Sapa

Traveling to Sapa has always been an interesting topic for tourists over the years when the bustling fast-paced cities no longer make them excited. Peace, fresh but wild and majestic, is what best describes Sapa, a picturesque mountainous region with immense forests, deep valleys and mighty mountains, in which, Fansipan is considered the highest peak of the Indochina.

This is also where tribes are living and farming on terraced fields clinging to the mountainside, touching the clouds, knitting with sunlight to create magnificent scenery. The magic of nature, in addition, has given this land many beautiful landscapes wherein the ancient rock in Muong Hoa valley, which has been nominated in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO, is an example.

The international media has long been known about and many times called Sapa one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Vietnam, making it a focal point for tourism activities in the region.

So how to travel to Sapa, where to visit, how long to stay, and how to experience the most of local culture and cuisine … all will be revealed in this article for the first-timers, whether going on your own or signing up for a tour package, to prepare the necessary knowledge for your best experience traveling Sapa.

1. Conquering the Fansipan summit
With a height of over 3,000m, Fansipan is not only the highest mountain in Vietnam but also all three Indochina countries. On the way to the top of the mountain, visitors can discover a rich ecological system of flora and fauna, also watch breathtaking natural landscapes.

Conquering Fansipan Mountain by road is usually organized by professional travel companies; or you can also go there yourself in a more simple way by cable car, Sapa’s tourism service which is certified by the Guinness with its world-length record.

2. Venturing the Tram Ton Pass

It’s also a road to the top of Fansipan Mountain, but it will be a real adventure if you go through Tram Ton Pass – the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.

Traveling Tram Ton at 2,000m altitude from the sea level, winding around Mount Fansipan like endless, you can hardly believe your eyes when witnessing a miniature Sapa located right below, with beautiful scenery like a fairyland.

3. Taking pictures with terraced fields

Settled by nature (and also humans), the padding fields appeared on the mountainside looking like stairs leading up to the summit. This scene becomes extremely interesting when coming in the ripping season, with a golden color filling Sapa space that visitors can not help admiring.

According to many visitors, the terraces in Lao Chai are the most beautiful, and we are confident that your Instagram page will look very special with the photos taken here.

4. Trekking and learning about the local culture

To enjoy the scenery and experience life in Sapa, there is probably no better way than putting your footsteps through the villages, bridges, and streams, which create a lively Sapa picture in peace.

Come to Silver Falls, Golden Stream to mingle with nature, stop by Ta Van and Ta Phin villages to meet the Dao and H’ mong people … and bring home stories about another little-known world.

5. Shopping at Sapa market
Not only a place to buy, sell and exchange goods in the local community, Sapa Market is also where to feel the typical cultural characteristics of the ethnic minorities. From elaborate hand-embroidered brocade scarves, incredible silver jewelry or a dish with a strange taste, you can always find something that represents Sapa’s spirit.

Not only are these items great souvenirs for yourself, but for your loved ones at home also. Sapa Market has a lot of colorful stalls, and believe that you will not leave empty-handed.

 Traveling Sapa for how long is probably the question that many travelers want to know before departure. Of course, how long your stay in Sapa depends entirely on your wishes, but based on the experience of organizing numerous Sapa tours, we suggest a 3-day & 2-night itinerary which you can refer below.

Day 1: Sapa arrival – Cat Cat Village
AM: Depart from Hanoi on a high-speed bus (takes about 5-6 hours) and check-in at a hotel in Sapa town at noon.

PM: Trek to Cat Cat village, meet locals to learn about the living culture of H’mong people (This is a hospitable land, but you will probably need an English-speaking tour guide). Visit Tien Sa waterfall in the afternoon. Late evening return to Sapa town and spend more time exploring this place. You can experience a bath with red Dao leaves and sample the typical barbecue dishes.

Day 2: Sapa Town – Fansipan cable car
AM: Start the journey to conquer Fansipan mountain with the most modern cable car service in the world. Then return to the hotel for lunch.

PM: Visit other nearby villages, or join the markets in the afternoon. Enjoy traditional music shows in town and enrich your culinary experience in the evening.

Day 3: Sapa Town – Ham Rong Mountain – Hanoi

AM: Visit Ham Rong park to see Lan Dong Duong garden, Heaven Gate, San May and enjoy the traditional music and dance show. Then return to town for lunch and check out of the hotel.

PM: Spend time to buy souvenirs and get on the bus back to Hanoi.

Sapa, talking about the weather, is like a “Paris of Vietnam” as some tourists often call it. Each season of Sapa wears its own beauty with different characters, and you absolutely can find the most suitable time to travel for yourself.

September-November / March-May: stable weather, dry sunny days, cold nights. Suitable for picnics and homestay in Sapa.

April-May: is the time of transplanting rice on terraced fields, and also the flowering season. If you want to have great photos, travel to Sapa at this time.

September-October: is the rice crop season with golden scenery across the hills. With fresh and pleasant air, you can make long-distance trips and participate in many other tourist activities in Sapa.

December-February: it is very cold, ice can be found and sometimes it snows. This is also the bloom season of peach blossoms. However, traveling through the villages may be more or less difficult.

Note: Although the weather is not a big obstacle for you, due to the characteristics of the rugged terrain and different natural conditions, you should consult with the advice of professional travel companies.

1. Thang Co: is a traditional dish of the Mong ethnic group, made from horse meat, heart, and blood, creating a mixture that is quite dense and flavorful, often used as hotpot and requires many spices. different.

2. Lon Ban (Immature Pig): less than one-year-old pig, of which meat is used for roasting or grilled. This dish is often served with Sapa apple cider because they match the taste.

3. Ga Ac (Black Chicken): wholly black bones and meat, can be prepared into many dishes but the most favorite is baked with honey. This dish is not only delicious, nutritious but also has special medicinal value in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (according to folk remedies).

4. Com Lam (rice in bamboo tube): is a popular dish, easily found in the highlands. Rice is usually baked in bamboo tubes when rice is still tender, dipped with sesame salt to serve with other baked goods.

Being more than 300km far away from Hanoi, Sapa can be reached by the following vehicles:

Train: With about 8 hours of traveling, the train is the most taken way many people choose to get to Sapa because it is safe and affordable. Fares range from $ 6- $ 12, depending on the facilities you prefer. However, the downside of taking the train is that it will not go straight to Sapa town but just stop at Lao Cai Station, which is 40km away from Sapa. You will need another forward bus.

Bus: With the same travel time, at a cost of about $ 12, you will go straight to Sapa town without the need for intermediaries (but in the rainy season can be hindered by many folding passes. rapid from Lao Cai to Sapa).

In addition, you can rent a motorbike to drive yourself from Hanoi to Sapa. While renting a motorbike is not a big deal, we do not encourage you to do this, especially when you first come to Vietnam. Ensure your safety first.

Throughout this article, we wish you to have an idea of how to travel to Sapa for your best experience. As the professional agent and love-to-travel-around-Vietnam team, we are proud of Sapa and expect you to be happy the most while visiting here. If you have a question, please feel free to let us know. We always commit our best to make it your once-in-a-lifetime journey.