Sapa (Vietnam) is a place where travelers from all over the world strive to get, and for whom vacation is not just swimming in the sea and lying on the beach. A small town appeared in 1910, it was built by colonists from France to rest from the sweltering heat. In 1993, the country's authorities began to actively develop tourism in this region. Today it is one of the most visited places in Vietnam, where active and curious people come. Why is Sapa so attractive for travelers?
Rice terraces near Sapa
general information
The names of the city are pronounced in two ways - Sapa and Shapa. It is located in Lao Cai province, among rice fields, valleys and mountains at an altitude of over 1.5 km in the northwestern part of the country. Sapa is a border town located near China. Distance to Hanoi 400 km. The city of Sapa (Vietnam) is interesting for its architectural and historical heritage, it is beautiful with amazing landscapes.
Not far from the town is Mount Fansipan - the highest point in Indochina. The base of the mountain is covered with dense jungle, but the number of rainforest inhabitants has sharply decreased as a result of the active agricultural activities of the local population.
Several ethnic groups live in the city and the surrounding area, which differ in the color of traditional clothing. There are many villages around the city, almost all of them have preserved their medieval look. Most of the residents lead a secluded life.
Why go to Sapa
First of all, Sapa is a completely different Vietnam - colorful, authentic. In other Vietnamese resorts, everything is different - the climate, local people, nature and surrounding landscapes.
On the market Many people come to the city of Sapa to get to know the local lifestyle, learn about the ethnic population and broaden their horizons.
Another reason (albeit not the main one) to visit the town is shopping. There are markets in Sapa where you can buy quality fabrics and handmade souvenirs.
The city is hardly suitable for a vacation during your stay in Vietnam. This is an excursion settlement where you can come for 2-3 days. The infrastructure in the town is quite developed, there are guesthouses and hotels, however, there is not much entertainment in Sapa. Experienced travelers recommend visiting Sapa only with trekking excursions.
It is important! There is no beach in the town; people come here for hiking in the mountains, cycling through the mountainous area densely covered with greenery. The most exotic holiday option - hiking routes in villages and living in the homes of local residents.
Attractions in the city
The main attractions of Sapa (Vietnam) are the central part of the settlement and the market. There are cafes and restaurants in the center, they cook delicious food here, you can look into souvenir shops, take a walk near the lake, rent a boat.
Sapa Museum
Here they tell in detail the history of the city. The exposition is not very rich, but the entrance to the museum is free, you can go. The main part of the exhibits is presented on the second floor, and a souvenir shop is located on the lower floor.
Helpful information:
- Each visitor is invited to make a voluntary donation;
- The museum is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm;
- The attraction is located not far from the central square.
Stone church
The Catholic temple is also called the Stone Church or the Church of the Holy Rosary. Standing in the central square of Sapa, you won't be able to pass by. The cathedral was built not so long ago - at the beginning of the last century. The building is completely stone, the interior decoration is rather modest. The temple is active and is open to visitors during services. In the evening, the cathedral is illuminated and looks especially beautiful.
Helpful information:
- Service times: on weekdays and Saturdays - 5:00, 18:30 and 19:00; on Sunday at 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 6:30 pm.
- the entrance is free.
Mount Ham Rong
The foot is located almost in the center of Sapa, not far from the central square. Climbing to the top is a great way to get to know the unique flora and fauna of the region. It's well maintained, beautiful parkdecorated with gardens and waterfalls. On the territory of the park there is a playground for children, show programs are held here.
Walking will require serious physical training. The stairs lead up and down observation deck located at an altitude of 1.8 km. To get to the top and explore the mountain, it is best to set aside at least 2 hours.
Useful information: the cost of a ticket for adults is 70 thousand dongs, the price of a child's ticket is 20 thousand dongs.
Love Market
The unusual name of the attraction is associated with the history of this place. Previously, young men and women gathered here in search of a soul mate. Today the market shows a theatrical show program on Saturdays. Be sure to take money with you, the actors ask for them in exchange for songs.
Note: admission is free, but the actors must be given a nominal fee. The show is shown on Saturday evenings and takes place in the main square.
Main market
The entire central part of the city of Sapa can be called a market, since everyone is selling and buying here. However, the main trading place is located near the church. They sell fruits, fast food, household goods, everything you need to travel to the mountains. Locals sell handicrafts on the tennis court (near the market).
The market is open while it is light, admission is free.
Attractions in the vicinity of Sapa
Thac Bac Waterfall
It is located 10 km from the city, its height is 100 meters. The greatness and beauty of the waterfall acquires only in the rainy season, and in the dry season it significantly decreases in size.
Not far from the waterfall (also called Silver) there is a market, paid parking, and the ascent to the top is equipped with a staircase. For greater convenience, there are gazebos on the way, where you can relax and do nice pictures Sapy (Vietnam).
Advice! It is not necessary to leave transport in a paid parking lot, you can drive to the entrance to the waterfall and leave your bike or car by the road.
- The entrance fee is 10 thousand dongs.
- The attraction can be visited daily from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
- It is easy to get to the waterfall - it is located north of Sapa. You can get here on your own or with a guided tour.
Ham Rong pass
The road runs at an altitude of 2 km through the ridge of Mount Fansipan in the north. An amazing view of Vietnam opens from here. The only thing that can cloud the view of the landscape is fog and clouds.
