Welcome to Vietnam Sapa

Vietnam Sapa is a city that welcomes with wind and sunny. This amazing destination attracts a hundred visitors surround both Vietnam and in the world.

Sapa regularly becomes the most famous tourist country with a great landscape, amazing foods, and diverse culture. Not only famous with Vietnam visitor but Sapa is memorable also in Asia and Europe countries. Being paradise with flower and snow, this unbelievable landscape is extremely the city for your traveling in this holiday.

People claim that Sapa is “a little Switzerland” which is one of the most famous destinations for tourism in Vietnam in general and Asia in particular. Annually, this place attracted and welcomed a hundred thousand visitors by the local people hospitality and natural beauty.

Vietnam Sapa people

Are you ready to discover this wonderful paradise with several wonderful destination and activities?

With more than 30 ethnic groups, Sapa brings an impressive feeling for visitors. Surprise and surprise will be the first things that you feel when visiting this country. Some outstanding islands that you should not ignore when discovering Indonesia including: Fan Si Pan mountain, Cat Cat village, Ta Phin village, Hoang Yen Chao castle, Bac Ha market, Sapa market, Ham Rong mountain,…

In Sapa, tourism plays an important role in economic and local life. This immense city has many advantages to developing tourism with special characteristic from climate and nature view. The cultural diverse in Sapa with more than 30 ethnic groups also is the other main factor that attract more and more visitor surround the world come to here annually.

Hiding many must-see landmarks, Sapa regularly becomes the first choice for a traveler when coming to Vietnam.

So many markets and places you can find everywhere in Sapa. With both ancient and modern culture beauty, Sapa is more and more popular tourist place which is waiting to discover.

Vietnam Sapa beauty

Vietnam Sapa – promised land to visit

Sapa is beautiful not only because of the landscape but also because of the convergence of many ethnic groups living together. Arrive here on the market, visitors will be surprised with all the gowns of brilliant ethnic H’Mong Den, Dao Red, Tay, Giay, Xa Pho. Each ethnic group is different in terms of costume, lifestyle, customs, farming methods, and unique cultural identities, rich and mysterious.

If you have a chance to visit this beautiful city, you cannot forget a dreamlike scene from this wonderful landscape. Bac Ha market will be a valuable suggestion to spend memorable time when coming to Sapa. This market is held every Sunday from morning until 2 pm. The local people will bring their own products such as pigs, corn wine, dogs and even horses to this market for purchase. Not only sale, they also buy necessary things for their families.

Sapa market

Bắc Hà market is not only a market, but it is also a chance for them to meet, talk and enjoy their lives. People come here also for loving, finding their love with random in life.

The most special things when coming to this market is there is always a minibus type stopped at the border. Travelers can use this means of transport with free choice and flexible time. It was amazing to remember to be at a place with full of colorful dresses of H’mong people. Let come here and see their faces with the happiness.

You will find so amazing and interesting traditional cultural traits when coming to Sapa,. Many annual festivals, special dance, traditional music that customs took place during the year are the main important factor o catch and attract more and more visitors during the year all over the world.

Come to Sapa, visitors can take part in local daily activities to more understanding about long and valuable culture with friendly people. If you are interested in handmade products, it is also a good time for you to discover and try it here.

Sapa people

Sapa villages

Besides market, Spa is also famous with traditional village such as Cat Cat village, Ta Phin village,…

Come to Sapa villages, visitors can feel fulfilled in peacefully picturesque sceneries. In the evening, people usually spend the time to seat outdoors and see nature changes. Hearing some traditional music, dance and campfire are the most famous activities at night if you have a chance to live in a homestay.

The original architecture in Sapa villages is also an interesting object that you can see here. Visitors are extremely surprised with their full house. From outside, this house is very simple, however, when coming in, all life has regularly appeared. Their house usually includes three rooms with typically three doors. The most exciting are all material is used from nature. The comfortable when living near nature has never met in modern life.

Vietnam Sapa village

There is no necessary to worry about activities should do in Sapa. Private trekking adventure will be the first suggestion in Sapa. When coming to Sapa by interesting trekking, don’t forget to visit incredible spots such as Ham Rong mountain resort with much old stone church which made the main special point in tourist paradise.

Sapa is the shortest way to Vietnam’s highest peak, Fan Si Pan, which above sea level about 3143 m with attractive valley walls.

