Introduction of Sapa
Sapa is a small town in the mountainous northwest of Vietnam. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has already become an ideal place for the French to escape from the extreme heat of North Vietnam in the summer with so many villas with Western architecture amidst the dense forests. Therefore, the French gave another name to Sapa as "Summer Capital of Northern Vietnam". For a long time, Sapa and its neighbour Bac Ha in Lao Cai province have already been very famous, representing a must-see tourist destination in Vietnam.
Geological location
Sapa is located in Lao Cai Province on the border with China to the north, about 350km away from the capital Hanoi. The town is located at the altitude of 1650m, and because of this, Sapa gets a temperate climate with the coolness of summer and a cold with a lot of fog and frost in winter. With this intense fog, Sapa is also known by the name "The City in the Clouds".
The town Sapa is located right in the Hoang Lien Son range, the easternmost point of the Himalayan range therefore some say that in Sapa there is a chance to enjoy the "alpines of Vietnam".
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Some updated information in 2023
- Area: 681.37km²
- Population: about 82 millions
- Major tourist areas: Muong Hoa valley, Fansipan mountain, the ethnic villages in the vicinity of Sapa
- Postal code: 330000 - Zip code: 31700
- Licence plate: 24
- Ethnicity: Hmong, Kinh, Dao Rossi, Phu La, Xao Pho, Tay, Giay, Hoa
What to expect in Sapa?
Pleasant trekking in the midst of nature
Being in the middle of the mountain and forest, the landscapes in Sapa are very majestic and fascinating. The town is surrounded by the verdant mountains and peaceful valleys, graceful waterfalls and winding streams... It is not too much to say that Sapa is a paradise for those who enjoy trekking and walking in Vietnam. Travellers will always be embraced and pampered by the natural beauty along their walks, the murmuring sounds of streams, the scent of flowers and herbs, the tranquillity...
There are many trekking routes in Sapa that suit everyone's needs, whether the elderly or those who wish to conquer new things, Sapa offers some very fascinating routes. Treks among the famous terraced rice paddies in the rice seasons (May to September) to ethnic villages such as Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Giang Phinh, Y Linh Ho, Cat Cat bring a very special feeling while walks in the early morning in the landscape points such as Dragon Jaw Mountain - Ham Rong, O Quy Ho pass to admire the image of being above the clouds make travellers to live in the fabulous environment.
Unspoiled fresh air
Being a village in the high mountains, the air in Sapa is very pleasant. In summer, the average temperature in this village is only about 20-25 degrees so it does not feel too hard to make beautiful treks in the day. Then again, with the geology of mountains, there are still few villages in the vicinity of Sapa that possess concrete roads and are accessible by cars. However, thanks to that, the air in this village still remains very comfortable, you could breathe the 100% natural air.
The idyllic products and simple gifts from the mountains
Beyond fascinating landscapes, Sapa is attractive to visitors for its local products: these are the handmade products, embroidery clothings with unique patterns, medicinal herbs and delicious specialties.
So many people come to Sapa to buy the knives of the black Hmong people that are handmade in a very simple way, others come there to find dry herbs from the forest to cure some diseases without having to take Western medicines; there are also those seek the particular ethnic fabrics and textiles to make clothes or decorate houses with the bright and unique colours. There are indeed many things to see in Sapa.
Once you arrive in the area, it is also a must to make a stop in Bac Ha, also in Lao Cai province, 135km from Sapa, to see the traditional ethnic markets. It can be said that they are havens for those seeking gifts from the mountains: from precious medicinal herbs to vegetables from the forest. There are many things to see.
Cultural particularities of ethnic minorities
Sapa possesses cultural diversity of many ethnic minorities such as H'Mong, Tay, Dao Rossi, Giay, Xa Pho, Phu La. Travelling to Sapa, visitors will understand much more about the culture of some ethnic minorities, discover the simple but always joyful life of local people.
The Hmong occupy 50 percent of Sapa's population and are the ethnic majority in the area. They are distinguished with the other ethnic groups by their indigo-coloured dress decorated with embroidered or beeswax-painted patterns.
The Red Dzao, the second most populated ethnic group in Sapa, are easily noticed with the very colourful clothes, especially the women, always dress in vibrant red dress decorated by 5 colours with a wrapped red scarf of triangular shape while the men dress in darker colour of indigo or black with a bun (a chignon) of hair gathered.
Great adventure to conquer the peak of Indochina
Located in the Hoang Lien Son range, Sapa has the highest peak in Indochina - Fanxipan at an altitude of 3142m above the sea level. The journey to conquer the peak takes about 3-7 days and depends on the health and ability of travellers. This is an unforgettable experience for those who love nature and want to spend a few nights in the forest. Now they have built a Cable Car, a Fansipan Mountain Train to facilitate the accessibility of reaching the peak for all tourists. However, by now the adventure of conquering Fanxipan on foot is still well organised for adventurers.
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