The pass separates two zones with different climatic conditions... As soon as you cross the Tram Ton, instead of coolness, you experience the hot climate of the tropics. As a rule, tourists combine a visit to the pass and the waterfall, they are located 3 km from each other. Near mountain road there are trade counters. The distance from the city to the pass is approximately 17 km.
Tourists with locals in one of the villages Excursion tours depart regularly from the town to the surrounding villages. They are sold by travel agencies in hotels and just on the street. Some excursions are conducted by locals who have already retrained as guides.
Some hiking routes are quite difficult, so they are recommended to be taken exclusively as part of an excursion group. You can also arrange for an individual guided walk. The cost depends on their duration:
- calculated for 1 day - $ 20;
- calculated for 2 days - $ 40.
It is important! Climbing the summit and traveling to Ta Van and Ban Ho villages cannot be done alone. The risk of getting lost is high.
- a visit to the village will cost on average 40 thousand dongs for adults; 10 thousand dongs for children;
- it is better to come by bike and rent a room in the guesthouse;
- if you are traveling on your own, it is safest to join a group of tourists.
Mount Fansipan
The highest point of the mountain is 3.1 km. This is the highest point in Indochina. Climbing to the top will surely be a fun and unforgettable adventure in life. During the trip, you will get acquainted with the amazing flora and fauna, and upon reaching the top, you will feel that you have overcome yourself.
Several tourist routesthat differ in complexity:
- one-day - designed for hardy people who are ready for intense physical activity;
- two days - involves spending the night in a specially equipped camp, which is organized at an altitude of about 2 km;
- three days - involves two nights - in the camp and at the top.
All necessary equipment for spending the night is provided by the organizers of excursion trips.
Advice! You need to have a raincoat, comfortable shoes, socks and sweets with you to provide the body with energy. There should be a minimum of things.
Useful information: the minimum cost of climbing is $ 30, a tour from Hanoi will cost $ 150. This amount includes the cost of travel from Hanoi and accommodation in one of the hotels.
Find out the PRICES or book any accommodation using this form
Terraced rice fields
This feature gives the city and its surroundings a unique appearance and flavor. There are terraced fields in the vicinity of Sapa. From a distance it seems that rivers of rice are rolling down the mountains.
The ancient fields were created by the inhabitants for several centuries. They demonstrate the boundless creative potential of man and the determination of people to fight the power of nature, to reclaim territory, but at the same time to live in harmony with it.
Water is led from the top to the bottom, the technology is effective and at the same time safe for the mountain, since it does not destroy it.
Sapa peoples
Ethnic peoples living in Sapa and the surrounding area are mountain tribes, each with its own language, culture and customs. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that they have maintained a way of life for many centuries.
Black Hmongs
The largest group is half of the population of Sapa. Their way of life is in many ways reminiscent of paganism - they believe in spirits and worship them. If you see a round burn on Hmong's forehead, you know, this is how a headache is treated - they apply a red-hot coin. The characteristic colors of the clothes are black or dark blue.
The women have beautiful, black hair, styled in a fancy ring and secured by many bobby pins. Large earrings in the ears are considered the standard of beauty; they are worn in 5-6 pairs. Hmongs are sociable, if you need a guide to the mountains, choose among the women of this ethnicity. The Hmongs sell many souvenirs at the Sapa city market.
Red Dao (Zao)
Representatives of the nationality wear red scarves that resemble a turban, women completely shave off their eyebrows, hair on the temples and above the forehead. A woman's shaved hair and eyebrows are a sign that she is married. Cranes Zao still perform rituals and offerings of animals as a sacrifice to gods and spirits. Red Dao make up a quarter of the population of Sapa. Their villages are rarely visited by tourists because they are far enough from the city.
Representatives of these ethnic groups get married early - at the age of 14-15. Their families have many children; by the age of 40, an average of 5-6 children are born. In the vicinity of Sapa, there are mixed villages, where the Hmong and Dao live in neighboring houses, but in public places they prefer to appear separately.
Tai and Giay
In total, they make up 10% of the population of Sapa. However, in Vietnam, the Tai people are numerous. Their way of life is associated with agriculture, rice cultivation and worship of gods and spirits. Representatives of these peoples adhere to many taboos, for example, there is a ban on eating birds. It is believed that it was the Tai people who invented and organized the irrigation system for the rice fields. Clothes in indigo tones are made of cotton, the style resembles tunics from China, complemented by bright belts.
Giai's clothes are juicy pink, they are combined with green scarves. Representatives of the nationality are uncommunicative, it is difficult to meet them in Sapa.
How to get there
Sapa is a small village in a mountainous area where there is no airport, so you can only come here by bus. Most often, Sapu are sent from Hanoi. The distance between the cities is impressive - 400 km, the road takes from 9 to 10 hours. Most of the way passes along a mountain serpentine, so drivers do not develop high speed.
There are two ways to travel.
If you don't want to deal with a lot of organizational issues, just buy an excursion from Hanoi. The price includes roundtrip tickets, hotel accommodation and the program. The cost will cost an average of $ 100 and varies depending on the saturation of the excursion scenario.
Ride on your own
Buses leave regularly from Hanoi. At the travel agency you can buy a ticket to the city of Sapa. Stop in a tourist area, near the lake. Transport from Sapa arrives here.
Buses run day and night. From the point of view of comfort, it is better to go at night, the seats are unfolded, there is an opportunity to rest. In Sapa, all transport arrives at the bus station, it is located almost in the city center.
