language, traditions, and customs. The way of life of mountain tribes was practically not affected by civilization - mountain people live the same way they lived hundreds of years ago, pay little attention to the borders and laws of the countries in which they live, wear clothes that their ancestors wore, eat traditional food for the community and engaged in traditional crafts. The highlands of Vietnam are inhabited by quite a few tribes, the most characteristic of which are the Hmong and Tao.

Black Hmong

This ethnic group is the largest in the Sapa region, accounting for more than 50% of the total population of Sapa. The roots of the Hmong people are Chinese, which naturally affects their appearance. The Hmong are very easy to recognize - they wear characteristic dark blue or black clothes made of coarse cloth. Hmong women tend to have beautiful long hair, which they often hide in their traditional headdresses.

The Hmong are a very sociable people who easily make contact with tourists. Hmong women, by the way, are the best local guides, but allowing the Hmong to accompany you, be prepared for after-shopping, there are many local souvenirs for sale in the Hmong baskets, you are unlikely to be able to refuse to buy them after a day spent on the road) .

Black Hmong on the trail to the village of Tavan. Photo credit: PhotosHP (pfoertners), Flickr

Red Dao

This people, whose roots also go back to China, are easily recognizable by the red headdresses worn by local women. Tao women shave their eyebrows and wear massive silver jewelry. Tao make up about 25% of the population of Sapa, so they are much rarer than the Hmong, in addition, the villages of Tao are much smaller, more remote and less visited by travelers.

A Red Tao woman with a baby. Photo credit: Raphael Bick, Flickr

Tai and Giai

In total, the Tai and Giay peoples make up about 10% of the population of Sapa, although in general in Vietnam the Tai ethnic group is considered the largest and most integrated into Vietnamese society. The women and men of the Tai people wear indigo cotton clothing that resembles long Chinese tunics. Bright belts and scarves are also characteristic elements of the clothing of this group. Representatives of the Giay people are quite easy to recognize by their pink clothes, which are combined with bright checkered scarves. Representatives of the Tai and Giay peoples rarely communicate with travelers and are rarely seen in the city. You can meet them mainly in the markets.

In the Bakha market. Photo credit: Gerard Ruiters (pfoertners), Flickr

picturesque places

Markets in Sapa

Sapa markets are the best way to experience Sapa's colorful atmosphere and see most of the local people. The easiest way is to get up early in the morning and visit the local market in Sapa. In addition, almost all guest houses in Sapa offer trips to remote local markets in the region. The largest, most colorful and most popular is the Bac Ha Sunday market, which is located 120 km from Sapa.

Rice terraces on the way to Tavan. Photo credit: Jose Eduardo Silva, Flickr

Trekking in the Tavan valley. Photo (photo credit): Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog

Trekking to Tafin village

This trekking destination is less popular with hikers and is therefore more likely to please seekers of authentic experiences. It is better to take a local Hmong guide for this route (ask at the reception of your hotel or find yourself an escort in the city). Tafin is a little-visited village of very pleasant and shy Red Daos. You can also stay overnight in the village - there are some very simple guest houses here.

On the rice terraces of Sapa. Photo credit: Sylvain Marcelle (pfoertners), Flickr

Climb to the top of Fansipan

Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, the peak of which is located at an altitude of 3143 meters above sea level. From the top, a completely gorgeous view opens up; from here, in good weather, you can even see the mountains of the Chinese province of Yunnan.

To begin with, you can climb to the top of Fansipan by cable car, to which buses run regularly from Sapa. The descent and ascent along the cable car along with the bus will cost around $ 20.

Trekking routes, designed for two or three days, pass along the most picturesque slopes of Fansipan. Most trekking groups start from Tram Ton Pass and spend the night at 2800m before climbing to the top.

Do not try to overcome Fansipan yourself, take a trekking tour. In addition to the guides, the cost of the tour usually includes the services of porters and all the necessary equipment.

View from Fansipan. Photo credit: Andrey Sulitskiy, Flickr

Trekking tours in Sapa

The most popular and affordable type of tours offered in Sapa are valley tours to Tawan village with optional overnight stays in either Tawan or Lao Chai. Usually such tours are accompanied by Hmong. There are, in fact, two options for organizing - look at and book the available tour options online or book on the spot at the hotel upon arrival in Sapa.

If you are planning to take an overnight tour in the valley, it is better to book in advance. Book also in advance for long-distance trekking (they are always more expensive, but take you far from the main tourist trails of Sapa).

Another trekking option that we would recommend you book in advance is climbing Fansipan.

