Top 31 surprisingly beautiful Sapa Tourist Destinations that cannot be missed

Sapa, nestled in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, is truly a hidden gem that caters to the desires of every travel enthusiast. It encompasses all the elements one could dream of in a perfect travel destination: pristine air, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the warm embrace of the local people. When you embark on your journey to Sapa, make sure to explore these 31 remarkable tourist destinations that are an absolute must-visit.

Entertainment destinations in Sapa

Sunworld Fansipan Legend 

With an elevation of 3,143 meters, Fansipan is the “Roof of Indochina.” On clear days, you can witness a vast expanse of mountains and hills stretching out below. If you visit on misty days, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a magical “kingdom in the clouds.”

To reach the summit of Fansipan, you no longer need to endure a strenuous mountain climb. Instead, you can take a cable car ride from the base of the mountain. The Fansipan cable car system itself is an impressive engineering feat, the first of its kind in the Northwestern mountainous region.

Ticket prices for the Fansipan cable car: starting from 780,000 VND for adults, 535,000 VND for children between 1m and 1.3m tall, and free for children under 1m.

Check-in Spots in Sapa

Cát Cát Village

Cát Cát Village is located in the San Sả Hồ commune and is home to a dense population of H’Mong ethnic people. Here, you can freely rent traditional ethnic clothing and capture photographs within the natural village scenery. Besides photography, visiting Cát Cát Village allows you to purchase local handicrafts and explore the traditional trades of the local people.

Entrance fee to Cát Cát Village: Starting from 70,000 VND

Sapa Rose Valley

One of the largest rose gardens in the Northwest region, Sapa Rose Valley boasts over a million rose bushes in various colors, making it an exceptionally romantic destination.

Location: Hamlet 1, Mường Hoa Street, Sapa Town

Sapa Stone Church

Sapa Stone Church is situated right in the heart of Sapa Town and was built in 1895. It’s a fine example of Gothic Roman architecture with its arches, pointed roofs, bell tower, and remains largely intact since the French colonial period.

Location: Central Sapa Town, Sapa District, Lào Cai Province

Ham Rong Mountain

Located within the town center of Sapa, near Sapa Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain offers spectacular natural beauty with various indigenous plant species. Moreover, the observation deck on Ham Rong Mountain provides the most beautiful view of Sapa Town.

Tiên Sa Waterfall

Thác Cát Cát, also known as Thác Tiên Sa, is a renowned waterfall in Sapa. Originating from the high mountains, it flows through the pristine forests and cascades into the beautiful Cát Cát Valley.

Location: Cát Cát Village, Sapa

Silver Waterfall

With a height of over 100 meters, Thác Bạc descends from the mountain’s summit, creating the appearance of a silvery ribbon.

Location: National Road 4D, San Sả Hồ, Sapa, Lào Cai

Love Waterfall – Golden Stream

Beyond Thác Bạc, you’ll reach Thác Tình Yêu. The water here is extremely cold due to its direct descent from the Fansipan summit. Despite the chill, the pathway leading to the waterfall is exceptionally beautiful, making it a must-visit photography spot in Sapa.

Location: San Sả Hồ, Sapa, Lào Cai, about 4 km southwest of Sapa Town

Hoàng A Tưởng Mansion

The Hoàng A Tưởng Mansion, also known as the Hoàng Yến Chao Castle, was constructed in 1914 and completed in 1921. After more than 80 years and two wars, the mansion still retains its ancient Asian and European architectural charm, much as it did in its early days.

Location: Central Bắc Hà District, Lào Cai Province

Tả Van Cloud Bridge

A historic bridge made of bamboo and vines that stretches over the Mường Hoa Stream, Cầu Mây Tả Van is a popular tourist attraction and photography spot in Sapa. It’s particularly enchanting in the morning when mist blankets the bridge, creating a mystical and poetic scene.

Location: Tả Van Village, Sapa

Mường Hoa Valley – Sapa Ancient Rock Field

From Sapa Town, cross a high mountain pass and you’ll arrive at Mường Hoa Valley. Notably, the area features the Sapa Ancient Rock Field, where peculiar carvings on stones, nestled among terraced rice fields, remain a mystery yet to be fully deciphered.

Mường Hoa Stream

Suối Mường Hoa flows from Thác Bạc through Mường Hoa Valley. The crystal-clear waters, surrounded by terraced rice fields and diverse rock formations, transform Suối Mường Hoa into an excellent photography spot.

Tả Phìn Ancient Monastery

Nestled amidst the natural landscape and tourist spots in Tả Phìn is the ancient Tả Phìn Monastery, a relic from days long past. Its ancient architectural features and serene ambiance continue to attract many visitors who stop by for exploration and photography.

Location: Tà Phìn Village, Tà Phìn Commune, Sapa District, Lào Cai Province.

Some incredibly exciting backpacking destinations in Sapa

Tả Phìn Village

Tả Phìn Village is home to the Red Dao and H’Mong ethnic communities. The road to Tả Phìn winds along the mountainside, passing lush terraced rice fields. Tả Phìn is a famous Sapa tourist destination known for its exquisite handmade ethnic handicrafts and special medicinal baths (Dao Leaves) used by the Red Dao people.

Location: 12 km from the center of Sapa town.

Entrance Fee: Starting from 50,000 VND per person.

