Photographers come to Vietnamese Sapa so that later images of rice fields flaunted on many desktops in laptops. Endless green plantations decorate many postcards about Vietnam, they are dedicated to paintings, stories on silk canvases. Vietnamese cone hats in the middle of rice ears are a real national calling card.
Sapa is the same authentic peasant Vietnam. Rainy and cloudy. Where everyone works hard, including the kids.
There are few attractions for tourists, and they are all natural. There are quite a few excursions, and all of them will be interesting. There is no sea in the city, but a cozy atmosphere, small hotels with warm electric sheets, restaurants, bars and squares will make your trip unforgettable.
The town is located in the north-west of Vietnam, in the province of Lao Cai, almost adjacent to the border with China. The place is considered unique for tourists, originality and beauty.
Nature differs from other cities in that Sapa is located in a mountainous area. Compared to Dalat, Sapa is more rainy and foggy. Here, the mountainous relief gives way to plains and rice fields. Hence the pure fresh air, warm wind, scenic area.
The population of Sapa is made up of ethnic groups. Each has its own traditions, customs, religion. The most famous categories are Hmong, Tao, Yao, Vietnamese and others. Everyday clothing is considered folk, for example, bright and colorful dresses.
Sapa city on the map of Vietnam:
Weather and climate
The city has a temperate climate, it rains in summer and autumn. Winter and spring are rather dry. Summers are cool with frequent precipitation. Officially, the rainy season lasts for three months - from June to September (in fact, it rains in Sapa all year round, just more during this period).
In winter, the mark on the thermometer can reach minus, and you can also see snow in some places. Sapa is one of the few cities in Vietnam where snow falls and impenetrable fog spreads. Snow-capped mountain ranges are a must see for everyone.
We arrived in the mountains just in one of the most successful months - in April. The fact is that it is recommended to visit Sapa in September or November, in April or in May, when a comfortable temperature is set during the day and there is a minimum of rainfall. Nevertheless, it rained every day during our week-long stay. Therefore, expecting to visit Sapa and not catching the rains at all is not worth it.
A typical April day in Sapa: fog and light rain
For tourists seeking peace, tranquility, meditative walks and intolerant of heat, Sapa will become a favorite destination.
The rains end and Sapa transforms
Admire how a city can disappear into fog in minutes:
Sapa attractions
The most famous place in the city is the market, where you can buy many unique souvenirs, including homemade ones: wallets, flasks, binoculars, dried mushrooms, roots, medicinal products, spices, candied fruits and other nishtyachi.
People of different nationalities often meet here. Zao women can be recognized by their red headscarves and shaved eyebrows. The fact is that, according to tradition, when a girl of the Tao (or Zao or Zao) ethnic groups gets married, she shaves her eyebrows.Hmongs wear black or blue clothes and decorate with needlework and embroidery.
In addition, in Sapa, you can climb the highest point of Indochina - Mount Fansipan (or Fanshipan). Its height is 3140 meters. It is located 19 km away from the city. Read about our ascent to the mountain.
The surroundings of the city are a variety of landscapes. Thak Bak waterfall (the second name is silver waterfall) is located 12 kilometers from the city. Its height is one hundred meters. The huge and powerful stream of water creates an indescribable landscape. Clean air, breathtaking top view. You can go upstairs by stairs, there is also a bridge over the waterfall itself, where a magnificent view opens up.
Entertainment in the city
The most famous entertainment in the city is trekking. It means hiking in the surrounding villages, mountains and fields. Usually, trekking must be accompanied by local Hmongs, so that they show the way and, to the best of their knowledge of English, talk about their life and customs.
As a reward, tourists buy some simple crafts from local guides. The easiest hiking route is from Sapa to the village of Kat Kat, which is just 3 km from Sapa. There is a well-established and clear path here that can be traversed without any difficulties.
The distance from Sapa to the village of Sinchay is only 6 km, but you will have to walk along serpentines, mountains and narrow paths. There is a waterfall near the village. There is also a beautiful view of the mountains. On the way, you can meet locals, learn about their lifestyle, customs, buy something as a souvenir, or even dine with some family.
Another trek can be made from Sapa to Tafin via Macha. And the distance of this hike will be 10 km. On the way, you can see villages with Hmong and Dzao tribes. There are caves nearby, the cost of entering them is 30-40 thousand VND. The journey from Sapa by car or a special motorbike takes about half an hour. For transport, the fare is more expensive - $ 15.
We rented a motorbike and drove a little along the way to the village of Lao Chai to take pictures of the famous rice terraces of Vietnam:
Who are the Black Hmongs?
As we have said, the bulk of the population of Sapa is Hmong. They look like our Yakuts. The Hmong are distinct folk tribes. They are classified into two groups: black and rainbow (or colored) Hmongs. Black Hmongs wear only black clothes, and rainbow Hmongs only wear colorful clothes. The costumes are decorated with handmade embroidery.
