Alpine Sapa (Shapa) is an unforgettable combination of magnificent landscapes, a wonderful climate and the original ethnic culture of the high-altitude peoples of Vietnam. Sapa is located in a remote location, it retains its authenticity and special flavor.
Trekking and hiking in the vicinity of Sapa, which allows you to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the highlands and rice terraces and get to know the traditions and customs of local peoples, attract eco-tourism lovers from all over the world to Sapa.
Allocate at least 3 full days for Sapa.
View of Sapa. Photo credit: Bằng Ngọc, Flickr
why go
Don't miss in Sapa
- Upon arrival in Sapa, take a walk to the small picturesque village of Ket Ket, located near the city for that - this walk is a great way to "first meet" Sapa.
- Spend a day or two on long walking walks to the high mountain villages. Sapa's trekking routes lie through scenic rice terraces and bamboo groves. In the villages, you can get to know the locals better and enjoy the pleasant and calm atmosphere of the Vietnamese hinterland.
- Get up early in the morning to visit the small but colorful Sapa market or visit one of the larger markets in the area.
- Rent a motorbike or rent a motorbike taxi and head to the Silver Falls, the road and surroundings of which are famous for magnificent views.
- Look for decent options among the vast array of knockoffs of branded sportswear and equipment that the city's shops offer.
- After long walks in the surroundings, the best option for an evening is a foot massage or traditional hot stone massage plus a delicious dinner and a glass of local wine.
Lunch in Sapa. Photo (photo credit): Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog
locals
Ethnic peoples of Sapa
Mountain tribes are migratory communities, each of which has its own ancient culture, language, traditions and customs. The lifestyle of the mountain tribes has practically not been affected by civilization - mountain people live the same way as they lived hundreds of years ago, pay little attention to the borders and laws of the countries in which they live, wear the clothes that their ancestors wore, eat traditional food for the community and are engaged in traditional crafts. The highlands of Vietnam are inhabited by quite a few tribes, the most characteristic of which are the Hmong and Tao.
Black Hmongs
This ethnic group is the largest in the Sapa region, accounting for over 50% of the total population of Sapa. The roots of the Hmong people are Chinese, which naturally affects the appearance. Hmongs are very easy to recognize - they wear the characteristic dark blue or black clothes made of rough cloth. Hmong women tend to have lovely long hair, which they often hide in their traditional headdresses.
The Hmong are a very sociable people who easily make contact with tourists. Hmong women, by the way, are the best local guides, but letting Hmongs accompany you, be ready for after-shopping, there are many local souvenirs in the baskets of Hmongs for sale, you will hardly be able to refuse them after a day on the road) ...
Black Hmongs on the trail to Tawan village. Photo credit: PhotosHP (pfoertners), Flickr
Red Dao
This people, whose roots also go back to China, are easily recognizable by the red headdresses worn by local women. Tao women shave their eyebrows and wear massive silver jewelry. The Tao make up about 25% of the population of Sapa, so they are much less common than the Hmong, and the Tao villages are much smaller, more remote and less visited by travelers.
A woman from the Red Dao tribe with her baby. Photo credit: Raphael Bick, Flickr
Tai and Giay
In total, the Tai and Giai peoples make up about 10% of the population of Sapa, although in general in Vietnam, the Tai ethnic group is considered the largest and most integrated into Vietnamese society. Tai women and men wear indigo cotton clothing that resembles long Chinese tunics. Bright belts and shawls are also characteristic elements of this group's clothing. The Ghiai people are easily recognizable by their pink clothes, which are combined with bright plaid scarves. Representatives of the Tai and Giai ethnic groups rarely communicate with travelers and rarely meet in the city. You can meet them mainly in the markets.
At the Bakha market. Photo credit: Gerard Ruiters (pfoertners), Flickr
colorful places
Sapa Markets
The Sapa Markets are the best way to experience the colorful atmosphere of Sapa and see the majority of local people. The easiest way is to get up early in the morning and visit the local market in Sapa. In addition, virtually all guesthouses in Sapa offer trips to remote local markets in the region. The largest, most picturesque and most popular is the Bac Ha Sunday market, which is located 120 km from Sapa.
Rice terraces on the way to Tavan. Photo credit: José Eduardo Silva, Flickr
Trekking in the Tavan Valley. Photo (photo credit): Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog
Trekking to the village of Tafin
This trekking destination is less popular with tourists and is therefore more likely to delight seekers of an authentic experience. It is better to take a local Hmong guide for this route (ask at the reception of your hotel or find yourself an escort in the city). Tafin is a little-visited village of very pleasant and shy Red Dao. You can also stay overnight in the village - there are some very basic guest houses.
