Sapa: Encounters With The Ethnic Groups Of Northern Vietnam

Sapa is undoubtedly one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam. From its natural beauty to its stunning terraced rice fields, this destination ranks among the most beautiful landscapes in the country, in Asia... and maybe even the world? International media and travel guides say the same! Beyond these aesthetic features, Sapa immerses you in the daily life of indigenous ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. You can directly meet these rice farmers, share a meal... or even sleep at their homes.

We take you through a few lines to explore the "stairs to the sky": what to do in Sapa? How to get there? When to go? ... Happy reading!

Sapa : a complete guide

Sapa is undeniably a breathtaking destination, recognized and promoted. Due to its popularity, the locals in the region have significantly improved their standard of living while preserving their ancestral skills and traditions. On this mountain ridge at an altitude of 1500/1600 meters, you are invited to some magnificent hikes, guided by the very sculptors of the terraces themselves.

What to do in Sapa?

The stone church

Before heading down the dirt paths, make a detour to the town's center to visit the Notre-Dame du Rosaire Church. Built in 1895 by the French, this church is of Gothic architecture and was restored a few years ago, earning it the title of the symbol of the misty town.

Meeting the Hmong in the Cat Cat village

About 2 kilometers from the center of Sapa, the village of Cat Cat is the main living area of the Hmong ethnic group. While walking through the village, you can appreciate the daily life of the locals and their craftsmanship, all set in a beautiful natural environment.

The Muong Hoa valley

The Muong Hoa Valley is home to the most beautiful terraced rice fields in Sapa. It is likely here that some journalists have ranked the rice fields among the most beautiful in the world. The fields stretch along the hillside, following every curve... A beauty traversed by a stone path that extends its primitive mysteries over 8 km².

Meeting the ethnic minorities of Lao Chai - Ta Van

On your way to Muong Hoa, make a stop at the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. The first is a commune inhabited by the Black Hmong, known for their agricultural skills. The second is a village of the Giay ethnic group. To reach it, you must cross a bridge (there are two) that spans the Muong Hoa stream. These two villages are surrounded by rice fields!

Meeting the Dao people at the Ta Phin village

Land of the Red Dao and Hmong, this village is located to the north of the town of Sapa. Like the villages mentioned below, the village of Ta Phin is nestled among its rice fields. You will be welcomed by the two most prominent ethnic groups of the area, dressed in the attire of their daily lives.

The highest peak in Vietnam: Mount Fansipan

At an altitude of 1,613 meters, Mount Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam. To reach it, you have two options. The first is the cable car, which costs $30, and the second is to hike up on foot. Accompanied by a local guide, you can ascend Mount Fansipan in one to two days. Of course, the effort is rewarded with an exceptional view and the satisfaction of having conquered the highest peak in the country.

The gateway to heaven, O Quy Ho pass

The O Quy Ho Pass is located on the road connecting the town of Sapa and Lai Chau province. A stop at the Gateway to Heaven offers a chance to admire the stunning view between the two valleys. Sometimes, one is covered in mist while the other is bathed in sunlight. This magnificent view also allows you to appreciate the grandeur of Mount Fansipan.

The culinary specialties of Sapa

Local soup : Thang Co

No soup, no Vietnam! Thang Co is a soup made from beef, buffalo meat, horse organs, bone broth, raw cabbage, and flavored with spices and aromatic herbs. This dish is a specialty of the H'mong people, who have preserved this recipe for nearly 200 years. The locals will jokingly tell you that you won't truly have experienced Sapa if you haven’t tasted it... We are still waiting for the return of one of our agents who has been on a field trip for three years (he is vegetarian).

Smoked and dried buffalo meat

This specialty comes from the Thai Den ethnic group. The buffalo meat is first seasoned and then smoked over a wood stove until the red layer dries. Many travelers leave with a few packets of these delicious little bites.

Le cochon sous l'aisselle Pig under the armpit

We’re not talking about hand-made Doubitchou here, but simply a type of pork known for its unique flavor. The Mong people raise these small pigs (around 6-7 kg) outdoors. Why under the armpit? It’s simple: vendors keep their little pigs under their arm during the market. You will likely find some grilled pieces on your table if you stay with a local family.

Local salmon

The locals take advantage of the temperate climate of the region to raise salmon. Firm and not fatty, it is consumed raw as sashimi or grilled over a fire. Enjoying a salmon fondue in the cold winter of Sapa is an unparalleled gastronomic and emotional experience!

Logistical information

When to visit Sapa?

Each season has its own beauty and drawbacks.

• Autumn: September to November

Autumn, with its fleeting moments of grace... September is the perfect month to explore Sapa and northern Vietnam. The terraced rice fields shine in their most beautiful colors—yellow, orange, and gold. However, note that these beauties attract a large number of tourists. By October, the harvest begins, leaving behind bare, less captivating landscapes until November when the harvest ends. Nevertheless, autumn is the season with the most favorable temperatures for outdoor activities.

• Winter: December to February

Bring a fleece jacket, as we don't escape the harsh winter conditions. In Sapa, temperatures can drop to 0°C, and snow may blanket the mountains (depending on the year). It is the perfect time for cold-weather hiking enthusiasts. Additionally, it is a quiet period, so the trails are clear. However, note that the winter, combined with humidity, can be very cold. This is not the best time to visit Vietnam as a whole.

• Spring: February to March

In spring, colors return, plum and peach trees bloom, and fleeces are packed away. It’s also a time of festivals, a special period for the Mong people. You can join the dances, warm yourself around a fire, and interact with the Mong people dressed in their traditional attire.

• Planting Season: April to June

Welcome to the season known as the water-collecting season, which is when rice is replanted. The rice fields turn green again with the new sprouts, offering a beautiful sight as they are bathed in sunlight.

• Rainy Season: July to Early September

Get your best poncho ready! The rainy season is definitely not the best time to explore northern Vietnam. The humidity and high temperatures can disrupt your walking trips. Fellow hikers, we know all too well the feeling of wet socks. Nevertheless, the green of the rice fields is radiant, and by the end of September, the green begins to turn golden.

How to get to Sapa?

Getting there : Sapa is easily accessible by bus, train, motorcycle, or car. From Hanoi, you can take a bus (priced between 250,000 to 350,000 VND) or a train (priced between 400,000 to 500,000 VND).

Getting around : You can rent a motorcycle (100,000 to 150,000 VND/day, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM); taxis (easy to find locally, with prices estimated based on your route); or motorcycle taxis, with many locals offering motorcycle trips (100,000 to 150,000 VND).

Where to stay in Sapa?

The popularity of Sapa offers a wide range of accommodation options: many hotels from 2 to 5 stars at reasonable prices (e.g., Sapa Stunning View Hotel, Muong Hoa View Hotel, Golden Town Hotel); homestays run by locals with private rooms or dorms; or you can choose to stay with a local family. We always recommend staying with a local family as it gives you a chance to fully experience your encounter with Vietnam and its many facets. We know that the memories often shared at the table are the ones created around it.

So, Sapa or not? ( A team full of humor )

We hope these few lines help you fine-tune your plans. If you're looking for hiking, mountain, and rice field destinations, here's another high-altitude article for you: Le plus belles rizières du Vietnam.

If you're looking to go on a hike in northern Vietnam that perfectly matches your expectations, don't hesitate to contact our team, who are avid hikers: contact@vietnaminsolite.com.