The people of the tribe love freedom, and according to ordinary people, the Hmong are considered a proud people. Perhaps their brightly embroidered patterns represent symbols of freedom. Most Hmong live in China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
Hmong girls waiting for tourist buses to sell more hand-made
Nationality has its own language of communication, which resembles the language of Tibet and Myanmar. It is interesting that many Hmongs could not learn to write for a long time, even now not everyone can do it. But this does not prevent them from developing the tourism industry and doing trade - that's all there is to do in Sapa.
Features of the kitchen in Sapa
The cuisine does not really stand out - everything is in the style of North Vietnam. As befits, restaurants offer pho soup for breakfast, beef rice noodles (boon bo) and fried (him) for lunch. Everything is standard.
It should be noted that in North Vietnam, a rare drink is often prepared - coffee with an egg. It tastes like tiramisu, and the lips are slightly sticky after it, like after scrambled eggs.
I also noticed a peculiarity - in each region of Vietnam they brew their own beer. It also has its own brand - Lao Cai.
There is another rare feature. Porcupines and horses are eaten in Sapa, and the future dish is often displayed in a cage in front of a restaurant.
Visual menu in a restaurant in Sapa
The cost of food is slightly higher than in Hanoi and 20-30% higher than in the south of Vietnam. Here are the average prices in Sapa restaurants and cafes (look through the menu):
Good and cheap hotels in Sapa
The spa hotel is located in the city, near the central church in Sapa. Here are chic rooms made in an interesting design. An outdoor pool, gym, spa and restaurant are provided for visitors.
Each room is tastefully decorated in a modern style and is equipped with air conditioning, heating and a personal safe. Some rooms have balconies and terraces. Food and drinks can be brought to the room.
Sapa House Hotel
Luxurious hotel in the city center. Each room has a balcony, refrigerator for drinks, plasma TV with cable TV.
The rooms offer beautiful views of the mountains. The hotel's restaurant serves Vietnamese and Western dishes. There is an excellent restaurant and free Wi-Fi for visitors. The rooms are stylish and spacious. Equipped with everything you need. The reception staff are very courteous, helpful and friendly. Breakfasts are included in the price.
Sapa Romance Hotel
The hotel is close to the cable car to Fanshipan. As in all hotels, the rooms are cozy. The bathroom provides hygiene products, cosmetics, slippers, towels. Plasma TV and free Wi-Fi in every room.
The hotel can rent a bicycle or motorbike (150 thousand VND per day). Nearby there is a lake and a park, which is located on the Ham Rong mountain.
This is the hotel where we stayed and we liked it very much - therefore we recommend it. Very cozy, clean, with a high rating on Booking. The room rate includes breakfast (as a rule, it is pho, omelet or pancakes + hot drink).
A distinctive feature of the hotel was the presence of carpeting in the rooms and electric sheets, which saved us a lot in the mountainous cold and dampness around the clock.
More hotels in Sapa with the best discounts from Booking:
How to get to Sapa city (from Hanoi)
The city can be reached either by slip bus or by train. We recommend the bus (sleeper bass). This option is faster, moreover, the bus arrives directly to Sapa, while the train (which takes, by the way, 8-9 hours) goes to Lao Chai station, from which Sapa is still more than an hour away along the serpentine road. The only benefit of traveling on the Hanoi-Lao Chai train is that you can sleep comfortably while stretched out on a comfortable shelf.
The road on which fast slipbuses go today was opened relatively recently, around 2015. Previously, it was only possible to get there by train + bus. Now the Hanoi-Sapa route takes about 6 o'clock, you can take a night bus, but you still won't be able to sleep while driving along the serpentine. Therefore, it is better to leave early in the morning, and be in Sapa by lunchtime. Distance from Hanoi - 300 km.
Public buses leave from Hanoi to Sapa from My Dinh Bus Station, while private bus companies leave from elsewhere. One way ticket will cost about $ 10-20... You can book them right here.
Alpine Sapa (Shapa) is an unforgettable combination of magnificent landscapes, a wonderful climate and the original ethnic culture of the high-altitude peoples of Vietnam. Sapa is located in a remote location, it retains its authenticity and special flavor.
Trekking and hiking in the vicinity of Sapa, which allows you to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the highlands and rice terraces and get to know the traditions and customs of local peoples, attract eco-tourism lovers from all over the world to Sapa.
Allocate at least 3 full days for Sapa.
View of Sapa. Photo credit: Bằng Ngọc, Flickr
why go
Don't miss in Sapa
- Upon arrival in Sapa, take a walk to the little picturesque village Ket Ket, located not far from the city for that - this walk is a great way to "first meet" Sapa.
- Spend a day or two on long hiking trails to the high-altitude villages. Sapa's trekking routes lie through scenic rice terraces and bamboo groves. In the villages, you can get to know the locals better and enjoy the pleasant and calm atmosphere of the Vietnamese hinterland.
- Get up early in the morning to visit the small but colorful Sapa market or visit one of the larger markets in the area.
