Things to do in Sapa: 15 activities that first-time visitors should not miss
Despite being a tiny town, Sapa offers a wealth of interesting things to do and attractions to see. Many first-time tourists sometimes ask themselves, “What to do in Sapa?” A remarkable and fascinating trip awaits you as you travel through beautiful mountain landscapes, lush rice terraces, and distinctive communities home to a variety of ethnic minorities. These are the top 16 things to do in Sapa, ranging from trekking to waterfall hopping.
Things to do in Sapa
Reasons to visit Sapa
Muong Hoa Valley
The northern Vietnamese highlands are home to Sapa, a must-see location for travelers interested in adventure and cultural immersion. Trekking through the captivating green rice terraces in the Muong Hoa Valley, where the breathtaking scenery offers an amazing hiking experience, is one of the main reasons to visit Sapa. Furthermore, Sapa provides an exceptional chance to explore the villages and engage with the people to discover more about the customs and culture of the nearby hill tribes, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. The tallest peak in Indochina, Fansipan, gives thrill-seekers stunning panoramic vistas and a sense of accomplishment upon ascent or cable car ride. Another experience is touring the region on a motorbike and crossing Vietnam’s highest pass, Tram Ton Pass, which offers breathtaking views and thrilling roads. Finally, Sapa is a location rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visitors may experience the vibrant local life, eat local foods, and buy unique handicrafts by visiting a local colorful market like Bac Ha or May Cau.
15 best things to do in Sapa
Over the years, this town and its surroundings have grown significantly, offering a plethora of activities in Sapa. You have the option to do.
Travel to Mount Fansipan via cable car
Mount Fansipan via cable car
Ticket price: 750,000 VND per adult and 550,000 VND per child
As the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan Mountain should be at the top of your list of things to do in Sapa if you’re an adventure seeker.
The easiest method to get to the top of Mount Fansipan is via cable car, especially for those looking for a less strenuous hike. An additional element of adventure to your journey is the panoramic vistas of Sapa’s valleys, rice terraces, and rough mountains that come with the cable ride.
Take in the terraced rice fields
The terraced rice fields
The breathtaking Sapa rice fields are the major draw for most tourists to this mountain hamlet. It is regarded as one of Vietnam’s most exquisite landscapes for good cause. These stunning terraced fields stretch from the bottom of the Muong Hoa Valley to the summit of the mountains.
The people who live here cultivate rice and congregate among the rice fields, frequently at the base of the mountains. The rice terraces appear as though they were taken from a tourist guide. While doing a hiking excursion is the ideal way to experience them, you may also go by vehicle or motorcycle.
Visit Love Waterfall to go canyoning
Love Waterfall
The thrilling rappelling trip at Love Waterfall, led by professional and informed experts, is one of the must-try things to do in Sapa for every adrenaline enthusiast. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this adventurous adventure provides an incredibly exhilarating experience. But before you embark, remember that the voyage demands physical stamina and resolve, so exercise often!
What things to do in Sapa? Go trekking
Go trekking
Some of the best things to do in Sapa can be combined in one highlight and that is trekking in Sapa! Trekking aficionados will find nirvana in this location because of its exceptional natural beauty. Trekking paths range from moderate treks for novices to strenuous terrain for experienced explorers, accommodating trekkers of all skill levels.
Popular routes for trekking in Sapa:
- Sa Seng – Hau Thao Village
- Ta Giang Phing Village
- Fansipan Summit
- Muong Hoa Valley
- Cat Cat – Sin Chai Village
- Lao Chai – Ta Van – Y Linh Ho Village
Discover local villages
Local villages
The distinctive culture of the mountain tribes is the second reason to travel to Sapa. These mountainous ethnic communities have been subsistence farmers for many years. This region is home to a variety of minority communities, including the HMong, the Dao, the Tày, and the Giay.
Every tribe has its own language, customs, and attire. Traveling to the local communities outside of Sapa is the greatest way to learn about this distinctive culture. Discover the village’s everyday activities and distinctive way of life by taking a stroll about it.
Once more, a hiking excursion is the ideal method to accomplish this, but you may alternatively drive a vehicle or motorcycle.
Read more: The top best food in Sapa to enjoy the tastes of the northwest
Stay overnight in a homestay
Stay overnight in a homestay
A homestay will round out your unforgettable experience as a member of a local minority. Homestays are widely available in Sapa and the nearby communities. Staying the night in a native hill tribe’s home is the most unusual experience. Although the lodging is sometimes uncomfortable and rudimentary, the experience is fantastic!
You may have a family meal in the evening. Take a relaxing traditional herbal bath to wind down at the end of the day, or have rice wine with the family. You will always remember that encounter.
Combining an overnight homestay with a multi-day walk is the ideal option. For instance, if you go trekking for two days, you will stay the night at a guesthouse in the area and hike off the main path the next day.