On a note! Also buy a return ticket at a travel agency. If you buy it at the bus station ticket office, the bus will take you to the bus station, not to the lake. One way ticket costs about $ 17. On holidays, the fare increases.
You can also go to Sapa from Halong. The fare will be $ 25, almost all flights follow through Hanoi.
Compare Housing Prices Using This Form
Transport in the city
Considering that the town is small, it is better to explore it while walking. This is more interesting and educational. Public transport not in the city, you can take a motorcycle taxi or a regular taxi. The best solution is to rent a bike. There are rental points in every hotel and on the street. The rental price is about $ 5-8 per day.
It is convenient to explore the city and its surroundings on a motorbike; moreover, it is cheaper than paying for sightseeing tours.
Good to know! There is a bicycle rental, renting a transport will cost only $ 1-2, and if you live in a hotel, you can be given it for free.
Sapa (Vietnam) is a special place where ancient history, picturesque nature and interesting sights are harmoniously intertwined.
More visual information about the city of Sapa (Vietnam) in the video.
Related entries:
Sapa (Vietnam) - in Wikipedia, the name translates - "hoe" - small cityfounded in 1910 thanks to the French colony. From the end of the twentieth century, the promotion of the tourism business began. Now it is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, where energetic and versatile personalities are sent.
The city is named by a couple of names - Sapa and Shapa. On the map, it is located in Lao Cai province, in the northwest of the state, almost on the border with China.
general information
In the district, the population consists of ethnic groups that differ in the colors of traditional clothing. There are many medieval villages near the town. The peoples adhere to a detached way of life.
Why is it worth going to Sapa? Sapa is a completely different Vietnam - expressive, authentic. Differs in weather and natural conditions, relief, indigenous people. According to tourists' reviews, there are all conditions for excellent shopping - fabrics are sold at outlets. high Quality, various hand made. This place is great for a short trip. There are practically no entertainment establishments, but good infrastructure, a large selection of housing.
Important to remember! There is no beach in the city! Hiking, various walks, guest tours to local villages.
How to get there? Sapa is a small town in a mountainous area and you can only get here by bus. From Hanoi to Sapa, the distance is almost four hundred kilometers, the duration of the journey is approximately ten hours.
More dispatches pass from Halong. The ticket price is twenty-five dollars, but they transit through Hanoi.
Attractions in the city
The most basic - settlement center and market. There are cafes and restaurants, various trade shops, a walk in the reservoir on a rented boat.
Sapa Museum... A detailed story about the fate of the settlement. The exhibit is not large, but a ticket to the museum is not paid, but if you wish, you can make a donation.
Catholic temple or Stone church located in the central square of Sapa. It was erected at the beginning of the twentieth century from stone, inside is restrained decoration. Divine services are held. At night it lights up with lights and looks unique. The entrance is not paid.
Base ham Rong mountains located in the central part of the city. The ascent to the peak is a great opportunity to get to know one of a kind plant and animal worlds. This is a tidy, beautiful park, decorated with gardens and waterfalls.
The road is winding - it goes down, then up. It takes at least a couple of hours in time. The price is 70,000 dong, for children - 20,000 dong.
Ham Rong pass - the path lies at an altitude of two kilometers through the Fansipan mountain range on the north side. The panorama is mesmerizing! However, there is often cloudiness or nebula, which can make it difficult to see.
Love Market - an interesting name has long roots. Earlier there was a gathering of young people for the purpose of acquaintance and serious relationships. The market is currently hosting a show on its first day off. The artists sing, collect money in return, but the entrance ticket is not paid.
Main market Is the center of the town. Here they sell and buy everything possible - ready-made food, household products, mountain equipment. The market functions only during daylight hours, admission is free.
Nearby attractions.
Tha Bak waterfall (Silver) one hundred meters high is located ten kilometers from the town. The grandeur and dazzle of the waterfall radiates mainly in the rainy season, in drought - the size is rather modest. Not far from it there are stalls and a parking lot. On the way up there are gazebos. They are allowed to rest and take pictures. The entrance ticket costs ten thousand dongs. The waterfall is located in the north of Sapa.
Mount Fansipanhas the highest mark of Indochina - 3.1 kilometers.
It is possible to climb to the top by routes of different difficulty:
- one-day - designed for persistent people who are not afraid of an increased load;
- two days - with an overnight stay in a prepared camp at an altitude of two kilometers;
- three days - with a couple of nights - in the camp and at the top.
All required equipment is provided by tour coordinators. It is advisable to take with you closed shoes, a raincoat, change of clothes and energy food (bars, nuts). The tour price ranges from thirty dollars, a trip from Hanoi will cost one hundred and fifty dollars.
Indigenous travel. Excursions often run from the town to the nearest settlements. The price depends on the complexity and duration of the chosen route: one-day - twenty dollars, two-day - forty dollars.
On a note! Climbing the summit on your own and traveling to Ta Van and Ban Ho villages is prohibited. You can get lost!
Tips: it is better to come on vacation by motor transport and rent accommodation in the guesthouse; for independent travelers - join a group; familiarize yourself with the cost of residential properties in advance and, if possible, book!
Terraced rice fields endow the landscape of the area with a special uniqueness. The feeling is as if rice rivers are rolling down the mountains. The ancient fields were formed by the population over several centuries. This is a symbol of the immeasurable creative human resource and the courage of mankind to fight against nature itself, to conquer the land, but do not forget about harmony. Irrigation systems are located from top to bottom and do not harm the mountain itself.