- Rent a motorbike or rent a motorbike taxi and head to the Silver Falls, the road and surroundings of which are famous for magnificent views.
- Look for decent options among the vast array of knockoffs of branded sportswear and equipment that the city's shops offer.
- After long walks in the surroundings, the best option for an evening is a foot massage or traditional hot stone massage plus a delicious dinner and a glass of local wine.
Lunch in Sapa. Photo (photo credit): Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog
locals
Ethnic peoples of Sapa
Hill tribes are migratory communities, each with their own ancient culture, your language, traditions, customs. The lifestyle of the mountain tribes has practically not been affected by civilization - mountain people live the same way as they lived hundreds of years ago, pay little attention to the borders and laws of the countries in which they live, wear the clothes that their ancestors wore, eat traditional food for the community and are engaged in traditional crafts. The highlands of Vietnam are inhabited by quite a few tribes, the most characteristic of which are the Hmong and Tao.
Black Hmongs
This ethnic group is the largest in the Sapa region, accounting for over 50% of the total population of Sapa. The roots of the Hmong people are Chinese, which naturally affects the appearance. Hmongs are very easy to recognize - they wear the characteristic dark blue or black clothes made of rough cloth. Hmong women tend to have lovely long hair, which they often hide in their traditional headdresses.
Hmongs are very sociable people who easily make contact with tourists. Hmong women, by the way, are the best local guide, but letting Hmongs accompany you, be ready for after-shopping, there are many local souvenirs in the baskets of Hmongs for sale, you will hardly be able to refuse them after a day spent on the road) ...
Black Hmongs on the trail to Tawan village. Photo credit: PhotosHP (pfoertners), Flickr
Red Dao
This people, whose roots also go back to China, are easily recognizable by the red headdresses worn by local women. Tao women shave their eyebrows and wear massive silver jewelry. Tao makes up about 25% of the population of Sapa, so they are much less common than the Hmong, besides, Tao villages are much smaller, more remote and less visited by travelers.
A woman from the Red Dao tribe with her baby. Photo credit: Raphael Bick, Flickr
Tai and Giay
In total, the Tai and Giai peoples make up about 10% of the population of Sapa, although in general in Vietnam, the Tai ethnic group is considered the largest and most integrated into Vietnamese society. Tai women and men wear indigo cotton clothing that resembles long Chinese tunics. Bright belts and shawls are also characteristic elements of this group's clothing. The Ghiai people are easily recognizable by their pink clothes, which are combined with bright plaid scarves. Representatives of the Tai and Giai ethnic groups rarely communicate with travelers and rarely meet in the city. You can meet them mainly in the markets.
At the Bakha market. Photo credit: Gerard Ruiters (pfoertners), Flickr
colorful places
Sapa Markets
The Sapa Markets are the best way to experience the colorful atmosphere of Sapa and see the majority of local people. The easiest way is to get up early in the morning and visit the local market in Sapa. In addition, virtually all guesthouses in Sapa offer trips to remote local markets in the region. The largest, most picturesque and most popular is the Bac Ha Sunday market, which is located 120 km from Sapa.
Rice terraces on the way to Tavan. Photo credit: José Eduardo Silva, Flickr
Trekking in the Tavan Valley. Photo (photo credit): Natalie Belikova, FiveStepsPhotoblog
Trekking to the village of Tafin
This trekking destination is less popular with tourists and is therefore likely to delight seekers of an authentic experience. It is better to take a local Hmong guide for this route (ask at the reception of your hotel or find yourself an escort in the city). Tafin is a little-visited village of very pleasant and shy Red Dao. You can also stay overnight in the village - there are some very basic guest houses.
On the rice terraces of Sapa. Photo credit: Sylvain Marcelle (pfoertners), Flickr
Climbing to the top of Fansipan
Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, the peak of which is located at an altitude of 3143 meters above sea level. An absolutely gorgeous view opens from the top; from here, in good weather, you can even see the mountains of the Chinese province of Yunnan.
To begin with, you can climb to the top of Fansipan by cable car, to which buses run regularly from Sapa. Descent and ascent along the cable car with a bus will cost around $ 20.
Trekking routes, designed for two or three days, pass along the most picturesque slopes of Fansipan. Most trekking groups start from the Tram Ton Pass and spend the night at 2800 m before climbing to the summit.
Don't try to cross Fansipan yourself, take a trekking tour. In addition to guides, the tour price usually includes porters' services and all the necessary equipment.
View from Fansipan. Photo credit: Andrey Sulitskiy, Flickr
Trekking tours in Sapa
The most popular and affordable type of tours offered in Sapa is valley tours to the village of Tavan with optional overnight stays either in Tavan or Lao Chai. Usually such tours are accompanied by Hmong. There are, in fact, two options for organizing - to view and book available tour options online or to book on site at a hotel upon arrival in Sapa.