People in Sapa almost can speak English frequently. This is also the main attraction which foreigner tourist was impressive. Besides trekking, bike tours, climbing tours, nature, and wildlife,… you also should try at least one time.

Please refer here for more information about Sapa: Sapa markets, Sapa Trekking, Homestay Sapa, Bac Ha market…

Don’t waste youth, let go and feel Vietnam country beauty. Vietnam Sapa – Vietnam’s pride.

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Some overview point for trekking in Sapa

Sapa Trekking is one of the most destinations famous in Highland town in Lao Cai province. Not only the most popular vacation spot in the Northwest but Sapa is more and more become an important shot in economic development, especially in tourist.

This tourist place is currently attracting an increasing the number of domestic visitors and international potential customers. Travelers come to Sapa with the main purpose of exploring the natural beauty in this amazing area.

When coming to Sapa by interesting trekking, don’t forget to visit incredible spots such as Ham Rong mountainous resort with much old stone church which made the main special point in tourist paradise.

Sapa is considered as the shortest way to Vietnam’s highest peak, Fan Si Pan, which above sea level about 3143m with attractive valley walls.

Sapa has several ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, The Dao, The Dai, The Thai,… Each culture from them will make the different characteristic for Sapa, making it become more and more famous and special in both Vietnam and foreign travelers.

Sapa Trekking – go to come back

Climate and places for Sapa Trekking

There are many people worry about whether climate is suitable for Sapa Trekking or not. Actually, the weather in Sapa is quite flexible. They change during the season and even during in a day.

In general, Sapa’s climate is cool all over the year. With sea level about 3143m, don’t doubt about average climate is always from 10 to 18 degree. With this climate background, it is extremely idea to make a trekking here.

Here are some famous Sapa Trekking that you should try at least one time in life.

Muong Hoa valley  – Sapa ancient stone

From Sapa town southeast, Muong Hoa valley is located appropriately 10 kilometers. This area is famous with beautiful valley with a lot of attracting fields which make express at the first time. Crossing mountains, along with the mountain range, come to scenery with beautiful valley will be a wonderful trekking that you should not refuse when coming to Sapa.

Trekking in Muong Hoa valley

Ham Rong mountain

With the beautiful scenery throughout a hundred of year, Ham Rong mountain is located in the center of Sapa town. The colorful in many flowers made Ham Rong mountain becoming the second Da Lat city in Vietnam. No way to come to here except trekking with winding and hard to go. This place is totally a favorite for tourist who wants to explore and enjoy hiking in high mountain. The breathtaking beauty of Ham Rong mountainous conquered tourist by its own secret. Come to Ham Rong mountain to come back home.

Discover with Sapa Trekking

Routes for Sapa Trekking

There are various routes and choices for trekking in Sapa. We would like to introduce some famous and common routes as below.

1. Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai: trekking about 12 km through Muong Hoa Valley
2. Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho: trekking about 15 km through waterfall and villages along narrow river
3. Ma Tra – Ta Phin: trekking about 20 km through villages and buffalo trails
4. Hau Thao – Sau Chua: trekking about 20 km through villages and rice paddy terraces

Please refer here for more details of Sapa Trekking from Sapa Tours and Sapa Tours from Hanoi:

• Sapa Trekking 2 days
• Sapa Trekking 3 days
• Enjoy Sapa Trekking 4 days

Go to come back, go to Sapa trekking to become a part of Sapa’s family.

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Homestay Sapa – a new model, a new travel style

There are several accommodations you can choose when coming to Sapa – foggy city such as hotel, resort,… However, nowadays, with the creative and unique, Homestay Sapa is more and more dominate travelers’ choices. This type is not only cheaper than other accommodations but also closer to local living where visitors can easily learn and share with homeowners.

Homestay Sapa – live like in your house

In the fact, there are two main types of Homestay. With this special kind of living, you will feel the real life. Homestay has been available in Sapa over several years. This new model is the wonderful way for visitors explore fully Sapa: people, weather, culture and spirit values. Guest also can buy food and cook there freely.

You should book the room before coming to Sapa. Because nobody can ensure that it is available to easily choose suitable room for all journeys.  In addition, checking furniture and price is also play an important role which travelers have experience always make a note.

