What to do in Sapa for first-time visitors (by a local guide)
Having guided countless travelers through Sapa for the past 15 years, I can tell you that this place has a magic that never fades. Sapa’s golden season might steal the spotlight, with its rice terraces glowing in shades of yellow, but the beauty here lasts all year.
Yes, it does rain hard in the summer, but that’s part of the experience. The rest of the year is perfect for trekking, visiting local villages, and soaking in views that never get old.
For those who think Sapa is just a one-season wonder and a touristy place you visit once, trust me, it’s a place you can return to every year and always find something new to fall in love with.
Written byJade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 24-09-2025
Jade NGUYEN, also known as "Jade", has worked as a tourist guide and local expert for several years in Vietnam and the former Indochina countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos). It is in high demand and appreciated by our travelers, accompanying hundreds of them each year. With her experience in the field, particularly in the north and its mountains, she likes to share her knowledge with you through her articles on this blog. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them in the comments below, she will be happy to answer you directly.
Sapa is a picturesque mountain town in Lao Cai Province, northwest Vietnam, near the Chinese border. Located in the majestic Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range at an altitude of 1,600 meters, it is approximately 320 kilometers from Hanoi (around 5–6 hours by road).
Originally known as "Chapa" during the French colonial era, the town has long been regarded as a cool-weather refuge. Sapa is now famed for its rice terraces, foggy scenery, and cultural diversity among ethnic minority groups like as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay.
Sapa is the mountainous region in the North of Vietnam
📍Did you know? “Sapa” is derived from the Hmong word meaning “sandy beach,” which is an old market area where the town first developed.
2. How to get to Sapa
🚫 Note: There is no train station in Sapa. The closest stop is Lao Cai Station, which is 35 kilometers distant. From there, you'll need to take a bus, cab, or motorcycle to Sapa.
How to book: Travel businesses such as Kampá Tour provide door-to-door packages with round-trip transportation.
3. When is the best time to visit?
Sapa has four distinct seasons:
Winter (Dec–Feb): For those who appreciate calm, frigid scenery, winter (December–February) is ideal.
Spring (March–May): Flowers bloom and the weather is mild. With the start of rice growing, early May is particularly picturesque.
Summer (Jun–Sep): This time is warm and lush. You can witness rice fields in their full green state before they become golden during harvest (late August–early September).
Autumn (September to November): Although it's past the busiest time of year for rice, the clear skies and milder temperatures make it perfect for hiking and village visits.
🌾 Best overall: Visit in April–May or September–October for stunning landscapes and pleasant weather.
>>> 🗺️For a detailed overview of these stunning locations, explore our Vietnam Tourist Map.
4. What to do in Sapa?
4.1 Trek Through Ta Van, Lao Chai & Hau Thao
It is worth it to spend time in the villages of the Hmong, Dao, and Giay people in order to gain a true understanding of their way of life. For longer trekking excursions or tranquil outdoor retreats, these towns are perfect.
You'll see water buffalo, terraced rice fields, and modest wooden houses along the route. Particularly in the winter, Hau Thao is an excellent place to go cloud hunting because it receives less visitors.
😊 Worth knowing: Unlike Mu Cang Chai or Pu Luong, Sapa has just one golden rice season. However, the lush green fields in August are still worth a visit. For more details, check out: The Monsoon in Vietnam.
Unforgettable hike in the heart of the rice terraces (our dear travelers)
Start at Sapa Church and hike 2.2 km to Cat Cat Village. Grab an entrance ticket and wander around. Then, trek 3 km through Muong Hoa Valley to Sin Chai Village.
Tram Ton Pass - Mount Fansipan
2 days, 1 night
11.2 km
Hard
Hike from Tram Ton Pass up to Fansipan Mountain. Set up camp at 2,800 meters, catch a sunrise, and push to the summit in about 1.5 hours
Sapa - Love Waterfall - Silver Waterfall - Y Linh Ho - Ta Van
2 days, 1 night
20-30 km
Moderate
Day 1: Ride a motorbike from Tram Ton Pass to Love Waterfall (1.1 km), then hit Silver Waterfall, and head to Sin Chai Village for a homestay overnight.
Day 2: Check out Y Linh Ho and Ta Van Village.
Sapa - Ta Phin - Ta Giang Phinh
3 days, 2 nights
43 km
Hard
Trek to Ta Phin and Ta Giang Phinh. You can also detour to Sin Suối Hồ, about 85-90 km (53-56 miles) from Sapa, for a remote, off-the-grid vibe.
