Situated in Lao Cai Province, Sapa is a lovely hill station town which is one of the top tourist destinations in Vietnam. It’s famous for the spectacular views of the thick mist rolling across the peaks of the grandiose mountains. The eye-catching scenery and beautiful villages are truly the treasures that Mother Nature dedicated to Vietnam. Coming to Sapa, you will have interesting experiences with stunning scenery and friendly locals. Let follow us to discover top 8 things to do in Sapa.
Conquer Fansipan Mountain
Fansipan mountain is known as the roof of Indochina as well as the tallest peak in Vietnam. If you are a person who is interested in adventure, you should start a journey to the top of Fansipan. It’s always an exhilarating challenge but it will give you a lot of memorable experiences for mountain trekking.
The most suitable time to climb Fansipan is between April and May because the weather is good, not cold or rainy. So, you can have a great view to see many kinds of flowers in full bloom.
Admire Terraced Rice Fields in Sapa
According to the US’s Magazine Travel and Leisure, rice fields in Sapa is one of the most magnificent terraced fields in the world.
You should visit Sapa’s terraces between September and October because it is the harvest season. The landscape begins to change while remaining splendour rice paddies are tinted yellow. From a high viewpoint, rice terrace looks like a beautiful picture with yellow curving lines and the small houses of ethnic people. Travelers must stay a while to admire the heart-catching beauty of this place.
In addition, the weather is stable with sunny days and cool nights. It is a perfect time for trekking and taking some photos.
» If you want to discover more, you can start a trek in Muong Hoa valley which is the largest rice fields in Sapa to enjoy the spectacular views and interact with friendly local villagers.
Visit local Villages
Ta Phin is a village which is not widely known by visitors. But if you have a chance to visit this place, you will definitely have a wonderful experience.
This is the place that ” Dao Do” ethnic group live. So, you will see many Dao Do women in very beautiful and colorful dress. Coming to Ta Phin villages, you can explore tradition, culture, and customs of the ethnic community. Besides, you can also join in interesting folk games in the traditional festivals such as walking on stilts, shooting crossbows and enjoy traditional cuisine.
Your journey in Sapa will not be completed if you don’t visit Ta Van village. It is a peaceful village hidden in the dense cloud. It’s a nice place for you to learn about traditional features such as special food, fascinating recipes, and fresh ingredients.
Stop by Colourful Markets
Opened every Sunday at the center of Bac Ha Township, Bac Ha is known as the most colorful market in Vietnam. It is a place where ethnic people gather to sell the things that they make. The market offers many kinds of livestock, household items, souvenirs, rice wine and other delicious food. The most colorful part of the market is traditional costumes with embroidery patterns in different motifs lying on dark batik background.
Another local market that you should visit in Sapa is Can Cau. Here, you can find a wide range of local products of the Flower H’mong ethnic group. Furthermore, you can also stroll around the villages nearby and interact with the locals.
» Consider our Can Cau and Bac Ha Markets Tuor to experience the atmosphere in these markets.
Get Unique Experience at Homestay in Sapa
Homestay in Sapa will give you a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the ethnic minority life. You will stay with local people, try local food and discover Sapa in a different perspective. They will tell you about the mystical stories that a tour guide can’t tell you. They will show you some unknown beautiful places that you should visit in Sapa.
Take in the Beauty of the Waterfalls
Sapa not only attract tourists by the spectacular mountain ranges, terraced rice fields but also by the charming of the waterfalls. There are a lot of waterfall in Sapa but Silver cascade “Thac Bac” is one of the most beautiful falls. It streams down 200 meters from the top of the mountain. You can have a great time to relax, enjoy outstanding nature and listen to the sound of water, birds.
Passing Silver Waterfalls, Love waterfall is a next stop that you should visit in your Sapa trip. It is a great place for you to enjoy breathtaking nature and explore a legendary love story.
Try local cuisines
Sapa is very famous for many delicious and unique dishes. And seven color steamed glutinous rice is one of the most special cuisines that you should not miss.
This steamed glutinous rice is made by Nung people. They are always proud of it because it expresses their ingenuity and skill. Seven colors of this food are made from different colors of trees leaves in the forest. But you don’t have to worry about the food poisoning because those ingredients are often used as medicines by the locals.
You can try the other delicious food called “Com Lam”. The locals mix rice with a little bit of salt then they cram it in a bamboo tube. “Com Lam” rice is served with grilled chicken or grilled pork which is marinated with Indian pepper and grill on a hot stove by the locals.
Ride a bike through Thanh Phu villages
If you want to try a different way to explore Thanh Phu villages, riding a bike is a fantastic choice for you. You will ride on a small path surrounded by magnificent mountains and paddy fields, enjoy fresh air, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
» Find out more about Sapa at Sapa Travel Guide
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