Sapa Homestay – Private room

Homestay Sapa tradition

When coming to Sapa, you can see all homestay is built from wood or brick. There are more convenient for people because of no separate bedrooms or en-suit bathrooms with standing shower, hair-dryer, and free toiletries. In case, several rooms with cheaper price maybe share one clean toilet. However, don’t worry because the bathrooms will respond enough convenient like a couple of western style toilets and warm showers. Luxury homestays, quite different with a traditional homestay, this model are modernized with the modern facilities such as cable TV, electricity, or Wi-Fi Internet. We can ensure that all rooms are very comfortable, clean and use available.

Sapa Homestay – High standard room

How to get the best Homestay Sapa

Don’t worry about the quality of foods and drinks in luxury homestays because they are very delicious. Almost dishes are well-decorated with more attractively small pattern by handmade. These items will bring special emotion with closet with tradition and family. If you want to eat something, let share with house owners and having a good meal together.

There are facilities to buy soft drinks, beers or water at an additional cost. All passengers will concentrate on the living room to enjoy the meal. Therefore, you can build the relationship with people living in there and share the experience to get an awesome trip. Moreover, in luxury homestays, you can live in the safe environment to avoid the fraud. Finally, the disadvantage of guesthouse style homestays compared to popular homestays is price both of the room and food.

Sapa Homestay – Traditional room

Traditional homestays, which are similar to popular homestays, are homestays style of local people and usually closet the local living. You can live together with local people. Living, eating, acting with the same timetable and culture with them. This model is quite different with luxury homestays, which you can come to Sapa and ask the local people to overnight during the trip. With this modern type, no need to book advanced.

Homestay Sapa – living like your own family.

Other travel information for Sapa you might take interest: Sapa Tours

• Bac Ha market
• Sapa markets
• Vietnam Sapa
• Sapa Trekking

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Bac Ha market for Sunday

If you look at a map, Sapa is on the left side, 38km from Lào Cai, and Bac Ha market is on the right side, 70 km from Lào Cai. Both Sapa and Bac Ha are popular tourist destinations in Northwest Vietnam. Tourists often go to Bac Ha on Sundays to see the market of the flower H’mong ethnic minority people (different with black H’mong people in Sapa based on their dresses).

Local people hold Bac Ha market every Sunday from morning until 2 pm. The local people will bring their own products such as pigs, corn wine, dogs and even horses to this market for purchase. Not only sale, they also buy necessary things for their families. Bac Ha market is not only a market, but it is also a chance for them to meet, talk and enjoy their lives. People come here also for loving, finding their love with random in life.

The most special things when coming to this market is there is always a minibus type stopped at the border. Travelers can use this means of transport with free choice and flexible time. It was amazing to remember to be at a place with full of colorful dresses of H’mong people. Let come here and see their faces with the happiness.

Bac Ha market people

All traditional activities of these ethical people are showed naturally. The way they eat, the way to purchase, all cultures are specialties which you cannot see in anywhere. Eating noodle or “thắng cố” food is one of the best way to try the most popular food in Bac Ha market, which will be an unforgettable memory in this special vacation.

Bac Ha market – not only a local market, it is tourist market

The main purpose and role of this market in economic development belong to tourist. Visitors not only buy a product but they also can gain service and even valuable traditional cultures.

This product in Bac Ha market is maybe not a famous brand in the world or even in Vietnam, however, they are the way that local people show their daily activities. The handmade products always make a special feeling for buyers.

No need to have so much money, you also can feel the whole ethnic Vietnam fashion, life and people.

The market welcome visitors with unique alcohol, maize-made product. Maize is a special material which was planned in high mountains. This product has high productivity and high nutrition that become one of the most popular brands in Bac Ha market.

Bac Ha market on Sunday

Don’t forget to take photos to remain special time here. Visit Bac Ha market to have an opportunity to more understand about Vietnam traditional culture.

Other information you may take interest in:

• Sapa Travel Guide
• Vietnam Sapa
• Sapa markets
• Sapa Trekking
• Homestay Sapa

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Many markets are held on week, but Saturday and Sunday have more colorful hill tribe people and of course more tourists.

Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha market opens at around 7.30 am and closes mid-afternoon. Previously, the market takes place on a gentle hill every Sunday. And then it was built on concrete floor with many divided areas which lost its primitive beauty. It is the biggest minority peoples market in Northwest Vietnam. You will meet Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Black Dao, Tay, Nung, La Chi, Phu La and other minority groups. The market inspires from delicious and famous Vietnamese food, buffalo, cows, goats, fish and other livestock. Visitors enjoy from colorful household items to traditional intricately made clothing, from souvenirs to the essentials for everyday life.