Only 9 kilometers separate Sapa from Fansipan, the 3,143-meter-highest peak in Indochina. Wide-ranging views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain and Muong Hoa Valley can be seen during a 15-minute cable car journey.
If you're short on time or energy, the cable car provides an easy way to reach the “Roof of Indochina.” Adventurers can also opt for guided treks for a more thrilling experience.
This 2-kilometer train is 16 minutes quicker than the fastest taxi, taking only 4 minutes to get from Sapa town to the Fansipan cable car station. It can accommodate up to 200 passengers and operates every six minutes between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Muong Hoa mountain climbing train continuously becomes a fever for tourists
4.4 Cross the Glass Bridge at O Quy Ho Pass
This glass-bottomed bridge near O Quy Ho Pass, suspended 2,200 meters above sea level, is Vietnam's highest of its kind. It provides breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range.
Adventurers can also go ziplining or bungee jumping nearby.
4.5 Visiting the cherry blossom & oolong tea hills
This picturesque location, which is only 4 kilometers from Sapa, is at its most lovely in mid- to late-December, when the tea hills are painted with cherry apricot blooms. A tea bag and an introduction to oolong tea are included in the $6 admission fee.
These hills offer breathtaking views when thousands of cherry apricot trees bloom brilliantly
4.6 Unwind at silver waterfall and love waterfall
Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc): Situated in the picturesque O Quy Ho Pass, just 12 km from Sapa, this 200-meter waterfall gleams with its silvery stream. It is easily accessible and provides breathtaking views of the mountains of Hoang Lien Son along the way.
Silver Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the area
Love Waterfall (Thác Tình Yêu):Named after a love legend, this scenic spot lies 14 miles from Sapa and is a short 1.5 km hike through Hoang Lien National Park.
Love Waterfall (Thác Tình Yêu)
4.7 Sleeping in homestays with locals
Take my advice - if you have the time, spend a night in a homestay. You will truly experience the essence of Sapa through its people during those peaceful dinnertimes or informal fireside conversations.
Our dear travellers having dinner at local homestay
🌾 Breathe the Mountains. Feel Sapa 🌾
4.8 Make your special batik clothing
Sapa's batik apparel is noted for its exquisite patterns, which are hand-dyed indigo. To get the best deals, avoid town shops with higher costs. Instead, head to Lao Chai Village for locally manufactured clothing.
It's close to Sapa town and Ta Van, and people can readily direct you. Use Google Translate if necessary.
4.9 Relax with herbal bath
In Ta Phin village, Red Dao women provide herbal baths made from more than 100 forest components. Soaking in one of these classic wooden tubs is not only relaxing, but also thought to have medicinal properties.
Relax with Herbal Bath
4.10 Go shopping & Explore markets:
Did you know that the lively local markets in Sapa, known as chợ phiên, provide a unique cultural experience? Ethnic minorities come together to share their way of life in this vibrant fusion of community, tradition, and trade. Click here to see top 10 markets in Sapa.
1. Sapa Town Market
Location: Sapa Town
Market Day: Every day
2. Love Market
Location: Sapa Town
Market Day: Saturday evening
3. Sin Cheng Market
Location: Sin Cheng Commune, Si Ma Cai District
Market Day: Wednesday
4. Muong Hum Market
Location: Muong Hum Commune, Bat Xat District
Market Day: Sunday
5. Coc Ly Market
Location: Coc Ly Commune, Bac Ha District
Market Day: Tuesday
6. Cao Son Market
Location: Lo Suoi Tung, Muong Khuong District
Market Day: Wednesday
7. Can Cau Market
Location: Can Cau Commune, Si Ma Cai District
Market Day: Saturday
8. Lung Khau Nhin Market
Location: Lung Khau Nhin Commune, Muong Khuong District
Market Day: Thursday
9. Sapa Night Market
Location: Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa Town
Market Day: Every evening
🌾 Good to Know: Bac Ha, 100 km from Sapa, hosts the largest ethnic market in the region, where Red Dao, Black Dao, Tay, and Flower Hmong merchants gather. Visit early, as the market closes by 10 AM. Be sure to check schedules during Tet and holidays.
Sapa Market - also called "Chợ Phiên"
4.11 Try Sapa specialties
If you visit Sapa, you'll be amazed by its diverse food scene. Must-try specialties I’d vote for include the hearty thang co, the flavorful Cap-nach pork, the nourishing salmon and aturgeon hotpot, and the vibrant grilled delicacies. (Learn more about:Local guide’s picks: The best restaurants in Sapa)
From left to right: thang co, cap-nach pork, salmon and sturgeon hotpot.