Ethnicity of Sapa - these are nationalities with individual rituals, language, civilization, way of life.
Black Hmongs -numerous nationality. Their lifestyle is very similar to paganism - faith and worship of spirits. The headache is healed by applying a hot coin. The color scheme of the attire is black or dark blue. The female half has black hair gathered in a hairstyle in the form of a ring with hairpins. An example to follow is large earrings in the ears in the amount of five to six pairs. They love to talk and are excellent guides to mountainous areas. Hmongs sell souvenirs at the Sapa outlets.
Red Dao (Zao) - representatives of the tribe wear red scarves that look like a turban. Ladies shave eyebrows, temple hair and forehead. This is a symbol of marriage. The people have adopted rituals of sacrifice. The settlements are located far from the city, so excursions to those places are rare.
Tai and Giay account for ten percent of the inhabitants of Sapa. But throughout the country, the Tai tribe is large. They cultivate rice and pray to spirits and deities. Do not eat poultry. The indigo-colored robes are made of cotton, the style is similar to the Chinese tunics with colorful belts.
clothing Giai saturated pink shade, it is combined with green scarves. The nationality is not very talkative and does not just meet.
Sapa is perhaps the most amazing town in Vietnam, as if always soaring in the clouds, where the time and way of life of local residents stopped many centuries ago, and the landscapes of rice terraces were created with geometric precision by nature and man and painted in a variety of colors depending on the time of the year.
Here, underneath high mountain Vietnam's Fansipan, the last peak of the Himalayan range of mountains, absorbs the age-old wisdom and clearly understand that this is the very place that will remain in the heart forever.
Most of the Vietnamese rice exported around the world originates from here. At harvest time, everything goes into action: rice grains are used to make noodles, wine and vinegar, rice straw is used for sandals, baskets, roofs and ropes.
Nothing has changed here for centuries: the same peace, the same buffaloes used for work, the river provides the same fish, serves for bathing and washing clothes.
Have you ever wanted to touch the clouds, and then, having climbed the mountains even higher, to see them below, under your feet, enveloping everything around in a dense veil? Then welcome to Sapa, it is definitely worth a visit.
Sapa (or Sapa, as the Vietnamese themselves call it) is a small cool oasis, a high-mountain town located almost on the very border of northern Vietnam with China. This place meets all the expectations of those who want to escape from the stifling heat of the resort towns and huge cities of Saigon and Hanoi.
Sapa, first seen last winter, beckoned me with a beautiful advertising poster with views of rice fields, as if painted by a skilled artist and haunted for a long time - and I decided.
With all its outward friendliness, Vietnam can be incomprehensible, difficult, wild and even dangerous, and for those who decide to get here on their own, just like me, I will try to make this task easier and share my experience of independent travel to the very north of Vietnam.
*** What is interesting to see in Sapa ***
is a small town on the border with China, which was founded by French colonists in 1910. All buildings and hotels built in Sapa are reminiscent of the French colonial past - small buildings and restaurants built in the European style, small bakeries with baguettes and croissants, a market, several shops and Vietnamese street food. English and French are well spoken here, and in the ethnic villages farthest from Sapa, one can communicate using sign language.
Sapa left me with the feeling of a city “floating in the clouds”, and indeed, located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, it is almost always shrouded in dense thick clouds. Towards noon, the weather dissipates and the sun peeps out. Sapa is notable for small authentic villages in the highlands, the visit of which is included in the main trekking routes.
In Vietnam, there are officially about 54 nationalities and two, perhaps the smallest of them, can be met in Sapa. I saw only women here, working as guides, easily overcoming routes of 30 kilometers with babies on their backs. Those who cannot make long hiking trails sell colorful embroidered bags and national dresses in the city center and in front of hotels. Men have a role to play here - they are engaged only in agriculture.
Khmong girls in national clothes, bright as butterflies, in the morning wait for tourists near hotels in the hope of giving them a tour of the neighborhood. The price of such a tour is $ 10-15 per day, but they are still very careful about money, offering to buy something from their "crafts".
These two small ethnic groups get along very peacefully with each other and can only be distinguished by their clothes: Hmongs are always in black national costumes with brightly embroidered flowers, and Dzao girls with a red scarf wrapped around their heads. The marital status of a Dzao woman is literally written on her face: those whose eyebrows are completely plucked out are married.
I was very surprised that it is customary for them to get married at 13-15 years old and give birth to 50, completely submitting to a man in everything, but under all living conditions and terrible poverty, they always remain friendly and smiling. Hmong and Dzao are animists, they believe in the forces of nature and are treated not by doctors, but by shamans, give birth to 10-12 children and do not care too much about their upbringing.
*** Tram Ton Pass Gateway to Heaven ***
This is one of the longest hiking trails in Sapa, which is laid at an altitude of 2000 meters and passes at the junction of two climatic zones, the weather here abruptly changes from cool to warm. We walked only 12 kilometers along the pass, and this is only a small part of this route and, given the time and effort, it deserves more attention.
*** Waterfalls ***
In the vicinity of Sapa there are two waterfalls Thac Bac Silver Falls and Thak Tin Falls of Love, which are more interesting during the rainy season.
Our route took place with a stop at the Silver Falls and in truth, he did not impress me.
*** Small authentic villages ***
A must-see place. All hiking trails pass through the villages. Here you can get acquainted with the life of the Hmong and Dzao, dine and even stay overnight in the houses of local residents. I did not risk it, although there were a lot of people willing among our group.