The most attractive area at Bac Ha Market is jewelry, dresses and brocade cloths. Here, you dazzle with brilliant colorful dresses of H’Mong and Red Dzao girls. Foreign tourists often admire the hand-woven paintings with vivid motifs and harmonious colors.

Bac Ha market on Sunday

Bac Ha market is far away from 110km / 2.5 hours from Sapa, or 72 km / 1.5 hours from Lao Cai.

Can Cau market

Can Cau market is a small ultra-colorful market situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, just below the Chinese border. The market takes place every Saturday where you will encounter minority peoples. It includes the Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Dzay, Nung, Phu La and even Chinese people from across the border. The distance from Lao Cai station to Can Cau market is not too far, but you might feel exhausted due to rough road. However, you will amaze the bustling and colorful scene of this market. Unlike some other markets with most of the Chinese products, the market still retains the inherent characteristics. They sell and buy all kinds of goods here, from fabrics to various types of livestock to the powerful local corn wine.

Can Cau market on Saturday

Can Cau market is far away from 125 km / 3 hours from Sapa, or 87 km / 2 hours from Lao Cai

Coc Ly market

Coc Ly market takes place every Tuesday weekly. Although it is not a big market, Coc Ly is very important to ethnic minorities in the west of Bac Ha district. The goods on offer range from local fruit and vegetables to livestock, handicrafts and clothes.

Located next to the Chay River, Coc Ly is the meeting place of Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Black Dao, Nung, Giay and Tay peoples. People not only come to the market to trade, but also to meet friends. Coming to Coc Ly, you will see the costumes of ethnic groups and hear their voices. H’Mong girls stand on bridge to show their bright colorful dress and umbrella over the head and find their friends. It is also the difference of Coc Ly market compared to many other markets.

Coc Ly market looks like a watercolors painting. The river is flowing lightly. The mountain laces slowly swirling veils of white. The highlight of the beautiful natural landscape is ethic people with colorful costume  from all villages together on the market. It is really unforgettable experience.

Coc Ly market on Tuesday

Coc Ly market is far away from 95 km / 1h 45m from Sapa, or 60 km / 1 hour from Lao Cai

Lung Khau Nhin market

Lung Khau Nhin Market is one of the famous ancient Sapa markets very close to the border with China where the Black Dao, Giay, Tay, Flower Hmong (Red Hmong) minority peoples all attend. Like other fairs, Lung Khau Nhin has vibrant color of the dresses, blankets, green cabbage and yellow citrus. Coming to the market, you will see the lovely beauty of Red Dzao girls, innocent children riding on their back or the attention or some boys’ frisk.
Their life is simple, but a haven of peace, warmness and happiness which is the most attractive of Lung Khau Nhin market.

Lung Khau Nhin market on Thursday

Lung Khau Nhin market is far away from 110 km/1h 45m from Sapa, or 65 km / 1 hour from Lao Cai

Cao Son market

The market is one of the most original Sapa markets. It is an ideal place of Mong, Phu La, Dzao and Black Dao living in 4 biggest villages in Muong Khuong District. There are many routes to go to Cao Son Market, but taking a boat trip from Bao Nhai to Cao Son on Chay river is the best option. It brings you an opportunity to immerse in the natural and romantic scenery. With the blue sky, the flowing river and spectacular mountain scenery. In the multi-color scene, you will see many sections to sell farming tools, animals and local products. The highlight is brocade items with colorful and vivid motifs.

To compare with other Sapa markets, there are relatively few tourists who come to Cao Son market which still bring you an incredibly authentic experience.

Cao Son market on Wednesday

Cao Son market is far away from 120 km / 2h 45m from Sapa, or 85 km / 2 hour from Lao Cai

Muong Hum market

Muong Hum Market is known as one of the most bustling Sapa markets in the highland district of Bat Xat. It is ideal place if you want to explore the authenticity and simplicity.

The market is where Ha Nhi, H’Mong, Hoa, Giay, Dao Do, Dao Tuyen and Han ethnic groups. It lies in a small valley, next to a limpid stream, surrounded by terraced rice paddies and mountains.

