Sapa is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam. It is located in the far north, enclosed between mountains covered with gigantic rice terraces. Put on your walking shoes because in the area around Sapa you can make fantastic hikes through the  impressive nature. You walk on winding paths through green valleys and every now and then you come across a spectacular viewpoint. You also pass authentic villages where you get to know locals from different ethnic minority groups, who have lived here for generations. Below you can read about the 10 best things to do in Sapa. We also write about the best time to travel, how to best travel to Sapa, we give tips for good restaurants and nice places to sleep. 

How to travel to Sapa?

Most people travel to Sapa from Hanoi or Ha Giang . Read below about the different options to travel to Sapa.

What to do in Sapa?

There is a lot to see and do in and around Sapa. These are my tips!

Drive from Sapa to Tram Ton Pass

The Tram Ton Pass stretches across the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is also called Heaven’s Gate Pass . This 1900 meter high mountain pass is a 20 minute drive from Sapa and the best way to explore the pass is by scooter. Drive over the winding roads while enjoying the most spectacular views along the way. Chances are that you will want to stop after every bend because the view is so beautiful! Read below the photos about the most beautiful places to stop along the way.

The Tram Ton Pass is not long in terms of kilometers, but there are quite a few sights along the way. The Silver Waterfall is located right next to the road, so this 200 meter high waterfall cannot be missed. Walk around the waterfall via the wooden path and see how the water crashes down the mountains. A little further from the main road is another beautiful waterfall called Love Waterfall . To get to this waterfall you have to make a 30 minute hike. This makes it a lot quieter than at The Silver Waterfall and perhaps even more fun to visit. Five kilometers further on you will find this gigantic bridge that is almost entirely made of glass. It is fun to walk over it but perhaps less suitable for people with a fear of heights. You can drink a cup of coffee or tea while enjoying the view. Do you feel like driving a little further into the mountains? Then it is fantastic to visit the Chu Va Viewpoint . This is about 13 km drive from the Tram Ton Pass and the view here is incredibly beautiful.

Stay in a hotel with a view of the rice terraces

If you can spend the night somewhere special in Vietnam, it is in Sapa. In the center of Sapa you will find many hotels, but it is much nicer to stay a little outside the center. Here you wake up with an amazing view of the mountains and green rice terraces. It does not matter whether you have a small or large budget, because there is something beautiful to find in every budget. It is fantastic to treat yourself or your travel partner to an unforgettable stay. The hotels below are all recommended and all have one thing in common: a beautiful view.

The most beautiful hotels in the rice fields of Sapa are:

€ – D&D Eco Sapa
€ – Hmong House Sapa
€ – Sapa’s Soul
€€ – Sapa Eco Bungalows & Spa
€€€ – Laxsik Ecolodge
€€€ – Eco Palms House – Sapa Retreat

Visit the cultural Cat Cat Village

Vietnam has a large number of ethnic groups, of which 53 are ethnic minorities. These minority groups live mainly in the mountains of Northern Vietnam. The traditional village of Cat Cat village is located 3 kilometers from Sapa and at the foot of the Muong Hoa valley . Mainly the Hmong live here and during a visit you will get a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle. It is good to know that Cat Cat Village is focused on tourism and you therefore pay a small entrance fee to walk through it. The money raised goes to locals who open their homes to visitors. In the houses they are happy to show you their handicrafts and embroidery.

Tien Sa Waterfall runs right through Cat Cat Village. You have to climb quite a few steps to get there, but once you arrive, it is pure enjoyment of the beautiful waterfall. You get there by following the signs towards the waterfall and turning left at this point . Here you can admire the waterfall from above in peace. Then walk further towards the bank of the waterfall and watch up close how the water thunders down.

Take a trek through the Muong Hoa Valley

Trekking through the Muong Hoa Valley is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sapa. Together with a guide, you will see the most beautiful places in the valley, visit villages and meet locals. The minority groups that live here are the Hmong, the Dao and the Táy. The groups are distinguished from each other by differences in language, clothing and customs. The guide will tell you a lot about this during the trek. For example, my guide told me that an indigo plant grows in the valley with which locals dye their clothes. That is why you see a lot of people with blue dye on their hands. I went on the trail with this nice guide ( Whatsapp: +84949259675 ) and can recommend it to everyone. During the hike you will see beautiful rice terraces, cross rivers and learn a lot about Sapa.

Take the cable car to Mount Fansipan

If you want to see the gigantic valleys of Sapa from above, you should not miss a ride on the longest non-stop cable car in the world. The cable car to heaven takes you to the top of Mount Fansipan at an altitude of over 3000 meters. You go through the clouds in the cart and every now and then you catch a glimpse of the lush nature. From above you have a great view and you can see many waterfalls in the distance. Once you have reached the top, the view is fantastic. Walk through the beautiful temple complex and be sure to walk up the 600 steps because only then will you really be at the top of Mount Fansipan. Let the mysterious clouds pass by you and with a bit of luck you can even see China in the distance. Don’t feel like walking the steps? Then you can also take a train to the top of the mountain.

Tip: Do you like a physical challenge? Then it is fun to climb Mount Fansipan. The route up is about 15 kilometers with big slopes and descents along the way. If you book this trek ( Whatsapp: +84949259675 ) to the top of Mount Fansipan, you will spend the night at an altitude of 2800 meters.

