What Destinations to Visit When Traveling to Sapa, Vietnam?

Which country do you want to visit when traveling around Asia? Some may choose Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand. Well, those countries are indeed favorites among Indonesian tourists for spending holidays. However, there is another country that is gaining popularity among tourists, which is Vietnam.

Vietnam is one of the countries offering visa-free entry for Indonesian passport holders. This is a reason why many Indonesian tourists are attracted to this country. Among the many places Indonesian tourists favor, Sapa is a prominent destination.

Sapa - Vietnam, What Makes It Special?

Sapa is a town with lovely and pristine scenery, located in the Lao Cai Province of Vietnam. The town’s beauty is not only in its natural scenery but also in its diverse and deeply rooted culture.

There, you will be treated to stunning mountain views and vast rice fields that are actively farmed to this day. The rivers flowing through this area are also very clear and clean, adding to the natural beauty you can enjoy there.

For those interested in visiting Sapa Town, here are some activities you can do.

Going to the Peak of Mount Fansipan

Mount Fansipan is the highest mountain in the Indochina Peninsula and is nicknamed the “Roof of Indochina”. The mountain stands 3,147.3 meters tall, slightly taller than its previously recorded height of 3,143 meters in 1909.

You do not have to struggle with climbing to reach the mountain's top because transportation is available to get you to the peak in only 20 minutes. You can take a cable car with a length of 3,143 meters above sea level.

To get to the Hoang Lien station, which is the station for boarding the cable car, you can take a taxi for a 3 km journey from Sapa Town. Alternatively, you can take the monorail from Sapa station to Hoang Lien station. Then, you can continue your journey to the mountain peak by purchasing a cable car ticket from Hoang Lien station to Fansipan station for ₫800,000. This ticket includes a round trip, and children with a height of over 1 meter must have their own ticket.

Once at the mountain peak, you will be indulged with astonishing natural beauty. Additionally, you can visit the Pagoda there. Where else can you reach the peak of a region’s highest mountain without getting exhausted and in such a short time? Moreover, you will be treated to stunning natural scenery during the cable car ride.

Visiting Ethnic Markets

Visiting a market as part of your trip? Why not? This can make your travel experience even more memorable. If you plan to visit Sapa Town, do not miss out on visiting the Ethnic Markets in this town.

For those curious about the uniqueness of ethnic markets in Sapa Town, you can visit the following markets:

● Bac Ha Market Sapa: Located in Bac Ha Town, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province. This market is open only one day a week, on Sundays. It is a gathering place for ethnic minorities, but it is also one of the largest markets in Northern Vietnam. There, you can see various unique products from each ethnic group. You can take local and tourist buses from Sapa Town to Bac Ha to get there.

● Sapa Town Market: Located in Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province. This market is open every day and is the largest market in Sapa. You can buy personal needs and various souvenirs in a comfortable shopping atmosphere there.

● Love Market in Sapa: Located in Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province. This market is only open on Saturday nights. Initially, as the name suggests, the market was a place for ethnic men and women to find partners. Today, however, it is a place for locals and tourists to socialize. There, you can also enjoy interesting performances, such as traditional ethnic dances.

The Best Time to Visit Sapa Town

Interested in visiting Sapa Town? If so, here are the best times for you to visit this town:

● April - May: For those who enjoy moderate weather and want to enjoy clear skies, April and May are the perfect times to visit.

● June - August: For those who do not mind the heat, you can choose June to August for your trip.

● September - October: Want to see the rice fields turning yellow? September and October are the right months to visit.

Meanwhile, from November to March, the weather in Sapa Town is quite chilly, and most homestays are not equipped with heaters. So, for those who cannot stand the cold, it is better to avoid visiting Sapa Town during these months.

Sapa in Vietnam now sounds fascinating, right? If you plan to visit, make sure to purchase Travel Insurance before traveling. This way, you can feel more secure while enjoying this town's natural beauty and activities.