Going to the market inside, you will be amazed by brilliant costumes. Young H’Mong girls in sexy skirts and dyed fake hair look like a blooming flower. They go to the market not only for shopping, but also for dating with the guys dressing in traditional clothes. Adorable children even on the back of their mother dress colorful hate and clothes, make them  to be more lovely and cute.

Although it is difficult for traveling, Muong Hum market still brings us to a place of colorful ethnic cultures which need to be maintained.

Muong Hum market on Sunday

Muong Hum market is far away from 80 km / 2 hour  from Sapa, or 45 km / 1.15 hour from Lao Cai

Please refer here for more detail about Sapa Tours from Hanoi:

• Sapa Trekking 2 days

• Sapa Trekking 3 days

Or you could refer to other article for Sapa and Vietnam Tours

The post Sapa markets – Sapa minority markets – Local markets in Sapa appeared first on Vietnam Tours - Indochina Tours.

Hanoi to Sapa by train

The main mean of transport for Hanoi to Sapa is train before Hanoi – Lao Cai highway has been launched. From Hanoi, train starts in Hanoi train station and takes about 10 hours to arrive in Lao Cai train station. From Lao Cai, you need to transfer by bus or private car to Sapa with 45 minutes. Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai usually spends overnight from transfer, depart at late evening and arrive in early morning. Therefore, if you use train for this route you will spend one night on train and save one night room for hotel. Because this is a long way train so tourists commonly book soft bed cabin to keep healthy feeling to sleep during the route by sleeping after starting of train and wake up before arrival.

For booking train tickets for Hanoi to Sapa or vice versa, travelers frequently book through travel agents because there are various train suppliers in this route. Ticket price varies from low to high standard with added value such as private cabin, soft sleeper bed, mineral water and snack or even dinner during train. There are several good suppliers you should consider to booking including King Express, Livitrans, Victoria Express, TSC…

Other way to book tickets is through website of Vietnam Railway Corporation with address vetau.com.vn. But you must book early to reserve seats because train suppliers usually set their service on train mostly.

Booking train Hanoi to Sapa, you should book return ticket because it hardly reserve tickets for Sapa to Hanoi if you book it after the trip Hanoi to Sapa.

Hanoi to Sapa by train in Hanoi

Hanoi to Sapa by road

Bus from Hanoi to Sapa

Currently, there are many choices for you to use sharing bus to Sapa.  Bus to Sapa usually depart in Hanoi in the late evening or early morning, stop en route for short relax. It takes around 5 hours to arrive in Sapa.

Ticket for Hanoi to Sapa bus or vice versa is around 10 US$ per way.

There are several bus providers you can consider to serve for international visitors including Good Morning Sapa, King Express… These buses will stop 1 or 2 points in the road for short relax.

Private vehicle from Hanoi to Sapa

If you want a private air and condition, you could choose private vehicles. This kind of transport is suitable with small group to be transferred by 7 seats SUV or 16 sears minibus, group varies from 2 to 10 persons.

With private vehicle, you have your own arrange to depart, stop and arrival time. You can spend the whole day for transfer or combine with another sight seeings en route such as Hanoi, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Lao Cai.

This mean of transport also serve you overnight to save the time according to visitors’ interest.

Hanoi to Sapa by road

Hanoi to Sapa by helicopter

Other expensive and high standard mean of transport for this route is helicopter. This transport is suitable with business trip or luxury travelers because it is very expensive and need to apply permission from government for transfer.

Transfer by helicopter is so good for sight seeing and photograph because the flight is not too high from land and take the route over rice fields, mountainous area, people life…

At this time, there is only Vietnam Helicopter Corporation provides this service. Flights is operated by professional pilots and EC 130 helicopter version, fee for this service varies from US$8,000 – 10,000 per way.

Helicopter service for the road from Hanoi to Sapa

Vietnam Great Tours provide booking service for almost of transport above with reasonable price. If you need more detail please contact us to receive advice from our experts. Or you could refer here for more advice of other normal routes in Vietnam:

• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
• Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Please refer to our packages with the road Hanoi to Sapa as below:

• Vietnam Experience Tour
• Best Vietnam Tour
• Incredible Vietnam Tour
• Colour Vietnam Tour
• The hidden charm of Vietnam Tour
• Best of Northern Vietnam Tour

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