Day trips in the valley around Sapa can be easily booked on site. When buying a tour, you will most likely be attached to a group, so check the size of the group when booking.,

See all tour options in Sapa.

Moto and bike tours

An alternative way to explore the beauties of Sapa is to take a motorcycle or bicycle tour.

In the moto-bike tour you are participating as a driver, so the presence of a driver's license and the ability to drive a motobike are required. Bike tours - mountain biking, mountainous terrain, calculate your strength before booking a tour.

guest houses in the villages

Photographers come to Vietnamese Sapa, so that later images of rice fields flaunted on many desktops in laptops. Endless green plantations adorn many postcards about Vietnam, they are dedicated to paintings, stories on silk canvases. Vietnamese cone hats in the middle of rice ears are a real national calling card.

Sapa is that authentic peasant Vietnam. Rainy and cloudy. Where everyone works hard, including children.

There are few attractions for tourists, and they are all natural. There are quite a few excursions, and all of them will be interesting. There is no sea in the city, but a cozy atmosphere, small hotels with warm electric sheets, restaurants, bars and squares will make the trip unforgettable.

The place is located in the north-west of Vietnam, in the province of Lao Cai, almost adjacent to the border with China. The place is considered unique for tourists by originality and beauty.

Nature differs from other cities in that Sapa is located in a mountainous area. Compared to Dalat, Sapa is more rainy and foggy. Here the mountainous relief is replaced by plains and rice fields. From here and clean fresh air, warm wind, picturesque area.

The population of Sapa is made up of ethnic groups. Each has its own traditions, customs, religion. The most famous categories are Hmong, Tao, Yao, Vietnamese and others. Casual wear is considered folk, for example, bright and colorful dresses.

Sapa city on the map of Vietnam:

Weather and climate

The city has a temperate climate, rains occur in summer and autumn. Winter and spring are quite dry. Summers are cool with frequent rainfall. Officially, the rainy season lasts for three months - from June to September (in fact, it rains all year round in Sapa, just more during this period).

In winter, the mark on the thermometer can reach minus, and in some places you can see snow. Sapa is one of the few cities in Vietnam where snow falls and impenetrable fog spreads. The snow-capped mountain ranges are something everyone should see.

We arrived in the mountains just in one of the most successful months - in April. The fact is that it is recommended to visit Sapa in September or November, April or May, when a comfortable temperature is set during the day, and rain is at a minimum. However, it rained every day during our weeklong stay. Therefore, it is not worth counting on visiting Sapa and not seeing the rains at all.

A typical April day in Sapa: fog and drizzle

For tourists looking for peace, calm, meditative walks and can not stand the heat, Sapa will become a favorite place.

The rains end and Sapa transforms

See how a city can disappear into the fog in a matter of minutes:

Sights of Sapa

The most famous place in the city is the market where you can buy many unique souvenirs, including homemade ones: wallets, flasks, binoculars, dried mushrooms, roots, healing potions, spices, candied fruits and other goodies.

The Hmong wear black or blue clothes and decorate them with handmade patterns and embroideries.

In addition, in Sapa you can climb the highest point in Indochina - Mount Fansipan (or Fansipan). Its height is 3140 meters. Located at a distance of 19 km from the city. Read about our ascent to the mountain.

The surroundings of the city are a variety of landscapes. Thak Bak waterfall (second name silver waterfall) is located 12 kilometers from the city. Its height is one hundred meters. A huge and powerful stream of water creates an indescribable landscape. Clean air, breathtaking view from above. You can climb up the stairs, there is also a bridge over the waterfall itself, which offers a magnificent view.

Entertainment in the city

The most famous entertainment in the city is trekking. It means hiking in the surrounding villages, mountains and fields. Usually, trekking is accompanied by local Hmong, so that they show the way and, to the best of their knowledge of English, talk about their way of life and customs.

As a reward, tourists buy some simple crafts from local guides. The easiest hiking route is from Sapa to the village of Cat Cat, which is only 3 km from Sapa. There is a long-established and clear path here, which can be overcome without any difficulties.

The distance from Sapa to the village of Sinchay is only 6 km, but you will have to go through serpentines, mountains and narrow paths. There is a waterfall near the village. There is also a beautiful view of the mountains. On the way, you can meet locals, get to know their way of life, customs, buy something as a souvenir or even dine with a family.

Another hike can be made from Sapa to Tafin via Macha. And the distance of this hike will be 10 km. On the way you can see villages with Hmong and Zao tribes. Nearby there are caves, the cost of entering them is 30-40 thousand dongs. The journey by car or on a special motorbike from Sapa takes about half an hour. For transport, the fare is more expensive - $ 15.