5. What are the best places to visit in Sapa?
5.1 Notre Dame Cathedral of Sapa (Sapa Stone Church)
Notre Dame Cathedral, a representation of Sapa, is transformed into a meeting spot for the love market on Saturday evenings, complete with dance, singing, and traditional practices from the various ethnic communities.
Today, the ancient Sapa church stands proudly as a testament to Vietnam’s rich history
5.2 Sapa Culture Museum
This museum, located in the center of town, uses artifacts, traditional attire, and photo displays to provide insights into the various ethnic communities. Exhibits on cloth-making and embroidery are highlights.
Sapa Culture Museum offers a rich glimpse into the local ethnic groups.
5.3 Cat Cat Village
Just a short drive from Sapa town, this Hmong village makes for an easy day trip, but since it’s the most visited spot in the area, it can feel a bit touristy compared to the quieter, off-the-beaten-path places.
Cat Cat Village
5.4 Ta Van and Lao Chai Village
The nearby villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, located just 10 kilometers from Sapa, are calm getaways that provide a look into the lives of ethnic communities such as the Black H'Mong, Red Dao and Giay. These settlements, nestled among breathtaking rice terraces, offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Sapa town.
Both settlements are famous for hiking and overnight stays and may be reached by motorcycle or car via the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley.
Ta Van Village
5.5 Hau Thao & Ta Phin Village
Hau Thao and Ta Phin are two villages near Sapa that each provide a unique cultural experience. Hau Thao, only 15 kilometers away, is an H'mong village famous for its traditional clothing, handicrafts, and breathtaking rice terraces.
It's an excellent location for cloud hunting and mist photography, particularly between December and February. Though the path is difficult, the views and local kindness are well worth the trip.
Hau Thao Village is an ideal place for you to "hunt clouds"
Ta Phin is a Red Dao community surrounded by picturesque rice terraces. Spending the night with the locals allows you to learn about their way of life and the famed brocade weaving.
You can wander around the village and discover their brocade craftsmanship
Not sure whether to choose Sapa or Ha Giang for your next adventure? 👉 Read Sapa or Ha Giang.
This picturesque route starts at the Sapa bus station and travels along Dien Bien Phu Street via Silver Waterfall, about 18 km from Sapa. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Fansipan, the Roof of Indochina, and the Hoang Lien Son range after a few more kilometers of climbing to the summit.
O Quy Ho Pass is approximately 18 kilometers from Sapa town
5.7 Seo My Ty Lake
Visit Séo Mý Tỷ Lake, a gem only 20 kilometers from town and the tallest artificial lake in Vietnam. Encircled by emerald rivers and floating clouds, it's the ideal location for taking in the unspoiled natural beauty, having a quiet picnic, and breathing in the pure mountain air.
Visitors here will experience serene tranquility distinct from the fast-paced development of Sa Pa town.
5.8 Nam Cang Village
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, Nam Cang is a peaceful village about 30 km southwest of Sapa. From April to June, the rice terraces fill with water, reflecting the sky like mirrors. As the young rice starts to grow, the whole valley turns a lush green.
About 30 km from Sapa, Ngu Chi Son - known for its five hand-like peaks - stands at 2,850 meters, making it Vietnam’s 15th highest mountain. Straddling Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces, it’s a popular spot for trekkers seeking a challenging adventure in the Hoang Lien Son range.
Ngu Chi Son stands as Vietnam''s 15th highest peak, renowned for its challenging trekking trails
If you're planning to visit the town of Sapa in the mountains of northern Vietnam, getting a map of this area is essential. Here's our tourist map:
Please click on the "[ ]" at the top right for better visibility.
6. Top ethnic festivals to experience
Sapa organizes exciting events to celebrate its different cultures. On the first two days of Lunar New Year, Ta Van hosts the Tet Nhay Festival, which involves Dao dances and costumes.
The H'mong Gau Tao Festival, held on Gau Tao hill from the second to the fourth lunar day, involves prayers for success and opportunities for young people to meet.
The Tet Nhay Festival (Dancing Tet) is a significant cultural event for the Dao ethnic group in Ta Van
Lastly, the Nào Cống Festival at Ta Van Temple, held on Dragon Day in the sixth lunar month, is a unique event led by a Giáy shaman. It includes feasting, reading of village laws, and offerings to pray for peace and prosperity.
Gau Tao Festival is a significant event for the H’Mong community.
Look for premium handcrafted items at Sapa Market's upper and back sections. Unlike the hectic atmosphere of street vendors, it's a more tranquil setting for learning about the craft and making fair, meaningful purchases.