Visit a local market
Local market
A mountain market excursion is among the top things to do in Sapa. You may visit many markets in Sapa and the surrounding areas. The native hill tribes barter their locally farmed food in these markets. But there’s a lot more to be found here.
Consider apparel, textiles, jewelry, brocade, and even devices like phones and chargers. The cattle area of the market is one of the more interesting sections. Traders inspecting every aspect of the animal before a deal is made is seen here.
Visiting a market run by an ethnic minority is a unique experience. It appears chaotic because of the hues of all the traditional attire, the animals, and the throng. Surprisingly, though, this turmoil has a pleasant ambiance and is comfortable.
There are other markets you may visit, but the most well-known one is the Sunday morning Bac Ha market in Sapa.
At the Sapa Museum, learn about many ethnic traditions
Sapa Museum
Visit the Sapa Museum for the best knowledge of Sapa, especially its people, cultural history, and historical traditions of the local ethnicities.
There are over 200 antiques, models, books, films, and other items at this museum that are related to several ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Tay, Giay, Xa Pho, Ha Nhi, and Red Dao. This is the place to learn about the religious customs, cultural traditions, history of Sapa town, and distinctive attire of the many ethnic groups.
Tram Ton Pass
Tram Ton Pass
The highest mountain pass in Vietnam is located across Sapa from Fansipan. Savor a motorbike or automobile ride over the Tram Ton Pass, which offers breathtaking views. There is a perspective at the summit where you should certainly take a break.
At the top of the mountain pass, many people head straight back to Sapa, but if you have more time, continue to Lai Chau. Many more vistas of some of our country’s most striking mountains will be available to you along the route.
Visit Sapa Stone Church
Sapa Stone Church
The only building in Sapa that still embodies the spirit and elegance of Catholic architecture is the church, which was inspired by French design.
Discovering Sapa Stone Church’s distinctive architecture and taking in the customs of the locals are only two of the cultural experiences it provides. Its lovely setting amid breathtaking scenery offers a tranquil haven from the bustling town as well as fantastic photo possibilities.
Hunt clouds
Hunt clouds
One of the most fascinating things to do in Sapa is go cloud hunting. Because of its high position among the untamed mountains, the town frequently has a mysterious cloud cover that envelops it, giving it a captivating, surreal aura. You will have an extraordinary connection to nature and relish the peace of the moment as you travel higher into the foggy hills.
The most stunning locations in Sapa for cloud-hunting:
- Fansipan Mount
- Ham Rong Mount
- Pao’s Sapa Hotel
- Hang Da Village
Walk across the glass bridge
the glass bridge
Ticket price: 400,000 VND per adult and 200,000 VND per child
If you’re not sure what to do in Sapa after dark, you should attempt the glass bridge tour. The surface of the bridge is set 60 meters back from the mountain wall, giving the impression that it is hovering in midair.
Gazing down at the vast chasm below while standing on the glass bridge could give you a little “butterflies in the stomach” feeling. However, when you look off into the distance and take in the breathtaking landscape of Vietnam’s most magnificent “Four Great Passes,” you will also experience a sense of delight and amazement.
Take a dip at Ban Ho Village’s hot spring
Ban Ho Village’s hot spring
The calming natural thermal waters of Ban Ho Village’s hot springs offer comfort and relaxation, making a soak in them a revitalizing experience. This hot spring is unique in that the water temperature varies throughout the day. The water becomes a delightful shade of chilly when the outside temperature is high. The temperature drops on chilly days, and the hot spring water may go as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
What things to do in Sapa? Go shopping for local handicrafts
Go shopping for local handicrafts
There are several local markets in Sapa and the nearby areas where you may buy handicrafts and souvenirs made locally. Here, you may discover a lot of tiny stores that sell handcrafted things that highlight distinctive talents, such as musical instruments, leather purses, and regionally created merchandise.
Visit the genuinely local markets in tiny communities for a unique and engaging shopping experience. The most genuine and exquisite goods are available there at very affordable costs. You will also get to support the craftsmanship of the artists who make the products by getting to know them.
Savor regional food – Among the top things to do in Sapa
food in Sapa
Without indulging in the best regional dishes, your journey won’t be complete. The culinary arts of Sapa are distinguished by a well-balanced fusion of several ethnic traditions, showcasing savory creations derived from organic ingredients found in the hilly terrain.
Don’t miss Sapa’s well-known specialties, such as Xoi Ngu Sac (five-color sticky rice), Lau Ca Hoi (salmon hot pot), Trau Gac Bep (smoked buffalo meat), and Thang Co (horse meat hot pot), while you go on your expedition.
This article will provide an overview of the interesting and distinctive activities available in this magnificent country to respond to the question, “What things to do in Sapa?” Explore stunning scenery, exhilarating motorbike trips, sample local cuisine, and tour various ethnic villages – Sapa has a plethora of adventures that are not to be missed on your journey with Vietnam Allure Travel.
Read more: When is The Best Time to Visit Sapa?
