Best things to do in Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa is a small mountain town in Vietnam’s northern highlands. It is often called the “city of fog” because mist can cover the town quickly. In one day the weather can change from bright sunshine to thick fog or rain, so bring a warm jacket. Sapa is famous for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and tall, dramatic mountains. Nature lovers and culture fans will find it amazing.

Backpackers and families will enjoy Sapa’s easy trails and friendly locals. Don’t be surprised if fog rolls in suddenly. It’s all part of Sapa’s charm! Below is a list of the best things to do on your trip to Sapa.

Trek Through Sapa’s Terraced Rice Fields

One of Sapa’s top activities is hiking through its famous terraced rice fields. The best treks follow trails through Muong Hoa Valley and the nearby villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. In spring and summer the terraces are bright green, and at harvest time they turn a rich golden color. On a guided hike you can meet local farmers and even try helping with planting or harvesting. The scenery is breathtaking at every turn.

Visit Cat Cat Village

Another popular stop is Cat Cat Village, a traditional H’Mong village just three kilometers from Sapa town. Here you will see women weaving and dyeing cloth by hand, and houses made of wood and bamboo. The walking path leads past small waterfalls and lookout points. The village can get busy during the day, so try to arrive early for a quieter visit. For an even less crowded hike, continue past Cat Cat to the nearby H’Mong villages of Giang Ta Chai or Y Linh Ho.

Ride the Fansipan Cable Car

Fansipan Mountain is the highest peak in Southeast Asia (3,143 m) and is often called the “Roof of Indochina.” A modern cable car from Sapa town makes it easy to reach the summit in about fifteen minutes. A round-trip ticket costs around 800,000 VND (about 30 USD). At the top you will find Buddhist statues, temples, and pagodas, and on a clear day the views of the mountains are incredible. Climbing by foot is also possible, but it is a very tough two-day trek only for experienced hikers.

See Love Waterfall and Silver Waterfall

The area around Sapa has beautiful waterfalls. Love Waterfall is deep in the hills and requires a forest trail hike of about two kilometers to reach it. Silver Waterfall is very easy to visit because the road goes right by it. Both spots are peaceful and perfect for photos or a picnic. Love Waterfall is named for a local fairy-tale legend, which adds to its charm. If you have time, plan to see both waterfalls in one day for a full outdoor adventure.

Stay in a local home stay

For a real cultural experience, spend a night in a local homestay. Villages like Ta Phin, Lao Chai, and Ta Van have families who welcome visitors. They will feed you home-cooked meals and may show you how to make herbal baths or traditional crafts.

In Ta Phin you can even try a Red Dao herbal bath. Homestays are simple but friendly; the hosts will make you feel like family. Most travelers say the warm welcome is one of their favorite memories of Sapa.

Explore Sapa Markets

Visiting the local markets is a fun way to see Sapa life. The main market in town is super busy each morning with stalls selling vegetables, clothing, and hill-tribe handicrafts. If you are in Sapa on a weekend, don’t miss the Sunday market a couple of hours away:

Sapa Daily Market: Runs every morning in town. You can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food here.

Bac Ha Sunday Market: About two hours east of Sapa. Every Sunday, ethnic people come to trade textiles, food, and livestock. It’s a very colorful and lively event that shows a lot of local culture.

Wander the aisles to get a feel for local life and to pick up unique souvenirs. Sometimes just doing the tourist things in a city is OK!

Bike Through Muong Hoa Valley

Cycling through Muong Hoa Valley is a fun way to explore. You can rent a bicycle in Sapa town and ride along the valley roads that wind past green fields and small villages. The roads are mostly gentle, so it’s easier to cover more ground than on foot.

Along the way you will see scenes of farmers at work and have plenty of chances to stop for photos. Just remember to bring a helmet and some water and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace!

Learn Traditional Crafts of Sapa

Sapa is known for its traditional H’Mong textile crafts. In town you can join a workshop to learn how to weave or embroider.
You can consider the local project Indigo Cat which runs classes where experienced artisans teach the techniques. It’s a fun, hands-on activity and you get a one of a kind souvenir. Best of all, the money you pay goes to help the local craft communities.

Relax at Cafe in the Clouds

After hiking, relax at one of Sapa’s mountain view cafes. A popular spot is the “Cafe in the Clouds” near the Fansipan cable car station. From its outdoor deck you can sip a creamy Vietnamese egg coffee or coconut coffee while looking down into the valleys.

Update: As of November 2025, the Cafe in the clouds has permanently closed.

Many top cafes in Sapa stay open late and have cozy indoor areas (like ones with a small fire) for chilly nights. Taking a break with a warm drink and a view of the rice fields is a perfect way to recharge.

Visit the Sapa Lake

Right in the center of town is a peaceful little lake (Cau May Lake) surrounded by trees and a walking path. It’s a nice spot for a gentle stroll or for renting a paddle boat if the weather is nice.
Around the lake you will also find small cafés and snack stands. Visiting Sapa Lake is an easy, relaxing break from all the trekking and gives you a glimpse of everyday life in the town.

Try sitting there in early evening and just observing the crowd move around the lake if you are into people watching. This is the only thing which slows down time for me and makes me appreciate the small things in life!

Attend the Love Market

On Saturday night, Sapa hosts a special “Love Market” in the town center. Traditionally this is where young men and women from different hill tribes would come to sing, dance and meet each other. They wear colorful traditional costumes and enjoy music under lanterns.

Nowadays it is more of a cultural show for visitors, but it still offers a unique glimpse into local traditions. If you are in Sapa on a Saturday, stop by the town square in the evening to experience it.

Visit the Stone Church

The stone church in Sapa’s center is a must-see landmark. Built by the French in the early 1900s, it has classic Gothic style towers and stained-glass windows. You can attend a Sunday mass or just admire the architecture and the well-kept garden around it.

The church sits on the town’s main square, so it’s easy to walk to. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and take photos while hearing children play and locals gather outside.

Take a Motorbike Tour around Sapa mountains

Renting a motorbike (or joining a guided bike tour) lets you reach some of Sapa’s most dramatic viewpoints. For example, the drive over the Tram Ton (O Quy Ho) Pass is famous (it’s the highest mountain road in Vietnam and offers incredible scenery). Many tours also stop at Silver Waterfall and at “Heaven’s Gate,” a panoramic lookout along the pass. 

If you’re comfortable on two wheels, a motorbike trip adds freedom and adventure. Don't forget to get a sturdy helmet even if you have to spend extra!

Visit Sun Plaza

Sun Plaza is a large yellow shopping complex and cable car station right in Sapa town. It looks like a European castle and is very striking, especially at night when it is lit up. Inside you will find shops, a food court, and the ticket office for the Fansipan cable car.

Even if you are not shopping, it’s worth a visit just to see the grand staircase and the mountain views from the upper floors. The area around Sun Plaza is always busy and a great place to feel the town’s energy.

Join Cultural Events and Festivals

If you plan your visit well, you might catch one of Sapa’s local festivals. In late summer and early autumn, many villages hold colorful harvest festivals with singing, dancing, and traditional dress. People come together to celebrate with music and fireworks.
It’s a fun, lively experience for visitors especially Foreign travelers!

Also, for a modern thrill, check out the Sapa Glass Bridge (also called the Rainbow Bridge) near the Fansipan peak. This glass-bottom walkway stands high above the valley and gives a dizzying view straight down. Between nature and culture, Sapa always has something new and exciting to enjoy!