On the rice terraces of Sapa. Photo credit: Sylvain Marcelle (pfoertners), Flickr
Climbing to the top of Fansipan
Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, the peak of which is located at an altitude of 3143 meters above sea level. An absolutely gorgeous view opens from the top; from here, in good weather, you can even see the mountains of the Chinese province of Yunnan.
To begin with, you can climb to the top of Fansipan by cable car, to which buses run regularly from Sapa. Descent and ascent along the cable car with the bus will cost around $ 20.
Trekking routes, designed for two or three days, pass along the most picturesque slopes of Fansipan. Most trekking groups start from the Tram Ton Pass and spend the night at 2800 m before climbing to the summit.
Don't try to cross Fansipan yourself, take a trekking tour. In addition to guides, the tour price usually includes porters' services and all the necessary equipment.
View from Fansipan. Photo credit: Andrey Sulitskiy, Flickr
Trekking tours in Sapa
The most popular and affordable type of tours offered in Sapa are valley tours to the village of Tavan with optional overnight stays either in Tavan or Lao Chai. Usually such tours are accompanied by Hmongs. There are, in fact, two options for organizing - to view and book available tour options online or to book on site at a hotel upon arrival in Sapa.
If you are planning to take an overnight tour in the valley, book in advance. Also book long-distance trekking in advance (they are always more expensive, but take you far from the main tourist trails of Sapa).
Another trekking option that we would recommend you book in advance is the ascent to Fansipan.
Day walks in the valley around Sapa can be easily booked locally. When buying a tour, you will most likely be joined to a group, so please check the group size when booking.
See all options for tours in Sapa.
Moto and bike tours
An alternative way to discover the beauty of Sapa is to take a motorcycle or bicycle tour.
On a motorcycle tour you participate as a driver, so a driver's license and the ability to drive a motorbike are required. Cycling tours - mountain biking, mountainous terrain, calculate your strength before booking a tour.
guest houses in villages
Sapa (Vietnam) - in Wikipedia the name is translated - "hoe" - a small town founded in 1910, thanks to the French colony. From the end of the twentieth century, the promotion of the tourism business began. It is now one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam for energetic and versatile personalities.
The city is named by a couple of names - Sapa and Shapa. It is located on the map 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 the reviews of tourists, there are all conditions for excellent shopping - high quality fabrics are sold at retail outlets, and various hand made products. 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 dong. 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 overnight stays - 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 the villages of Ta Van and Ban Ho 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 run 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 in Sapa's 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 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.
Content with the rich lands of the coastal plains, the Vieta never took an interest in the inaccessible mountains lying on the border of China's Yunnan province. Inhabited by numerous tribes of highlanders, Sapa was "discovered" by the French in the late 1880s. In 1903, a military post appeared on the site of the future city - this is how the name "Sapa" first appeared on a map of the area compiled by army topographers two years earlier.
In 1912, a sanatorium for the officers of the Tonkin troops appeared here, and since 1914 it has become customary for government officials to spend hot summer months in the cool Sapa. Since 1917, a tourist office began to operate in Sapa, which laid the well-known pedestrian routes in the vicinity. Very quickly, by the beginning of the 1920s, the city expanded, embellished with hotels and private villas. The French, who took a fancy to this place, called it Shapa, emphasizing the last syllable. Following the colonial tourists, the Vietnamese were drawn to Sapa, serving their needs.
With the outbreak of World War II, the resort quickly fell into decay - at that difficult time there was no time for rest. The situation worsened even more in 1947, when the summer capital of French Indochina was first attacked by Viet Minh troops. Two years later, the colonial troops finally left the city, and in 1952 the French aviation subjected Sapa to a “farewell” bombing that destroyed most of the colonial buildings, of which there were almost two hundred by that time. The Vietnamese population of Sapa left the destroyed city for a long time. They began to return here only in the late 1960s. In 1979, Sapa became an extreme point of the advancement of Chinese troops deep into Vietnamese territory. In 1993, due to general changes in the country, the region opened up for international tourism. Nowadays there are 44 hotels of different levels in Sapa and its surroundings.
