Sapa

Located in the mountains of north-western Vietnam some 375km from Hanoi, Sapa has long been a favourite destination of both local and international travellers. Previously, the most popular and comfortable means of transport from Hanoi to Sapa was the night sleeper train, taking about 8 hours. In September 2014, with the opening of the Noi Bai- Lao Cai highway, the trip can now be taken by car in approx 5 hours…..

Sapa embraces visitor’s souls by its enchanting and grandiose landscape, by its stunning and natural scenery, exotic terraced fields, romantic waterfalls, delightful villages and diversity of cultures of its hill tribe people.

Surrounded by the beauty of the outstanding countryside, the splendidly colourful costumes of the ethnic people emerge to delight, whilst bringing various produce to sell at the local fairs. Bac Ha is a lively colourful Sunday market, a regular rendezvous of all these minority groups gathering and exchanging wares. All the paths leading to the town are filled with diverse tribes of the Tay, Dao, Nung, Giay and Flower H’mong, trekking in on horses or water buffalo in their traditional tribal dress.

Other colourful hill-tribe markets include Lung Phin and Sapa (on Sunday), Can Cau and Pha Long (on Saturday), and Coc Ly (on Tuesday)

Places to visit:

Natural splendours: Tram Ton Pass, Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall, Hoang Lien Son National Park, Ham Rong Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley…

Hill Tribe villages: Ta Van village, Cat Cat village, Giang Ta Chai village, Sin Chai village, Ma Tra village….