Vietnam is considered as one of the most underrated countries in the entire world. Not only will you experience nature in an entirely different way, but you can also enjoy some quality time with your friends and family as well. Most of the common tourist activities in Lao Cai, Vietnam would involve mountaineering in Muong Hoa, Ham Rong, or Fansipan. Truly, if there is one thing to describe Sa Pa is that it is very picturesque. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance of encountering these beautiful landscapes, as well as meeting even more beautiful people, of Lao Cai. Scroll down to see some of the top things to do in Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam.
1. Pay a visit to Thuong Temple Sapa
Thoung Temple is one of Sapa’s three ancient Buddhist temples that was built during the French colonial era. You will have to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to reach the temple that is 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the town center near an old French sawmill. It’s a popular place of worship for Buddhists, and it contains several relics that are significant to Sapa’s culture and history. Visitors will learn more about the beautiful spirituality of Sapa’s community with a day spent in this temple. It also pays homage to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of the goddesses in the Vietnamese folk religion.
Thuong Temple Sapa
Address: 781 QL4D, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Website: Thuong Temple Sapa
2. Soak in the panoramic views from Swing SaPa
Located close to Sapa town center, around a 2-kilometer (1.2 miles) walk from Sapa Stone Church is where you will find Swing SaPa. It’s overlooking Hoang Lien Son National Park and popular for its quirky stone statues and picture-perfect views. The statues are miniature versions of famous statues from neighboring cities, earning SaPa the nickname “mini Bali” and “mini Dalat”. The area that is surrounded by a sea of flowers and verdant mountains makes it perfect for shooting movies and TV shows as well as setting up a mini photoshoot. Have your pictures taken while sitting on the giant hand statues or standing between the two-person head statues. Come here, and find out why this place is magical.
Combo Checkin Swing Sapa with Boho Costume Rental - Klook Philippines
3. Get a glimpse of SaPa's spiritual side at Trúc Lâm Đại Giác Zen Monastery
This Buddhist monastery not only gives you a glimpse of SaPa’s spiritual side but also a look at its awesome culture. It is among Quang Ninh’s biggest Zen monasteries with one of the best locations set along the lovely Bai Tu Long Bay. One of the few monasteries built on the slopes of the mountain, it faces the sea with its ancient architecture that serves as an attractive beacon to tourists and Buddhist pilgrims. Its tranquil atmosphere, splendid landscape, and scenic views add to its Zen-like appeal. During Buddha’s birthday, a multicolored lantern ceremony is held by his pilgrims and followers. The lovely lanterns are lit and released along Bai Tu Long Bay, leaving a lasting memory on its attendees.
Trúc Lâm Đại Giác Zen Monastery
Address: No.8, Vuon Treo Lane, Dien Bien Phu Street, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Website: Trúc Lâm Đại Giác Zen Monastery
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
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4. Be surrounded by a sea of flowers at Vườn hoa oải hương thảo
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Roughly translated to “Lavender Garden”, Vườn hoa oải hương thảo is one of SaPa’s popular flower gardens frequented by tourists, mostly couples and young people. During the month of June, the lavenders can cover the entire valley like a sea of purple flowers. It also features a rose garden and dramatic pathways that create lovely scenery perfect for wedding photos. To make that perfect shot, there’s a special area for putting on make-up and a professional photographer can be hired for an additional fee.
Vườn hoa oải hương thảo
Address: Fansipan, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
5. Go for a leisurely stroll at Hmong Flower Garden
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hmong Flower Garden is a plant lover’s delight. The garden features a variety of trees, flowers, succulents, and other exotic plants on a vast land decorated with wide walkways, a waterwheel, a well, patio seats, rustic bridges, a fish pond, a pigeon house, and native huts. For those who love the outdoors and flowers, this is the ideal venue for picture taking and relaxing strolls while taking in the panoramic view of Muong Hoa Valley and Sapa Town. It also features a greenhouse and a nursery for orchids and other rare species of flowers.
Hmong Flower Garden
Address: TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Gorge on Vietnamese dishes at Good Morning Vietnam
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Good Morning Vietnam Sapa on Wednesday, July 29, 2020
This quaint, little coffee shop and restaurant was named after the iconic movie starring the late Robin Williams. They are open daily serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine from breakfast until dinner. They accept dine-in customers and also serve orders for takeaway and delivery. This rustic diner has a traditional design that includes being built by the side of Fanxipan Road with a tiny outdoor dining area and an awesome view of the valley. The menu consists of all-time favorite Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls, pho, and barbecue. Some of their dishes are served in coconut shells to make them look more appetizing. This amazing restaurant is worth a visit if you are within the area.