*** How to get to Sapa ***
For a long time I planned a trip to Sapa on my own from the resort of Nha Trang, having studied in advance that tours are organized only from Hanoi and already here in local travel agencies, they can be purchased for various periods of two to five days with accommodation in a hotel or country house.
The tours include the road to Sapa by train, but it should be borne in mind that the agency charges twice as much for its services.
From Hanoi to Sapa - 438 kilometers and you can get there by train that goes every evening to Lao Cai station or on the very comfortable sleeping bus common in Wetnam - a bus with folding seats, which are not much different from a full wide bed.
Get from the resort of Nha Trang and Mui Ne to Hanoi you can take a plane, a train (it goes along the coast through the whole country and this is a great opportunity to see Vietnam more closely) or on a sleeping bus - a bus with sleeping places.
Ticket pricesby bus from Hanoi to Sapa - $ 32 in both directions, train tickets cost $ 42.
I really wanted to take a Vietnamese train and I chose this path). It is worth noting that Vietnamese trains are not much different from modern Russian ones: the site offers seats of varying degrees of comfort, and the ticket price depends on this. There are also two-seater compartments and ordinary reserved seats.
*** Accommodation in Sapa ***
I had booked in advance for two nights and three days and only considered it as a transit point. I paid $ 15 per night for single accommodation. The main condition for choosing a hotel was the availability of hot water and heating, I read that in many Sapa hotels there are big problems with this.
The location of this hotel is one of the most successful: the hotel is in a very beautiful place and in clear weather there is an excellent view of the highest mountain Fansipan. The center is not far away, 10 minutes on foot. I have no complaints about the hotel, on the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent cuisine, cleanliness and high service.
Alternatively, in Sapa, locals offer to stay with them in their villages, in wooden houses on stilts in the village of Kat Kat or in a house by the river in the village of Laochai. There are a lot of options and they are much cheaper than hotels, but here everyone decides for himself what exactly suits him. I did not consider Home stay in a Vietnamese village at all, despite the fact that this is the cheapest option and many hiking routes start from the villages.
There are many cheap apartment hotels in the city center. The price range is $ 7-15 per room and slightly lower than the price of local residents for placing a house. Nevertheless, it is felt that Sapa is a region that has not yet been spoiled by mass tourism.
***Food***
There are no problems with food in Sapa, in cafes and restaurants they cook everything the same as in resort cities and prices are slightly lower than in Nha Trang.
The most famous Vietnamese soup Pho Bo - strong beef broth with rice noodles - this favorite dish of all tourists costs $ 1.5 here.
Well, for those who like to take risks - little-known Vietnamese food, cooked right on the street
***Route***
I bought a two-day hiking route at the hotel, joining a group of European tourists who had come with me for $ 25 for two days. The first day included a 12-kilometer trekking to the village of Kat Kat and a trek through the bamboo forest to the Silver Falls.
The second day promised us more: 20 kilometers of the way and crossing the Tram Ton pass, an overview of the beauty of Sapa at an altitude of 2,000 meters, and after that - a visit to the Dzao tribe in the village of Ta Van and the village of Jiang Ta Chai.
So, having breakfast at the hotel on the first day, we hit the road.
After passing the center, Sapy, we set off along a short 12 km route to the village of Kat Kat, to the bamboo forest, to the waterfall.
Almost always in the morning the city is immersed in dense fog. Rice is grown on such terraces, and now they are just preparing for sowing in May.
Again I misunderstood the season, postponing the trip until April, but I had no other chance to see this city. And even in spite of the fact that sometimes on impassable areas we literally "kneaded the dirt" I do not regret anything).
We approach the village of Kat Kat, there is a school and even a Catholic church.
We pass through the bamboo forest
On the way we meet buffaloes and wild boars
Our group is diverse and from all over the world, it's a pity that I never met the Russians here.
The guide is a 47-year-old Hmong Mai with her seventh child behind her. Women grow old here very early, from constant childbirth and hard work. But how dashingly she gallops with the baby along the most difficult places of the route for us!
We return to the hotel, tired but happy. The next day we have a 20 km crossing over the pass and a visit to the village along the way.
The views on the next day pleased us - it is incredibly beautiful here even in the off-season and it is very easy to breathe, despite the height!
The route is quite difficult and requires endurance. But it is definitely worth walking on.
The village of Dzao is traditional, which has existed for several centuries with its usual way of life and it is unlikely that something will change here in the future. Men will also be engaged in sowing and harvesting, women - giving birth to many children and trying to earn money by making souvenirs with their own hands. In children, the fate is determined for many years ahead and rarely is it different.
Lunch in local villages is standard and simple - rice, chicken and green tea.
After lunch, half-dead from fatigue, we set off to inspect the local school.
*** Weather and seasonality ***
In my opinion, Sapa is beautiful at any time of the year. I got here in mid-April and this is not best time for beautiful views and landscape photographs, but good clear weather in the highlands is rare at any time of the year. There are about 200 days a year fog and rain, constant humidity and a clear feeling of "life on a cloud".
Rice terraces differ in color every month, and it all depends on which Sapa color you prefer.
Emerald Green Sapathere are only two months of the year, in June and July, when the rice sprouts are just gaining strength.
Golden orange this place becomes in August-September, when the rice is almost ripe and harvest takes place in September-October.
In winterin Sapa the temperature drops to zero and sometimes it snows and this is not the best time to visit these places.
well and spring - this is the time to knead the mud when the terraces are being prepared for the May sowing.