If you are planning to take an overnight tour in the valley, book in advance. Also book long-distance trekking in advance (they are always more expensive, but take you far from the main tourist trails of Sapa).
Another trekking option that we would recommend you book in advance is the Fansipan climb.
Day walks in the valley around Sapa can be easily booked on site. When buying a tour, you will most likely be joined to a group, so please check the group size when booking.
See all options for tours in Sapa.
Moto and bike tours
An alternative way to discover the beauty of Sapa is to take a motorcycle or bicycle tour.
On a motorcycle tour you participate as a driver, so a driver's license and the ability to drive a motorbike are required. Cycling tours - mountain biking, mountainous terrain, calculate your strength before booking a tour.
guest houses in villages
Content with the fat lands of the coastal plains, the Vieta never took an interest in the inaccessible mountains lying on the border of China's Yunnan province. Inhabited by numerous tribes of highlanders, Sapa was "discovered" by the French in the late 1880s. In 1903, a military post appeared on the site of the future city - this is how the name "Sapa" first appeared on a map of the area compiled by army topographers two years earlier.
In 1912, a sanatorium for the officers of the Tonkin troops appeared here, and since 1914 it has become customary for government officials to spend the hot summer months in the cool Sapa. Since 1917, a tourist office began to operate in Sapa, which laid the now well-known hiking trails... Very quickly, by the beginning of the 1920s, the city expanded, embellished with hotels and private villas. The French, who chose this place, called it Shapa, stressing the last syllable. Following the colonial tourists, the Vietnamese were drawn to Sapa, serving their needs.
With the outbreak of World War II, the resort quickly fell into decay - at that difficult time there was no time for rest. The situation worsened even more in 1947, when the summer capital of French Indochina was first attacked by Viet Minh troops. Two years later, the colonial troops finally left the city, and in 1952 the French aviation subjected Sapa to a “farewell” bombing that destroyed most of the colonial buildings, of which there were almost two hundred by that time. The Vietnamese population of Sapa left the destroyed city for a long time. They began to return here only in the late 1960s. In 1979, Sapa became an extreme point of the advancement of Chinese troops deep into Vietnamese territory. In 1993, due to general changes in the country, the region opened for international tourism... Nowadays there are 44 hotels of different levels in Sapa and its surroundings.
The local indigenous population consists mainly of representatives of small mountain peoples. 52% are Khmon, 25% - CJSC, 5% - Thai and 2% - Ziai. The smallest ethnic group in Sapa is the Sapho. Vieta make up only 15% of the region's 40,000 population. The city itself is home to 7 thousand people, all of them are employed in the tourism industry. Despite the war years and many years of desolation, a French presence is still felt in Sapa: the old layout has been preserved, fragments of colonial buildings have survived, and on the streets every now and then come across signs in French Auberge ("hotel") or Lessive ("laundry" ).
Location and transportation
The city of the same name is located in Sapa, it is located on a small plateau at the foot of Mount Hamrong (Ham Rong) in the Hoanglien ridge system (Hoang Lien) at an altitude of about 1500 m above sea level. In the center of the city there is a square, which is adjoined from different sides by a park, a stadium, a market and a small stone church built in 1934. A small lake gleams nearby - another center of attraction for city life.
The busiest streets of the city - Muong Hoa (Muong Hoa St.) and Kau Mei (Cau May St.)... The main market, tourist information center, hotels and restaurants are located here. In the southeast direction from the church, Ham Rong Street departs, where the main post office is located and the ascent to the top of the mountain of the same name begins, from where an amazing view of the city and its surroundings opens.
Minibuses depart from Lao Cai railway station to Sapa - the movement begins with the arrival of the first Hanoi train and ends at about 15.00. The trip will cost 30,000 dongs. Se om to Sapa will cost about 70,000 dong.
Climate
The coldest time of the year in Sapa is January and February (air temperature mostly fluctuates between 5-15 ° С, but can drop to 0 ° С)... The dry season lasts from January to June, with predominantly clear and sunny weather in March, which lasts until the end of May (air temperature 15-19 ° С)... At this time, various flowers bloom on the mountain slopes.
Heavy warm rains fall from June to August (air temperature about 20 ° С), and from September the air temperature begins to drop slowly. However, it is the autumn months that are considered the best for visiting Sapa. The period from mid-October to mid-December is the most best time for trekking and mountain climbing.
sights
Alpha and Omega Sapas are the market. Even without getting out of the city, here you can meet representatives of all local peoples, take the most successful pictures and buy souvenirs. Mountain women still wear colorful traditional clothes and silver jewelry - this is not done to please tourists. The Zao people can be recognized by the red scarves tied around their heads. Hmonks wear mostly black or blue suits decorated with hand embroidery. The characteristic knitted leg warmers seen on women's legs are called la peng pe (la peng pe)... The market in Sapa is best visited on Sundays, when people from nearby villages come here.
Fanshipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam (Fan Si Pan) (3143 m above sea level) is located very close - at a distance of 19 km from the city. However, the road to its foot is so difficult that even experienced athletes have to spend 2 - 3 days to overcome this distance. The lower slopes of Fanshipan are covered with forests, and due to local characteristics, the air there is extremely humid. If you climb above the 1500 m mark, cold and cloudy conditions will lie in wait for you. Climbing requires no special training or equipment (excluding alpenstock, trekking shoes and warm clothing).
In clear weather, Fanshipan is clearly visible from Sapa - just like the other peaks of the Hoanglien chain. No wonder in the colonial era this mountain system received the nickname "Tonkin Alps". In general, mountain views are the main thing for which it is worth coming to Sapa. On a clear day, getting up early, here you can witness the amazing play of sunlight on the green slopes. French poet Georges Riemann, who served in Indochina, while in Sapa, wrote in his diary: “The sun appeared on the same level with me, and if the mountain was large, then my shadow became infinite. I never thought that I was so great. Alas, it only lasted a minute! "
A pleasant excursion can be made by going from Sapa to the Tambak waterfall (Tham you, or Silver Falls) and the Chamton Pass (Tram Ton)... Chamton - the highest pass in Vietnam (1900 m above sea level), it is located 15 km from Sapa, on the northern slope of Fanshipan. This pass is passed along the road to Laityau (Lai Chau)... Although it is cold and foggy at the highest point of the pass, the sun always shines on the slope facing Laiyau: the border of two weather zones passes along the pass. the silver waterfall is located 5 km from the pass in the direction of Sapa - the entrance to observation deck will cost 3000 dong. Se om to the pass with a stop at the waterfall will cost 50,000 - 60,000 dong (round trip takes about an hour).
Tracking
Many travel agencies can offer a variety of hikes in the mountains of Vietnam, including the "Tonkin Alps". Handspan Travel is considered professional and reliable in this area. (www.handspan.com), Topas Travel (www.topas-adventure-vietnam.com) and Active Travel Vietnam (www.activetravelvietnam.com).
A small one-day trek can be easily organized in Sapa. The shortest and easiest hiking route is the walk from Sapa southwestward to Sinchai (Sin Chai) through the village of Katkat (Cat Cat)... There is a well-groomed, well-discernible path without complicated forks. The distance is about 6 km, and the total walking time is about 4 - 5 hours. Near Katkat there is a waterfall of the same name.
From Sapa to Tavan (Ta Van) through Laotiai (Lao Chai)... The 9 km long trek goes southeast along the scenic Muong Hoa Valley. Duration - about 5 hours, cost - 10 USD.
From Sapa to Tafin (Ta Phin) via Macha (Ma Cha)... The final destination of the trek is 10 km north of Sapa. Here, on the mountain slopes, there are several picturesque villages inhabited by black Hmon and Zao (interesting www.taphin-sapa.info)... There are interesting caves near Tafin (entrance 36,000 VND)... Traveling by car or motorbike from Sapa takes about half an hour, and you will have to walk about 6 hours. Track cost - 15 USD.
Residence
Prices for accommodation in Sapa vary greatly and depend not only on the season, but also on the day of the week: on weekends, the flow of guests increases due to tourists from Hanoi, and hotels become more expensive. Another point that affects the room rate is the view from the window. Sapa is also unique in that it is the only place in Vietnam where hotels have heating. In old establishments, these are fireplaces and stoves, and in new ones - electric heaters.
It is difficult to stay in Sapa without an overnight stay: the city is obsessed with a real construction fever. If you definitely want to stay in an old famous hotel, remember that new "neighbors" have sprung up around them long ago. They often spoil the views that this or that hotel was deservedly proud of in the past.
Helpful information
Not so long ago, it was impossible to find a bank in Sapa, and only hotels, which did not forget about the exchange rate "margin", changed foreign currency. Now there is a branch of the BIDV bank (Ngu Chi Son St., tel. 020-872569, 7.00-11.30 / 13.30-16.30)equipped with an ATM.
If you are short on time, Tamdo can be an alternative to Sapa. (Tam Do) - national park and a mountain resort 85 km northeast of Hanoi. From May to October, you can take walks of various lengths through the mountains, teeming with rivers, waterfalls and rain forests. The services of guides who can be hired at any hotel will cost approx. 4 USD. One day excursion from Hanoi with a rented car it will cost about 50 USD. The road from Hanoi to Tamdo passes by the ancient fortress of Koloa.
You can get to Tamdo from the Hanoi Kim Ma Bus Station (Ben Xe Kim Ma)... Regular bus takes you to Vignenne (Vinh Yen, 20,000 dong), which is 60 km from the capital. To get from Vignenne to Tamdo, you can take this (50,000 VND for 25 km)... It can get cold in Tamdo nights (especially in May and September) - don't forget the sweater and jacket. Hotels offer rooms ranging from USD 8 to USD 80.