Good Morning Vietnam
Address: 63B Fanxipan road, Cat Cat street, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Website: Good Morning Vietnam
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
7. Marvel at the stunning beauty of Silver Waterfall (from USD 129.0)
Thac Bac Waterfall or Silver Waterfall is one of Sapa’s loveliest waterfalls. It’s located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) to the town proper beside the NO. 4D National Highway and 5 minutes away from Love Waterfall and Heaven’s Gate. It is a 100-meter (328 feet) waterfall with its water source coming from Lo Sui Tong mountain tops. The water produces a white foam as it flows down the mountain, resembling a white dragon coming down from the heavens. With its lush forests and mountain, it evokes a romantic vibe as you marvel at it from a view deck on the road and on the bridges.
The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N At 3 Star Hotel by sleeping BUS TRANSFER
Duration: 2 days
8. Experience a rejuvenating massage at the Charm Destination Spa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Charm Destination Spa on Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Experience a rejuvenating massage at the Charm Destination Spa. This spa is in Tavan Village inside a rustic cottage with interiors made of bamboo and red bricks. They offer a variety of massage therapies and spa treatments that will leave your skin supple and your body relieved of stress. They are currently offering Moroccan hammam, a new spa treatment using lots of herbs performed in a steam room. It’s a great way to unwind after spending the entire day exploring the valleys and mountains of SaPa. After your massage, sip a cup of tea on the porch with awesome mountain views.
The Charm Destination Spa
Address: Ta Van, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Website: The Charm Destination Spa
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Learn more about Princess Lieu Hanh at Mau Son Temple
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Mau Son Temple may be a small and quiet temple, but it’s one of the most sacred sites in SaPa near the Chinese border. This 200-year old temple was built to honor Princess Lieu Hanh, the Mother of the Vietnamese people. She is revered as one of the immortal saints and worshipped by the nation. People come to the temple to pray to her when they need financial help and protection from foreign invasion. Around 50,000 visitors come every year to admire this tiny but lovely temple on Thach Son Street, facing the market and bus station with a view of Hekou, China, and the river. In 2011, the temple was recognized as a National Cultural and Historical Site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
Mau Son Temple
Address: TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
10. Explore Sapa at your own pace (from USD 4.55)
Riding a motorbike is the fastest and most practical way to navigate SaPa town. While you’re in town, you can rent a motorbike for a day or two. The drivers also act as an experienced tour guide as they educate you on various tribes and cultures you will see along the way. You will have a better appreciation of SaPa’s lush landscape once you ride a motorbike through town.
Motorbike and Scooter Rental in Sapa
11. Enjoy an ice-cold beer at Color Bar Sapa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Seem Tet has not ended yet! #freelife #mountainspirit #sapavietnam #magicaltown #selfjourney #cherryblossom #lunarnewyear #colorbarsapa #chillbarsapa #mountainbarsapa
Posted by Color Bar Sapa on Friday, February 7, 2020
Trekking all day can make a person very weary and thirsty. Color Bar Sapa is a great place to enjoy a refreshing beverage. This quaint, rustic bar serves Tiger Beer and other local Vietnamese beverages like Lao Cai and Hanoi Beer. If you want something non-alcoholic, you can order their famous H’Mong apple wine or their local herbal tea along with some snacks. The bar also showcases artworks by local artists. On weekends, enjoy singing karaoke at their “Open Mic” event or listening to guest artists perform.
Color Bar Sapa
Address: 56 Fansipan, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Website: Color Bar Sapa
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 2pm - 1:30pm; Sun: 2pm -12am
12. Enjoy a fun afternoon at Dao Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Dao Coffee on Saturday, July 4, 2020
Dao Café is a cozy café in a two-story building at SaPa’s downtown center. It has a rustic, countryside vibe filled with wooden furniture, native décor, local artworks, and flowering plants. Aside from the bistro tables, customers can sit cozily on the floor to dine and drink. It has an open-air balcony and rooftop dining area where guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. They offer Vietnamese and Italian coffees, tea, smoothies, juices, cheese tea, yogurts, and ice blends. The food menu is a mix of Asian and European dishes that are fat-free and gluten-free. Customers can dine-in or order for takeaway.
