Sapa, or Cha Pa, lies in the extreme northwest of Vietnam in Lao Cai Province. It’s a pretty, small mountain town far removed from Hanoi and Hue and is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and hill tribes villages.
This region of Vietnam in the Hoang Kien Mountains features the country’s highest mountains (including Fansipan, the highest) and is largely unexplored by tourists. It presents a much different view than rural, and especially urban, Vietnam and is also a good stop-off on your way to or from the Chinese border at Lao Cai.
Trekking to hill tribe villages is the main pastime for those who visit Sapa, which is actually quite an un-happening town with little appeal past its French colonial buildings and many guest houses. The French had a base here during their colonial tenure. Attractions to see in the town include the 20th century French church, various mansions, and a bustling market.
There are half a dozen ethnic hill tribe groups living near to Sapa, including Hmong, Day, Dao, Tay, Tho, and Nhang. They are around a few hours trekking from one another and Sapa town and each village has basic tourist amenities. Visitors shouldn’t go expecting ensuite rooms, air-conditioning and hot showers.
There are several villages within a short trek of Sapa also, while longer tours will get you into dense jungle and stunning scenery. Trekking in Sapa during the rainy season is not recommended.
Getting There & Away
The best way to get to Sapa is by train from Hanoi. Although slow, services are more comfortable than buses, plus sleeper cars are available. Trip time is 9 hours from Hanoi Railway Station and services continue onto Lao Cai at the Chinese border. If you have the budget, there is also the Victoria’s Orient Express from Hanoi to Sapa. Buses run from Hanoi throughout the day but are uncomfortable along the windy roads. Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport receives flights from all over Asia and is an hour’s transfer time to downtown Hanoi.
Things to Do
Sapa Attractions
- Fansipan
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Known as the ‘roof of southeast asia’, this is vietnam’s highest peak at over 3,000m and is just a few kilometers from sapa. treks to the summit take between three and five days.
- Sapa hill tribe villages
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There are numerous ethnic hill tribes in the region, which is the main attraction for many visitors to sapa. they include the hmong and nhang.
- Colonial Sapa
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There are many reminders of french colonial vietnam in sapa, including a church and several old mansions.
- Lao Cai
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This busy border town to the north of sapa is the gateway for kunming in china. it’s a popular trading town and has some good market tack.