Sapa (Sa Pa) is the most famous mountain resort in North Vietnam. Sapa is located in the mountainous province of Lao Cai bordering China. It is here that the highest point of Vietnam and all of Indochina is located - Mount Fansipan (3143 meters). The administrative center of the province is the city of Lao Cai. The area of \u200b\u200bthe entire province is 8 thousand square meters. km, the population is just over 600 thousand people. In addition to the Vietnamese themselves, numerous mountain peoples live in the Lao Cai province - Hmong, Tai, Nung, Muong and others. This gives the province a special flavor.
Sapa is located 330 km from Hanoi and 40 km from the provincial center of Lao Cai. To get to Sapa, you need to buy a ticket for the Hanoi - Lao Cai train (4 trains per day, travel time 8 hours; yes night Train, which saves costs for the night). There is a bus to Sapa every hour from the train station in Laokai. There is also a bus that runs from Hanoi directly to Sapa. Departure at 5 am, travel time is about 12 hours.
CLIMATE
Sapa is located at an altitude of 1.600 meters above sea level. The climate here is not hot: in summer the temperature fluctuates between 15 and 20 degrees, in winter - about 10 (sometimes dropping below zero). Therefore, visiting the sights here is comfortable at any time. The main thing is not to forget to take warm clothes. By the way, Sapa and the areas next to it are almost the only place in Vietnam where you can see snow. Most of the precipitation falls in July-August.
HISTORY
The French began to arrange the resort here at the beginning of the 20th century. Conquered by the beauty of these places and at the same time nostalgia for their native lands, the colonialists gave them the name "Tonkin Alps". The first - wooden - holiday home was built here in 1905. And by 1943 there were already more than 200 French villas. Unfortunately, during the wars, almost all of these buildings were destroyed.
Several years ago, Sapa was reopened to tourists and became one of the most popular destinations for both Vietnamese and foreign travelers.
ATTRACTIONS OF SAPA
First of all, the resort itself, or rather, the fabulous nature of this area. Sapa, like no other city in Vietnam, and perhaps throughout Asia, looks like a city from a fairy tale. This feeling arises thanks to the amazingly harmonious combination of nature, houses and even people of this mountainous area. While in Sapa, you should definitely get acquainted with the life of the mountain peoples, which in many respects differs from the Vietnamese.
Mount Fansipan - the highest peak in Indochina - 3143 meters. It is located in the southern part of Sapa in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The relief of this area is very diverse. In the lowest part - 950-1000 m above sea level - the Muong Hoa Valley is located. An ancient stone site was discovered here, which is considered a monument of ancient Vietnamese civilization.
Above, at an altitude of 1300-1400 m above sea level, a narrow strip of the foot of the mountain stretches. The relief changes as it rises. The boundaries pass at an altitude of 1700-1800 m, 2100-2200 m and 2700-2800 m. From the lowest point, the top of the mountain appears as an unclear, blurred silhouette. The rich flora of Fansipan has about 1700 plant species, many of which are rare and valuable.
This area invariably attracts lovers extreme tourism... Although the top of the mountain is only 7 km of bird's eye view from Lao Cai, it will take 6-7 days to climb it!
Mountain Dragon's Jaw. It is located just 2 km from the center of Sapa. The ridge resembles a huge dragon curled up in a ball.
Silver Falls (Thak Bak) - one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Vietnam. Located 12 kilometers from Sapa.
Fair Bak Ha - the largest fair of mountain peoples of North Vietnam. Bak Ha is a small town located 80 km northeast of Sapa. The fair is organized on Sundays. It's not easy for the local population
a place where you can buy or sell something is a whole culture with its own traditions.
Having already decided that during your trip to Vietnam you will find time to visit Sapa, you need to decide in advance what to see in this amazing province. The peculiarities of the mountainous terrain suggest that most of the sights will be located high above sea level, and during the excursion, all new amazing beauties will, as if by magic, appear in front of you from the haze of a light mountain fog. To visit this area, it is better to choose the period from May to November.
Sapa is, perhaps, the most amazing town in Vietnam, as if always soaring in the clouds, where the time and way of life of local residents stopped many centuries ago, and the landscapes of rice terraces were created with geometric accuracy by nature and man and painted in a variety of colors depending on the time of the year.
Here, under the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan, the last peak of the Himalayan ridge of mountains, you absorb the age-old wisdom and clearly understand that this is the very place that will remain in your heart forever.
Most of the Vietnamese rice exported around the world originates from here. During harvest, everything goes into action: rice grains are used to make noodles, wine and vinegar, rice straw is used for sandals, baskets, roofs and ropes.
Nothing has changed here for centuries: the same peace, the same buffaloes used for work, the river provides the same fish, serves for bathing and washing clothes.
Have you ever wanted to touch the clouds, and then, having climbed the mountains even higher, to see them below, under your feet, enveloping everything around in a dense veil? Then welcome to Sapa, it is definitely worth a visit.