Dao Café
Address: 6 Thạch Sơn, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Website: Dao Café
Opening hours: 7:30am - 11m (daily)
13. Admire the old Gothic architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Notre Dame Cathedral in Sapa was built in 1895 by the French. Its old Gothic architecture reflects the French influence. The lovely stone church has a 20-meter (65-foot) bell tower facing west and is surrounded by stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ. The ancient structure was restored in 1995 and continues to attract tourists as well as devotees. It has a courtyard surrounded by pine trees which is the usual venue for community events.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Address: Sapa Town, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 333100, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
14. Sample a variety of street food at Chợ đêm Sapa
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Chợ đêm Sapa is the popular indoor night market of Sapa. It’s almost everyone’s go-to place when it comes to unique souvenirs and a variety of street food. It’s in the town center beside the colorful stalls of Red and Mong Dao. It’s open during weekends with several traditional stalls decorated with vibrant lights. The highland ethnic people sell one-of-a-kind handcrafted items such as brocade, flutes, goatskin drums, bronze, copper, and silver jewelry. Another highlight of the market is the regional street foods sold at kiosks. The hot roasts are perfect for the cold weather. Try their grilled skewers, rice, chicken feet, meatloaf, wings, and local produce such as cassava, potatoes, and corn.
Chợ đêm Sapa
Address: TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: Mon: 24 hours; Tue - Sun: 5pm - 12am
15. Take in the sweeping views of the mountains from Cổng Trời "Sky Gate"
Cổng Trời “Sky Gate”, also called Heaven’s Gate, is one of Sapa’s view decks located in a mountain. It is near Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall, just five minutes from NO. 4D National Highway. The forest and mountain area with crooked paths enveloped in mist are scenes you get to see from the viewing platform. The platform at the top of Tram Ton pass is surrounded by an oriental-style red fence and Tori gates. You will see Fansipan mountains, Indochina’s highest peak as well as the borders separating Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces. Bring your camera and take photos of the waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.
Cổng Trời "Sky Gate"
Address: TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
16. Attend a workshop offered by Indigo Cat
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our wholesale catalog 2017 is now out! Please contact us to get it :)
Posted by Indigo Cat on Saturday, March 18, 2017
Indigo Cat is the first handicraft shop that is 100% Hmong-owned. It is created and owned by Pang, a former tour guide. All their items are authentic and entirely made by hand using traditional materials like homegrown hemp. The artisans, who are mostly from Northern Vietnam, create embroidery and batik patterns using materials that reflect the culture of their tribe. You can buy the items as souvenirs or enroll in their workshop and learn how to create such clothing and household items. The workshop is held in a different location called Ta Van Village.
Indigo Cat
Address: 034 Phan Xi Pang Fansipan Sapa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Website: Indigo Cat
Opening hours: 8:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
17. Relish the majestic experience of riding the highest pass in Vietnam
The Tram Ton Pass is considered as the highest pass in the entire country of Vietnam. It tends to wrap itself around Mt. Fansipan. If you are looking to experience the beauty of Vietnam, all the while sweating out the stress and anxiety brought to you by the city life, then this should grace the top of your to-do list. Most of the time, tourists would either rent a scooter from Sa Pa or join a tour complete with a driver and a guide.
Tram Ton Pass
Address: Sơn Bình, Tam Đường District, Lai Chau, Vietnam
18. Be enchanted with The Cave of Fairies
The Cave of Fairies actually has an interesting backstory to it. It was related to a myth pertaining to three fairies who asked their father, the King of Heaven, to allow them to visit earth. They were so enchanted by its beauty that they forgot to return to heaven. As a result, their father had asked Thien Loi to step on the cave where the fairies were hiding. Knowing that they cannot return to heaven, they jumped off the cave and their bodies were carried by the river to what is now known as the Bao Nhai District. There is an ethereal look when you step into the cave, like strips of silk hung down from the heavens. Every tourist visiting this part of Vietnam should be sure to include this on their itinerary.
The Cave of Fairies
Address: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
19. Visit the top of Mt. Fansipan for a breathtaking experience
The top of Mt. Fansipan is considered the highest peak in Vietnam. With this in mind, you can rest assured that there will be a majestic and breathtaking view waiting for you at the top. Travelers would often take about two days of intense trekking to reach the peak. However, for those who do not want to break a sweat, you can take the Sun World Fansipan cable cars to easily reach the Roof of Indochina in just about 15 minutes. Did you know that these cable cars actually hold a Guinness World Record? That’s something to be excited about!
