Top Things to Do in Sapa Vietnam

Top Things to Do in Sapa Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi may be the more popular tourist draws in Vietnam, but if you want a taste of the country’s unique culture and breathtaking natural wonders, you’re better off getting it in Sapa. It’s a long but relatively uncomplicated journey from Hanoi to Sapa. Remote Lands points out that it’s a world away from the big city, and the dreamy landscapes and welcoming people more than make up for the lack of luxury accommodation. This stunning town offers plenty of authentic Vietnamese experiences, from enjoying scenic views and bonding with locals, to village trekking and delicious local cuisine. Here are the top things to do in Sapa Vietnam.

Have Drinks at Café in the Clouds

Wouldn’t it be nice to sip hot cocoa on a terrace amidst some picturesque views of Sapa’s valleys and mountains? Well, that’s the experience you get when you visit the aptly named Café in the Clouds. The view may be more popular than the menu, but the café still has plenty of noteworthy dishes. Their chicken phở is famous among regulars, or you can enjoy a complimentary banana during banana season. Although you might think the prices are high considering the sky-high location, the food is actually very affordable.

Take a Stroll Along Sapa Lake

In case you are in need of a bit of a breather, head to the heart of the town, where you’ll find Sapa Lake. You can either take a walk along the lake and the nearby Sapa Town Square and Church, or simply relax on a bench to enjoy the serene view, which looks like it is straight from a postcard. For those who’d like to take a short lake cruise, there is also the option of renting a paddle boat.

Explore the Tribal Villages

Tribal trekking is one of the most popular tourist activities in Sapa since there are several villages inhabited by ethnic minorities in the area. The locals will be happy to guide you through the trek and show you their traditions. And if you want to learn more about these people and their fascinating culture, you can even choose to stay at one of the locals’ homes for the night. It’s worth noting that you’ll find plenty of people, including children, on the road trying to sell you everything from embroidered skirts to ethnic necklaces. This is a common way for them to earn a living, as most people in these ethnic minorities are, unfortunately, very poor. Also, Save the Children claims that kids from these villages have difficulty getting access to a decent education. And for those that are able to go to school, they struggle in class since Vietnamese isn’t their first language. So if you can, support these people by buying some of their trinkets, which are a more meaningful alternative to your usual souvenirs you buy on vacation.

See the Love Waterfall

There are several waterfalls in Sapa worth visiting, but Love Waterfall stands out because of its rich history. Legend has it that a fairy once fell in love with a young boy after hearing him play his flute by the waterfall. Unfortunately, her parents found out and subsequently forbade her from returning to the waterfalls. Following her tremendous sorrow, the fairy turned herself into a bird in order to stay near her love forever. To get there, be prepared to go on a 30-minute walk through the forest. Although it’s not the easiest trip, the journey is definitely worth it. You’ll also be able to enjoy serene views along the way.

Ride a Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle in Vietnam is on our list of ‘Best Southeast Asian Experiences’, and it is especially magical in this beautiful town. If you’re raring to go and explore on two wheels, you can sign up for a motorbike tour, which will allow you to drive through Sapa’s villages, mountains, vast rice paddies and cresting hills. If you don’t like trekking, this provides a good alternative for you to see the best of what the area has to offer.