Sapa

Sapa is a mountainous district of Lao Cai province in the northwest of Vietnam, located about 38 kilometers from Lao Cai City and 376 kilometers from Ha Noi. It is located at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level and is located at the foothills of Vietnam's northern mountain range.

Best time to visit Sapa

Sapa is best visited in September and October, when the rice terraces are at their most beautiful, travelers can catch the green-turn-yellow horizon of rice fields. Or in April and May, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. June to August is a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat. From November to March, expect cold weather. In the winter, travelers may be see a mysterious foggy scene or tropical snow here.

How to get to Sapa

Overnight trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai was used to the most popular way to reach Sapa. Transfer vans complete the journey up the mountains once they arrive. Alternatively, regular buses and shuttle vans leave Hanoi every five to six hours and stop in the city center. Sapa, as a former hill station, has many steep roads and pathways. Many visitors walk or take a taxi to get around. Mountain bike rentals are available for those looking to explore the valley's trails.

Top things to discover in Sapa

• Summit Mount Fansipan

"The Roof of Indochina" is named for the highest mountain- Fansipan in Vietnam as well as in the Indochinese Peninsula (comprising Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia). Located in Sapa District, Lao Cai Province, Fansipan becomes a burning desire for those who love extreme sport and want to conquer this mount. On the way to conquer the mountain, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the fascinating natural beauty of the Hoang Lien Mountains. At the height of 2,400m, you feel like the wind and clouds mingled with the forest next to you, as if you can touch them. From a height of 2,800m, the clouds suddenly disappeared, the sky was clear and blue. Climbing about 20 minutes and then you will see the summit of Fansipan. After all the tired, anxious feeling, you will immerse yourself in victory when standing in the middle of thousands of green forests. It would be an unforgettable experience in your life. If you are not a fan of advanture sport, you can reach the ‘Roof of Indochina’ in just 15 minutes by incredible Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car system. Let choose your way to reach the “The Roof of Indochina” and enjoy the nature’ beauty.

• Ethnic Culture

It is a great way to start your time in Sapa by learning a little about local culture. Different from undeniably busy life in the town, life outside is as traditional as ever. Many minorities in this region still wear their ethnic dress, live in simple villages and embrace ancient customs. There are some interesting festivals such as the "Roong poc" festival of Giay Ta Van people, the "Sai San" festival of the Mong people, "Tet Nhay" festival of the Red Dzao people, Bac Ha fair market.

>> Read more about Bac Ha fair market

• Ethnic Villages

Sapa villages are an essential part of Sapa tours. In addition to the breathtaking scenery of the mountains and forests. Every year, a large number of visitors come to Sapa to see the village of ethnic minorities.

>> Top 7 ethnic villages to visit in Sapa

• Taste regional dishes

Because of the variety of minority tribes, the cuisine culture of Sapa is unrivaled and you will not regret trying food in Sapa. Firstly, “Thang Co” is the traditional food of Hmoong. It is a type of soup which is made of horsemeat, horse’s viscera and horse’s bone combined with more than 20 botanical herbs including cardamom, citronella, ginger, star aniseed, cinnamon twig, and Thang Co plant (special taste named after the dish’s name). However, its taste will be a little strange because of its odor. Secondly, it is said that when you visit Sapa, there is one thing you should not skip: trying the black chicken, one of the most delicious foods due to its fragrant and delicious meat. In addition to foods, you can also try Tao Meo wine, a popular and original wine of H’moong people. It is made from fruits of Tao Meo tree - a kind of tree grows naturally on Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Tao Meo wine comes perfect with unbelivebly good brook fish.

>> Top 5 things to do in Sapa