Sapa is always beautiful in four seasons. Sapa has its own majestic and dreamy beauty. Spending a few days in Sapa during your Vietnam tours, you not only have a chance to enjoy the fresh air of a region of the northwest but also visit the old French villas, 100m high Silver waterfall, learn the life of H’Mong people in Cat Cat Village. Especially, you can take part in the “Love market” on Saturday and climb the “Heaven’s Gate”, “Cloud Yard” to capture the images of Sapa town engulfed in fog. Here are top Sapa attractions for tourists to visit in their Sapa Vietnam Tour.
1. Mount Fansipan – The Roof of Indochina
The first Sapa attraction mentioned in this list is Fanspan. It is the highest mountain in the region and the Roof of Indochina. The mount rises to a height of 3,143m in the centre of the Hoang Lien Son Range. Located just southwest of Sapa, trekking tours of the mountain can stretch to 6 or 7 days. Fansipan attracts both professional and amateur climbers; trekking up the mountain are regularly arranged by tour companies, and it is also possible to organize your own excursion with the help of local guides.
While trekking, you can enjoy the flora and fauna of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range on the way to the peak. Besides, you can discover some valuable and rare medicinal plants and trees and various animal such as birds, deers and monkeys.
2. Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain, 3km from the centre of Sapa, can be reach by walking. From this one of top Sapa attractions, you can look over Sapa to the Muong Hoa Valley, often veiled with fog. Local authorities take good care of this area and it has become one of the most popular Sapa attractions. Easily accessible, it is called a fairyland for its many flowers, often blooming above the clouds in the valley.
3. Sapa Stone Church
The stone church in the centre of Sapa Town was built in 1895 by French colonists. Thanks to effective preservation and restoration, the church is considered the symbol of Sapa. Because of that reason, it is one of the best Sapa attractions that you should not miss!
4. Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat is an old ethnic minority village about 2km from Sapa Town. Many traditional crafts are still practiced here, namely growing cotton to weave fabric. Since Cat Cat Village is so near Sapa, it attracts many tourists and has recently gained recognition as a tourism destination. Needless to say, this is one of top Sapa attractions that tourists should spend time exploring.
5. Ta Phin Village
Another village mentioned in this top list of Sapa attractions is Ta Phin Village. Located at over 10km to the north of Sapa, it boasts stunning views and ethnic culture. The Red Dao people here traditionally live on making brocade. The nearby Ta Phin Cave is worth visiting, where you can view fascinating rock formations which resemble fanciful scenes like dancing fairies, fields and glittering forests.
There are many ethnic minority villages nearby, including those of the Hmong, Giay, Tay and Red Dao minority groups.
6. Muong Hoa Valley – Sapa’s ancient stone
Muong Hoa Valley stretches about 8km southeast from Sapa and is easy to access from the town. Here, a remarkable field of ancient stones featuring carvings of various images sits among the terraced fields and crops grown by the local ethnic people. The origin and meaning of the strange images carved on hundreds of stones remain difficult to decipher, which makes this Sapa attraction filled with ancient mistery.
This area has been listed as a national heritage in need of local preservation. It is also one of top Sapa attractions. A small, picturesque stream winds its way through the length of the valley, running through many communes and ending at Ho Village.
7. Silver Waterfall – O Quy Ho Pass
Silver Waterfall, 12km from Sapa, is a narrow and step waterfall that drops, in total, some 200m toward the stream in the valley below. When the water is high the falls create an impressive sound in the forest, though in dry season the water levels drop dramatically. Continue 3km past the falls, and you will reach O Quy Ho Pass, offering great views up to Mount Fansipan and down over the winding road descending toward Lai Chau.
8. Heaven’s Gate
Heaven’s Gate, 18km to the north of Sapa, offers beautiful scenery of a winding road among green fields. As the road crosses Tram Ton Pass to weave further into the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, you reach the point called Heaven’s Gate. From the pass, you can enjoy a panoramic view of green fields, winding roads and Silver waterfall. Also, you can see the whole enormous landscape of Fansipan mountain from this position.
9. Tien Cave (Fairy Cave)
About 6km from the center of Bac Ha District, you can take a boat to visit a delightful Fairy Cave. Near the cave, Chay river becomes smaller and runs along the cliff face. Fairy Cave is an example of the same rock formation you find in Ha Long Bay, and local legend links the cave with the nearby Three Ladies Temple. Visitors can take in the view, swim in Fairy Stream, view the sunrise and pray for good health and prosperity.
10. Coc San Cave
The final Sapa attraction in this list is Coc San Cave. Located in Bat Xat District about 7km from Lao Cai City, the cave is a complex of waterfalls and small caves. You can come here from National Highway 4D, by a narrow 1km road. The road winds precipitously and is sometimes blocked by fallen rocks. However, it has natural and wild beauty. You will find a cave behind nearly every waterfall, and the scenery is stunning. Watching the waterfalls and viewing the cliffs and caves can be a magical experience.
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