Love Waterfall Sapa - 2025 Vietnam tour guide

About 14 to 15 km northwest of Sapa town in the Hoang Lien National Park, Love Waterfall (Thác Tình Yêu) is a stunning cascade tumbling nearly 100 meters down a mossy cliff into the Golden Stream below. 
For a truly epic day trip, you can pair it with nearby Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc), the Lonely Tree viewpoint, and the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at O Quy Ho (Trạm Tôn Pass).

The Legend & Location of Love Waterfall

According to local folklore, Love Waterfall earned its romantic name from the tragic love story of a mountain fairy and a flute-playing youth-when their secret affair was discovered, the fairy's tears formed the streams that still feed the waterfall today. Geographically, the falls sit within the Suối Vàng eco-tourism zone, just under the Ô Quy Hồ Pass (the so-called Heaven's Gate) and about 15 km from Sapa's center, accessible via National Highway 4D toward Lai Châu. This entire area is part of the biodiverse Hoàng Liên National Park, home to endemic orchids, rhododendrons and even elusive muntjac deer.

Getting There: Transportation & Trail

From Sapa town, you have three main options:

Private Car or Taxi - Comfortable, door-to-door service; expect a 30 minute drive. Costliest option out of all the others.

Motorbike Rental - The most adventurous choice, letting you stop for tea terraces and tribal markets along the way; just follow Route 4D and watch for signs to Suối Vàng.

We chose to rent a motorbike in Sapa and have no regrets! You just have to be careful as there are sharp curves on the roads and yes it can get dangerous if you are not an experienced enough bike driver, we are serious!
Cost us 120k VND to rent a motorbike from the homestay we were staying at. You can negotiate and bring it even lower if you are renting for many days.

Guided Tour or Motorbike Taxi - Ideal if you'd rather not navigate yourself; guides often combine Love and Silver Waterfalls plus Ô Quy Hồ Pass in a half-day loop. This is a good option if you are not confident in driving yourself or travelling with family.

Parking is available at the Suối Vàng entrance, then begins the 1.5 km trek down a stone-paved path through lush forest. You don't need a guide, but hiring one can reveal hidden viewpoints and folklore you'd otherwise miss.

What to Expect on the Trail

The trail to the falls is moderate: about 1,500 meters long, with occasional slippery stone steps and stream crossings. You'll pass through:

Bamboo Groves & Rhododendron Thickets - Look for vibrant red, pink and yellow azalea blossoms in March.

Sim (Rose Myrtle) Flowers - Best spotted in late May and June, adding bursts of purple along the trail. Please don’t pluck them like some tourists we saw, no bueno!

Cool Mountain Streams - Perfect spots to rest, snap photos or even (cautiously) splash your face. This was the best part of the hike for us but depending on which season you go on it could be either too cold or too much fun!

Allow 30-45 minutes each way depending on your pace, with plenty of opportunities for breaks. The soundscape of rushing water and birdsong makes this one of Sapa's most refreshing hikes.

Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 75,000 VND per adult; children under 3 enter free (child ticket prices vary-check locally for ages 3-12).

Payment: Cash only (VND); bring small denominations to ease the process.

There are no on-site ATMs or major food vendors, so stock up on water and snacks before you arrive.
Location marker on google maps for Love Waterfall.

Best Time to Visit

Rainy Season (May-November): Falls roar at full force; be prepared for muddy trails and possible closures after heavy downpours.

Spring (March-May): Azalea blossoms and moderate temperatures make trekking a delight; pack a light jacket for cool mornings. This was the perfect time for us personally since we could enjoy dipping in waterfall too as it was just perfect temperature!

Autumn (September-November): Crisp, stable weather with clear skies; perfect for photography and combining multiple attractions in one day.

Winter (December-February): Trail is quieter but colder; waterfall flow is reduced, and early fog can add a mystical atmosphere.

Early mornings (around 9 AM) and late afternoons (3-4 PM) offer the best light and crowd-free experience.

Combine with Nearby Attractions

Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc): Just a few kilometers away and often paired in day tours.

O Quy Ho Pass (Trạm Tôn Pass): Vietnam's highest mountain pass at 1,900 m, offering panoramic views of the Hoàng Liên Sơn range and Mường Hoa Valley.

Lonely Tree & Heaven's Gate: Iconic photo stops along the scenic route between Sapa and Lai Châu.

Oolong Tea Hills: Mist-covered plantations en route-stop at dawn for surreal landscapes.

Packing all four into a half-day or full-day loop makes for the ultimate Sapa tour.