Perhaps the best view in Sapa is located at Tram Ton Pass, 3 km away from O Quy Ho Pass. A view at the summit will reveal stunning, sweeping panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and forests below. With a height of over 1,900 meters, Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam and is often referred to as Heaven’s Gate due to its soaring height. Just west of …
O Quy Ho Pass – Sapa
O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Hoang Lien, can be found in the town of Sapa in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. Rising 2,000 meters above sea level, the 50km mountain pass is considered one of the most mystical attractions in the entire region. If you’re determined to find the best view in town, O Quy Ho Pass has everything you could ask for. Its sweeping, panoramic views of the …
Bac Ha Market – Sapa
Bac Ha Market is one of Vietnam's biggest highland markets. As its name suggests, it can be found in Bac Ha town, which is in Sapa. What makes this market so unique is not only the wide array of handicrafts on sale but also its status as a meeting area for the area’s ethnic minorities. The first thing you’ll notice when traversing this market is the sheer abundance of color …
Red River – Northern Vietnam
The striking red waters of Song Hong constitute Northern Vietnam’s longest river. Originating in China’s Yunnan Province, Song Hong, also known as the Red River, majestically flows through North Vietnam before discharging in the Gulf of Tonkin. History of the Red (Song) River Spanning over 120km, the Red River played an important role in the era of French rule as it was …
Terraced Rice Fields – Sapa
The terraced rice fields of Sapa have become iconic due to their intricate design and unparalleled precision. Amazingly, this is all manmade and the locals use the same practices to cultivate their fields as their ancestors did centuries ago. This is because the people of Sapa have always had a deeply close connection with nature. Its earliest settlers lived off the produce …
Stone Church – Sapa
Sapa’s stone church has stood since 1902 and is considered one of the most beautiful and regal buildings in town. The 600 m2 church is a rare Catholic relic dating back to the days of French rule and, despite several renovations, it retains its original appearance and charm. History of the Sapa Stone Church Upon its completion, Sapa Church served as a sacred site for the …
Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) – Sapa
Twelve kilometers from Sapa’s center is the Silver Waterfall. The idyllic location of this vacation spot is off the beaten path, making it an ideal retreat for introverted self-reflectors and those seeking solitude. Locals refer to the Silver Waterfall as Thac Bac. Deep in a rural heartland of pine forests and mountains, Thac Bac serves as a natural oasis for wildlife and …
Muong Hoa Valley – Sapa
The magnificence of the Muong Hoa Valley has to be seen in person to be believed. Located roughly 14km away from Sapa, the rolling hillsides and soaring peaks constitute the largest rice farmlands in the region. The dramatic landscape is inhabited by humble locals who take pride in their livelihoods and culture. Always happy to embrace visiting tourists, these villagers have …
Lao Cai City, Vietnam
In far Northern Vietnam, bordering China’s Yunnan Province, Lao Cai City is the capital of the Lao Cai Province and a hotspot destination for travelers who are exploring this remote area. A popular stopover for visitors going back and forth between China and Vietnam, the city sits at the junction of the Red and Nanxi Rivers. Mountainous Capital in Northern Vietnam Built into …
Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Burrowed in the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, the Lào Cai Province is renowned for its epic scenery, ethnic culture, and tourist attractions. Within the province, tourism has exclusively developed around the town of Sapa. Additionally, Lào Cai has become the most famous province in Northwest Vietnam and many travelers head to the mountainous landscape to escape the …
The Highest Peaks in Vietnam
In the past few decades, Vietnam has become a premier tourist destination, with vibrant cities, gorgeous beaches, and stunning landscapes drawing visitors from around the globe. For those who prefer to trek in the wilderness, taking time to venture into Vietnam's mountainous terrain will make you truly appreciate Vietnam's raw beauty. While not in the same league as the …
10 Major Rivers in Vietnam
Vietnam's natural beauty and lush landscapes provide some of the best scenic views in the world. This Southeast Asian gem is home to lush jungles, deep valleys, expansive green rice fields, vibrant cities, and incredible beaches. To add to the natural appeal of Vietnam are the 2000 or so rivers that flow throughout the nation's long, skinny countryside. There are a total of …
Hoang Lien National Park – near Sapa
Home to the country’s tallest mountains, Hoàng Liên National Park is one of the most coveted areas in Vietnam. Known for its dense vegetation, this park preserves some of the country’s most primitive beauty. Impressive altitudes within Hoang Lien range from 3,281 feet (1,000 meters) to 10,312 feet (3,143 meters), drawing in adventurers who aim to conquer Vietnam’s highest …
Bach Moc Luong Tu Mountain – near Sapa
Crowned as Vietnam’s fourth-tallest mountain with a height of 9,990.157 feet (3,045 meters), Bach Moc Luong Tu is enjoying the spotlight amongst the country’s young travelers. Now a hit destination, the mountain’s cloud-covered landscape has become a much-loved feature in Vietnam. Summiting Bach Moc Luong Tu takes a while and hikers need to prepare for a hard trek, but once …
Phu Si Lung Mountain – near Sapa
Measuring at 10,091.85 feet (3,076 meters), Phu Si Lung, Vietnam’s second tallest mountain, is in the same area as Fansipan, only much more remote. Teetering on Vietnam’s border with China, much of the mountain’s base sits in a foreign land. Harder to access than Fansipan, Phu Si Lung’s beauty still attracts avid mountaineers. History Once the site of confrontation between …
Pu Ta Leng Mountain – near Sapa
Nicknamed "Green Paradise" by hikers, Pu Ta Leng is located in the Lao Cai Province, similar to Fansipan and Phu Si Lung, and is the third tallest peak in Vietnam. Although easier to climb than Pu Ta Leng, this 3,049 meter (10,003 foot) mountain requires a local guide to reach its peak. The mountain’s lush landscape is dotted with streams, which makes it an eye-catching …
Fansipan (Phan Xi Pang) Mountain – near Sapa
Standing at 10,325.7 ft (3,147.3 m), Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam and the Indochinese Peninsula. As the highest peak in the region, Fansipan has gained the nickname the ‘Roof of Indochina’. Strenuous and steep, the trek to the summit can take days, although an alternate route exists, using a cable car to take visitors to the top. History Formed between the …
Sapa, Vietnam
With its dramatic scenery, it's tough not to fall in love with this town. Sa Pa, or more commonly, Sapa, is a town in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam. Established as a hill station by the French in 1922, the bustling alpine village is now famous for its trekking spots and the highest point in Vietnam, Fansipan Mountain. Sapa's real beauty lies in its …