The small mountain town of Sapa is located in the northwest of Vietnam, almost near the border with China, at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. The highest mountain in Indochina - Fansipan (height over 3100 meters) is located 20 km from Sapa, the slopes of which are covered with dense forest. There are no beaches and no sea, but there are mountains, valleys, rice terraces, amazing landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
More than seven ethnic groups live in friendship and harmony on the territory of Sapa, each of which observes and preserves its own traditions. There are not so many attractions in the city itself, but in its surroundings you will find interesting places.
Thak Bak Silver Falls and Thak Dien Falls
Thak Bak Waterfall is located just 10 km from the city of Sapa. Its height is over 100 meters and it is considered the highest in the area. The most impressive spectacle of the waterfall is in the rainy season, when a powerful stream of water rushes down the slopes of the mountain.
After covering another kilometer, you can see another waterfall - Thak Dien. It is not as big as Silver Falls, but it is also beautiful. Near Thak Dien there are gazebos for relaxation, comfortable stairs, a cafe and parking.
Tram Ton pass
The Tram Ton Pass, or the Gate of Heaven, is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam (2000 meters above sea level), passing along the northern side of Mount Fansipan. The pass passes only 15 km from the city and, even if you did not plan to come here, be sure to visit this place. Tram Ton will amaze you with the beauty of the mountain scenery. Do not forget to dress warmly, it is quite cool in the mountains.
Love Market
In the old days, the Love Market was a place where young boys and girls came on Saturdays in search of a companion or companion. Under cover of night, young girls sang songs, young men gathered to sing and chose a "lady of the heart", after which the couple in love disappeared for several days. If after three days it turned out that the young were suitable for each other, then a marriage union was concluded between them, but if not, then the search continued on the next Saturday. Now the Love Market has been turned into a stage for a theatrical performance to entertain tourists.
Ta Fin Village and Kat Kat Village
The village of Ta Fin is located 10 km from the city. It is home to two ethnic groups at once - the red Dao and the black Hmong. The villagers have long been accustomed to tourists and are hospitably invited to look into their homes so that they can get to know their way of life better, and perhaps bought some homemade souvenir for a small fee.
The village of Kat Kat is located 3 km from Sapa. A visit to this ethnic village is paid, absolutely everything here is designed for tourists. For your money, you can visit the houses of the villagers, where you will receive a warm welcome and watch a small theatrical performance. The poverty of the village is brightened up by the mesmerizing views of the rice terraces.
In the city of Sapa itself, you can visit the Catholic Church, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century, and the local market. You will be able to see a picturesque lake in the city center.
And if you suddenly get bored, you can climb Mount Fansipan. Do not forget that the city of Sapa is mountainous and the air temperature does not exceed +20 ° C even in summer, and in the mountains it is much colder.