*** Results ***
Whether to devote a few days to Sapa or not - here let everyone decide for himself. If you, like me, love hiking in the mountains and admire beautiful views more than a calm and comfortable stay at the hotel, then this is the place for you.
As I wrote above, the route can be selected depending on the degree of physical fitness. There is a beautiful cable car to the top of the mountain, which I left without attention, deciding to walk along the route on my own and it is she who will save you from tedious mountain crossings and allow you to admire the same landscapes.
The impressions of this place for many will depend on the season and you need to proceed from what exactly you would like to see here. Also, you don't need to know English well, here nobody knows it perfectly well, you don't need to have a lot of money to watch the most beautiful places in the world - my trip turned out to be very budgetary.
Enjoy your travels and good mood!
P.S.Having met this pangolin monster in the mountains of northern Vietnam, do not even think about taking it with you, warn posters at Hanoi airport.
And it’s even strange that someone might have similar desires at the sight of this incomprehensible animal, I wanted to run from him in the opposite direction.
Sapa is a small town in the mountains in the north of Vietnam, 300 km from Hanoi. What's in Sapa? Rice terraces, mountains, unparalleled views and ancient Chinese tribes. Even if you've been everywhere in Vietnam, Sapa will surprise you.
Photos of Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. Distance to the border with China 35 km. Sapa, as well, is one of those must-see places in northern Vietnam.
When is the best time to go to Sapa
The weather in Sapa is a lottery. If you are very lucky, it will be sunny and you can enjoy the beauty of the views to the fullest. But most of the time in Sapa it is foggy and rainy.
On the first day it was cloudy, the fog cleared a little and we could see the valley
Travel guides recommend spring and fall. It is very cold in winter and rains in summer. We arrived in Shapa at the end of October and despite the advice that September and October are considered some of the best months to visit Sapa, it was foggy.
Shapa in the fog
On the first day there was almost no fog, and on the second a white cloud covered the city. It is probably best to come in spring or September. Plus, in October, the already harvested rice harvest and rice terraces are less impressive.
Several types of these mountain rice fields, so that you, our dear readers, have an idea of \u200b\u200bthe main attraction of Sapa, thanks to which the village has become recognizable all over the world.
SaPa developed city
In the first seconds in Sapa, we hardly believed that we had arrived in the village. This is not for you, with which we previously compared Sapa. And not even. Everything is developed in Sapa, even more than in some parts of Hanoi.
Day photo of Sa Pa Vietnam
Vietnam Sapa in the evening
There is nothing to do without warm clothes in Sapa. The hoodie and jacket are our daily wear. It was warmer in Dalat
In Sapa you will find pharmacies, tourist shops, souvenir and clothing stores, several supermarkets, full-fledged branches of Agribank banks, MB-bank (ATM without commission) and others, markets with vegetables, fruits and meat.
Hai Yen Mart is one of the decent convenience stores with prices
Sapa in Vietnam turned out to be a full-fledged city in the north of the country, suitable for living. If you have your own apartment with a kitchen and heating, you can safely live for a month when you get bored somewhere in the cold autumn in Russia. We even saw one such European a couple of times who bought vegetables and meat for cooking at the market.
Catholic cathedral from the time of the French in the center of Sapa
The inscription of one of the hotels, against which everyone takes pictures
Lake with beautiful evening illumination on a foggy evening
The embankment of the lake in Sapa reminded us
Life is boiling everywhere. Vietnamese and Europeans fill cafes and restaurants. Music plays, people take pictures and are glad that they got here. Everything is really well-groomed in the center of Sapa. Garbage is not lying on the roadside, but in garbage dumps, the streets are clean and does not smell of anything. Only the roads are bad. We breathed in the mountain air so much that we both dream all night long
Where can I book an airport transfer?
We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online, paid with a card. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name. Drove to the hotel in a comfortable car. They have already told about their experience in this article
Who lives in Sapa
What do we know about Sapa? Almost nothing. Scraps of sources that say that the population of Sapa mainly consists of the ancient peoples of China, the Black Hmong and Red Dao tribes. A distinctive feature of which is clothing. The Hmongs have black hair, while the Tao wear red hats and the women shave their hair on their foreheads and at the temples.
Tourism comes first
All residents, whoever they are, are ordinary Vietnamese, who maintain hotels or cafes, live in tourism, in fact, like the rest of Sapa. Women in national clothes work with tourist guides and sell souvenirs. In the city center, dirty kids from the tribe sell baubles to tourists, but they do not pester much.
In such baskets, local Hmong women carry loads on their backs day after day.
Despite the rice fields, the rice harvest in Sapa is weak and it is not necessary to expect that it will fully provide for the people properly. The Hmong and Tao work as guides, needlewomen, housewives and traders at the same time.
Hmong women are hired by tourists to avoid paying for excursions. She will guide you through all interesting places, but after the trip is over, you have to buy something from her and her friends.
It should be noted that red Dao come across much less often than black Hmong and they are less clingy.
Red Dao hats seen from afar
The Hmongs follow you, even if not on your heels, but sometimes it is intrusive. They ask to buy something and send the children to the same simple job.
We must give them their due, because the Hmong and Tao are still needlewomen. Their outfits and accessories look truly unique. This is a lot of work!
National costumes
In their own incomparable outfits, they go about in everyday life, which makes them different from the rest of the Vietnamese.
