Sapa is at its best in the period of September-November when the landscape is beautiful like a picture. That’s also reason why visitors are absolutely charmed. Consider the top 10 attractions below if you don’t want to miss the chance to explore this stunning mountainous area.
1. Conquer the Fansipan Peak – The Indochina Roof
The Fanxipan peak - The Indochina roof
Fansipan is the highest peak in Indochina (3143m) located in the center of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It takes only 9km to get there from Sapa Town but 2-4 days to conquer the peak. Currently, there are many climbers are interested in this challenge thanks to the help of travel agents or the locals including H’mong and Dao people from Cat Cat village.
Along the adventure, the mountain offers chance to explore the fauna and flora as well as the mysterious nature in Hoang Lien mountain range: Hoang Lien plants – a valuable herb, precious woods; animals such as perdix, bear, monkey, antelope and many bird species.
2. Ham Rong Mountain
Panoramic view of Sapa from Ham Rong
Situated 3km from Sapa Centre, this is a destination which can be reached by walking. The top of the mountain offers the panorama of Sapa, Muong Hoa Valley, Sa Pa and Ta Phin which seem to be hidden in mist. Thanks to the skilful hands of human, Ham Rong becomes an authentic paradise of flowers like a fairy garden.
3. The ancient Sapa church
Located at the centre of Sapa Town, this stone church was constructed in 1895 by the French and now considered as a complete ancient architecture left. Embellished and preserved, the church is now an indispensable symbol once referring to Sapa.
4. Cat Cat Village
This is an ancient village of H’mong people situated 2km from the Sapa Town, also where many traditional handicraft are preserved such as weaving. In the advantage of being near the centre of Sapa, Cat Cat attracts various visitors. Thus, it now develops and become “Cat Cat Tourist Area.”
5. Ta Phin Village
Rice fields in Ta Phin
Just 17km transfer to the east of Sapa Town, you can reach Ta Phin village where you can interact with magnificent scenery and Red Dao culture, which is famous for brocade making. Once reaching here, don’t forget to visit the mysterious Ta Phin cave sheltering the collection of strange natural images made by stalactites.
Additionally, there are many other villages worth visiting in Sapa such as Ta Van village – home of H’mong, Giay, Tay, Red Dao …. minorities, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai village of Black H’mong people (7km to the southwest of Sapa, next to Muong Hoa stream), Ban Ho of Tay group and so on.
6. Muong Hoa Valley – Ancient Stone Field
Muong Hoa Valley is in Hau Thao commune and 8km from Sapa Town after traversing a pass along the mountain range (fee require). Particularly, this is also the home of the ancient stone field interspersed in local terraced rice fields. Hundreds of sandstone is sculptured with patterns so strange that no expert can discover what their origin and significance are. Nowadays, this destination is recognized as a national relic and particular heritage of the ancient Viet people. You also should not bypass the pretty stream stretching 15km through Lao Chai, Ta Van, Hau Thao until Ban Ho.
7. Silver Waterfall – Summit of Pass
Silver waterfall in Sapa
From the Sapa Town, just 12km driving westward on the way to Lai Chau, you will reach the impressive Silver Waterfall originated from the height of 200m to the stream in O Quy Ho valley. However, the amount of water at this waterfall is little in spring.
After the next 3km, the Summit of Pass offers the great view of Fansipan above and the below magnificent path to Binh Lu.
8.Sky gate
After transferring 18km to the north of Sapa town along the winding Tram Ton Pass, you can arrive in the summit of this pass which is called the Heaven Gate where all visitors are impressed with the fantastic panorama of green fields, path and Silver Waterfall as well as the grandiose Fansipan Peak.
9. Hang Tien (Fairy Cave)
Interior of Fairy Cave in Sapa
Floating upstream 6km on the poetic Chay River from centre of Bao Nhai Commune (Bac Ha), the boat leads you to the legendary Trung Do citadel. Hang Tien is celebrated as a mini Halong Bay and associated to the tale of Ba Co shrine in Bao Nhai Commune, also the suitable place for those who love nature.
10. Coc San
Just start your 7-km journey from Lao Cai City along the 4D Road and the following a small 1-km path, you will not miss the chance to visit Coc San, a system of waterfalls and caves. The path to Coc San is a natural and primitive with the picturesque scenery. All you need to do is to come here and feel the mysterious nature.
(Collection)
