Sapa

Sapa is a tourist town in Lao Cai Province, located 320 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. At an average altitude of 1500-1800 meters, the town is always shrouded in a misty haze, creating a magical and surreal landscape.

The misty fog surrounds the town. Photo: Thanh tra

Beyond “the town in the mist” and the terraced rice fields during harvest season, it also attracts visitors with its many other beautiful attractions. Let’s keep reading the article to see all the beauty with Asia King Travel!

History

In Mandarin, Sapa means "sandy area". The name originated from the local custom of holding markets on a large sandbank. In the winter of 1903, while surveying and mapping the area, an expedition from the Indochina Geographical discovered Sapa village. This event marked the birth of the town.

The cool climate and picturesque landscapes made it a popular choice for the French. They transformed it into a summer resort. By 1945, the French had built nearly 300 villas. However, most of them were destroyed in 1947 because of the war.

An old French villa in Sapa. Photo: CafeBiz

In more recent history, the town was rebuilt and has become a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. It attracts visitors from all over to explore its stunning mountain scenery, interact with local ethnic minorities, and enjoy trekking in the surrounding hills.

Weather in Sapa

Located at a high altitude, Sapa has a temperate climate with an average temperature of 15-18°C. From May to August, there is a lot of rainfall. It is one of the few places in Vietnam where snow falls in winter. The beauty is undeniable, regardless of when you visit.

A more European than Vietnamese scene in Sapa. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Especially in summer, a day in the town feels like experiencing all four seasons: the morning has a spring-like atmosphere. The afternoon feels like summer with sunshine and mild air. Down clouds and mist cover everywhere in the evening, creating a cool autumn-like sensation. Night brings the chill of winter.

How to Get There

Despite the mountainous region, tourists can easily reach via the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway. It will take a 5 to 6-hour drive. After arriving in Lao Cai City through the expressway, turn left onto National Highway 4D and follow for more than 30 kilometers to reach the town.

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Things to see in Sapa

Fansipan - Roof of Indochina

The "Roof of Indochina" Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and the entire Indochina Peninsula. Lying on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Fansipan stands at an impressive 3,143 meters above sea level. Conquering the roof is the aspiration of many climbers. While conquering Fansipan, you can experience the diverse natural beauty of the mountain range as the altitude changes.

The 3,143-meter marker at the summit of Fansipan. Photo: Vietnam Tourism

In addition, a cable car station is available for tourists who want to be transported directly to the mountain summit. Ticket prices range from VND 800,000 to VND 1,200,000 for a round trip and may include a buffet lunch as an additional service.

Muong Hoa Valley

If you are looking for the most beautiful terraced rice fields in Vietnam, Muong Hoa Valley is the place to be. The terraced fields wind along the hillsides. During harvest season, the rice fields gilded the entire season in an illuminating golden hue. They are truly stairways to heaven.

Stunning terraced fields view in Muong Hoa Valley. Photo: Phuotvivu

Sapa Stone Church

This is the iconic landmark of Sapa, initiated in 1895 by the French. The church is constructed in a crucifix shape, featuring Gothic architectural elements. The church is made entirely of stone, giving it an antique and elegant appearance. A spacious square outside the church hosts a weekly Saturday market, where visitors can find unique souvenirs.

All tourists visiting Sapa never miss the chance to check-in at the Stone Church. Photo: Traveloka

Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is 2 kilometers from the town center, and you can choose to trek or take a motorbike to reach it. This is a peaceful village inhabited by the H'Mong people, where many traditional customs and crafts such as weaving, silver carving, and jewelry making are preserved.

A Hmong woman is embroidering traditional textile patterns. Photo: Dan toc va phat trien

Tourists can admire the natural beauty with unique features such as terraced rice fields during harvest season, and colorful flowers in spring. Additionally, you can partake in the cultural activities of the H'mong people. Join a H’mong sewing class to create a tribal textile as a souvenir gift. Local specialties are worth a try.

Silver Waterfall

Near O Quy Ho Pass, Silver Waterfall is a poetic name that describes the white cascade flowing down into the stream, resembling a silver ribbon hanging in the lush green scenery of Sapa. Somewhere in the 200-meter-high waterfall the water crashes down in white foam and others gently flows. 

A close-up of the waterfall cascading down as white as silver. Photo: Dulichvietnam

Local Specialties

Thang Co 

Thang co is a Hmong specialty made with a hearty broth of horse, cow, pig, and water buffalo, along with various offal. The ingredients are slow-cooked with a blend of 12 mountain herbs. While the unique aroma might be off-putting at first, those who dare to try it often find the rich flavors quite addictive.

Thang co is a very suitable dish to eat in cold weather like Sapa. Photo: Pao Quan

Dried Buffalo Meat

The highland ethnic minorities invented a dish by hanging buffalo meat over the kitchen fire. The heat and smoke from daily cooking slowly cook the meat. The smoky flavor from the marination makes the meat appealing right from the outside. Tearing the meat into strips and dipping it in a special spicy sauce from the Northwest region creates a delicious snack.

The unique cooking method can keep the meat both preserves beef for a long time and enhances its flavor. Photo: Hon Viet Store

H’Mong Apple Wine

H’Mong people eat Thang Co and drink apple wine. H’Mong apple wine is made primarily from abundant Assam apples in the region. The process involves fermenting crushed Assam apples with natural yeast, resulting in a distinctive and aromatic alcoholic beverage.

Ingredients and the process of making apple wine. Photo: Vietravel

One of the remarkable characteristics of the wine is its slightly sweet flavor profile, often with hints of apple and a mild alcoholic kick. It is traditionally enjoyed during special occasions and gatherings within the H'Mong community. Locals often take pride in making and sharing their homemade apple wine, which reflects their heritage and craftsmanship.

Men Men 

Men men is a unique and delicious corn-based dish reflecting H’Mong agricultural heritage. To prepare Men Men, corn kernels are removed from the cob and then soaked in water until they become soft. This paste is then shaped into small, flat, round cakes. Finally, it is typically steamed until cooked through.

H'Mong people called men men as golden rice because it helped them survive famine. Photo: VietnamNet

Men men can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served as a main dish or a snack, often accompanied by other local ingredients such as grilled meats, vegetables, or traditional sauces. The dish has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, with a pleasant, chewy texture.

Conclusion

Sapa is the tourist paradise of the Northwest. Blessed with a cool climate and stunning natural beauty, it is also home to the Hmong and other ethnic minorities, who have created a rich cultural heritage. Contact Asia King Travel today to plan your ultimate Sapa adventure!

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