If the only gondola you're familiar with is the kind being paddled around the canals of Venice, then you've been missing out. In Vietnam, a cable car, aerial tram or gondola ride entails a comfortable and scenic ride in an enclosed cabin that will take you effortlessly to the top of the rugged mountainous landscape via a series of cables and stanchions. A ride in one of …
Explore these 4 Hidden Treasures of Vietnam
Vietnam is home to a spirited culture that motivates a lot of travelers to visit. There are a lot of tours that go around the country’s top destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. But, if you’re the type of adventurer who wants to take the paths less traveled, this list is for you. Though the major cities in the country undoubtedly bring out some of …
13 Stunning Hiking Spots by Sapa
Northern Vietnam has a climate of its own, and the cooler temperatures make for some of the best hiking spots by Sapa a unique place to explore the outdoors. One of the most prominent features of the north is the tiered rice fields carved and neatly folded across the land, giving visitors something to admire on every trek. This part of the country is also home to Vietnam's …
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 …
Tram Ton Pass – Sapa
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 …
Sapa Museum
The Sapa History Museum may be small, but it packs a mighty punch with its 200+ exhibits and emphasis on the region’s ethnic history. It's located in central Sapa, Lao Cai province, walking distance from the main square. Avisit to this charming museum is a great way to spend a few hours and learn more about the rich, diverse cultural genesis of not only Sapa but Vietnam as a …
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 …
7 Natural Wonders of Vietnam
Outside of Vietnam's bustling cities is a countryside full of natural splendor. Wherever you go, there is always something breathtaking to soak in, thanks to Vietnam's diverse and wonderful landscapes. Several of Mother Nature's stunning landmarks seem like natural wonders in the way they shape the land and stand out. For some time outside in the fresh air and a fun time …
7 Manmade Wonders of Vietnam
Mother Nature does fine work, but it turns out that humans don’t do such a bad job either. Even though Vietnam is renowned for its natural beauty, it has several manufactured attractions that deliver just as much intrigue and magnificence. Some of these manmade wonders are built over, on top of, or even underground amazing natural features and scenery. While scoping out all …
How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa
Sapa is one of the most visited destinations in North Vietnam, with tourists arriving year-round from Hanoi. There are several ways to reach this mountain town from Vietnam's capital city, including train, bus, shuttle, and motorbike. The closest airport to Sapa is Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, so that’s the one you’ll fly into to start your journey. From Hanoi, a …
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 …
The Top Budget Hotels in Sapa
Known as the "kingdom of flowers" and one of the only places in Vietnam that gets snow, the town of Sapa is an exciting place to visit for a peaceful, rural country experience. With several options for cheap hotels in Sapa, international travelers flock to the area for a unique vacation away from the hecticness of a busy city. While luxury hotels are less expensive in Sapa …
The Best Hotels in Sapa
Home to a small population of 10,000 and the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, Sapa is a rural town drawing tourists to its area since the early 1990s. Staying in one of the best hotels in Sapa will ensure you some of the most picturesque views of the world-famous rice pattie terraces and beautiful valley. Thanks to its natural beauty, historical sights, and unforgettable …
Sun World Fansipan Legend – Sapa
Regarded as one of Vietnam’s most ethereal destinations, Sun World Fansipan Legend seemingly rests halfway between Earth and heaven. Featuring sweeping panoramic views, grand pagodas, and stunning Buddhist sculptures, visiting this site provides a near-transcendental experience where visitors can reflect, observe, and even shop while touching the peak of Fansipan. The …
How to Get to Fansipan Cable Car from Sapa Town
The base resort for Mount Fansipan sits 2km drive up from the town of Sapa. The best way to accomplish this is via the mountainside tram that leads from Sapa town to the ticketing office at the start of the Fansipan Cable Car. There are three main ways to get to the Sun World Fansipan Cable Car from Sapa town: Car or motorbike taxi 30 minute uphill walk …
The Best Hostels in Sapa
Located in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains in northern Vietnam, Sapa is a smaller city that offers visitors a chance to see some of its most picturesque landscapes. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of authentic Vietnamese life in Sapa is to make reservations at a hostel. Sapa is world-famous for its beautiful tiered rice terraces. It is also the nearest …