Sapa (or Sapa, as the Vietnamese themselves call it) is a small cool oasis, a high-mountain town located almost on the very border of northern Vietnam with China. This place meets all the expectations of those who want to escape from the stifling heat of the resort towns and huge cities of Saigon and Hanoi.
Sapa, first seen last winter, beckoned me with a beautiful advertising poster with views of rice fields, as if painted by a skillful artist and haunted for a long time - and I made up my mind.
With all its outward friendliness, Vietnam may be incomprehensible, difficult, wild and even dangerous, and for those who decide to get here on their own, just like me, I will try to facilitate this task and share my experience of an independent travel to the very north of Vietnam.
*** What is interesting to see in Sapa ***
is a small town on the border with China, which was founded by French colonists in 1910. All buildings and hotels built in Sapa are reminiscent of the French colonial past - small buildings and restaurants built in European style, small bakeries with baguettes and croissants, a market, several shops and Vietnamese street food. English and French are well spoken here, and in the ethnic villages farthest from Sapa, one can communicate using sign language.
Sapa left me with the feeling of a city "soaring in the clouds", and indeed, located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, it is almost always shrouded in dense thick clouds. Towards noon, the weather dissipates and the sun peeps out. Sapa is notable for small, authentic villages in the highlands, the visit of which is included in the main trekking routes.
In Vietnam, there are officially about 54 nationalities and two, perhaps the smallest of them, can be met in Sapa. I saw only women here, working as guides, easily overcoming routes of 30 kilometers with babies on their backs. Those who cannot make long hiking trails sell brightly embroidered bags and national dresses in the city center and in front of hotels. Men have a role to play here - they are engaged only in agriculture.
Khmong girls in national clothes, bright as butterflies, in the morning wait for tourists near hotels in the hope of giving them a tour of the neighborhood. The price of such a tour is $ 10-15 per day, but they are still very cautious about money, offering to buy something from their "crafts".
These two small ethnic groups get along very peacefully with each other and can only be distinguished by their clothes: Hmongs are always in black national costumes with brightly embroidered flowers, and Dzao girls - with a red scarf wrapped around their heads. The marital status of a Dzao woman is literally written on her face: those whose eyebrows are completely plucked out are married.
I was very surprised that it is customary for them to get married at 13-15 years old and give birth to 50, completely submitting to a man in everything, but under all living conditions and terrible poverty, they always remain friendly and smiling. Hmong and Dzao are animists, they believe in the forces of nature and are treated not by doctors, but by shamans, give birth to 10-12 children and do not care too much about their upbringing.
*** Tram Ton Pass Gateway to Heaven ***
This is one of the longest hiking trails in Sapa, which is laid at an altitude of 2000 meters and passes at the junction of two climatic zones, the weather here abruptly changes from cool to warm. We walked only 12 kilometers along the pass, and this is only a small part of this route and, given the time and effort, it deserves more attention.
*** Waterfalls ***
In the vicinity of Sapa there are two waterfalls Thac Bac Silver Falls and Thak Tin Falls of Love, which are more interesting during the rainy season.
Our route took place with a stop at the Silver Falls and in truth, he did not impress me.
*** Small authentic villages ***
A must-see place. All hiking trails pass through the villages. Here you can get acquainted with the life of the Hmong and Dzao, dine and even stay overnight in the houses of local residents. I did not risk it, although there were a lot of people willing among our group.
*** How to get to Sapa ***
For a long time I planned a trip to Sapa on my own from the resort of Nha Trang, having studied in advance that tours are organized only from Hanoi and already here, in local travel agencies, they can be purchased for various periods from two to five days with accommodation in a hotel or a village house.
The tours include the road to Sapa by train, but it should be borne in mind that the agency charges twice as much for its services.
From Hanoi to Sapa - 438 kilometers and you can get there by a train that runs daily in the evening to Lao Cai station or on the very comfortable sleeping bus common in Wetnam - a bus with folding seats, which are not much different from a full wide bed.
Get from the resort of Nha Trang and Mui Ne to Hanoi you can take a plane, a train (it goes along the coast through the whole country and this is a great opportunity to see Vietnam more closely) or on a sleeping bus - a bus with sleeping places.
Ticket pricesby bus from Hanoi to Sapa - $ 32 in both directions, train tickets cost - $ 42.
I really wanted to take a Vietnamese train and I chose this path). It is worth noting that Vietnamese trains are not much different from modern Russian ones: the site offers seats of varying degrees of comfort, and the ticket price depends on this. There are also two-seater compartments and ordinary reserved seats.
*** Accommodation in Sapa ***
I booked in advance for two nights and three days and only considered it as transshipment point... I paid $ 15 per night for single accommodation. The main condition for choosing a hotel was the availability of hot water and heating, I read that in many Sapa hotels there are big problems with this.
The location of this hotel is one of the most successful: the hotel is located in a very beautiful place and in clear weather offers an excellent view of the most high mountain Fansipan. The center is very close, 10 minutes walk. I have no complaints about the hotel, rather the opposite, I am pleasantly surprised by the excellent cuisine, cleanliness and high service.
