Perched at an altitude of 1,600 meters in the northwest of Vietnam, the town of Sa Pa is world famous for its rice terraces and ethnic minorities. It is an ideal destination for those who seek cultural richness, mountains and hiking in the heart of breathtaking landscapes.
If you are interested in discovering and visiting this region, you will find in the following article, what to do in Sa Pa.
1. Admire the most majestic rice terraces
When you talk about the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, you can’t miss the beautiful rice terraces. Sa Pa is a small paradise for those who love to take beautiful pictures of the lush rice terraces, dotted with ethnic villages. The rice terraces are an exceptional culture of this region. Depending on the season, the rice terraces will be a different beauty. The best time to admire the magnificent green or golden ribbons following one another in a grandiose way from the feet to the tops of the mountains is in May (the farmers pour water on the fields) and from August to mid-September (the rice harvest season).
2. Explore the area by walking or hiking
The area around Sa Pa is the perfect place for nature and hiking lovers. And hiking is the best way to discover the splendid landscapes of terraced rice fields and the cultures enriched by the villagers. Discover it with a local guide who can help you to choose the most authentic itinerary off the beaten track and who will perfectly adapt the route according to your desires and your walking level.
3. Meet the ethnic minorities
Sa Pa is home to many villages more or less accessible inhabited by ethnic minorities. You can’t leave Sa Pa without visiting the ethnic villages. During your hike, you will have the opportunity to meet ethnic groups in H’Mong, Red Dao, Day…. tribal costumes. Each ethnic group has its own traditional dress. The visit allows you to see and understand the daily life of the local population: work in the fields, rice pounding, handicraft sales, household tasks… In order to understand the culture, the history, the local life, a guide will be essential.
4. Discover Mount Fansipan, the roof of Indochina
Mount Fansipan which is part of the Hoang Lien mountain range is the highest peak in Indochina (3143 meters). To climb Mount Fansipan you can take a 3-day hike or take a cable car. At the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the picturesque landscape of the Muong Hoa valley with its ethnic minority villages.
5. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery from the O Quy Ho Pass
The O Quy Hô Pass, also called “Gate of Heaven”, has an altitude of about 2,000 m and a length of nearly 50 km. It is considered as the “king” of the passes in the northwest of Vietnam. From the top you will have a breathtaking view of the winding roads on the mountainside.
6. Climbing the mountain of Ham Rong
Ham Rong Mountain (Dragon’s Jaw) is located in downtown Sa Pa, visitors can go there by foot. At the foot of the mountain there is a beautiful park with gardens, an orchid park, original sculptures, an observation deck and recreational area. At the top Ham Rong, you will have a panoramic view of the valley and surrounding peaks.
7. S’imprégner de l’ambiance du marché de Sa Pa
During your stay in Sa Pa, do not miss to visit the big market of Sa Pa which is held every day. The surrounding ethnic groups come there to sell their production and to buy what they need: vegetables, clothes, food, brocatelles, domestic animals… It is a place of trade and meetings for all the ethnic groups of the region: H’mongs, Tay, Dao, Giáy…
8. Se détendre avec un bain aux herbes
What could be more relaxing after a walk than an invigorating Red Dao herbal bath? You can easily find a spa center offering this type of service. It helps treat aches and pains, quickly reducing fatigue. It is also good for your skin and helps you sleep well.
9. Déguster les spécialités culinaires
Besides majestic landscapes, Sa Pa is also known as the gastronomic paradise in the northwest of Vietnam. Once you come to Sa Pa, don’t miss the opportunity to taste famous culinary specialties such as thang co or horse or buffalo intestine soup, stream fish, grilled and smoked buffalo, corn cake, corn alcohol…
10. Buy local handicrafts
Before leaving Sa Pa, don’t forget to take home some handicrafts from the local population: hats, traditional silver jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, bags, blankets… You can easily find them everywhere in Sa Pa.
Sa Pa is a must-see destination that attracts nature lovers with its impressive natural beauty. If you want to go for a hike in the middle of the green rice terraces far from the crowd, please contact us.