But to call the way of life of these peoples primitive, my language will not turn. Hmongs already speak in full english language, know how to drive up to a gape at the ATM and enjoy all the benefits of civilization.
Modern large telephones can be seen in the hands of the Hmong, and children watch movies after returning from school. Not all, of course. Some kids just stop at the restaurant and from the side try to see cartoons on the TV, since their TV is probably not in their shed.
They all look unusual and strange. I want to look at them, but the wilder Tao and Hmong live in the most remote corners of Sapa, where only a few people reach, or even do not. They live in a primitive way of life.
On the second day we planned to walk to the distant villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, but fog and drizzling rain interrupted our walk and we had to return.
So we walk along Sapa, warming ourselves as much as possible and with an umbrella
Cafes and restaurants in Sapa
North Vietnam will feed the traveler right. In Sapa, at every turn there are cafeterias, stalls with baguettes, simple eateries for locals, decent cafes and restaurants.
Two-storey restaurants overlooking the lake in the city center. Pubs with billiards, where American and European youth like to spend evenings with loud music
You can go to different establishments three times a day and you can't go around everything. We had no desire to eat in different cafes every time, as we have already learned from the experience of experimenting with Vietnamese restaurants. Usually, if we find one cafe where it is tasty and inexpensive, we eat there all the time.
Cafe 24 is located on Fansipan Street. The portions are always large and the prices are lower than in Hanoi. Dishes average 50 to 100 VND. Our account for two is about 200 dongs ($ 10). The food is delicious, beautiful, which is already a success for Vietnam, since Vietnamese usually do not bother with the appearance of the dishes. When ordering a duck, they can bring you a bird right with its head on a plate.
Sesame meat, Sapa's feature
Fried puffy meat in a cast-iron skillet is a local northern cuisine. The most delicious vegetable rolls in Vietnam I ate in Sapa. The creamy chicken soup was surprisingly onion-free. Fried rice with vegetables - this is a portion for three, I couldn't even finish eating it!
What to eat in Sapa
In Sapa, we tried different dishes. Of the traditional ones, I especially liked the tea with apple and cinnamon. It’s the very thing to warm up after a long walk.
Apple cinnamon tea is the most delicious tea in Vietnam!
We tried the local beer Lao Cai.
Construction site in Sapa
Hotel construction is underway in Sapa. In recent vacant lots, builders are building huge hotels with panoramic views to the rice fields. People build by hand, practically without proper equipment and modern technology. Brick by brick. Wherever you stay in Sapa, you will still hear the construction site.
Animals
It seems that all the animals of Vietnam live in Sapa. After all, it is almost impossible to see walking dogs or cats in Vietnam, as on the streets of Thailand. Cats in this country have always been disliked. But for some reason there are a lot of animals in Sapa. Here you and chickens with roosters, dogs of different breeds, buffaloes, pigs, large spiders and unusual butterflies.
A faithful red-haired friend entertained us in a cafe while waiting for an order
Large breeds of dogs live in every home. Pigs and chickens with chickens roam the villages
Cheap hotels in Sapa with view
Hotels in Sapa are a real find for travelers. Most of the hotels have a good view or a shared balcony. We recommend choosing hotels in Sapa with a view, for which it is worth paying an extra couple of dollars here. The room rate, as a rule, will include breakfast, and the rooms themselves are much more modern than in the capital of Vietnam. And they are cheaper.
- Phuong Nam Hotel
- Sapa House Hotel
- Fansipan Terrace Cafe and Homestay
- Sapa Center Hotel
- Sapa Hills Hotel
All hotels in the area
Sapa reviews
Probably, for me, the above was the biggest discovery in Sapa. Even not so much rice terraces as the city itself, its inhabitants, its atmosphere, food and unpretentious, but at the same time, quite complicated way of life. I will not deny that we are imbued with nature. Even in the fog, Sapa's colors seemed to us the richest than in all of Vietnam, and we have passed it now, consider that all.
In Vietnam, there is always some kind of dust coating everywhere. Lacks a rich palette of colors. The photo shows that you are, as it were, in Asia, but not in some tropical colorful country, which you draw in your imagination. Here Sapa brought this imagination to life.
Sapa has become for us the brightest spot in northern Vietnam. Of the main attractions of the north, we put Sapu in first place, Halong in second, Ninh Binh in third. Well, Hanoi, of course, is also worth your attention.
This is what Sapa looks like in clear weather.
If we somehow find ourselves in Hanoi in the spring, we will definitely go again to Shapa to see the mountains and rice fields in the best... I just hope that next time the weather will be lucky.
In the next articles we will tell you about our hotel and the Kat-Kat village with a waterfall and a mountain river.
Have you been to Sapa? Write your feedback in the comments. If you did not know about such a city, write, was it interesting to read? Did you feel like going there yourself?
Located in the northern mountains of Vietnam, the city of Sapa is a must-see for visitors to Vietnam due to its natural beauty, comfortable weather and many attractions. In this article you will find the information you need to travel to this piece of paradise.
Sapa - a small town in the mountains of Vietnam
Sapa is beautiful at different times of the year. If you want to see the peach blossom, you have to come here in January or February, the pear blossom in March, in May you will see the water filling the rice terraces, the fruit season here lasts from June to August, and in September you can watch how farmers harvest from rice terraces.
Geographical position
Sapa is located in Lao Tsai province, northwestern Vietnam, 380 km from Hanoi, close to the border with China. Next to Sapa is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fanshipan, which is 3143 meters above sea level.
