Sapa activities - Sapa travel guide


Sapa is one of the most unique of Vietnam tourist destinations and a great place for relaxing and enjoying cultural activities and nature. Sapa itself is a frontier village and a centre of trading activity for the surrounding area, so the shopping is fun and enlightening.

Sapa travel guide:

Trekking in Spa:

Trekking is the main activity for travel to Sapa, with the town ringed by dozens of traditional hill tribe villages offering places to stay overnight and become immersed for a short while in the fascinating culture.
Short tours take you to a few of the main villages near Sapa, while longer Sapa tours venture further into the mountains. If you intend on doing extending trekking in the area, it is advised that you plan your trip outside the rainy season when conditions are safer and more comfortable.

Swimming in Sapa:

Swimming: in waterfalls is a popular activity during the warmer months. There are several waterfalls with deep pools within easy distance of Sapa, including Thac Bac. The water is almost always very cold, with the streams originating in the high mountains surrounding the valleys, but is pleasant enough in the hot, humid months. Care should be taken during the rainy season as flash floods can occur in the area.

Wildlife watching in Sapa:

Wildlife watching in the mountains and valleys around Sapa is very rewarding. Bird life is prolific, while mammals such as primates, goal and squirrels can be encountered. Rare creatures include tigers, leopards and bears, as well as salamanders and some species of frogs. The rainy season is the best time of year for wildlife watching, with many animals becoming more active.

Colorful Markets in Sapa:

Colorful Markets are a great place to pick up hill tribe handicrafts at bargain prices. There are several weekly and monthly markets in the Sapa area, but the most famous is the Saturday Lovers Market, which has the largest range of items for sale. Hill tribe clothing, jewellery, carvings, bags and other items are the best buys, and can usually be bought quite cheaply with a bit of bargaining.