We rented a motorbike and drove a little along the way to the village of Lao Chai to take pictures of the famous rice terraces of Vietnam:

Who are the Black Hmong?

As we have said, the bulk of the population of Sapa are Hmong. They look like our Yakuts. The Hmong are separate folk tribes. They are divided into two groups: black and iridescent (or colored) Hmong. Black Hmong wear only black clothes, while Rainbow Hmong only wear multi-colored clothes. The costumes are decorated with handmade embroidery.

The people of the tribe love freedom, and according to ordinary people, the Hmong are considered a proud people. Perhaps their bright embroidered patterns mean symbols of freedom. Most of the Hmong live in China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

Hmong girls wait for tour buses to sell more handmade goods

Nationality has its own language of communication, which resembles the language of Tibet and Myanmar. It is interesting that many Hmong could not learn to write for a long time, even now not everyone knows how to do it. But this does not prevent them from developing the tourism industry and engaging in trade - this is all that you can do in Sapa.

Cuisine features in Sapa

The kitchen is nothing special - everything is in the style of North Vietnam. As befits, in restaurants for breakfast you will be offered pho soup, for lunch - rice noodles with beef (bun bo) and fried (nem). Everything is standard.

It is worth noting that in Northern Vietnam they often prepare a rare drink - coffee with an egg. It tastes like tiramisu, and the lips after it are slightly sticky, like after scrambled eggs.

I also noticed a peculiarity - each region of Vietnam brews its own beer. It also has its own brand - "Lao Kai".

There is another rare feature. In Sapa, porcupines and horses are eaten, and the future dish is often put up in a cage in front of the restaurant.

Visual menu in a restaurant in Sapa

The cost of meals is slightly higher than in Hanoi and 20-30% higher than in southern Vietnam. Here are the average prices in restaurants and cafes in Sapa (scroll through the menu):

Good and cheap hotels in Sapa

The spa hotel is located in the city, near the central church in Sapa. Here are luxurious rooms, made in an interesting design. For visitors there is an outdoor pool, gym, spa and restaurant.

Each room is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style and is equipped with air conditioning, heating and a personal safe. Some rooms have balconies and terraces. Food and drinks can be brought to the room.

Sapa House Hotel

Luxurious hotel in the city center. Each room has a balcony, refrigerator for drinks, plasma TV with cable TV.

From the windows of the rooms there is a beautiful view of the mountains. The on-site restaurant serves Vietnamese and Western cuisines. There is an excellent restaurant and free Wi-Fi for visitors. The rooms are stylish and spacious. Equipped with everything necessary. The reception staff are very helpful, helpful and friendly. Breakfasts are included in the price of accommodation.

Sapa Romance Hotel

The hotel is close to the cable car to Fansipan. As in all hotels, the rooms are comfortable. The bathroom provides hygiene products, cosmetics, slippers, towels. Plasma TV and free Wi-Fi in every room.

The hotel can rent a bike or motorbike (150 thousand VND per day). Nearby is a lake and a park, which is located on Mount Ham Rong.

This is the hotel we stayed at and we really liked it - so we recommend it. Very cozy, clean, highly rated on Booking.com. The room rate includes breakfast (usually pho, scrambled eggs or pancakes + hot drink).

A distinctive feature of the hotel was the presence of carpeting in the rooms and electric sheets, which saved us a lot in the conditions of mountain cold and round-the-clock dampness.

Other hotels in Sapa with the best discounts from Booking:

How to get to Sapa city (from Hanoi)

The city can be reached either by slipbus or by train. We recommend the bus (sleeper bus). This option is faster, besides, the bus arrives directly to Sapa, while the train (which, by the way, takes 8-9 hours) goes to Lao Chai station, from which Sapa is still more than an hour's journey along the serpentine. The only advantage of traveling on the Hanoi-Lao Chai train is that you can sleep comfortably, stretched out on a comfortable shelf.

The road on which fast slipbuses travel today was opened relatively recently, around 2015. Previously, the only way to get there was by train + bus. Now the Hanoi-Sapa route takes about 6 hours, you can take a night bus, but you still won’t be able to sleep during a trip along the serpentine. Therefore, it is better to leave early in the morning and be in Sapa by lunchtime. Distance from Hanoi 300 km.

Public buses leave from Hanoi to Sapa from My Dinh bus station, private bus companies depart from other places. One way ticket will cost around $10-20. You can book them right here.