The local indigenous population consists mainly of representatives of small ethnic groups in the mountains. 52% are Khmon, 25% - CJSC, 5% - Thai and 2% - Ziai. The smallest ethnic group in Sapa is the Sapho. Vieta make up only 15% of the region's 40,000 population. The city itself is home to 7 thousand people, all of them are employed in the tourism industry. Despite the war years and many years of desolation, a French presence is still felt in Sapa: the old layout has been preserved, fragments of colonial buildings have survived, and on the streets every now and then come across signs in French Auberge ("hotel") or Lessive ("laundry" ).
Location and transportation
The city of the same name is located in Sapa, it is located on a small plateau at the foot of Mount Hamrong (Ham Rong) in the Hoanglien ridge system (Hoang Lien) at an altitude of about 1500 m above sea level. In the center of the city there is a square, which is adjoined from different sides by a park, a stadium, a market and a small stone church, built in 1934. A small lake gleams nearby - another center of attraction for city life.
The busiest streets of the city - Muong Hoa (Muong Hoa St.) and Kau Mei (Cau May St.)... The main market, tourist information center, hotels and restaurants are located here. In the southeast direction from the church, Ham Rong street departs, where the main post office is located and begins the ascent to the top of the mountain of the same name, from where an amazing view of the city and its surroundings opens.
Minibuses depart from Lao Cai railway station to Sapa - the movement begins with the arrival of the first Hanoi train and ends at about 15.00. The trip will cost 30,000 dongs. Se om to Sapa will cost about 70,000 VND.
Climate
The coldest time of the year in Sapa is January and February (air temperature mostly fluctuates between 5-15 ° С, but can drop to 0 ° С)... The dry season lasts from January to June, with predominantly clear and sunny weather in March, which lasts until the end of May (air temperature 15-19 ° С)... At this time, a variety of flowers bloom on the mountain slopes.
Heavy warm rains fall from June to August (air temperature about 20 ° C), and from September the air temperature begins to drop slowly. However, it is the autumn months that are considered the best for visiting Sapa. The period from mid-October to mid-December is the best time for trekking and mountain climbing.
sights
Alpha and Omega Sapas are the market. Even without getting out of the city, here you can meet representatives of all local peoples, take the best pictures and buy souvenirs. Mountain women still wear colorful traditional clothes and silver jewelry - this is not done to please tourists. The Zao people can be recognized by the red scarves tied around their heads. Hmonks wear mostly black or blue suits decorated with hand embroidery. The characteristic knitted leg warmers seen on women's legs are called la peng pe (la peng pe)... The market in Sapa is best visited on Sundays, when people from nearby villages come here.
Fanshipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam (Fan Si Pan) (3143 m above sea level) is located very close - at a distance of 19 km from the city. However, the road to its foot is so difficult that even experienced athletes have to spend 2 - 3 days to overcome this distance. The lower slopes of Fanshipan are covered with forests, and due to local conditions, the air there is extremely humid. If you climb above the 1500 m mark, you will be trapped in cold and cloudy conditions. Climbing requires no special training or equipment (excluding alpenstock, trekking shoes and warm clothing).
In clear weather, Fanshipan is clearly visible from Sapa - just like the other peaks of the Hoanglien chain. It is not for nothing that in the colonial era this mountain system received the nickname "Tonkin Alps". In general, mountain views are the main thing for which it is worth coming to Sapa. On a clear day, getting up early, here you can witness the amazing play of sunlight on the green slopes. French poet Georges Riemann, who served in Indochina, while in Sapa, wrote in his diary: “The sun appeared on the same level with me, and if the mountain was large, then my shadow became infinite. I never thought that I was so great. Alas, it only lasted a minute! "
A pleasant excursion can be made by going from Sapa to the Tambak waterfall (Tham you, or Silver Falls) and the Chamton Pass (Tram Ton)... Chamton - the highest pass in Vietnam (1900 m above sea level), it is located 15 km from Sapa, on the northern slope of Fanshipan. This pass is passed along the road to Laityau (Lai Chau)... Although it is cold and foggy at the highest point of the pass, the sun always shines on the slope facing Laiyau: the border of two weather zones passes along the pass. The silver waterfall is located 5 km from the pass in the direction of Sapa - the entrance to the observation deck will cost 3000 dong. Se om to the pass with a stop at the waterfall will cost 50,000 - 60,000 dong (round trip takes about an hour).
Tracking
Many travel agencies can offer a variety of hikes in the mountains of Vietnam, including the "Tonkin Alps". Handspan Travel is considered professional and reliable in this area. (www.handspan.com), Topas Travel (www.topas-adventure-vietnam.com) and Active Travel Vietnam (www.activetravelvietnam.com).