Sapa is a quiet, mountainous city and also a haven for diverse ethnic groups. The total population is 36 thousand people. Most of the locals work on the mountain slopes. The main foods are rice and corn.
The geographical location of the area makes it a truly unique place for the growth of many unusual plants and exotic animals, which attracts many tourists.
Shapa Map
How to get there
From Kiev, Moscow and other big cities, you can fly by plane to Hanoi, and then get from it to Sapa using a bus, taxi or train. The latter takes 7–8 hours to Lao Cai, after which you still need to go an hour by regular bus to Sapa. A regular compartment train ticket costs from 375 thousand dong, which is about $ 17 per person one way. Intermediaries sell tickets more expensive: at least $ 35. It is much more profitable to get to Sapa by bus "sleeper bass". The ticket costs from $ 18 (about 360 thousand dong). The bus arrives at Lao Cai Station, from where regular buses leave for Sapa.
Climate and weather by month
The climate in the city is mild and rainy in summer (May-August), and foggy and cold in winter. The average annual temperature is + 15.4 ° C. It is warmest here in July and August, and colder in December and January. Sapa has subtropical summers, mild winters and 160 days of fog.
The average annual rainfall in Sapa is 2763 mm, humidity ranges from 75 to 91%, the average is 86% per year.
Important! The rainy season lasts from May to September, with the heaviest rainfall in July and August.
The prevailing wind direction for most of the year is from west to east, which leads to the formation of clouds on the upper slopes of the Fansipan massif. These areas are covered with clouds most days of the year and have very high humidity. Clouds also penetrate valleys, but these areas are usually less humid than mountain slopes.
The main attractions of the city
A visit to any city means getting to know its sights. Sapa in this regard can surprise even experienced tourists.
Be sure to visit these places:
- It is one of the most interesting ethnic markets in Vietnam and possibly throughout Southeast Asia. Sunday is Bak Ha market day. On this day, locals gather here in huge crowds to exchange the latest news, gossip, as well as shopping and a hearty lunch.
- Love market.Various performances and shows are held here. He works on Saturday evening.
- The path leading to this mountain consists of many stone steps along a winding path. About halfway through, you will encounter an orchid garden with a wide variety of these plants. Standing on the highest point of Mount Hamrong, you will have a breathtaking view of the picturesque town of Sapa. In the spring the mountain is covered with bright colors.
- located in the heart of the city. You can take a boat ride or just walk around it.
- ... Located in the very center of the city, built at the beginning of the XX century. You can visit it for free, but only during the service.
- Terraced fields - a feature of this area. Here the locals grow rice. Using the experience of previous generations, they were able to carry water from the tops of the mountains to their feet without destroying the mountains themselves.
Did you know? There are a lot of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Although it is a mistake to think that the Vietnamese are Buddhists. 80% of them are atheists and only 9% are Buddhists.
What to see for tourists in the vicinity
Outside of Sapa, there are many beauties to see:
- Field of the ancients... There are more than 200 painted and painted boulders here. They are of various shapes and sizes and are scattered over an area of \u200b\u200b8 km. The age of the inscriptions and drawings on the stones is more than 2 thousand years.
- Climbing it will take approximately 7 hours. It is better to climb with a guide, as you can get lost because of the fog.
- : located 10 km from the city. This place has ancient cave paintings and mysterious inscriptions. In the Muong Hoa Valley, many travelers choose to walk to explore the life and culture of the indigenous peoples while watching the Muong Hoa Falls pass through beautiful terraced rice fields.
- Excursion to urban villages... You can see how the locals live and work. Walking through the villages, you will come across many women wearing traditional embroidered dresses.
- Thak-Bak waterfall or Silver Falls. It is especially beautiful during the rainy season.
- - the highest in Vietnam. On the way to it you can enjoy nature and beautiful landscapes.
- The villages of Kat Kat and Ta Fin... It will appeal to those interested in local culture. Visiting Kat Kat is paid, while Ta Fin is free. The locals are very friendly and hospitable, but keep in mind that they expect reciprocity from you, which you can show by buying souvenirs from them. There is a small hotel in the village of Ta Fin for those who want to stay here.
Important!In especially popular places, where many tourists often congregate, you need to be on the lookout: valuables and money can be stolen from you without even noticing it.
Hotels
Sapa has a good selection of hotels. The room rate usually includes breakfast, and the rooms themselves are comfortable and equipped with heating.
Most popular hotels:
Did you know? Sapa is the only city in Vietnam with heating in hotels. Old establishments use fireplaces and stoves for this, and new ones use electric heaters.
Where to eat tasty and inexpensive
In Sapa, there are cafes, restaurants, pubs, eateries or food stalls at every step.
Popular places among tourists:
What to bring
In numerous souvenir shops or at the local market, you can buy anything you want to remember your vacation in this town. Most big market in the neighborhood is the Bak Ha market. Here locals sell hand-made goods: pillowcases, bedspreads, paintings, silver jewelry, handmade clothes. Moreover, not only goods are of interest, but also the merchants themselves, who are dressed in colorful, bright national costumes. Souvenirs can also be bought from locals in the city itself for just a couple of dollars. This is their main income. When buying, bargain with the seller, but avoid aggressive negotiations.
Sapa - amazing placewhere you should visit by building your itinerary to Vietnam. Here you can enjoy the extraordinarily beautiful nature and plunge into the life and culture of local residents. You will remember such a trip for a long time!
