The best activities to do in Sapa

Sapa and its surrounding area have grown in popularity over the years, so there are plenty of things to do in Sapa. Below is the list of the best activities to do in Sapa.

1. Do Trekking

Some of the best things to do in Sapa can be combined into one highlight, which is Sapa trekking! You can do a half-day, full-day, or multi-day trek that includes a night in a homestay. It is the most effective way to see the rice fields and interact with the local minorities.

2. Take a look at the terraced rice fields.

The stunning Sapa rice fields are the main reason most visitors come to this mountain town. It is for this reason that it is regarded as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes. These impressive terraced fields can be found throughout the Muong Hoa valley, from the bottom to the top of the mountains.

The locals grow rice and live in the rice fields, which are often at the foot of the mountains. The rice terraces appear to have been plucked from a travel brochure. It is best to discover them on a trekking tour, but you can also drive or ride a motorcycle around.

3. Travel to minority villages.

The unique culture of the mountain tribes is the second reason to visit Sapa. These ethnic minorities have lived in the mountains for many generations and rely on the land. There are several minority groups in this area, including the HMong, the Dao, the Tay, and the Giay.

Each group has its own language, clothing, and culture. Visiting the local villages outside of Sapa is the best way to learn about this unique culture. Explore the village to learn about their daily lives and their unique way of life in the mountains.

Again, a trekking tour is the best option to explore the villages around Sapa town.

4. Spend the night in a homestay.

Staying in a homestay will round out your unique local minority adventure. There are several homestays in Sapa and the surrounding villages. The most unique experience is, of course, spending the night in a local hill tribe’s house. The accommodations are frequently basic and uncomfortable, but the experience is fantastic!

You can have a family dinner in the evening. Finish the day with a delicious traditional herbal bath or a glass of rice wine with your family. It will be an unforgettable experience.

The best option is to combine an overnight stay at a homestay with a multi-day trek. For example, if you go on a Sapa trekking tour for 2 days, you will spend the night in a local homestay and continue walking the next day, venturing far off the beaten path.

5. Go to a local market.

A mountain market is another excellent thing to do in Sapa. You can visit several markets in Sapa and elsewhere. The local hill tribes use these markets to trade their locally grown food. But there’s a lot more here.

Consider clothing, cloth, brocade, jewelry, and even telephones and chargers. The livestock section is one of the most fascinating parts of the market. Traders can be seen here inspecting every part of the animal before making a trade.

Visiting an ethnic minority market is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The colors of the traditional clothing, the animals, and the crowds give the impression of chaos. However, this chaos is surprisingly cozy and has a pleasant atmosphere.

The Bac Ha market (held every Sunday) is the most popular market in the Sapa area, but there are many other markets to visit.

6. Visit Fansipan Mountain.

Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest peak, and as such, it is quite literally the most spectacular. Previously, you could only reach the summit by climbing for two or three days. Although this is still possible, there is now a cable car that takes you in just 15 minutes from the cable car station in Sapa to the top of Fansipan.

You can now visit a number of temples and pagodas that have been built around the mountain’s crest. On clear days, you can see the surrounding mountains.

7. Visit Tram Ton Pass.

The highest mountain pass in Vietnam is located next to Fansipan and on the other side of Sapa. Enjoy a scenic drive on the Tram Ton Pass by car or motorcycle. There is a viewpoint at the top where you should definitely stop.

Many visitors return to Sapa from the mountain pass, but if you have more time, continue all the way to Lai Chau. Along the way, you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful mountains in the country.

8. See beautiful waterfalls

Combining a drive over the Tram Ton Pass with a visit to some local waterfalls in Sapa along the same road as the pass is a great way to spend a day. The Silver Waterfall can be found right next to the road. To get to the Silver Waterfall, you must hike for 30 minutes, but it is much less visited and special because of this.