About 330km from Hanoi, Sapa is a district of Lao Cai province and has long been praised as the queen of mountain or the city in the cloud. Located about 1500 meters above the sea level, Sapa is cool all year round even in the hottest summer day. Tourists visit Sapa because of cool climate, beautiful mountains, amazing rice terraces and ethnic minorities.

Mu Cang Chai, Sapa

Over the years, Sapa has been listed as the top 50 most beautiful places on the planet by PureWow in Iceland, top 6 of the cool weather holiday destinations in Southeast Asia by Channel News Asia, top 11 most beautiful terraces in the world by Touropia, top 10 most attractive destinations in Vietnam, etc.

Best time to visit Sapa (Please watch this video)

Sapa view from Flycam(Source: Hachi8Media)

Things to do in Sapa

1. Visit Cat Cat village of the Black H'Mong minority: This village is just 1,5km from Sapa town and tourists can visit some local families, see Cat Cat waterfall, enjoy traditional music or take it showly with a cup of coffee on top of Cafe View.

2. Visit Silver Waterfall and the Gate of Heaven: These two places are about 12km from Sapa and it is worth visiting on a nice day. Waterfall has not much water in dry season, but fantastic view from the Gate of Heaven is waiting for you.

3. Visit Muong Hoa valley: This is the most beautiful valley to visit on Sapa tours where you will hike through the several ethnic villages and enjoy the most amazing rice terraces in Vietnam. It is possible to stay overnight at a homestay in one of the villages. (Lao Chai, Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai, Ban Ho village, etc)

4. Visit Fansipan by cable car: Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (Indochina), it used to take 2-3 days to climb to the summit, but it takes around 30 minutes now by cable car and great view wait

5. Visit Bac Ha market: Around 110km from Sapa, Bac Ha market opens every Sunday. The market is for the local people (mainly ethnic groups) come to trade, meet friends and drink. The market is colorful and lively like a festival day. If you can visit the market, it will be an unforgettable experience.