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I Love Sapa sign with vibrant red flowers and scenic mountain backdrop in Vietnam.

Sapa, Vietnam

Foto gemaakt door Kirandeep Singh Walia op Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan9°4d rain
MODERATEFeb10°5d rain
BUSYMar12°8d rainBEST
VERY BUSYApr15°9d rainBEST
BUSYMay18°14d rainBEST
MODERATEJun20°17d rain
BUSYJul21°19d rain
BUSYAug21°19d rain
VERY BUSYSep20°17d rainBEST
VERY BUSYOct17°12d rainBEST
MODERATENov13°7d rainBEST
BUSYDec10°5d rain

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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity

Attracties in Sapa, Vietnam

Fansipan (Fansipan Peak / Núi Fansipan)

1. Fansipan (Fansipan Peak / Núi Fansipan)

Fansipan Peak / Núi Fansipan

4.6 (3,556)
Mountain PeakNatuurlijk kenmerkVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Highest peak in Indochina, dramatic mountain and valley views. Ride the cable car or trek to the summit for sunrise panoramas and great photo spots.

Sun World Fansipan Legend (Fansipan cable car station)

2. Sun World Fansipan Legend (Fansipan cable car station)

Fansipan cable car station

4.5 (17,611)
Toeristische attractiePunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Panoramic views from Vietnam's highest cable car, reaching Fansipan's summit. Glide in modern glass cabins over valleys, visit mountain temples, and catch sunrise photos.

Muong Hoa Valley (Mường Hoa Valley & Rice Terraces)

3. Muong Hoa Valley (Mường Hoa Valley & Rice Terraces)

Mường Hoa Valley & Rice Terraces

4.6 (654)
Toeristische attractiePunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Sculpted rice terraces and misty mountain views capture Sapa's rural beauty. Walk along riverside trails and ethnic villages for unforgettable photos.

Klik om een GRATIS wandeltocht te boeken in Sapa, Vietnam

De beste manier om een stad te ervaren met een lokale gids.

Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!

Explore all of Vietnam
Cat Cat Village (Bản Cát Cát)

4. Cat Cat Village (Bản Cát Cát)

Bản Cát Cát

4.1 (9,562)
Toeristische attractiePunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Officiële website

Traditional Hmong culture and emerald terraced rice fields just outside Sapa. Wander narrow lanes, visit handicraft stalls, and watch a working watermill.

Ta Phin Village (Bản Tả Phìn)

5. Ta Phin Village (Bản Tả Phìn)

Bản Tả Phìn

4.3 (92)
Tour AgencyTravel AgencyPunt van interesseServiceVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Officiële website

Live Hmong and Red Dao traditions among highland terraces. Wander stilt houses, watch indigo dyeing, and meet artisan families.

Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc)

6. Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc)

Thác Bạc

4.2 (2,282)
Toeristische attractiePunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Officiële website

Lush mountain cascade near Sapa, easy access from the pass. Enjoy roaring water, misty viewpoints and quick photo stops.

Love Waterfall (Thác Tình Yêu)

7. Love Waterfall (Thác Tình Yêu)

Thác Tình Yêu

4.5 (1,112)
Scenic SpotPunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Romantic cascade framed by pine forests and Hoang Lien peaks. Walk cliffside paths and wooden platforms to watch water plunge into a misty pool and capture dramatic photos.

Ham Rong Mountain / Ham Rong Park (Vườn hoa, Cáp treo Ham Rong)

8. Ham Rong Mountain / Ham Rong Park (Vườn hoa, Cáp treo Ham Rong)

Vườn hoa, Cáp treo Ham Rong

4.3 (2,066)
Toeristische attractieNature PreserveParkPunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Officiële website

Panoramic mountain views and colorful flower terraces above Sapa lure visitors. Walk manicured gardens, climb rocky viewpoints and capture mist-filled valley photos.

Sapa Market (Chợ Sapa / Sapa Central Market)

9. Sapa Market (Chợ Sapa / Sapa Central Market)

Chợ Sapa / Sapa Central Market

3.9 (78)
MarketPunt van interesseVestiging

Routebeschrijving

Bustling hill-tribe market where colorful handicrafts and lively bargaining bring Sapa's culture alive. Find fresh mountain produce, embroidered goods and candid portrait opportunities.

O Quy Ho Pass / Tram Ton Pass (Đèo Ô Quy Hồ / Cổng Trời)

10. O Quy Ho Pass / Tram Ton Pass (Đèo Ô Quy Hồ / Cổng Trời)

Đèo Ô Quy Hồ / Cổng Trời

4.7 (739)
Natuurlijk kenmerkVestiging

Routebeschrijving

High mountain pass with dramatic hairpins and sweeping Hoang Lien Range views. Drive or hike along cloud-swept roads and pause at Cổng Trời for panoramic photos.

Additional popular things to do in Sapa, Vietnam

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Che (sweet soups)

Che (sweet soups)

Che in Sapa mixes beans, fruits, and sticky rice into colorful bowls, giving each spoonful a blend of textures and flavors that celebrates the highland seasons and ethnic diversity.

Banh gio

Banh gio

Banh gio is a pyramid-shaped rice dumpling wrapped in banana leaves, its steaming shape locks in a smoky, grassy aroma that locals prize as much as the savory pork and mung bean filling.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Thang co

Thang co

Thang co is a Hmong ceremonial stew made from horse meat, organs, and bones, simmered for hours to produce a rich, gamey broth served to honor guests and mark important festivals.

Com lam

Com lam

Com lam is sticky rice roasted inside bamboo tubes over charcoal, the bamboo infuses the rice with a subtle resinous aroma and turns a humble grain into a prized mountain snack.

