Sapa, Vietnam: 7 Wonderful Attractions

סאפה

Sapa is a city in northern Vietnam and one of the most favorite destinations for travelers! Recommendations in Sapa always start with a trip through the villages with Vietnamese mothers, but there are also waterfalls, temples, lookouts, shopping and amazing cuisine. If you are already in HanoiHa Giang or Mu Cang Chai, it is also highly recommended to come for at least two or three nights.

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Table of Contents

Sapa weather

In terms of weather in the area, it is best to come between September and November or between March and May. These are the most pleasant months and not very rainy. Beyond that, December to February is quite cold and gray. Between June and August it is rainy, hot and humid.

How to get to Sapa?

The easiest way to get there is by bus from Hanoi, which takes 6 hours. You can also get there by bus from Hoa Binh , which takes 10 hours. If you are coming from Ha Giang , you can take a 6-hour bus.

Sapa Accommodation

Here are three highly recommended places to stay for every budget:

⭐ Rating of 8.8 on Booking.com
✅ Fifteen minutes walk to the city center
✅ Mountain view
✅ Starting from $18 per night

Compare to get the best price:

⭐ Rating of 9.4 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location in the city center
✅ Modern and pleasant design
✅ Breakfast included
✅ Starting from $86 per night

Compare to get the best price:

⭐ Rating of 9.3 on Booking.com
✅ Right in the city center
✅ 5 star hotel
✅ Pool with mountain view
✅ Starting from $120 per night

Compare to get the best price:

What to do in Sapa?

The area is full of stunning nature, temples and fun attractions. Here are some recommendations for the most worthwhile attractions:

A trip with mamas in Sapa

Probably the attraction you’ve heard about the most! When you get off the bus or around town, you can find mamas – local women who live in the villages in the area and will be happy to take you on a trip for a night or two. On the trip, you’ll experience the life of the locals, including food and accommodation, and see the amazing nature in the area. A two-day trip with a mama that includes trekking, food and accommodation costs around $25.

טיול עם מאמא בסאפה
Trekking through the villages with a Vietnamese mama
עם מאמא בסאפה
On a trip you can try on the local clothing!

Rong May Glass Bridge

A glass suspension bridge with views of the mountains and the surrounding area. Not recommended for those afraid of heights!

גשר זכוכית בסאפה
The Glass Bridge

Love Waterfall

Half an hour’s drive from the city center, you will reach an especially beautiful and romantic waterfall.

מפל האהבה
Love Waterfall​

Silver Waterfall

25 minutes drive from the city and really close to Love waterfall. There is also a temple there with a beautiful statue of a golden dragon!

מפל סילבר, סאפה
Silver Falls
דרקון במפל סילבר
The Dragon of Silver Falls

Sun world fansipan legend

A cable car that will take you to the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest in Vietnam. Of course, the view from there is crazy and it is worth going there in good weather. 

פנסיפאן
Fansipan

Trúc Lâm Đại Giác Zen Monastery

A very impressive Buddhist temple, located in the city itself. It is worth going there with respectable clothing (pants below the knee and a shirt that covers the shoulders), and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

מקדש בסאפה
Buddhist temple

Cat Cat village

A small, authentic village of the Hmong ethnic group, in a beautiful valley. 

כפר קאט קאט ליד סאפה
Cat Cat village

It’s well worth taking a day trip if you want to get to know and explore the area in more depth! All trips include professional guides, convenient schedules, and excellent value for money.

Why do I recommend VIATOR?

טרסות אורז בסאפה

A stunning trek that includes walking through villages, mountain views, villages and rice fields.
✅ Rating of 5 ⭐ on VIATOR out of 550 raters!
✅ Night in the villages and night in a hotel
✅ Includes meals
✅ Starting from $21

Book now ⬇

טרסות אורז בסאפה

Everything worth seeing in the area, with a private, English-speaking guide.
✅ Rated 5 ⭐ on VIATOR by over 1800 travelers!
✅ Transportation from Hanoi and back
✅ Includes meals and accommodation
✅ Starting from $59

Book now ⬇

Recommendations for restaurants in Sapa

The food around town is really great! There is also amazing local food as well as pizzas, pastas, hamburgers and vegetarian dishes. What should you know?

Chapa Hills restaurant

Vietnamese and Western food. There is fresh seafood and I highly recommend the hot pot with salmon.

הוט פוט סלומון
Salmon hot pot

CAFE BAO CẤP SAPA

Vietnamese and Western food – all delicious and fresh. There are also vegetarian options and delicious soups.

מרק פטריות
Mushroom soup

Chicago Pizza

If you’re craving a delicious, comforting pizza, this is the place for you. They have both regular pizzas and thick pizzas (like the pizzas in Chicago).

שיקגו פיצה סאפה
Chicago Pizza

Em O Day Bakery

A bakery with a selection of amazing pastries and cakes and excellent coffee!

עוגת קטיפה אדומה
Red velvet cake

Family Restaurant

A huge variety of Vietnamese dishes, burgers, pizzas, pastas – there’s everything.

Sapa Classic Vegan

An amazing vegan restaurant with special and colorful dishes.

כלב מתוק בסאפה
Sapa classic vegan's staff

Where should you go after Sapa?

Here are some relatively close destinations worth pursuing:

  • Mu Cang Chai: A 4-hour drive away you will find one of the most authentic and beautiful destinations in Vietnam.

  • The Ha Giang Loop: A 3-day motorcycle route through the most beautiful mountains and valleys in the country.

  • Mai Chau: A calm and pleasant valley, a rural atmosphere and views of rice terraces, waterfalls and mountains.

  • Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam, with amazing cuisine and the destination where most people start or end their trip to the country.

| Noa Travels

Sapa FAQs

What is the Glass Bridge in Sapa and why is it worth visiting? 🛤️

The Glass Bridge is one of the special attractions in the area, because it is located above the mountains and offers a stunning view!

What attractions in Sapa are not to be missed? 🏔️

  • A trip between the villages with mamas
  •  Kat Kat Village
  • Cable car to Fansipan Mountain

What is the best time to visit Sapa? 🌤️

The recommended period is between March to May And between September to November, when the weather is pleasant and less cold.

How much time should you spend in the area? ⏳

It is recommended to dedicate at least 2-3 days To enjoy the attractions, and if you choose to take a trip with mamas, then 3-4 days.

How to get to Sapa from Hanoi? 🚐

You can get to Sapa from Hanoi By direct bus of six hours.

What recommendations are there for a successful trip to Sapa? 📝

  • Visit authentic villages and allow yourself to taste the local food, it may surprise you!
  • In any season you should come with warm clothes.
  • Take a local guide or Easy Rider to get to know the area in depth.

Why do I recommend Viator?