Things to do in Sapa
Located in the northwest of Vietnam, Lao Cai province, Sapa - “the town of fog and cloud" - is known for its charming, picturesque scenery. The area overlooks terraced rice fields and verdant valleys with long mountainous ranges lying side by side.
Sapa Overview
Sapa’s charm can also be seen in its cultural wealth of different ethnic minorities. As soon as you reach Sapa, you will understand why Sapa is considered one of the most stunning destinations in Vietnam.
Sapa climate
There are four distinct seasons in the town, and the daily high is 15.4 °C. However, Sapa is also famous for its seasonal weather, as citizens claim that tourists can experience “four seasons in one day." Getting up early in the morning in chilly winter, immersing yourself in springtime when the sun has risen, experiencing summertime when the afternoon comes, and finally living through the cold at night.
The best time to visit Sapa's mountainous area is in the spring, which lasts from March to May and is when the wildflowers are at their brightest. The Hill tribes exhibit their distinctive culture in multiple festivals in springtime. In Winter, Sapa’s weather is extremely cold and humid with no clouds, thick fog, and snow, and the temperature drops to under 0° occasionally.
H'Mong baby is having fun
When going at that time, there are fewer things to do. However, in a tropical country like Vietnam, admiring the beauty of hills and mountains covered in white layers of snow can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sapa weather in September
With an average temperature range between 17.6°C (63.68°F) and 27.5°C (81.5°F), Sapa weather in September is quite pleasant. However, September in Sapa is the rainy season, so it will be humid and rain quite often.
Sapa weather in October
Since the daily temperature falls to 17°C, Sapa experiences a cooler climate in October. While there don't seem to be as many heavy downpours as there were from May to August, tourists may still encounter drizzle.
The girls cooking wine
Thanks to the beautiful weather in October, Sapa opens its doors to a large number of tourists each year, making October the start of the peak season of Sapa tourism.
Sapa weather in June
A Sapa’s typical day in June will experience an average temperature of 21°C (80°F) to 30°C (86°C). The locals would describe the weather as being comfortably warm and humid but also cool at the same time, especially when compared to May, which is the hottest month. Moreover, there will be a high chance of heavy rain this month. Therefore, make sure to bring an umbrella with you.
Sapa weather in July
In Sapa, the average temperature in July ranges from 19.1 °C (66.38 °F) to 28.0 °C (82.4 °F). In Sapa, it also rains occasionally at this time. The humidity is about 81% and the average amount of precipitation is about 461 mm, which is sufficient to cool the air during the day. The climate in July is not as hot or uncomfortable as it is in other places in Vietnam, but it is still an ideal month for you and your family to have a Sapa tour.
Sapa weather in August
In August, Sapa brings us to the calm air of early fall, and it is also the start of the year's rainy season. The sky is clear, the sun is shining, and some clouds glow in the air during the day, making it an enjoyable month to go on a Sapa trekking tour or a Sapa motorbike tour.
Trekking explore Sapa
You can experience rain when the night comes, so a raincoat, rain boots, or an umbrella are some of the must-have items for you when traveling in August.
Sapa in November
November marks the beginning of the winter season in Sapa. The temperature continues to drop at this time of the year. In general, the weather in Sapa in November is regarded as pleasant and comfortable; the air is dry and clear, and there is little chance of rain.
Seven-color sticky rice
It becomes cloudier with more fog by the end of the month. Although the weather in Sapa is tropical, the last two months of the year are the times with the highest possibility of snow.
Sapa in December
If you have ever wanted to visit Sapa during the harvest season but were unable to, going there in December will provide you with another unforgettable experience because you will be able to see the snow. In early December, the Sapa weather forecast showed that it would be cold there but not yet covered in snow.
Snow in Fansipan Sapa
In late December, the temperature in Sapa starts to fall lower, even going under 0°C. However, the time for snow also depends on the year. This unforgettable experience may be a problem for tourists who want to travel around and there are fewer things to do in Sapa at this time.
Sapa in January
In January, Sapa experiences an average daily temperature of roughly 10°C. Visitors to the area should prepare for rain, as there is an average of 23 mm of precipitation per month.
