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Sa Pa :Located about a 6-hour drive from the center of Hanoi, Sa Pa (Lao Cai) is a destination that attracts visitors from all over Vietnam. During the peak summer travel season of 2022, from June to August, Sa Pa is estimated to have welcomed over 972,500 visitors. Starting from mid-August, while many other “hot travel spots” have cooled down, Sa Pa continues to be a “hot keyword” as it enters its most impressive “golden season” of the year.
Four seasons of attraction
Situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, right at the foot of the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sa Pa enjoys a cool climate throughout the year. Each season, Sa Pa displays its unique beauty, attracting visitors from near and far.
In the spring, from February to May, Sa Pa is romantic with a variety of blossoms in full bloom, such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, apricots, pears, peaches, orchids, and more. Visitors are captivated by the sight of cherry blossom forests blooming along the hillsides, lining the roads, or bursting into full bloom right in front of their accommodations.
Sa Pa Town Vietnam
From June to August, Sa Pa is an ideal “cooling-off” destination in the North, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. From mid-August, tourists begin to visit Sa Pa to admire the lush green terraced rice fields and participate in trekking tours to view the rice paddies. From September to November is the most impressive “golden season.”
From December to February of the following year, Sa Pa experiences its winter season. This is a rare opportunity for tourists to experience snow and ice on the mountain peaks.
From June to August, tourists should pay attention to weather forecasts, as this is the time when widespread heavy rains, flash floods, landslides, and avalanches are more likely to occur. Tourists should be cautious when engaging in recreational activities near streams and lakes.
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Transportation
From Hanoi, tourists can take a passenger bus or a train to get to Sa Pa. You can book a limousine for transportation from Hanoi to Sa Pa, with prices ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 ( 1$ ~ 25,000 VietnamDong ) Vietnamese Dong per person per trip, or take a passenger bus from My Dinh bus station with prices ranging from 230,000 to 320,000 Vietnamese Dong per person per trip. The travel time is approximately 6 hours.
Tourists can also take a train from Hanoi station to Lao Cai station and then take a bus or taxi to reach the center of Sa Pa. Train tickets vary from 180,000 to 2 million Vietnamese Dong per person, depending on the seating class and type of train.
Tourists can also ride a motorbike or drive a car to explore Lao Cai. If using a car, you can take the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway and then turn onto highway 4D to reach Sa Pa. About 30 kilometers from the city to Sa Pa, be aware of the winding mountain roads, observe road signs, and drive at the correct speed. Especially during foggy weather, slippery roads, extreme caution is necessary.
In Sa Pa, tourists can rent a motorbike for exploration, with rental prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 Vietnamese Dong per bike. You should check the bike, fuel level, and avoid renting a scooter due to the many steep mountain passes. In the town center, tourists can experience electric scooters.
Destinations
1. Sa Pa Stone Church
Sa Pa Stone Church
Sa Pa Stone Church, built in 1895, is the most well-preserved architectural relic of the French in Sa Pa, Lao Cai. The church’s shape and architecture follow the Romanesque Gothic style. Its architectural elements, including the roof, bell tower, and arched windows, create a graceful and impressive appearance. In front of the church, there is a square where various cultural and festival activities take place.
2. Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain has an elevation ranging from 1,450 to 1,800 meters above sea level. Along the way to the mountain peak, visitors can take photos with various colorful flower gardens and engage in outdoor activities. From the mountain’s summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Sa Pa, the Muong Hoa Valley with its lush terraced rice fields, Ta Van Village, Cat Cat Village, and more. The entrance fee to the Ham Rong Mountain tourist area is 70,000 Vietnamese Dong for adults and 30,000 Vietnamese Dong for children.
3. Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat is an ideal community-based tourism destination for those who want to explore the cultural and daily life of people in the mountainous region of Northwest Vietnam. From the center of Sa Pa, visitors can reach Cat Cat by motorbike or trekking (approximately 2 km). The road to the village is beautiful, with winding and curving sections. While traveling, you can enjoy the sight of flower fields, terraced rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and misty mountains.
Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat is a traditional village of the Mong people and it still preserves many customs and traditional handicrafts such as silver carving, weaving, and jewelry making. Visitors can purchase handmade products as souvenirs and savor local cuisine.
After crossing the Si Bridge, you will reach the center of Cat Cat, where three streams, namely Vang, Bac, and Tien Sa, converge and form the Cat Cat Waterfall. Next to the waterfall, there are two suspension bridges, the Si Bridge and A Lu Bridge, which attract many tourists for sightseeing and photography.
4. Lao Chai – Ta Van
Leaving the crowded center of Sa Pa, tourists can rent a motorbike or take a taxi to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van, which are inhabited by various ethnic groups such as Mong, Dao, Giay, and more. The travel distance is about 10 km, and while some sections of the road are small and rough, the serene and captivating scenery on both sides with terraced fields, cornfields, and misty hills make the journey peaceful.
Ta Van
Lao Chai and Ta Van are beautiful destinations when the rice is ripe. The golden rice fields glisten in the sunlight, creating a picturesque landscape. Visitors should not miss the chance to visit Cau May, Muong Hoa Stream, Giang Ta Chai Waterfall, and Seo My Ty Lake.
5. Seo My Ty Lake
Seo My Ty Lake is located at an altitude of over 1,600 meters above sea level, about 20 km from the center of Sa Pa. It boasts a pristine and beautiful natural environment throughout the year. The lake is fed by water from the Hoang Lien Son National Park, and its water remains clear and cool. Local residents also use the lake to raise specialty fish such as sturgeon and salmon. Visitors can ask the locals for permission to take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery of the lake and go fishing.
