Sapa in north Vietnam is known for its beautiful terraced rice fields, incredible mountains and vibrant ethnic cultures. There are multiple trekking tours, local villages and incredible viewpoints you can explore. Apart from that, you can also get to the top of Fansipan, the highest peak of Vietnam. Keep on reading to discover all the amazing things to do in Sapa.
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How to get to Sapa
You can only get to Sapa by bus. These are the closest public transport locations:
Traveling by bus
You can find bus to Sapa from most of the tourist destinations around. Check 12go.asia for bus timetables and prices. You should also ask around at your accommodation or booking offices nearby. Most places in Vietnam will help you organise the transport to your next destinations. It might even be cheaper than booking online. If you are coming from Hanoi or Ha Long there is a direct bus that takes around 7-8 hours. Different bus companies stop at different places around Sapa. There is not a main bus station where every operator goes.
Best time to visit Sapa
Best time to visit Sapa is during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). In April or May the fields turn green. The weather is very pleasant and stable with a lot of sun. Between December and February it can get very cold. Sapa even has snow! Don’t worry if you don’t have warm jacket. You can buy some clothes in Sapa. If you plan to visit other destinations, you can find a summary of best time to travel around Vietnam here.
How to get around Sapa
There is not any public transport that you can use to explore the area. The best way to get around Sapa is definitely on a scooter. It allows you to drive around and admire the incredible views from many different spots. The rental costs around 150 000 VND per day. Sapa is a huge area and it is not possible to walk everywhere. We wouldn’t be able to really enjoy our stay without a bike.
Things to do in Sapa
1. Go trekking around the rice fields
Price: from 25€
Sapa is famous for beautiful rice fields. There is no better way to explore them than to trek around them. All the treks and tours will take you to one of many ethnic villages. You can choose if you want to trek for 1 day only or if you prefer a longer trek with overnight stay. You will find many trekking options around town. If you prefer to book your trek ahead, we recommend on eof the tours below.
If you book any of the tours below, we will earn a small comission. You still pay the same.
2. Fansipan
Price: from 27€
Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:30
Visiting Fansipan is an unforgettable experience. As the highest peak in Indochina, Fansipan offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. Fansipan can be easily reached via cable car. At the top you can marvel at the beautiful temple and Buddha statue. We recommend getting your ticket via Klook. You can save some money and time.
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3. Explore Lao Cai and Ta Van (on a scooter)
Lao Cai and Ta Van villages are surrounded by the most beautiful rice fields we have seen in Sapa. The terraces are stretching along the steep hills everywhere you look. It is incredible area! We took this route on Google maps and it couldn’t be any better! I can say it was one of the most beautiful drives in my whole life! Make sure to follow this route. It will take you directly through the rice fields on hills.
4. Discover the best rice field viewpoints in Sapa
Our favorite activity in Sapa was driving around on a scooter and look for the best viewpoints. Lao Cai and Ta Van are certain winners. But we found a few other spots that we want to share with you. Check out this viewpoint on a map. The road is not the best here so be careful. The road to Ta Phin village offer some lovely views as well! Here the terraces are completely different – there are no high hills, it’s more flat. We also recommend driving to Heaven’s Gate viewpoint (map). There aren’t any rice fields but it’s an incredible place surrounded by mountains.
Sapa rice fields are a perfect place for photographers. Whenever we come back home from our trip, we select the best photos and print them out! Nothing compares to having a special travel photo album in your hands.
5. Ta Phin village and Red Dao tribe
As mentioned above, the road leading to Ta Phin is an attraction on its own. The views are jsut breath taking. Ta Phin is a little town inhabited mostly by Red Dao people. You have incredible chance to witness their culture. There are also various homestays with cooking classes available. At the end of the village there is a small cave. You will also find many Red Dao street vendors selling their products around the village.
6. Take photos on a swing
Price: 40 000 VND
Along the road leading from Sapa to Love waterfall you will stumble upon various little viewpoints. We really loved this viewpoint (map) with incredible swing and infinity pool. We paid a little fee to enjoy this beautiful area with stunning views.
7. Sapa market
Sapa market has unusual location. You can find it inside the old bus terminal. Apart from fresh fruit, vegetables and delicious local meals you can find many different souvenirs here. From clothes, accessories to knives… They have it all. It’s an authentic cultural experience. You will notice many different tribes selling their products right next to each other.Visiting Sapa market offers a great insight into Vietnamese culture.
8. Love waterfall
Price: 70 000 VND
Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
Time to visit: 1.5 hours
Love waterfall is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the jungle. An easy 30 minutes walk will take you across a beautiful fields, along a river and through a forest. We found this trail really stunning. The sight of the waterfall flowing down the rocks amidst the lush green landscape is truly awe-inspiring. The misty atmosphere, fresh air, and soothing sound of water create an ideal place to relax.
9. Silver waterfall
Price: 20 000 VND for adult, 10 000 VND for kids
Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:00
Time to visit: 0.5 hours
Visiting Silver Waterfall in Sapa is a captivating experience that allows you to witness the sheer power of nature. Silver Waterfall is a majestic cascade that plunges 200 meters down. It is surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. You can find Silver waterfall right along the main road. There are few little shops selling snacks and drinks.
10. Cat Cat village
Price: 70 000 VND for adult, 30 000 VND for kids
Opening hours: 06:00 – 18:00 (you can come anytime, this are the times when tickets are sold)
One of the most famous and popular places to visit in Sapa. Visiting Cat Cat Village in Sapa offers a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of the local ethnic community of H’mong people. We gave this place last spot for a reason though. During our stay in Sapa we decided to visit Cat Cat village. Even before reaching it we got to a huge traffic jam. There are hundreds of cars, scooters and even minivans brining tourists in and out of the village. It was pure madness. There are souvenir shops on every corner, not to mention the crowds of people. It just doesn’t have that local feeling anymore. It felt like a huge tourist trap so we left before even entering the village.
Where to stay
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Where to eat in Sapa
- Ladybird restaurant – lovely family owned place serving tasty local cuisine
- Le Petit Gecko – amazing atmosphere, great desserts and interesting vegetarian options
- ChuSu kitchen – tasty local food for good prices
- Chicago pizza – amazing pizza
- Cong cafe – amazing coconut coffee, restaurant with interesting theme
- Le Gecko cafe – great breakfast, good vibes
- Anice cafe – lovely coffee with good views
