Despite its remote location from Hanoi, Sapa has attracted tourists from all over the world and has become a popular travel destination in Northwest Vietnam. With its year-round cool climate, Sapa is a place you can visit anytime. Experience snowfall on particularly cold winter days, enjoy a blue sky with white clouds in summer, admire the pristine beauty of peach and plum blossoms in spring, and marvel at the stunning golden rice terraces in autumn.
Here, Ftrip Vietnam list out 10 must-try activities to explore the best of Sapa’s charm.
Top 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam
Ethnic Minority Villages
Trekking is a must-do activity on any Sapa tour, and it tops the list of things to experience in Sapa. The trekking routes typically wind through beautiful valleys, offering views of scenic streams, mountains, rice terraces, and the serene villages of local hill tribes. These treks provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the landscapes, take stunning photos, and interact with the friendly local ethnic communities.
While some easy trekking routes can be navigated on your own, having a local guide from the H’Mong or Dzao communities can enhance the experience. A guide can help you avoid getting lost and navigate cultural differences when visiting ethnic villages.
Ham Rong Mountain
Situated in the heart of Sapa town, Ham Rong Mountain resembles a dragon’s head with its jaws reaching towards the sky, giving it the name Dragon Jaws (Ham Rong) Mountain. Climbing to its 1900m-high summit is a fantastic activity for travelers in Sapa. The path is easy to ascend with steps leading the way. At lower altitudes, part of the mountain has been transformed into a beautiful flower garden, featuring hundreds of orchid species and various other flowers.
Read more: Why is Sapa Vietnam the best destination to visit in 2024?
Overnight in a Local Family’s Home
Staying with a local family in Sapa is a must-try experience for visitors. You can book a Sapa trekking tour that includes a night with a Dzay, H’Mong, or Red Dzao family. The accommodations are simple, providing a bed, blanket, mosquito net, and home-cooked meals, but they offer unforgettable insights into the locals’ daily lives and rich cultures. These ethnic groups live traditionally, away from modern influences, preserving their cultural heritage. They are naturally hospitable and eager to share their lives, homes, work, and natural surroundings with tourists.
Fansipan
Rising to 3,143 meters, Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam. Conquering Fansipan is an exhilarating challenge for adventure seekers, testing their strength and endurance. The journey to the summit offers stunning scenery, including dense forests, breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range, charming tribal villages, and sweeping vistas of the region below.
The best time to trek Fansipan is from mid-November to March, during Sapa’s dry and cold winter, making the trek easier than in summer. For those not inclined to trek, a cable car system, operational since early 2016, provides easy access to the summit, allowing anyone to fulfill their dream of standing atop the Roof of Indochina.
Tram Ton Heaven Gate
Known as the Heaven Gate, Tram Ton is the highest spot on the O Quy Ho Pass, which is one of Vietnam’s most impressive and challenging passes. Situated at an altitude of 1900 meters, Tram Ton separates Sapa from Lai Chau, offering sweeping views of the majestic Hoang Lien mountain range and the meandering roads of O Quy Ho Pass. On clear days, visitors can take in the breathtaking sight of Mount Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina,” along with its verdant forests.
Located just 18 kilometers from Sapa town, you can embark on a day trip to explore Tram Ton Pass, the Love Waterfall, Rong May Glass Bridge, and the Silver Waterfall – making for an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking scenery of O Quy Ho Pass.
Waterfalls in Sapa
In addition to Sapa’s stunning mountain, valley, and forest landscapes, its waterfalls are equally captivating. When visiting Sapa, be sure to see some of these enchanting waterfalls:
- Cat Cat Waterfall: Nestled in Cat Cat Valley, this small waterfall can be reached by visiting Cat Cat Village and descending into the valley where it is located.
- Silver Waterfall: Situated along NR4A, 15 kilometers from Sapa, this waterfall can be seen from the road. However, for the best experience, climb the 300 steps to the bridge for a majestic view of the full waterfall and surrounding mountains.
Thang Co & Salmon
If horse meat is too much for you, you might want to try salmon hot pot instead. Thanks to Sapa’s cold climate, salmon is commonly raised here and is a specialty of the area. Among the various salmon dishes, salmon hot pot is always the most popular among travelers because it is served steaming hot with special Sapa-grown wild vegetables like watercress and pumpkin buds.
If you visit Sapa on a cold winter day, don’t forget to try an amazing salmon hot pot. It will undoubtedly be one of the best meals you have in Sapa, Vietnam.
Sapa’s Love Market
The H’Mong and Dzao people in Sapa hold their weekly love market on Saturday evening at Sapa Church, where young men and women meet and express their affection. They talk, sing, and play traditional games according to their ethnic customs until late. After the night, many couples become close and promise to meet again, with many eventually becoming husbands and wives.
Read more: Sapa – Lao Cai (3 Days) | Special Price
Sapa Market
Most ethnic minority groups live in remote villages down the valley and outside of town. Weekly Sapa markets are not only places for them to trade their farming products but also serve as meeting points for the H’Mong, Tay, and Red Dzao people. There is a big market in Sapa town that operates daily, but on Sundays, you can expect to see more ethnic groups in their colorful and unique attire. It is also the place where you can buy cheap local handmade products, medicinal plants, and farming goods.
Conclusion
Sapa, Vietnam, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are hiking through the iconic rice terraces, immersing yourself in the local Hmong culture, or simply soaking in the breathtaking mountain views, Sapa offers something for every traveler. Make sure to explore the top 10 unmissable activities Ftrip recommended above to fully appreciate the charm and allure of this remarkable destination.