Grilled pork

Grilled pork

Sapa-style grilled pork is marinated with local herbs, fish sauce, and honey then charred over coals, creating a caramelized crust and smoky sweetness that defines market-night street food.

Traditional Beverages

Green tea

Green tea

Green tea from Sapa grows at high altitude, producing thicker leaves and a bright, floral liquor with a clean, lingering sweetness prized by tea connoisseurs.

Rice wine

Rice wine

Local rice wine is fermented from glutinous rice and village yeast, sometimes aged with medicinal herbs, and it fuels toasts that cement friendships during celebrations.

Ruou can

Ruou can

Ruou can is a communal jar of rice wine enjoyed through long bamboo straws, its shared sipping ritual brings people together and turns every meal into a social ceremony.

Attracties naar je e-mail sturen

Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips — perfect for offline use.

Day trips

Fansipan Peak (via cable car)

9 km 30-45 min by cable car and short drive

Highest peak in Indochina with panoramic mountain views.

Google Maps

Cat Cat Village

3 km 15-30 min by foot or short drive

Traditional Hmong village, waterfalls, and local crafts.

Google Maps

Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac)

12 km 30 min by car

Scenic waterfall near Tram Ton Pass with forest walks.

Google Maps

Bac Ha Market

65 km 2.5-3h by car

Colorful weekly market showcasing hill-tribe goods.

Google Maps

Muong Hoa Valley and Ta Van Village

10 km 30-45 min by car or trek

Terraced rice fields, riverside walks, and ethnic villages.

Google Maps

Reacties (9)

M
Maximiliano F.

Cloudy mornings and sudden sun, rice terraces felt otherworldly. Food was humble but amazing, bring layers.

9
R
Romain C.

Werd kletsnat in een plotselinge regenbui, had de verkeerde schoenen gepakt. Uitzicht is het waard, maar neem regenkleding en geduld mee.

Translated from English ·

12
S
Silvia F.

Bring small cash, ATMs sometimes empty. Change some dong at Lao Cai station if you arrive late to avoid big fees.

5
B
Bo W.

Felt safe walking around, locals friendly but many touts around tourist spots, bargain politely or just walk away.

5
J
Julien R.

Take the overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi, saves a hotel night and drops you off early for full-day hikes.

2

Getting there

Train stations

Lao Cai Railway Station

Hanoi-Lao Cai line, overnight trains from Hanoi

Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then a 1h shuttle bus or taxi to Sapa.

Klik om eSim te krijgen voor Sapa, Vietnam

De gemakkelijkste en meest betaalbare manier om mobiel internet te krijgen waar je ook reist.

Rent a car in Sapa, Vietnam

Nuttige informatie voor Sapa, Vietnam

Populaire winkelgebiedenSapa Market, Sapa Night Market, Cat Cat Village crafts
Populaire uitgaansgelegenhedenSapa Night Market, Bars on Fansipan Street
Populaire informele restaurantsGood Morning Sapa, Phan's House, Vietnamese Restaurant Sapa
Populaire chique restaurantsMoment Romantic Restaurant, Hill Station Signature Restaurant
Populaire koffiebarsLove Cafe, Le Gecko, Legend Coffee House
Kraanwater veilig om te drinkenNee
Digitaal nomadenvisumNee
Beste taxi-appGrab, Mai Linh, Local taxis
Taxi prijs / km$0.5
Toeristen / jaar1000000
Bevolking38000
Mobiele internetsnelheid25 Mbps
Werkloosheidspercentage2.3 %
Armoedepercentage12 %
Gemiddeld inkomen / maand$350
Gemiddelde kosten van levensonderhoud / maand$450
Hotelprijs / nacht vanaf$15
Bierprijs vanaf$1
Koffieprijs vanaf$0.8
Straatvoedselprijs vanaf$1
Restaurantmaaltijdprijs vanaf$3
Lokale valutaVND
Soorten stekkersA, C
ReligiesBuddhism, Folk religion, Christianity
Gesproken talenVietnamese, Hmong, Tay, English
Etnische groepenKinh, Hmong, Tay, Dao
Politieke oriëntatieAuthoritarian socialist leaning
Bevolkingsdichtheid120 /km²
Geografisch gebied685 km²
Mogelijke natuurrampenLandslides, Floods, Storms
Gevaarlijke dierenSnakes, Leeches, Stray dogs
Populaire locaties voor een wandelingMuong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, Ham Rong Mountain, Love Waterfall, Fansipan
Populair openbaar vervoerBus, Minivan, Motorbike taxis
LuchtvaartmaatschappijenVietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways
Aanbevolen vaccinatiesHepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Routine vaccines, Hepatitis B
ArchitectuurtypeFrench colonial, Traditional ethnic stilt houses
Gemiddeld bierverbruik per persoon / jaar35 l
Gemiddeld wijnverbruik per persoon / jaar1 l
FooicultuurNot required, appreciated in tourism areas
Coworking / dag$5
Airbnb / maand$400
Huur 1 slaapkamer / maand$200
Sportschool / maand$20
Dagbudget (backpacker)$20
Dagbudget (middensegment)$50

Overzicht voor Sapa, Vietnam

Engelse taalvaardigheidGemiddeld
VerkeersveiligheidSlecht
Vriendelijk voor buitenlandersGoed
Vrijheid van meningsuitingErg slecht
Openbaar vervoerSlecht
GezondheidszorgSlecht
OnderwijsGemiddeld
Betrouwbaarheid elektriciteitsnetGemiddeld
Veiligheid tegen geweldsdelictenGoed
BeloopbaarheidGoed
NachtlevenSlecht
Culinaire sceneGemiddeld
LGBTQ+ vriendelijkGemiddeld
Startup-sceneErg slecht
GeluidsniveauGemiddeld
NetheidGemiddeld
Toegang tot natuurZeer goed
Explore all of Vietnam

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