(Source: VnExpress International) Nestled in Lao Cai Province in northern Vietnam, Sa Pa is a destination known for its terraced rice fields, misty mountains, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant ethnic communities.
1. Fansipan
Towering at 3,143 meters above sea level, Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and thus dubbed the “Roof of Indochina.”
Image: Visitors on the top of Mount Fansipan at the height of 3,147.3 meters above sea level. Photo by To Ba Hieu.
Conquering this mountain is a dream for hikers and adventure enthusiasts, as the challenging 2-3-day trek takes you through jungles, bamboo forests, and breathtaking mountain scenery. However, for those who are short on time or looking for a more comfortable journey, the Fansipan cable car is an alternative.
Opened in 2016, this telpher system takes visitors to the summit in just 15 minutes, offering panoramic views along the way. At the top, visitors can explore the spiritual complex, which includes Bich Van Pagoda, the Great Buddha statue and intricate stone stairways lined with prayer flags.
The summit itself provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, especially in the early morning when the mist clears. The round-trip cable car ticket costs VND750,000 (US$30) for adults.
2. Muong Hoa Valley
Renowned for its rice terraces, Muong Hoa Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Sa Pa. The valley stretches for several kilometers and is surrounded by towering mountains and small ethnic villages. The best time to visit is between September and October, when the rice fields turn a golden hue, creating a magical scene that photographers and nature lovers will adore.
Image: Muong Hoa Valley seen from a cable car ride. Photo by Nguyen Tan Tuan.
One of the valley’s unique attractions is the Ancient Rock Field, an archaeological site featuring over 150 mysterious stone carvings believed to date back thousands of years. These intricate markings, created by ancient civilizations, remain a fascinating mystery.
Visitors can explore the valley on foot, by motorbike or through guided trekking tours, which range from VND250,000 to 750,000 depending on the route. A ticket to enter Muong Hoa Valley costs VND80,000 per person.
3. Cat Cat Village
Just two kilometers from Sa Pa center, Cat Cat Village is one of the most accessible and well-preserved ethnic villages in the region. This traditional H’Mong village offers visitors a glimpse into centuries-old customs, traditional crafts and stunning mountain scenery.
Image: The overview of Cat Cat Village.
The village is famous for its wooden stilt houses, waterfalls and handicrafts. Visitors can watch local artisans create handwoven textiles, silver jewelry and intricate embroidery, all of which can be purchased as unique souvenirs. A paved stone pathway leads visitors through the village, past water-powered rice mills and performance areas where traditional H’Mong dances and music are showcased. The best way to experience Cat Cat is to take a leisurely walk through the village, stopping to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life.
The entrance fee to the village is VND70,000.
4. Ta Van Village
For a deeper cultural experience, Ta Van Village offers visitors the chance to stay overnight in a traditional homestay with Dzay and H’Mong ethnic peoples. Located deep in Muong Hoa Valley, this village provides a serene retreat away from the tourist throngs, allowing travelers to experience the authentic lifestyle of Sa Pa’s ethnic minorities.
Image: Rice harvesting season in Ta Van Village.
Guests staying in local wooden homestays can enjoy home-cooked meals, which often feature dishes like grilled fish, sticky rice and wild mountain vegetables. During the day, visitors can explore the surrounding rice fields, interact with locals and even participate in traditional farming activities. The best way to reach Ta Van is through trekking tour or by renting a motorbike.
Homestay prices range from VND200,000 to 500,000 per night.
5. Silver Waterfall
One of the most famous waterfalls in Sa Pa, Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) is a 200-meter cascade located 12 kilometers from town. The waterfall gets its name from the way the water glistens in the sunlight, resembling a silver ribbon cutting through the green mountainside.
Image: Silver Waterfall in Sa Pa.
A stone staircase leads visitors up to a viewing platform, where they can admire the powerful rush of water and take in the surroundings of rolling hills blanketed in dense pine forests, mist drifting through the valleys below and terraced rice fields cascading down the mountainside in vibrant shades of green and gold.
The best time to visit is during the rainy season (May to September) when the waterfall is at its fullest. The entrance fee to Silver Waterfall is VND20,000.
6. Love Waterfall
Located near Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall (Thac Tinh Yeu) is 100 meters high and surrounded by dense pine forests, creating a tranquil and romantic setting.
Image: Love Waterfall.
Legend has it that a fairy fell in love with a human hunter at this waterfall, hence its name. To reach Love Waterfall, visitors must walk through a bamboo forest trail for about 30 minutes. The entrance fee is VND75,000 ($3).
7. Stone Church
Standing in the heart of Sa Pa, the Sa Pa Stone Church is a well-preserved relic from the French colonial era. Built in 1895, it is entirely made of stone and features Gothic-style architecture, with arched windows, bell towers and stained-glass interiors.
Image: The Stone Church in Sa Pa.
On weekends, the area around the church becomes lively with ethnic markets and cultural performances, especially during the Sa Pa Love Market, a traditional event where local ethnic communities gather. Entry to the church is free.
8. Ham Rong Mountain
Located just behind Sa Pa town, Ham Rong Mountain offers one of the best panoramic views of the region. The hiking trail winds through flower gardens, rock formations and small ethnic cultural performances before leading to the summit, from where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Fansipan, Muong Hoa Valley and Sa Pa town.
Image: Ham Rong Mountain with its panoramic views of the region.
The entrance fee is VND70,000, and the climb takes 40-60 minutes. It is a perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers who want a bird’s-eye view of SaPa’s landscapes.
9. O Quy Ho Pass
Known as one of the “Four Great Passes of Vietnam,” O Quy Ho is a mountain road famed for its challenging twists, dramatic altitude and deep ties to local folklore. The 50-kilometer pass cuts through the majestic Hoang Lien Son range, offering views of cloud-covered peaks, deep valleys, and terraced rice fields.
Image: O Quy Ho Pass. Photo by Nguyen Tan Tuan.
A popular stop along the pass is Heaven’s Gate, a high-altitude viewpoint perfect for sunrise and sunset photography. Visitors can rent a motorbike for VND150,000-250,000 per day to explore this scenic route.
10. Bac Ha Market
Bac Ha is one of the largest and most vibrant ethnic markets in Vietnam. Held every Sunday, it is a meeting point for ethnic minorities from the surrounding mountain villages, including the Flower H’Mong, Tay, Dao, and Nung peoples. Bac Ha Market is not just a place for trade; it is a lively cultural event where people socialize, exchange goods and even find potential marriage partners. Visitors to the market can browse an incredible variety of handmade textiles, silver jewelry, fresh produce, herbal medicines, and traditional wooden crafts.
Image: Vendors at Bac Ha Market. They would put on their best clothes and also look for merchandise to shop. Photo by Huong Chi.
One of the most unique aspects of Bac Ha Market is the livestock trading area, where villagers buy and sell buffaloes, pigs, chickens, and even horses. Another highlight is the food stalls, where travelers can sample local delicacies, such as thang co (traditional horse meat stew), sticky rice cakes and corn wine. For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, Bac Ha Market is the place to interact with locals, learn about traditional handicrafts, and witness the colorful dresses and traditions of northern ethnic groups.
The best way to visit is by joining a guided day tour from Sa Pa, which typically costs VND400,000-600,000 per person, including transportation.
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