Silver Jewellery
However, local ladies frequently sell the greatest jewelry and bracelets on the streets. Since the sellers typically wear these products, they have a distinct, individual charm that isn't present in the marketplace.
8. How many days should you spend in Sapa?
The ideal stay depends on your travel goals:
Trekking & Exploration: 2 - 3 days to hike rice terraces, visit ethnic villages, and explore Fansipan.
Cultural Immersion: 3+ days to connect with local communities and experience festivals or traditions.
Relaxation: 1–2 days for a scenic escape with light activities like a village visit or Fansipan cable car.
Our suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Hanoi to Sapa, then trek through Y Linh Ho village. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 2: Ride the Fansipan cable car and visit the Glass Bridge. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 3: Trek from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, then return to Hanoi.
Respect the peaceful atmosphere by taking photos discreetly and avoiding prolonged shots of people. Due to language barriers, avoid asking for permission.
Comfortable shoes are essential for trekking.
Bring ID for check-ins and a driver’s license for motorbike rentals.
ATMs in Sapa are limited and not available in villages, so it’s best to bring cash in case online transfers don’t work.
ATMs in Sapa
Important Contacts:
Lao Cai Police: 020 3869103
Sapa Post Office: 020 3871474
Sapa General Hospital: 020 3871116
Go to Sapa for an authentic experience!
Conclusion
Although Sapa has become a popular tourist destination, it remains a place of enchanting beauty and rich cultural heritage that is well worth a visit. The breathtaking landscapes, from terraced rice fields to majestic mountains, offer a unique backdrop for exploration. Despite the influx of visitors, Sapa’s authentic charm, traditional ethnic villages, and diverse culinary delights provide a genuinely memorable experience. So, whether you're hiking the stunning trails, enjoying local delicacies, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, Sapa is a destination that should not be missed on your Vietnam itinerary.
✈️Other Must-Visit Places in Northern Vietnam👇
>>> See more about things to do in Vietnam by month:
Hello, we will be in Sapa at the end of February or the beginning of March 2026. We would like to stay with locals. Where can I find the addresses and how can I book? Thank you in advance.
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KT
Kampá Tour14 Apr 2025
Hello Gordon,
Thank you for reaching out! Staying with locals in Sapa is a wonderful way to truly connect with the culture and landscapes of northern Vietnam.
If you’d like to organize the trip on your own, you can find homestay options in villages like Ta Van, Lao Chai, or Ban Ho through platforms such as Agoda, Booking.com, or even Airbnb. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a fully organized experience, we’d be happy to help!
We work directly with trusted local hosts and can arrange everything—from accommodation to trekking and transportation.
Let us know what kind of experience you're looking for, and we’ll be happy to assist further!
Warm regards,
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H
Henry04 Jan 2025
Hi! It will be our (me and girlfriend) first time in Vietnam on the 3rd week of Feb. I have a few questions if you don’t mind me asking:
1. We’ll be staying in Sa Pa for 4 days. Do you recommend staying in a hotel in the center (Sapa Diamond Hotel) or a homestay-ish place (S-Plus Bungalow)? We’ll be going to the typical tourist attractions (Fansipan, Catcat Village, Heaven’s Gate, and Cloud Dragon Skywalk, and Trekking).
2. We’ll also be staying in Hanoi for 3 days but i dont know where to stay when we’re there so any recommendations would be great 😄
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KT
Kampá Tour04 Jan 2025
Hello Henry,
I am very grateful that my article provided useful information for you, and I am happy to answer your questions!
Essentially, you will have a total of 4 days in Sapa. If I am not mistaken, it will be 4 days and 3 nights, correct? I recommend spending 1 day at a hotel and 2 days at 2 different homestays (if you don’t mind moving around and wish to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience ethnic traditions).
Staying in the old town area is a good option since most tourist attractions and dining spots are nearby.
Additionally, you can check out our article about hotels in Sapa for more detailed accommodation recommendations tailored to various preferences and needs.
Best regards,
Kampá Tour
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G
Garrett02 Oct 2024
Me and my Girlfriend are gonna be visiting Vietnam in 2 weeks. Our initial plan was to visit Hanoi, Sapa, Cao Bang, Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An and get back to either Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh and get back home. We realised that thats a lot to cover, and we would either want to drop Sapa or Cao Bang. However, Both of these places seem cool and we are having a hard time dropping one. Which place is better to visit during the upcoming period? Do you provide tours that suit our plan? thanks in advance
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KT
Kampá Tour05 Oct 2024
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! Your itinerary looks great, but you're right—it might feel rushed. Between Sapa and Cao Bang, I'd suggest Cao Bang. Sapa's 'yellow season' has ended, so the golden rice terraces aren't at their best. However, if you're up for other mountain regions and the current 5°C cold, Sapa is still an option.