Vintage shopping in Sapa

Attention vintage lovers! In the center of Sapa you will find Si Salt 2hand where you can browse through unique vintage pearls. The collection consists of colorful clothing with all kinds of cheerful prints, but they also sell denim and accessories. Are you done shopping and do you feel like having a nice meal and drink? Right next to the store is the cozy eatery Thong Dong Vegan 1 where they serve delicious food.

Explore the village of Ta Phin Village

About a 30 minute drive from Sapa you will find Ta Phin Village, which is surrounded by rice terraces and herb plantations. As soon as you enter the village locals will show you the way and show you how they live here. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself in someone’s house because locals are happy to give you a look behind their doors.

There are not many activities to do in Ta Phin Village. You mainly go there to experience authentic life. However, there are a few things you should not miss. For example, it is nice to drink a cup of coffee at Ta Phin Cottage while enjoying the view over the valley. A completely unique thing is to take a herbal bath, with a view! This is possible at Dao’s Spa and this is a wonderful activity to relax for a while. The herbs that they use for the bath water come from the valley and ensure that you de-stress and reduce complaints such as headaches and muscle pain. It is also very cheap.

Tip: On the way from Sapa to Ta Phin Village, stop at the remains of this French church . This is a beautiful ruin surrounded by greenery.

Wander the markets in the Sapa region

Want to get a glimpse into the authentic life of the Vietnamese? Then visit one of the markets in the area of ​​Sapa. You will go back in time here and see between dozens of trucks how traders come together to sell their cattle, vegetables and fruit. Unfortunately, the markets are far from Sapa, which means you have to travel a long way to get there. The route to get there is beautiful because you pass many beautiful mountains and valleys. Because of the distance, it is a matter of deciding whether you think it is worth it. The markets are not open daily, so take the opening hours into account.

Coc Ly Market – This is an important local market for ethnic minorities from the region. There are hardly any tourists and the market is very authentic. The market is only open on Tuesdays from 06:00-14:00 and is about a 2.5 hour drive from Sapa. The trip there is very beautiful and you can do it with a tour, taxi or independently with a scooter. If you would like to visit the market with a tour, you can book this with Thong Dong Vegan Sapa.

Bac Ha Market – This traditional market also gives you a glimpse into authentic life. The market is held every Sunday from 06:00-14:00 and is about a 2.5 hour drive from Sapa. If you visit the market with this guide , he will tell you all about the culture, customs and history.

What NOT to do in Sapa?

In the area around Sapa and actually everywhere in Southeast Asia you will come across children selling bracelets and other stuff. They are often incredibly cute and saying ‘no’ is difficult. However, we strongly advise against buying anything from children during your trip. By buying something from children you stimulate them to be used to work while they should actually be at school or playing. Do you want to support the local population? Then buy a beautiful handmade souvenir in one of the villages from an adult. It is customary to negotiate.

The best time to travel to Sapa

Sapa has different seasons. In principle, you can visit Sapa all year round, but not every season is recommended. The winter months, from December to February, are the worst time to visit Sapa. It rains little then, but it is cold with temperatures below 10 degrees and often very foggy. The rice terraces are brown and therefore the surroundings are a lot less beautiful. March to May the weather is better in Sapa. The average temperature is then around 15 degrees. June to August are the warmest months, and also the busiest months. It can rain more often in these months, but this makes the rice fields beautifully green. The end of August to the beginning of October is the harvest season. The rice fields are at their most beautiful in these months and the temperatures are also pleasant. Do take your poncho because a rain shower is not uncommon in these months.

Tips for good restaurants in Sapa

Thong Dong Vegan – This delicious vegan restaurant has two locations in Sapa and is my favorite restaurant. They serve healthy breakfasts, delicious soups and rice bowls. You can even make your own fresh spring rolls.
The Mist Sapa – Here you can drink the best coffee and order a Banh Mi sandwich or a sweet coffee bun. Take a seat in the cozy garden and enjoy the peace.
Sapa Sky View restaurant & bar – From this cozy restaurant you can eat delicious food while enjoying the view. They serve salads, pastas, but also delicious sashimi.
Viettrekking Coffee & Restaurant – This is another place where you can enjoy a fantastic view over the green valleys of Sapa. They serve Vietnamese and international dishes.
Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant – Cozy restaurant with a very friendly owner. You can have a nice breakfast, lunch and dinner there. The menu is extensive with both meat and vegetarian dishes. 
Yummi Restaurant – As the name says: the food here is very tasty! Go here when it is light because then you can also enjoy the view. 
Little Vietnam Restaurant – For delicious Vietnamese food you have come to the right place.

Our favorite places in Sapa

At Hmong House Sapa you can book a room with a fantastic view, without a high price tag. In the morning you can see the sun rise from your bed. So unique! The homestay is run by a very sweet family who will make you feel at home right away. Would you like to stay in a hotel with a swimming pool? Then Sapa Eco Bungalows & Spa is perfect! From this eco hotel you have a wide view of the rice terraces and the mountains. You will stay in a nice double room with a balcony and a soft bed. The staff is super friendly and will do everything to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Do you want to pamper yourself and stay in a luxury lodge? Laxsik Ecolodge is perhaps the most beautiful hotel in Sapa. From the swimming pool you can look out over the rice terraces for miles and you will stay in a fantastic bungalow with the same view. You can also eat delicious food in the restaurant.

Good to know: The above hotels are all located a bit further away from the center. This allows you to enjoy the beautiful view and the peace. If you jump on a scooter or in a taxi, you will be in the busy center in no time.