Vietnam travel: 9 things to do in Sapa
If you’re done exploring Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, hop over to Sapa for more Vietnamese culture, nature, and adventure.
Sapa is a beautiful town in the northern mountains of Vietnam. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including terraced rice paddies, lush forests, and majestic mountains. The town is also home to a diverse population of ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people, who have preserved their unique cultures and traditions for centuries.
Established as a hill station by the French in the late 19th century, Sapa has become a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. It is accessible from Hanoi by an overnight sleeper train, an express bus or private transfer. Visitors come to Sapa to trek through the hills, experience the local culture, and marvel at the region's natural beauty.
Some of the top attractions in Sapa include the Fansipan Mountain, which is the highest peak in Indochina; the Sapa Market, which offers a wide variety of locally made crafts and textiles; and the Cat Cat Village, which showcases the traditional lifestyles of the Hmong people.
If you’re done exploring Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, hop over to Sapa for more Vietnamese culture, nature, and adventure. Here are nine things you can do in Sapa.
1. Go for a trek
Sapa is famous for its beautiful treks through rice terraces and mountainous landscapes. You can join a guided trek or explore on your own.
2. Visit Cat Cat Village
A traditional Hmong village, Cat Cat Village is located about three kilometres from Sapa. Here you can learn about the Hmong culture and see traditional handicrafts.
3. See the Fansipan Mountain
Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Known for its diverse flora and fauna, it can be reached by cable car or trekking.
Get tickets to Fansipan here Experience 3D2N Fansipan Mountain Trek from S$110.45
4. Challenge yourself to stand on the Glass Bottom Bridge
The Glass Bottom Bridge is a spectacular tourist attraction in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. It is a bridge made entirely of glass, allowing visitors to see the stunning scenery below their feet. The bridge is 600 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Challenge yourself from S$17.05
5. Marvel at the waterfalls like Love Waterfall and Silver Waterfall
Love Waterfall is located about 14 kilometres from Sapa, while Silver Waterfall is located about 15 kilometres from Sapa. You can hike to these beautiful waterfalls and enjoy the natural surroundings and stunning views.
Private day tours to the waterfall from S$43.45
6. Explore the local markets like Sapa Market and Bac Ha Market
Sapa Market is a great place to experience the local culture and buy traditional handicrafts. Bac Ha Market is the region’s busiest Sunday market.
7. Visit Ta Phin Village
Another traditional village, Ta Phin Village is located about 17 kilometres from Sapa. Here you can learn about the Red Dao culture and see traditional handicrafts.
Private trekking tour from S$38.30
8. Soak in the views at Ham Rong Mountain
This mountain is located in the centre of Sapa town and offers beautiful panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
9. Experience a homestay
Many locals offer homestay experiences where you can stay with a local family and learn about their culture and way of life.
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