"Sapa - Mountain Magic of Northern Vietnam" Top 5 Page for this destination Sa Pa by victorwkf

Sa Pa Travel Guide: 129 reviews and 465 photos

Beautiful mountain scenery around Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is a small and picturesque hill town (former French stronghold) located in the mountainous area of Northern Vietnam close to the border with Yunnan province of China. This town is a main tourist attraction as people from all over the world take the train from Hanoi to spend a few days here relaxing, walking, enjoying the scenery, colourful ethnic minority groups, bustling Sapa market etc.

My wife and I were in Sapa during Decemeber 2006 and enjoyed ourselves. We were lucky that the weather was good but it was somewhat cold due to winter season in Sapa.

Let me share with you some information and photographs, which hopefully will be useful to you. Tips and photos will be updated periodically, so keep a lookout for updates.

Red Dzao minority tribe, Sapa

There are several colourful ethnic minority tribes living in Sapa and surrouding mountainous areas. The most common are the Hmong (same as the Miao tribe in China), Red Dzao and Tai. They are one of the main attractions in Sapa and the target of photographers.

Scene from Sapa, Vietnam

The people in Sapa and surroundings are self sufficient as they grow their own rice, vegetables, have their own farms and there are many rivers here. However, tourism has brought some modernisation here and some houses now have electricity. Nevertheless, this is still one of the poorest areas in Vietnam.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very picturesque place with colourful ethnic minority tribes
Cons:Overnight train, unpredictable weather, mountainous terrain
In a nutshell:If you like natural scenery, mountains, culture etc, then come to Sapa

Last visit to Sa Pa: Dec 2006
Intro Updated May 8, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (40)

Sapa Market Things to Do (14)

Sapa market is the centre piece of Sapa town and not to be missed when you are there. The best time to visit in on a... more travel advice

Sapa Church Things to Do (14)

The Sapa Church is a famous landmark at Sapa and is located near to the Sapa market. It is hard to imagine a church at... more travel advice

Photography (Part 3) Favorites (10)

I took a lot of photos at Sapa and attached are some photos which I would like to share with all VT members besides... more travel advice

Photography (Part 2) Favorites (10)

I took a lot of photos at Sapa and attached are some photos which I would like to share with all VT members besides... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Souvenirs and local handicrafts
Transportation (3)
See All Motorcycle ride
Hotels (2)
See All Royal View Hotel (Part 2)
Been to Sa Pa?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (12)

Reply
- Report abuse
SLLiew Aug 12, 2010 at 11:05 AM

Hi, Nice updates. Like your comment "Poultry in motion". The chickens are avian flu time bombs. Bring back fond memories. Glad to know that you had nice weather at Sapa. Cheers, SL
Reply
- Report abuse
pfsmalo Jun 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM

Some lovely pictures and helpful tips for one of my future destinations. Thanx.
Reply
- Report abuse
hunterV Apr 5, 2008 at 10:03 AM

Hi, Victor, your pages are very detailed and useful! Thanx! Have a good time!
Reply
- Report abuse
cheuleng Feb 29, 2008 at 3:48 AM

May i know what is this cabin train name?
Reply
- Report abuse
Sambawalk Sep 24, 2007 at 8:25 AM

Helpful trips with good pics.
Reply
- Report abuse
Vulindlela Apr 1, 2007 at 8:59 PM

Fascinating place! Thank you for sharing.
Reply
- Report abuse
King_Golo Apr 1, 2007 at 1:08 AM

Great page once more... It really has developed since the last time I visited it.
Reply
- Report abuse
bpacker Mar 12, 2007 at 7:55 PM

Vic, stunning photography over here, very detailed info too!! Love your pix of the ethnic women in red.
Reply
- Report abuse
mvtouring Feb 12, 2007 at 9:56 PM

Great photos and tips. Mariana
Reply
- Report abuse
ukirsari Feb 9, 2007 at 7:47 AM

thanks victor, i am doing fine. reading and enjoy your sapa page >> very nice and details. well done :)