A small one day trek can be easily arranged in Sapa. The shortest and easiest hiking route is the walk from Sapa southwestward to Sinchai (Sin Chai) through the village of Katkat (Cat Cat)... There is a well-groomed, well-marked trail without complicated forks. The distance is about 6 km, and the total time you need to take for a walk is about 4 - 5 hours. Near Katkat there is a waterfall of the same name.
From Sapa to Tavan (Ta Van) through Laotiai (Lao Chai)... The 9 km long trek runs southeast along the scenic Muong Hoa Valley. Duration - about 5 hours, cost - 10 USD.
From Sapa to Tafin (Ta Phin) via Macha (Ma Cha)... The end point of the trek is 10 km north of Sapa. Here, on the mountain slopes, there are several picturesque villages inhabited by black Hmon and Zao (interesting www.taphin-sapa.info)... There are interesting caves near Tafin (entrance 36,000 VND)... Traveling by car or motorbike from Sapa takes about half an hour, and you will have to walk about 6 hours. Track cost - 15 USD.
Residence
Prices for accommodation in Sapa vary quite a lot and depend not only on the season, but also on the day of the week: on weekends, the flow of guests increases due to tourists from Hanoi, and hotels become more expensive. Another point that affects the room rate is the view from the window. Sapa is also unique in that it is the only place in Vietnam where hotels have heating. In old establishments, these are fireplaces and stoves, and in new ones - electric heaters.
It is difficult to stay in Sapa without an overnight stay: the city is obsessed with a real construction fever. If you definitely want to stay in an old famous hotel, remember that new "neighbors" have sprung up around them long ago. They often spoil the views that this or that hotel was deservedly proud of in the past.
Helpful information
Not so long ago it was impossible to find a bank in Sapa, and only hotels, which did not forget about the exchange rate "margin", changed foreign currency. Now there is a branch of the BIDV bank (Ngu Chi Son St., tel. 020-872569, 7.00-11.30 / 13.30-16.30)equipped with an ATM.
If you are short on time, Tamdo can be an alternative to Sapa. (Tam Do) - national park and mountain resort 85 km northeast of Hanoi. From May to October, you can take walks of various lengths in the mountains, teeming with rivers, waterfalls and rain forests. The services of guides, who can be hired at any hotel, will cost approx. 4 USD. A one-day excursion from Hanoi in a rented car will cost about 50 USD. The road from Hanoi to Tamdo passes by the ancient fortress of Koloa.
You can get to Tamdo from the Hanoi Kim Ma Bus Station (Ben Xe Kim Ma)... Regular bus takes you to Vignenne (Vinh Yen, 20,000 dong), which is 60 km from the capital. To get from Vignenne to Tamdo, you can take this (50,000 VND for 25 km)... It can get cold in Tamdo nights (especially in May and September) - don't forget the sweater and jacket. Hotels offer rooms ranging from USD 8 to USD 80.
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 must come here in January or February, the pear blossom in March, in May you will see the water fill the rice terraces, the fruit season here lasts from June to August, and in September you can watch farmers harvest from rice terraces.
Geographical position
Sapa is located in Lao Tsai province, northwestern Vietnam, 380 km from Hanoi, near 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 a variety of 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 travels 7-8 hours to Lao Cai, after which you still need to travel 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
Visiting 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 for 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 ride a boat on it or just walk around it.
- ... Located in the very center of the city, built at the beginning of the 20th 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 foothills 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 Sapa, there are many beauties to see:
- Field of the ancients... There are over 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 local residents live and work. As you walk through the villages, you will come across many women in 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, and 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: valuable things and money can be stolen from you without even noticing it.
Hotels
Sapa has a good selection of hotels. The room rate, as a rule, 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. In old establishments, fireplaces and stoves are used for this, and in new ones - 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. The largest market in the area is 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 is an amazing place you must visit when 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!
Prepared a detailed guide to Sapa in Vietnam. See rice terraces, meet the sunrise in the mountains, climb the cable car above the clouds and meet real Hmongs!
Sapa - what is it?
Halong Bay with its emerald water and quaint cliffs is worth seeing at least once. But I want to reveal a secret: in the north of Vietnam there is an even more colorful and authentic place. Its name is Sapa.
This small town, built by the French in 1910, is located almost on the border with China. From the very first minutes, it makes a pleasant impression: neat and clean streets, an abundance of flowers and greenery in the decorations, architecture with elements of European style, many cozy cafes.
