Sapa

Sa Pa (also written as Sapa) is located about 30 km from the center of Lào Cai city. Situated at an average altitude of 1500 – 1800 meters above sea level, Sa Pa Town is often shrouded in floating clouds, creating an extraordinarily beautiful and mystical landscape. The area boasts a year-round cool and fresh climate, with an average temperature of 15-18°C.

Tourists come here not only to enjoy the fresh air and the simple peace of a northwest region but also to admire the pristine beauty of terraced fields, waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Visitors can explore the customs and cultural beauty of mountain ethnic groups such as the Black H’Mong, Red Dzao, Tay, and Dzay.

Sa Pa is home to Fansipan peak, which stands at 3,143 meters on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range; Ham Rong Mountain, located near the town, where any tourist can climb to get a panoramic view of the town, Muong Hoa Valley, Sa Pa, and Ta Phin hidden in the mist; the ancient Stone Church; and Silver Waterfall, with water cascading from a height of over 200 meters, creating a spectacular mountain sound.

A special cultural feature in Sa Pa is the Sa Pa Market, held on Sundays in the town. People from distant areas must travel on Saturday. On Saturday night, everyone stays up enjoying each other's company with folk songs sung by H’Mong and Dzao boys and girls, the sounds of the H’Mong flute and khèn (panpipe), and overflowing cups of wine among the elders. This unique gathering is often referred to as the "love market."