Clouds cover the mountains of Sapa
Compared to the rest of the year, the January wintertime climate is significantly milder. But generally speaking, Sapa can be expected to have a varied climate throughout the day, with sunshine in some hours and rain and frost in others.
How to get to Sapa
Sapa is close to the Chinese border; hence, no airport can be found in this area. However, if you consider Hanoi as the starting point, there are two main ways for tourists to consider, based on their budget and interests.
Sapa night train
The 315km Hanoi to Lao Cai journey often lasts for about 8 hours when you go by train. The last destination of the train is Lao Cai Railway station, many minibusses will be waiting outside the station to transport you the remaining distance to Sapa from there.
Experience going to Sapa by train
There are Sapa overnight train services that provide soft beds for customers. Prices vary depending on the type of seat and the time of year you travel. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the Vietnamese holiday season like the Tet holiday or 2-9. This overnight tour is from Hanoi.
Sapa bus
Although it is less pleasant, taking the bus from Hanoi to Sapa is a faster and more convenient option. From Hanoi, it takes about 6 hours to go to Sapa. Numerous brands offer daily bus services from Hanoi to Sapa.
Experience Going to Sapa by bus
Sao Viet, Interbuslines, Sapa Express, and Good Morning Sapa are a few of the most famous operators. It’s best to book your ride in advance to get a better idea of bus schedules, prices, and departure & arrival destinations.
Sapa famous attractions
There are many famous places to visit and things to do in Sapa. If your question is “Where to go when you get on Sapa day tours”, here are some of our suggestions.
Fansipan peak
Fansipan - “the roof of Indochina” is a tourist destination that you do not want to miss when coming to Sapa. It is estimated to be 3,143 meters high and is located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. “Hoang Lien Son” is the name that originated from the Hoang Lien tree, a unique medicinal herb that can only be found in this mountain range.
Fansipan peak
The adventurous journey to Fansipan Peak presents hikers of all skill levels with totally leave you a memorable experience with breathtaking views of verdant valleys and majestic mountains.
Bac Ha market
Bac Ha is the largest ethnic market in Vietnam's northwestern area. This is a terrific location for local people to interact and exchange their handicrafts and colorful ethnic clothes.
Bac Ha market
This place offers visitors an amazing opportunity to learn about Sapa's rich cultural diversity.
Cat Cat village
Cat Cat is Sapa's most ancient town with traditional wooden houses, flowing streams, and friendly, passionate locals.
Cat Cat village
By spending time within the village, you can gain an understanding of the Hmong people's lifestyles and cultural practices while also immersing yourself in the warm welcome of the whole community.
Festivals in Sapa
Roong Pooc
This festival, which originated with the Giay people, occurs in the first few days of the lunar new year. Roong Pooc is held in Ta Van villages and it is considered one of the biggest festivals in the Muong Ha Valley. The festival celebrates the Mother of the Land, and people pray for a prosperous harvest, peace, wealth, and good weather.
Festival Roong Pooc
There are many other activities in the festivals like participating in folk games (plowing competition,...) or singing and dancing together with the local people.
Nao Cong
H'Mong, Dao, and Giay ethnic minorities in the Muong Hoa Valley participate in the Nao Cong Festival, which is often held in June according to the lunar calendar. At the festival, each family will choose one person as their representative to pray for a wonderful harvest season, regardless of gender or age.
Nao Cong Festival
People here believe that by showing respect to the good spirits, they will be granted favorable weather and conditions for bumper harvests.
Tet Nhay
Tet Nhay Festival is an important festival celebrated by the Dao group in Ta Van and often takes time to prepare. Before the festival, young Dao males will practice their dancing skills while females prepare their new traditional clothes. The Tet Nhay often occurs during the Tet holiday in the house of the village leader.
Tet Nhay Festival
The festival is a combination of several traditional and well-liked performing arts, such as singing and dancing. The historical background of the family and the accomplishments of their ancestors are frequently mentioned in the song lyrics.
Additionally, there are numerous types of religious images, wood statues, etc.—that describe the traditional values of the Dao people.
Best Food To Eat In Sapa
Enjoying Sapa’s delicacies: There is a diverse selection of restaurants on Sapa that can offer its famous cuisines. If you do not know what to eat, here are our suggestions.