It is surprising that tourism began to develop here only in 1993. Now it seems that it is literally made for tourists. Wherever you look - everything pleases the eye.
However, the main charm of Sapa lies elsewhere. A breathtaking view of the mountain gorge opens up from almost anywhere in the city. And this is not a simple gorge - down there, for many, many kilometers, the most picturesque rice terraces stretch.
It is interesting that all this is perceived as a miracle of nature, but the rice terraces were created by people. Perhaps this is the very case when the environment and the person live in harmony. And you, contemplating these beauty, created with such love, as if you are becoming a part of something great and eternal.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to travel to Sapa is from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. You can take the train, but it takes as long as 9 hours and stops in the city of Lao Cai, from where you still need to take a bus / taxi to Sapa.
Personally, I had the experience of traveling to Sapa by bus. And not on the usual, but on a slipping bass (from the English "sleeping bus" - a sleeping bus). It looks like a classic 2-decker bus. But inside it is like a big reserved seat! There are not just seats that recline slightly, as in our Russian buses and planes. You have full reclining seats with blankets, pillows and shelves for food / drinks.
It was so comfortable that I fell asleep like a baby. And despite the fact that we often drove along the mountain serpentine, I was not at all seasick. Travel time takes 5-6 hours. If you go in the morning / afternoon, the bus will make a half-hour stop at one of the cafes along the way. Toilet, if anything, is in the bus itself.
Slipping basses are cheaper than trains. The price is about 700-800 rubles. Tickets can be purchased at any travel agency in downtown Hanoi. You may also be offered a two- or three-day package tour to Sapa for about 6-7 thousand rubles.
Where is the best place to stay?
The city has a very large selection of hotels at affordable prices - from 700 rubles per night.
Closer to the countryside and in the villages themselves, the Homestay format is widespread - living in a house with the owners. In such places, the price for accommodation is generally ridiculous - from 150 rubles per night. The only difficulty is getting to the city far and inconvenient. And do not expect special amenities - most often, for such a price, they offer shared 6- or 8-bed rooms. But this way you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture and customs, spend a sincere evening with your host family.
I found myself a hotel within walking distance from the center - Sapa Scenery Hotel. He had a very tempting promotion - a 2-bed deluxe room with panoramic windows and a private balcony overlooking the gorge for 1100 rubles per day. I decided to allow myself such a luxury for one day. And I never regretted it!
When I got to the hotel, I couldn't get enough of its location right next to the gorge. And my number was just royal! In the distance, among the clouds, peeped out Mount Fansipan - the highest point not only in Vietnam, but throughout Southeast Asia (3143 m above sea level).
What to watch?
1. Cable car and funicular
As soon as I checked in, the hotel owner advised me to take the cable car leading to Fansipan through the rice terraces. And a funicular leads to the cable car from the center of Sapa. I decided to go exploration. As soon as we walked a few meters from the hotel, a high-flying train opened up.
"What is it? The road to Hogwarts? " - was my first thought. It turned out that this is the same funicular to the cable car! "No, well, it's a sin not to ride like that!" - I decided and ran with enthusiasm to look for the point of its departure.
The funicular boarding station is located in the bright and stately building of the Mgallery Hotel, reminiscent of a bit of Big Ben. And inside there really is "hello" to platforms 9 and 3/4! All that was missing was the young wizards with carts running from the wall.
The funicular started and drove out of the dark tunnel into the sun-drenched Sapa. Oh, how high we were, as if we were already riding the cable car. And the rice terraces, which were almost below us, created a truly fabulous effect! The train, which develops a maximum speed of up to 10 m / s, includes two cars with panoramic windows and a capacity of 200 passengers.
Having reached the station from where the cable car to Fansipan begins, I was very confused by the price to the top of the mountain - 2000 rubles, while the funicular cost 200 rubles. Maybe I would have forked if not for the afternoon, when it was starting to get dark. And the hours of operation of the cable car are limited - from 7 am to 6 pm. According to experienced travelers, the visibility on the mountain is best in the morning after 9 o'clock.
In the end, I decided to stay and explore the nearest space - the Sun World's Fansipan Legend tourist area. It turned out to be very interesting! It is worth staying here at least to:
- Enjoy the vastness of well-groomed and beautifully decorated flower beds.
- Admire the rice terraces from the observation deck
- Count the dragons on the roof of a Buddhist temple that is located next to the lookout. Here you can also listen to the music of the wind that animates the bells along the temple.
