Top the 5 best things to do in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is considered the most attractive destination in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam by many domestic and foreign tourists. 

As a small city located in Lao Cai, a mountainous province in the north of Vietnam, Sapa amazes with the wild beauty of the mountains and the richness in the indigenous tribal culture of the ethnic minority communities here. I would love to recommend producing the 5 best things to do in Sapa that you should not miss. 

Top the 5 best things to do in Sapa

1. Conquering Fansipan peak - 'Roof of Indochina'

Fansipan Peak, situated close to Sapa town in Lao Cai, is famous to so many visitors as the "Roof of Indochina" thanks to its 3143m height.

Getting to this Indochina roof will undoubtedly provide you with stunning natural sights, the spectacular beauty of clouds on the Hoang Lien Mountains, and cultural life moments of ethnic minorities in the Northwest area.

Stunning beauty at the peak of Fanxipang

The best time for a Fansipan trek would be between mid-November and March. At present, the weather within the north falls in winter, drier air, less rain, and temperature low, which can make your trek much easier than it's in summer.

If you don't seem to be capable of trekking for long hours, you can reach the highest of Fansipan by riding the compartment.

From 2016, Fansipan Legend, the world's best, longest, and newest automobile system, is open to everyone who wishes to stand on the 'Roof of Indochina.'

Cable Car Fees

- Cable Car: 700,000VND per adult
- Car + Funicular Ride: 840,000VND per adult

Read more: 3 Day Trip To Sapa From Hanoi

2. Shopping at the local handicraft market and Sapa night market

Other things to do in Sapa are to go to the local markets and feel the atmosphere. Sapa's market serves as a meeting place for ethnic minorities as well as a marketplace for products. These ethnic groups include the Dao, Yay, and Hmong, producing outstanding indigenous handicrafts. When you visit the markets, you'll be able to see how they're created and purchase some traditional weavings or carvings that make wonderful presents and souvenirs.

Sapa night market

If you're looking for a late-night street food tour, we recommend going to the Sapa town night market, where you'll find a variety of nightly grilled dishes such as grilled meat, fish, and vegetables. It's a wonderful local experience, especially on winter nights when you can sit by the fire and wait for your meal to finish cooking. Don't forget to garnish the meat with condiments and lemon salt.

3. Tour the rice fields at Ta Van Village

The rice fields are the main reason many of us travel to Sapa, and whether staying overnight in a homestay with a local family or not, a trip out into the countryside is not to be missed. Come over to the world-famous tiered rice terraces to take in the views while learning about how the locals work the fields and harvest the rice.

The rice fields in Ta Van Village

Located about 8 kilometers from Sapa Town, Ta Van Village may be a wonderful alternative for a trekking trip to a hill tribe village in Sapa. The village belongs to Ta Van commune, is home to almost 150 households with approximately 1000 residents mainly from Hmong, Zay, Red Dao ethnic minorities.

The path in Ta Van village is narrow, winding past terraced fields on both sides. As tourists go farther into the hamlet, they are astounded by the natural landscape's harmony and, as a result, the exquisite wooden traditional stilt dwellings.

In Ta Van, the Zao culture is particularly seen in their famous Red clothing, food, and cultural events. If you're looking for a true adventure, Ta Van should be one of the things to do in Sapa.

4. Visiting Sapa Museum

Visiting The Sapa Museum and learning about history are also excellent things to do in Sapa.

Sapa museum

It includes a lovely stilt house with a static display upstairs inspired by the history of the Sapa region rather than moving on to more interactive exhibits on the customs of ethnic minorities. If you want to learn about the region's history and culture dating back to the French colonial period, this may be the best (and only) place to go.

Take note:
Duration: Time to go to 1 hour 30 mins
Opening hours: 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM
The best time to visit is 08:00 AM

5. Having a drink at Cafe in the Clouds

One of the good highlights of a visit to Sapa is the chance to be within the lush views and there are no better thanks to trying this than by having an immerse one amongst the mountain bars.

Sapa view from Café

The happiest things to do in Sapa are to drink a cup of café in the clouds while watching the mist crawl across the spooky terrain and wonder at the views over the emerald green valley below.

You may buy a selection of drinks as well as basic local and foreign cuisine here, and if you want to go online, this café provides Wi-Fi.

When is the best time to visit Sapa?

Sapa enjoys all of the foremost favorable weather in Vietnam with the typical temperature all year round is 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius and humidity from 83-87%. you'll be able to visit Sapa most year-round because monthly there's something to work out during this lovely highland town of Vietnam.

In the summertime, Sapa makes an excellent getaway from the busy, heated cities. Sapa in summer is far milder than in lower regions. Sapa now is usually hot for domestic travelers.

For foreign tourists, Sapa is best to go to in either March-May or September-December. Especially in later months of the year, Sapa shines with the golden terraced rice fields everywhere you go.

See more: The best time to visit Sapa