Tiếng ViệtTucked high in Vietnam’s northern mountainous region close to the Chinese border, the former French military outpost of Sapa offers some of Vietnam’s most colorful experiences. Vietnam’s highest peak, the 3,143m Mount Fansipan, looms overhead, while the surrounding valleys feature terraced rice paddies and blazing green fields, riddled with fast-flowing streams. The region is home to several ethnic minority groups, all wearing their traditional and colorful attire.
To reach Sapa, one can take a train to Lao Cai and then a bus to Sapa. Travelers can visit the colorful Bac Ha Hill Tribes in the Sunday market where the Nung, Dao, Tay, Cao Lan, Paxi and Xa Phong minorities in their colorful clothes also take part. The best time to witness the scenic beauty of Sapa is from April to September. The beginning of the year, the weather might be cold and foggy and it is the rainy season from October to December.
What To Experience In Sapa?
Sapa has many natural attractions to visit such as Ham Rong Mountain, the Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, the Bamboo Forest, and Ta Phin Cave. Sapa is also the starting point for many climbers who want to reach the top of Fansipan mountain the highest peak in the Indochina peninsula. The pyramid-shaped mountain is covered with clouds year-round and temperatures often drop below zero, especially at high elevations.
Local markets
Visitors to Sapa will have the opportunity to discover the unique customs of the local residents by visiting Bac Ha market, running every Sunday. Coc Ly market is open on Tuesday, Can Cau market on Saturday, Cao Son market on Wednesday and Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday.
Surrounding villages
Home to ethnic minorities who live the same way as they have done for centuries. Catch xe om (motorbike taxi) from town, or for the full mountain challenge, trek there on foot and visit villages including Ban Ho Village, Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai Village, or Ta Van Village.
Other activities
Observe an ancient tradition, where ethnic minority people go to find a partner at the “Love Market”, which takes place on Saturday evenings.
Muong Hoa Valley
Hike through the lush and green valley meeting friendly locals en route and staying overnight in a home-stay in the villages.
How to get to Sapa?
Train or bus: The Sapa Victoria Express offers a luxurious option from/to Hanoi to Sapa. Regular trains also ply the route or visitors can travel by bus, from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, along the recently (2015) upgraded road. Whether traveling by train or bus, booking in advance is essential.
The Great Time For Sa Pa Tour
Sapa enjoys four distinct seasons and provides year-round relief from the tropical climate of the lowlands and cities.
Spring is blossom time in Sapa, with the valleys painted with the flowers of peach, pear, pomelo and the plum trees. Orchids are in full bloom, the fragrances amazing. The ethnic people, in their colorful costumes, their smiling faces, and festivals, welcome you. Crop planting begins. March-April.
Summer, probably the most favorable time of year to visit weatherwise, brings gladioli, dahlias, pansies, and sunflowers. The fruit is ripening; the markets are full of colorful baskets of local produce. Artichokes are in bloom; their flowers covered to protect from birds. The rice terraces covered in green plants. Winemaking begins. May-August.
Autumn brings the forest fruits, fungi, mushrooms and a whole range of spices such as star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon. Medicinal herbs and roots gathered, mountain herbs dried. The green fields turn golden in preparation for harvesting. Many cultural activities held among the ethnic communities. Sept – Nov.
Winter brings frost to the valleys covering them with sparkling silver. Discover crisp blue skies but also clouds and maybe even snow. It can get very cold, especially at night. These are hard times for remote villagers. Dec- Feb.