Seo My Ty Lake
6. Trekking Experience in Y Linh Ho Village
Y Linh Ho is a Black H’mông village in Sa Pa, known for its peaceful and tranquil environment, in contrast to the bustling tourist spots in the town center. The road leading to the village is surrounded by picturesque terraced fields, cornfields, and distant mountains. This is a popular trekking route, especially among European tourists, during the rice season. Starting from early August, the rice in this area turns golden earlier than in other regions.
To fully experience a trek in Y Linh Ho, interact with the local people, and enjoy local cuisine, visitors will spend approximately 5 to 8 hours.
7. Conquering Fansipan Peak
When visiting Sa Pa, tourists should not miss the opportunity to conquer the “Roof of Indochina,” which stands at an elevation of 3,143 meters above sea level. Most tourists choose to take the Fansipan cable car to reach the peak without exerting too much effort. The Fansipan cable car is 6,292.5 meters long, connecting the center of Sa Pa to the Fansipan peak and reducing travel time to approximately 30 minutes.
Fansipan Peak
The cable car ticket price is 750,000 Vietnamese Dong for adults and 550,000 Vietnamese Dong for children, while the mountain train ticket costs 99,000 Vietnamese Dong per person each way. On the way to Fansipan’s peak, tourists can explore the spiritual complex, including Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda, an 11-story pagoda, the bronze statue of Quan The Am Bo Tat (Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva), and the largest bronze statue of A Di Đà (Amitabha Buddha) in Vietnam.
From August to October, when taking the cable car to the Fansipan peak, visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the golden Muong Hoa Valley. Tourists should also experience the mountain train to fully appreciate the largest rose valley in Vietnam.
Suggested Tip: Visitors can start their cable car journey to Fansipan around 12-1 PM to avoid the morning crowds. However, it’s important not to go too late as the weather at the peak gets cold, and fog can set in quickly.
8. Impressive Check-in Spots
In Sa Pa, there are several check-in spots that attract tourists. One of the newly opened and attention-grabbing places is the Sa Pa Infinity Garden complex, featuring areas for photography, such as a cloud-hunting bridge, ancient rose garden, a cultural display of ethnic houses, and an infinity pool overlooking Muong Hoa Valley. The entrance fee is 200,000 Vietnamese Dong per person.
Traveling about 15 kilometers from the center of Sa Pa along National Highway 4D to the highest point of O Quy Ho Pass, visitors will arrive at Cong Troi (Heaven’s Gate). From here, you can have a panoramic view of the vast valley below, terraced fields, winding roads, and several new establishments like restaurants, cafes, and hotels. The entrance fee for Heaven’s Gate is 80,000 Vietnamese Dong per person, including a drink.
9. Swing Sa Pa Check-in Complex
The Swing Sa Pa check-in complex is located at 87 Nguyen Chi Thanh, near the town center and about 2 kilometers from the Stone Church. Here, you can find various structures for photography, including statues of a boy and a girl, a giant stone hand, a Buddha statue, a “stairway to heaven,” swings, and more. If you’re traveling in a group, you can organize camping or small outdoor parties here. The entrance fee is 80,000 Vietnamese Dong per person.
10. Watching the Sunset at O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Hoang Lien Son Pass, is located on National Highway 4D, bordering the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. It is one of the longest and most challenging mountain passes in northern mountainous regions.
O Quy Ho Pass
Tourists can visit the pass and capture the sunset at around 5-5:30 PM. As the sun sets behind the mountain range, the entire pass is bathed in a beautiful golden hue. It’s important to note that the weather in Sa Pa can turn cold, and nightfall arrives quickly, so the sunset may last only about 10 minutes. While visiting the pass, make sure to observe your surroundings and avoid standing in the middle of the road to take pictures.
Along the way to O Quy Ho Pass, tourists can also visit Bạc Waterfall and Tình Yêu (Love) Waterfall. The entrance fee for Bac Waterfall is 20,000 Vietnamese Dong per person, while Tinh Yeu Waterfall is 75,000 Vietnamese Dong per person.
Accommodation Options
There are numerous and diverse accommodation options in Sa Pa, ranging from guesthouses, homestays in villages, and budget hotels to 4-5 star hotels and secluded eco-resorts.
Sa Pa Town Vietnam
In the central area of Sa Pa, some renowned accommodations offer excellent locations, impressive designs, and quality services. These include Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery and Silk Path Grand. If you prefer a tranquil setting surrounded by nature in Sa Pa, you can choose eco-resorts or resorts located in ethnic villages such as Topas Ecolodge, Sa Pa Jade Hill, Laxsik Ecolodge, Ville De Mont Mountain, Utopia Ecolodge, which offer impressive views of Muong Hoa Valley. Some of these accommodations have impressive panoramic views of the ripe rice fields.
For those who prefer homestays, hostels, or a more immersive experience, options are available in villages like Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van, where you can enjoy the peaceful mountainous surroundings. Popular choices include Eco Palms House, Heaven Sa pa, Phơri’s House, Rock Garden, Coóng, Sky garden, and Mộng. Dorm room prices start at 100,000 Vietnamese Dong per person, while double rooms in bungalow-style accommodations start at 500,000 Vietnamese Dong.
Delicious Food
Grilled dishes are a Sa Pa specialty and can be found everywhere. Examples include grilled vegetables, corn, eggs, pork, and chicken. In addition to these, tourists should not miss hotpot dishes or salmon and sturgeon salads. A hotpot meal for 3-6 people costs from 500,000 to 800,000 Vietnamese Dong.
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