Tả Van Village

Located approximately 8 km from Sapa town, Tả Van Giay Village features small pathways that weave through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests. Tả Van is also home to the famous Cau May (Cloud Bridge), a well-known Sapa tourist spot often visited by backpackers and photographers. You can ask the local residents to guide you through the forest paths for a more immersive experience.

Location: 8 km from the center of Sapa town.

Entrance Fee: Starting from 70,000 VND per person.

Sapa’s Heaven’s Gate

Located approximately 18 km north of Sapa on the Tram Ton Pass, Heaven’s Gate is a winding and scenic tourist spot nestled among the mountains.

Location: At the peak of the Tram Ton Pass.

O Quy Ho Pass 

Situated on National Highway 4D, the O Quy Ho Pass cuts through the magnificent Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It is a famous Sapa tourist attraction and a bridge connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau. O Quy Ho Pass is one of the most beautiful and treacherous mountain passes in the Northwest region.

Location: National Highway 4D, Lao Cai.

Sin Chai Village

Sin Chai Village, located 4 km from Sapa town, is distinct from Tả Van and Tả Phìn, as it is still less frequented by tourists and retains a more pristine and rustic atmosphere.

Location: 4 km from the center of Sapa town.

Lao Chai Village

Lao Chai Village is a common home for various ethnic minorities, including the H’Mong, Tay, and Dao people. This charming village is approximately 7 km from Sapa town, accessible via Pho Cau May and Muong Hoa streets.

Location: 7 km from the center of Sapa town.

Hồ Village

As the final point of the Muong Hoa Stream, Hồ Village offers stunning views of lush terraced rice fields. It provides an opportunity to experience the daily life of the local ethnic communities.

Location: 30 km southwest of the center of Sapa town.

Hang Tien Cave

Hang Tien Cave, with its pristine and magnificent limestone formations, is one of the Sapa tourist attractions that fascinates visitors. The cave entrance is a gateway to an awe-inspiring and unique natural environment.

Location: Bao Nhai Commune, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai.

Thanh Kim – Sau Chau

Thanh Kim and Sau Chau are two small villages in Lao Cai. Visiting Thanh Kim and Sau Chau allows you to become part of the Northwestern village life. You can enjoy local meals, accompany the villagers on their daily activities, and immerse yourself in the serene natural surroundings.

Location: Thanh Kim is accessible via the Lao Chai – Ta Van route, while Sau Chau is located near Tả Phìn.

Tả Giàng Phình Village

Tả Giàng Phình Village offers breathtaking views of the lush terraced rice fields, golden ripened rice paddies, and simple, serene homes.

Location: Lao Chai, approximately 3 km from Sapa town.

Coc San Cave

Coc San is a complex of numerous waterfalls and caves located in Lao Cai, about 7 km from Lao Cai Town. It features pristine waterfalls, caves, and a harmonious landscape, making it a unique Sapa tourist destination.

Location: Coc San Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai, Vietnam.

Famous Tourist Destinations in Sapa

Cán Cấu Market

Cán Cấu Market is held near Provincial Road 153, convening every Saturday and on special occasions such as holidays and Tet (Vietnamese New Year). The market offers various goods, including vegetables, herbs, spices, household items, and unique local products specific to the Northwest region.

Location: Provincial Road 153, Cán Cấu, Si Ma Cai, Lào Cai

Bắc Hà Market

Bắc Hà Market is the largest highland market in Lào Cai province. This market serves as a gathering place for traders from various ethnic groups to exchange and trade a wide range of goods, from tools and household items to local handicrafts and even cattle, horses, and more. Bắc Hà Market also offers a plethora of local specialties like thắng cố (a local delicacy), mèn mén, and phở chua. It is open every Sunday from early morning until 2 PM.

Location: Bắc Hà Town, Bắc Hà District, Lào Cai, approximately 65km from Lào Cai City.

Sapa Love Market

The Sapa Love Market is a unique cultural feature of the Northwest region. During this event, young men and women from the surrounding villages gather for social interactions and engaging activities such as tug-of-war, leaf horn blowing, and traditional singing. The market typically takes place on Saturday evenings in the spacious yard near Sapa’s Stone Church.

Location: Near Sapa Stone Church

Sapa Museum

This museum is a repository of traditional values spanning over a century in Sapa. It houses around 200 artifacts from various ethnic groups living in Sapa, including H’Mong, Tày, Giáy, Xa Phó, Hà Nhì, and Red Dao. Visitors can explore the history, traditional customs, cultural heritage, and distinctive clothing of each ethnic group.

Location: 2 Fansipan Street, open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Hekou (Hà Khẩu)

Hà Khẩu (Hekou) is an autonomous county in China, located in the southern part of Yunnan Province. Hà Khẩu is a bustling and lively area with various commercial centers, shops, and both small and large cafes. It is renowned for its delicious Chinese cuisine, including bánh màn thầu (rice paper), bánh bao (steamed buns), grilled meat skewers, hot pot, and more.

Location: Near the Lào Cai border crossing.

How to get there: Take bus number 02 from Sapa Stone Church to the border crossing for approximately 30,000 VND per ticket. The journey takes about 1 hour. Afterward, arrange for exit formalities (don’t forget to bring your passport) to cross into Hà Khẩu.