Thang Co
Thang Co is a traditional cuisine of the Hmong ethnic group in Sapa, and it is said to have first appeared more than 200 years ago. It is known as a weird but beautiful delicacy with a very strong smell. Thang co is known as the soup, cooked and steamed in a large pan.
Thang Co
The ingredients of this cuisine include more than 20 botanical herbs (cardamom, citronella, ginger, star anise, cinnamon twig, etc.) blended with the meat, bones, and internal organs of the horse, hog, and buffalo. Thang Co had only cooked and served for festive occasions before. However, due to the increase in tourism nowadays, you can find the steaming pot of Thang Co everywhere in Sapa.
Men-Men
One of the Hmong people's most common dishes is called "Men Men." The H’Mong people live in high mountainous areas where the weather is harsh and rice cannot be grown, making corn their primary food source.
Men Men
To utilize and consume what they have grown, H’Mong people make Men-Men dishes by steaming the mashed corn.
Tao Meo wine
The H'Mong people created the Tao Meo wine, which is well-known in Sapa and northwest Vietnam. It is made from Assam apples, a fruit that naturally grows on Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Although it's usually used to create wine, you can buy fresh Assam apples during the harvest season.
Having a bike tour to Muong Hoa Valley
With Sapa Vietnam Tours, the journey to Muong Hoa by car will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You will have the opportunity to travel through the highest mountainous area to “thousands” of streams that are located downhill, small villages, and rice fields inhabited by ethnic minorities, and observe people working in the fields.
Having a bike tour to Muong Hoa Valley
In addition, if you like selfies and love taking pictures of great nature, there are lots of beautiful places for you to enjoy
Going shopping for local handicrafts
There are several local markets in Sapa and the nearby areas where you can buy handicrafts, from traditional clothes to DIY bags and jewelry and whatever you need for your Sapa trekking tour. The main market, which is near the majority of hotels and hostels, is located in the city center.
Going shopping for local handicrafts
Everything is sold there, including food, clothing, trinkets, and hiking equipment. Especially, if you have a conversation with the local people in Sapa, you will be amazed by their fluent English speaking skills.
Go on a Sapa trekking tour
For over 30 years, trekkers have been drawn to Sapa's magnificent landscapes, and it is one of the things to do in Sapa. When you visit this mountainous area, trekking in Sapa is a must-do activity. Trekking through the lush, verdant paddy fields and going across the villages of ethnic minorities is a hard but amazing and enjoyable experience. If you are an adventure lover, don't miss things to do in Pu Luong - Thanh Hoa, you will not regret exploring this!
Go on a Sapa trekking tour
You can decide whether to go with or without a local tour guide. They can assist you in having a more interesting and enjoyable journey as they are more familiar with the terrain and weather. Moreover, you can create your own itinerary in Sapa, contact us for more details!
Useful tips when traveling to Sapa
To make the most of your time on your Sapa day trip, make sure to prepare all of those things before your Sapa trip.
Identification
When traveling around Vietnam, especially in Sapa, most of the hotels here will have ID check requirements. However, you can replace it with your passport or driver's license if anything bad happens. Moreover, if you have the intention of hiring transportation, a driving license is a must.
Travel map or online map
A map is an essential tool for you to avoid wasting time getting lost around the area. Google Maps can also be used if you have a smartphone. Bear in mind that Sapa is a mountainous area, so sometimes the signal may be weak, therefore, you should download your offline map to use it as a reference.
Clothing
As mentioned before, Sapa is the place where you can experience “four seasons in a day.”. Therefore, bringing suitable clothes is an important thing to consider. Our recommendation is to bring light but warm clothes, and you may want to bring some accessories like hats or gloves.
Shoes
If you plan to have a wonderful time wandering around Sapa on foot, then a comfortable pair of shoes may be the best choice for you.
Sapa accommodation
Sapa has a wide range of options for travelers - from Sapa luxury hotels and hostels to eco-lodges, to private homestays. Based on what you want to do in Sapa and your budget, you choose the accommodation with the features that suit your preferences.
Hotel De La Coupole Sapa
Above is some of the information related to Sapa. For more information or if you want to book a Sapa tour, you can contact Asia Private Travels via our website, fan page, or call. We are always available and willing to provide the most enjoyable experience for our tourists.
