sapa-reunion multi-ethnic culture
Sapa is probably the most popular tourist destination north of Hanoi. It’s reputation is well deserved. The area was first established as a French colonial outpost.
Today, it is visited for its scenic ruggedness and also because Sapa, and its environs, are home to the rich cultures of Vietnam’s hill tribes. There is more than one tribe living in the area and, as a result, Sapa is a very diverse place, both culturally and ethnically. Two of the larger tribes are the Hmong and The Dao. Both are recognizable because of the colorful clothing they often wear.
Getting to Sapa required a trip by train, bus, car, or, for the adventurous (and slightly crazed?) traveler, motorcycle. The journey is worth it because there is enough to do in and around Sapa to keep visitors busy for several days, if not longer. Ham Rong Resort has attempted to take everything that Sapa has to offer and package it. The results are not as “plastic” as one might think. Located on a hill above town, the views are unmatchable, and there are various theme gardens to stroll around. Also offered are ethnic dance performances featuring the local hill tribes. Hiking up any of the hills surrounding Sapa will inevitably lead to panoramic views and most likely encounters with hill tribe people.
Trekking guides can be found at most guesthouses and travel agencies. Tram Tom Pass and Cau May (Cloud Bridge) are popular for their views and the relative ease of the hike to reach them. Even just sitting in town, it is possible to see some great views, especially the sun dropping below the mountains. Getting a hotel room with a balcony might be a little more costly, but fact that you will be able to take in the views whenever you makes the extra cash well worth it. (Expensive being a relative term here. $20 will earn you a more than comfortable accommodation, and most rooms can be had for a lot less.
Sapa does have streaks of harsh weather.
Temperatures get to near freezing in winter. Summer is a better time to visit,
although the winter fog wrapping its way around the mountains is quite a sight.
Trekking in winter will require warm clothing and something sturdy to protect
against rain. (An umbrella won’t cut it. Opt for at least a poncho).Guides
can arrange a trip to a local hill tribe village, although some of these tours
end up to be little more than tourist traps. There is plenty of action at the
markets in Sapa, so a couple of hours wandering around would not constitute time
ill-spent. Sapa offers many opportunities for taking photographs. Early mornings
are the best time to snap panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s
best to ask local people before you take their pictures. Seeing a camera
wielding tourist pursuing a shy tribesperson is not common, but apparently, it
does happen. Sapa is worth a visit, especially for its rugged scenery and
colorful culture.
Sapa Budget Tours
- Sapa Day Tours - Sapa Day Excursions - Day Trips Sapa Vietnam
- Sapa Walk and Bac ha Market
- Sapa Hard Trekking Two
- Sapa Hard Trekking One
- Sapa Medium Trek Two
- Sapa Medium Trek
Sapa Trekking and Adventures
- Fansipan peak conquering VIP tour (3 days - 2 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering VIP tour (2 days - 1 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Deluxe tour (4 days - 3 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Deluxe tour (3 days - 2 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Deluxe tour (2 days - 1 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Standard tour (4 days - 3 nights)
Sapa Cycling Options
- Sapa - Binh Lu - Lai Chau(with biking)
- Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Ban Ho
- Sapa Biking Tour - Ban Ho Village
- Sapa Biking Tour - Binh Lu - Lai Chau
- SaPa - Bac Ha Market with biking
- Pedalling The Remote Sapa\'s Northwest
Sapa Luxury Holidays
Traditional Minority Discovery Packages
- Green Sapa bus (Hanoi – Sapa)
- Eco Sapa Limousine Van (Hanoi – Sapa)
- Private car Hanoi Sapa
- Hanoi Sapa Private Cabin bus
- Coc Ly market with boat trip
- Cao Son market -boat trip on Chay river- Sapa Tours
Sapa Classic Trips
Northern Mountain Discovery Packages
Topas Ecolodge Sapa tours
- Topas Ecolodge and Market Package 3D/4N
- Topas Ecolodge and Market Package-2D/3N
- Topas Ecolodge and Victoria Sapa Package – 4D/5N
- Topas Ecolodge and Victoria Sapa Package – 3D/4N
- Topas Ecolodge Package – 3D/4N
- Topas Ecolodge Package 2D/3N
Top hotels in Sapa
Vietnam Top Hotel