Cao Bang, on the other hand, is less affected by the weather, and its stunning landscapes, such as Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Nguom Ngao caves, are still very much worth visiting at this time of year. It's a great option if you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path.
Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss more details!
Best regards,
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A
Adam02 Oct 2024
I'm going to Vietnam in Nov to Dec and might want a guide while I'm there :)
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KT
Kampá Tour05 Oct 2024
Hi Adam,
That sounds exciting! We'd love to help you plan your trip to Vietnam and arrange a guide if needed. Could you share a bit more about your travel plans? For example:
Which cities or regions are you planning to visit?
What kind of experiences are you looking for (cultural tours, food, outdoor adventures, etc.)?
How many days will you be there, and do you already have a rough itinerary in mind?
Once I know a bit more, I can recommend the best options and guide services to suit your trip!
Feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp at +84 33 371 7599, or you can use ourContact Form to get started.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
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E
Erika08 Aug 2024
Making a trip up to Sapa next week and weather outlook doesn’t sound promising.
Thunderstorms all throughout the 3 days I will be there.
Does it sound like I will be confined to the hotel all the time? Will visibility and ease of travel be good for trips to the Fansipan peak/Cat Cat Village/Paddy fields?
In some SEA countries I’ve been to, rains are probably around 3-4 hrs in mid afternoon. Occasionally a full day rain storm.
How are Sapa storms like?
will be travelling with elderly so muddy treks won’t be ideal either.
Thanks in advance!
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KT
Kampá Tour09 Aug 2024
Sapa's weather can be pretty rainy with thunderstorms lasting all day, so visibility might be low and trails could get muddy. For your trip:
Indoor Fun: Look for indoor activities in Sapa if the weather isn’t great.
Stay Updated: Check local weather and ask your hotel for the best advice.
Gear Up: Wear good, waterproof shoes and bring rain gear.
Be Flexible: Adjust your plans based on the weather to stay safe and comfortable.
For more tips and ideas on how to make the most of your trip to Sapa, even if the weather isn’t ideal, check out my article: What to Do in Sapa.
Hope you have a great time despite the weather!
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T
Trey24 Jun 2024
I'm planning a trip to Hanoi and Sapa on July 27th~August 2nd (or longer). I'm bringing some work with me which requires a pretty good signal with my VPN.
I'm sure I will have decent wifi speed in Hanoi but I'm quite worried about Sapa, since it seems so remote.
Anyway, how is the wifi speed in Hanoi and Sapa? Anyway to get extremely fast wifi/data? Which operator provides the best SIM? Is there a data package where I can purchase as a foreigner? (will it be fast?)
Thanks!
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KT
Kampá Tour25 Jun 2024
Hi Trey, I'm glad that you asked.
While Sapa is more remote, many tourist accommodations and cafes provide decent wifi. It may not be as fast as Hanoi but is generally sufficient for VPN usage and most online activities.
Best Connectivity Tips:
Local SIM Cards:
Viettel is highly recommended for its extensive coverage, including remote areas like Sapa.
Portable Wi-Fi Devices:
Renting a portable Wi-Fi device is another good option.
These can be picked up at the airport or ordered online before your trip for reliable internet access anywhere.
For detailed information on SIM card options and where to purchase them, visit our Vietnam SIM card guide. Enjoy your trip to Hanoi and Sapa, and stay connected with ease!
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R
Rebecca19 Jun 2024
Is sapa worth it for people not fond of hiking? Everything I search shows just hikes and treks. Is it possible to enjoy on scooter? Thanks y’all
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KT
Kampá Tour19 Jun 2024
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for reaching out to Kampá Tour. While Sapa is known for its hiking and trekking, there are other enjoyable activities for those not fond of hiking. In Sapa town, you can explore on foot or take an electric car to get around comfortably.
For those interested in seeing more of the area without hiking, you can join a scooter tour for safety reasons. These tours allow you to visit local Hmong and Dao villages, providing a great way to experience the culture and scenery. You can also take the Fansipan cable car for an incredible experience without needing to hike.
Personally, I rented a scooter on my last visit and drove around the villages. However, I do not recommend self-driving a scooter due to bad road conditions and heavy traffic.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask.
Kind regards,
Kampá Tour
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Lan DUONG, 36 years old
Travel Consultant
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