Mt. Fansipan
Address: Tam Đường District, Lai Chau, Vietnam
20. Be at peace with nature by visiting Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain is considered as one of the most attractive tourist spots in Sa Pa because of its unique shape. From a distance, one would notice how the rock cliffs somehow mimic that of a dragon’s head. Furthermore, much like the other tourist spots in Lao Cai, the Ham Rong Mountain also has its very own legend. The people believed that this was a place where dragons once roamed. Well, up until they were swallowed by the giant water. The dragons’ bodies soon became the Hoang Lien Son range, with the Ham Rong as the very first part.
Ham Rong Mountain
Address: Đường Lên, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
21. Go boating at Sa Pa Lake
Sa Pa is considered a very small mountain in the province of Lao Cai, Vietnam. Every year, hundreds and thousands of tourists come to Lao Cai to experience what it means to be a local. However, they often neglect one of the most important aspects of Vietnamese life – boating at Sa Pa Lake. There’s nothing more relaxing than cruising along the peaceful lake of Sa Pa. With this, you can truly get to know some of the recognizable features of the waterways of Vietnam. If you really want to understand the country’s history, you must participate in at least a few lake-related activities.
22. Immerse culturally by visiting the great Muong Hoa Valley
What did we tell you about all of these Vietnamese nature-based activities? There’s a lot! Visiting this great country means that you need to tap into your inner nature lover. Be sure to expect a lot of trekking and mountaineering. Moreover, visiting the Muong Hoa Valley is a cultural immersion that you wouldn’t want to miss. This is an active adventure that demands commitment–even access to the outside world is cut. What do we mean by this? Well, if you visit this simple and humble village, you won’t have any WiFi or mobile coverage. Nevertheless, it will truly be a soul-enriching journey for everyone.
Muong Hoa Valley
Address: Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
23. Get to know Vietnam from a local’s point of view by visiting Sa Pa Museum
The Sa Pa Museum has a varied collection that showcases the ethnology and history of those who lived in the Sa Pa community. These would also include artifacts from the colonial times of the French. If you truly want to see how the Vietnamese see their history, this is a great place to start. The best part about all of this is that tickets are widely available online!
Sa Pa Museum
Address: TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Website: Sa Pa Museum
Opening hours: 7:30am - 11:30pm; 1:30pm - 5pm (daily)
24. Indulge in authentic Vietnamese dishes at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
The Hill Station Signature Restaurant is a great place to find authentic Vietnamese food in the entire Lao Cai area. Even with the simple dishes that they serve, you can rest assured that your taste buds will frolic in some of the most amazing flavors you have known. It presents every visitor with unique taste combinations. There are also hot and cold smoked meats, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
The Hill Station Signature Restaurant
Address: 037 Fansipan, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Website: The Hill Station Signature Restaurant
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
25. Immerse yourself in the local culture at Sapa Dao Homestay (from USD 26)
Reasonable pricing for clean rooms with tea/coffee and stunning mountain views.
Warm hospitality, assistance with trekking tours, sleeper bus arrangements, and custom food requests. Complimentary hot ginger tea, electric blankets, and breakfast.
Scenic location near O Quy Ho pass and tea plantations, with easy access to the city center by taxi.
Delicious, home-cooked meals with the opportunity to dine with the host's family and other travelers.
If you want to experience living like a local, why not stay at Sapa Dao Homestay? This property features accommodation, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and a garden. You can also make use of its free WiFi and private parking free of charge. Every morning, you get to enjoy an a la carte breakfast. In the afternoon, guests can relax on the sun terrace while kids have fun in the kids’ club with a playground. If you want to know more about the places to visit in the area, the lovely hosts are more than willing to help you out.
Sapa Dao Homestay
Address: Group 13, O Quy Ho Mountain Pass, Sapa, Lao Cai
4.12 km (2.6 mi) from Cáp treo Fansipan
Immerse yourself culturally by visiting Sa Pa
Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam offers you more than just your typical list of tourist attractions. It gives you several opportunities to reconnect with nature and truly appreciate the earlier innovations of mankind. Most of the activities included in this travel guide would demand you to detach yourself from technology and experience a day-in-the-life of a local. Be prepared to learn about the many interesting cultural gems this land has to offer!
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