Alternatively, in Sapa, locals offer to stay with them in their villages, in wooden houses on stilts in the village of Kat Kat or in a house by the river in the village of Laochai. There are a lot of options and they are much cheaper than hotels, but here everyone decides for himself what exactly suits him. I did not consider Home stay in a Vietnamese village at all, despite the fact that this is the cheapest option and many hiking routes start from the villages.
There are many cheap apartment hotels in the city center. The price range is $ 7-15 per room and slightly lower than the price of local residents for placing a house. Still, it is felt that Sapa is a region that has not yet been spoiled by mass tourism.
***Food***
There are no problems with food in Sapa, in cafes and restaurants they cook everything the same as in resort cities and prices are slightly lower than in Nha Trang.
The most famous Vietnamese soup Pho Bo - strong beef broth with rice noodles - this favorite dish of all tourists costs $ 1.5 here.
Well, for those who like to take risks - little-known Vietnamese food, cooked right on the street
***Route***
I bought a two-day hiking route at the hotel, joining a group of European tourists who had come with me for $ 25 for two days. The first day included a 12-kilometer trekking to the village of Kat Kat and a trek through the bamboo forest to the Silver Falls.
The second day promised us more: 20 kilometers of the way and crossing the Tram Ton pass, an overview of the beauty of Sapa at an altitude of 2,000 meters, and after that - a visit to the Dzao tribe in the village of Ta Van and the village of Jiang Ta Chai.
So, having breakfast at the hotel on the first day, we hit the road.
After passing the center, Sapy, we set off along a short 12 km route to the village of Kat Kat, to the bamboo forest, to the waterfall.
Almost always in the morning the city is immersed in dense fog. Rice is grown on such terraces, and now they are just preparing for sowing in May.
Again I misunderstood the season, postponing the trip until April, but I had no other chance to see this city. And even in spite of the fact that sometimes on impassable areas we literally "kneaded the dirt" I do not regret anything).
We approach the village of Kat Kat, there is a school and even a Catholic church.
We pass through the bamboo forest
On the way we meet buffaloes and wild boars
Our group is diverse and from all over the world, it's a pity that I never met the Russians here.
Tour guide - 47 year old Hmong Mai with her seventh child behind her. Women grow old here very early, from constant childbirth and hard work. But how smartly she gallops with the baby along the most difficult places of the route for us!
We return to the hotel, tired but happy. The next day we have a 20 km crossing over the pass and a visit to the village along the way.
The views the next day pleased - it is incredibly beautiful here even in the off-season and it is very easy to breathe, despite the height!
The route is quite difficult and requires endurance. But it is definitely worth walking on.
The village of Dzao is traditional, which has existed for several centuries with its usual way of life and it is unlikely that something will change here in the future. Men will also be engaged in sowing and harvesting, women - giving birth to many children and trying to earn money by making souvenirs with their own hands. In children, the fate is determined for many years ahead and rarely is it different.
Lunch in local villages is standard and simple - rice, chicken and green tea.
After lunch, half-dead from fatigue, we set off to inspect the local school.
*** Weather and seasonality ***
In my opinion, Sapa is beautiful at any time of the year. I got here in mid-April and this is not the best time for beautiful views and landscape photos, but good, clear weather in the highlands is a rarity at any time of the year. Here, about 200 days a year, fog and rain, constant humidity and a clear feeling of "life on a cloud."
Rice terraces differ in color every month, and it all depends on which Sapa color you prefer.
Emerald Green Sapathere are only two months of the year, in June and July, when the rice sprouts are only gaining strength.
Golden orange this place becomes in August-September when the rice is almost ripe and in September-October the harvest takes place.
In winterin Sapa, the temperature drops to zero and sometimes it snows and this is not the best time to visit these places.
well and spring - this is the time to knead the mud when the terraces are being prepared for the May sowing.
*** Results ***
Whether to devote a few days to Sapa or not - here let everyone decide for himself. If you, like me, love hiking in the mountains and admire beautiful views more than a calm and comfortable stay at the hotel, then this is the place for you.
As I wrote above, the route can be selected depending on the degree of physical fitness. There is a wonderful cable car to the top of the mountain, which I left without attention, deciding to go along the route on my own, and it is she who will save you from tedious mountain crossings and allow you to admire the same landscapes.
The impressions of this place for many will depend on the season and you need to proceed from what exactly you would like to see here. You also don’t need to know English well, here nobody knows it perfectly well, you don’t need to have a lot of money to watch the most beautiful places in the world - my trip turned out to be very budgetary.
Enjoy your travels and good mood!
P.S.Having met this pangolin monster in the mountains of northern Vietnam, do not even think to take it with you, warn the posters at the Hanoi airport.
And it’s even strange that someone might have similar desires at the sight of this incomprehensible animal, I wanted to run from him in the opposite direction.