- Walk along scenic hilly trails and find funny huts that resemble the houses of fairy creatures.
- Get to know other tourists in a calm and unhurried atmosphere.
In Sapa, most of the tourists are from Europe. I managed to meet two women from Luxembourg. They turned out to be the most unusual travel companions for the entire journey! These active, inquisitive and cheerful laughter charged me for several days. And when I found out that they were both 72 years old, my world turned upside down. And, perhaps, it will never be the same again. It seems that now I am not afraid of aging at all.
2. Beautiful sunrises
Waking up early and seeing the city soaring in the clouds is something you absolutely must do in Sapa.
Despite the wonderful view from the window of the room, I took my camera and ran outside in search of other vantage points. Sapa greeted me with closed cafes and empty streets lit by soft sunlight. The landscapes changed every 5 minutes: the morning fog either dissipated or thickened, the colors constantly flowed from one to another, becoming richer and brighter.
Suddenly I noticed a local old woman selling textiles on one of the streets. My first thought is that she must be in a bad way since she has to get up so early for work. But why, then, is there a smile on her face? Why does radiance, vitality and serenity come from her? And her eyes! When you look in them, you absorb all the secrets of being and age-old wisdom. She happily posed for me and did not even come in with requests to buy anything. Maybe she also loves the morning time and was just happy to start a new day?
By the way, this granny is a representative of one of the ethnic groups that live in the Sapa region. Previously, I read about them on the Internet, and according to the descriptions, she looks most like the Hmong.
3. Mountain villages with ethnic settlements and rice terraces
At any travel agency in Sapa, or even at your hotel, you can buy a tour of the villages. I was offered a 5-hour walk with an English-speaking guide and an included lunch for only 600 rubles.
There were 4 more people in the group with me: a young couple from Germany and a mother and son from Ireland. We were accompanied by a local English speaking female guide and two lovely girls at school. These fragile creatures, which are no more than 10 years old, helped adults to cross precarious bamboo bridges, extended their hands during steep climbs and reassured when we stumbled and nearly fell.
A woman guide told a lot of interesting things about the local people along the way. The mountain villages around Sapa are predominantly Hmong and Ziao, each distinct ethnic group having its own language (in addition to Vietnamese), customs, traditional dress and beliefs.
The Hmong are an ethnic minority whose descendants from China migrated to Vietnam in the 19th century, and today the Hmong live in the mountains near the Chinese border. Their main activity is animal husbandry and rice cultivation. However, many Hmong women are exclusively engaged in handicrafts and selling handbags, belts, bracelets, etc.
Traditional Hmong clothing and ornamental embroidery on it are sacred. And those who wear it believe that they become protected from evil spirits and all bad things.
The Hmong people are outwardly recognizable - they are smiling, benevolent and have expressive faces! This once again confirms that I was not mistaken about that granny in Sapa. However, most often Hmongs use this to melt the hearts of tourists and empty their wallets. Unfortunately, people from traditional tribes make up the poorest sections of Vietnamese society.
On the way, we met a lot of children who were on their own. In one of the villages we entered, there were also only children. The adults seemed to be in the rice fields at the time.
Rice is one of the most difficult crops to grow. It is especially difficult for those who cultivate fields on the slopes of the mountains, because the rice field must be flat, so you have to create small islands, following each other, like stair steps. This is why the rice terraces in Sapa have such a cascading shape.
During the walk, the woman guide regularly asked if we needed a rest. During one of these breaks, she took a knife from her bag and began to chop branches. I really didn't understand what was happening: are we going to burn a fire or what? But after peeling one of the branches, she began to gnaw at it. Other branches offered to us. "Thanks, of course, but I'm not that hungry yet!" Fortunately, the Irishman then admonished me, explaining that she was offering to taste real cane sugar.
Only 5 hours of excursion, and the feeling as if we wandered for at least a day. Not a single repetitive landscape, not a single dull minute, despite the absence of civilization as such. This land of mountain landscapes, cascading rice terraces, amazing sunrises, friendly people and distinctive streets will forever remain in my heart!
The places I have listed are not a complete list of what you can still see in Sapa. Therefore, I advise you to plan a full 2-3 days for a trip to Sapa. In my case, it took a little over a day. But even if you have limited time, it is better to come here at least for a day than not come at all.
Sapa is not yet very popular among Russians, but in Vietnam itself they are very proud of this place. They will always tell you how to get there by train, bus or in any other way. Seeing this beauty, you will not regret the time and effort spent on the road. Sapa is worth it!
