Never heard of Sapa? Well, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting and touristic locations of Vietnam. The main town of Sapa is located in the Muong Hoa Valley in the northern mountains of Vietnam. The valley is home to several ethnic minorities in Vietnam and boasts of rice paddies along the craggy mountainsides.
The picturesque little town with rugged scenery and mountain air offer a whole lot of fun and adventurous activities for the tourists. All you need to do is book reliable transportation from Hanoi to Sapa and get ready to explore the beautiful landscapes. Hiking and enjoying nature are one of the major attractions for the tourists in Sapa.
Here are some exciting things to do in Sapa.
Climb the highest mountain in Vietnam
Fan Si Pan, which is just a short distance away from Sapa. However, ensure that you are fit and have ample trekking experience. Get rewarded with beautiful views of the terraced rice fields and valley below.
Explore the Hoang Lien National Park
It’s made up of several forests and a picturesque mountain landscape. The park is a habitat for a diverse set of animals, and some of them are highly endangered.
Explore the small local villages around Sapa
Get familiar with the local culture and mingle with the locals. You can even stay with a local family to get a more rural experience and see how people have lived here for centuries.
Visit The Sapa Museum
At this attraction, you can get a glimpse of the history and culture of the region that dates back to the French colonial period. It is a small but interesting museum that is dedicated to the various ethnic minorities of the region.
Visit Indigo Cat
For a firsthand experience of sewing and weaving that is an art of the H’mong indigenous group in Sapa. You can even join a class at the famous craft store and learn the craft from the local H’mong community.
It is a must to visit the Cat Cat Village, which is a charming village in the Sapa region and one of the oldest. Home to H’mong ethnic group, explore the village, its traditional cotton, and flax industries. Take back home some great memories and experiences.
Muong Hoa Valley
This is another popular spot among trekkers who book those trekking tours online and spend the night at a local homestay. It is fun to go through the muddy trails, the terraced fields, and hang out with the locals.
Eat Around Town
If you are looking for some great food in Sapa, then head straight for the main street, the Cau May Street where you will find the restaurants and cafés. Enjoy a good quality authentic Vietnamese meal made from fresh local ingredients.
Check out Nightlife
If you thought that there was no nightlife in Sapa, well think again. Although the nightlife may not match the one in modern cities, there are some great bars where you can meet the locals and other tourists and play a game of pool or enjoy a few beers.
Another great idea is to rent a motorbike and drive around the region. Stop wherever you want to enjoy those stunning views of the valley and mountains and try to get as many photos as you can. The Sapa region is a great one to explore on a motorcycle.
Before you leave, do not forget to shop for local handicrafts that are the creation of ethnic minorities and local families in Vietnam. Take back some amazing souvenirs, local teas, spices and beautiful textiles that remind you of Sapa and its people.
Have you been to Sapa?