Sapa is mountainous town in
Northwestern Vietnam, blessed with a cool climate throughout the year. Just venture out a little to nearby indigenous villages and you will be rewarded with views of stepped paddy fields, emerald ripples that flow across entire stretches of valleys. Here are 6 things you should do when you are in Sapa.
Climb Fansipan, ‘Roof of IndoChina’
Fansipan is called as “the Roof of Indochina” with the height of 3143m, the highest peak of the Indochina Peninsula. Although the summit of Fansipan is less than half of Mount Everest, this place is a good choice for those who are eager to conquer high peaks and test their muscular power.
It is definitely not an easy trek but it promises marvelous views of the Hoang Lien mountain range and pristine natural beauty. Climbers have chance to explore the diverse flora, enjoy beautiful orchids and wild flowers along the way or listen to the musical concert of insects.
Visit Cat Cat village
Cat Cat village is a typical village of ethnic minority. The old H’Mong hill tribe village attracts tourists from all over the world for its distinctive culture and unique practices which have been lost recently.
Tourists will be impressed by the peacefully picturesque sceneries of pristine nature, the traditional cultural and unique original architecture. You can admire waterfall and an old Hydro Electric Power Station built by the
French. Moreover, the image of young women in traditional costumes, sitting by looms and making colorful pieces of brocade with designs of flowers, patterns, birds has been a symbol of this mountainous land.
Traditional wood house style is also a featured beauty that should be mentioned. Apart from that, you can try to do weaving fabric, purchase some traditional souvenirs and handicrafts as gifts.
Trek Muong Hoa Valley
You can only truly appreciate the beauty of Muong Hoa Valley if you take your time to trek it and spend a night at a local village homestay. Sometimes women from the regional ethnic minority tribes may even approach you while in town and offer a trek and
homestay. Often these are more authentic than the ones done through tour agencies. Taking muddy trails through terraced fields, drinking water out of streams, sleeping on the floor in traditional long tail houses, and spending time hanging out with local families and drinking rice wine are typical things.
Hang out with members of the different ethnic tribes
The H’Mong are the predominant minority tribe in
Sapa, but you will come across Yao and Zay people as well. Striking up a conversation is easy, as most of them are well-versed in English, having learned from other tourists they have bumped into, or at school. Get to know them and their stories and you will probably be invited to their home to share a meal and laughter. It is a humbling experience to live with them, even if it is just for a day, and you will leave Sapa with appreciation for life.
Drop by the Sapa Love Market
This is a unique experience in Sapa, and only happens on Saturdays. The Sapa Love Market is where young ethnic tribes people would come to meet one another, fall in love, and get married. Because villages in Sapa are sparsely populated, those living in far-away villages would make the journey days ahead so they can arrive in time to find someone. You will see boys and girls hanging out, laughing, drinking, eating, doing traditional dances and playing traditional games together.
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Shopping in Sapa’s markets
Located in National Highway No 4D, Silver waterfall is about 12km from
Sapa Town’s centre. Thanks to water source from the Lo Sui Tong mountain peak, this beautiful waterfall is formed. The waterfall looks like a white dragon looking down from the sky. You can travel to the Silver Waterfall by motorbike or by car for half an hour. It would worth a stopping by with the award of a stunning view of spectacular mountains and the forests in Hoang Lien National Park.
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