Attractions in Sapa always attract thousand tourists every year. In today’s article, Yourvietnam.org will share with readers the 15 most unique and beautiful Sapa tourist destinations. With majestic natural scenery, endless green mountains, and the unique culture of ethnic minorities, Sapa will never disappoint visitors. Let’s find out now!
1/ Completely free Sapa tourist attractions that cannot be missed
Sapa is an endlessly beautiful destination in the northern mountains. It is not only attractive because of its beautiful scenery but also because of the friendliness of the local people. Here, you can explore pristine waterfalls, visit traditional villages, immerse yourself in local culture, and enjoy fresh air.
Below are some free reviews of attractions in Sapa you should experience.
1.1/ Sapa Stone Church
Sapa Stone Church is the most complete ancient French architectural work left in Sapa town. Built-in the early 20th century, the church has an area of more than 6,000 square meters and was constructed with green stone from Ham Rong Mountain.
Sapa Stone Church has European Gothic-style architecture, with sturdy stone columns and elaborately patterned floors. Inside the church, there is exquisitely crafted furniture, creating a solemn and solemn space.
In particular, the church has a prime location, located on a high hill, behind is shielded by Ham Rong Mountain. And it is in front is a large, flat area of land. From the location at the church, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapa town and the beautiful natural landscape of the mountains and hills of Northwest Vietnam.
The church is not only a destination for Catholics but also attracts many domestic and foreign tourists because of its ancient beauty over time. Coming to this Sapa tourist destination, visitors will experience a quiet space, immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere, and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.
To get to Sapa Stone Church, visitors only need to walk for about 10 minutes from Sapa town center. With a convenient location, this place attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Especially at times of festivals or religious occasions, Sapa Stone Church becomes more vibrant than ever when visitors have the opportunity to participate in religious rituals and explore cultural features. Culture of ethnic people here.
Visitors can visit Stone Church right in the center of Sapa from 8 am to 6 pm at no cost.
1.2/ Attractions in Sapa – Night Market
Sapa Night Market is a virtual check-in location in Sapa that must be noticed. With a vibrant and attractive atmosphere, the night market is a place where visitors can explore and experience the unique culture and cuisine of the Northwest region. To get to the night market, visitors only need to walk about 5-10 minutes from Sapa town center.
With the diversification of products and goods, Sapa Night Market attracts tourists to experience the culinary flavors and cultural traditions here. Visitors can find handicraft products, traditional clothes, conical hats, bags, and unique handmade items.
In addition to shopping, the night market is also a place to enjoy typical cuisine. Visitors can enjoy street food in sapa such as grilled meat and sticky rice or even try ethnic minority specialties such as buffalo meat, thang co, and more. Not only that, but the night market is also a place to enjoy the joyful atmosphere of folk dancing, Xam singing, and folk games.
Currently, the Sapa night market is located at Luong Dinh Cua Street, Sapa, Lao Cai. It operates from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. The market is free to visit, but food costs depend on each visitor’s needs.
With a blend of culture, shopping, cuisine, and entertainment, Sapa Night Market is an interesting place to experience. Spend at least one evening exploring the night market and enjoy the unique experiences of the Northwest mountains here.
1.3/ Ta Phin Ancient Monastery
Located about 12km from Sapa Center, Ta Phin Ancient Monastery is a unique and attractive spiritual tourist destination. To get to Ta Phin ancient monastery, visitors can go by motorbike or taxi from Sapa Center.
The ancient monastery was built in 1942 by a French priest named Père Côme with the purpose of serving poor female monks of the Sisters of the Church of Christ and orphans in this area. In 1945, the nuns returned to Hanoi, and this monastery is abandoned to this day and has become a tourist attraction.
Having gone through many historical events, the monastery now only remains incomplete relics. However, if you explore carefully and are passionate about history, you can quickly discover the remaining antiques and carvings. In particular, looking from the ancient Ta Phin monastery, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the romantic Sapa mountains and admire the majestic, picturesque scenery.
Visitors can visit the monastery at Ta Phin village, Sa Pa, Sapa, Lao Cai province, at any time of the day and at no cost.
1.4/ O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Ho Pass is one of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam. It is located at an altitude of about 2,000m above sea level in the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. O Quy Ho Pass is 50km long, known as the “king of passes in the Northwest,” and it has majestic and poetic natural scenery.
To get to O Quy Ho Pass, visitors can ride a motorbike or taxi from Sapa Center. The road up to the pass has many bends and steep slopes. However, the scenery along both sides of the road is high mountain ranges and lush green ancient forests, creating a beauty that you cannot take your eyes off of. Not only that, O Quy Ho Pass is also an ideal place to watch clouds, especially in summer. On clear days, visitors can see white clouds floating like snowflakes floating in the sky.
At O Quy Ho Pass, visitors can stop at roadside cafes and restaurants to enjoy delicious cups of coffee in the early morning light. Not only that, this is also a check-in location that covers the entire Ha Giang mountain range and the winding Muong Hoa River. This is also an opportunity to take beautiful photos and create your own mark on the journey to explore Sapa.
1.5/ Ho Seo My Ty
Does Sapa have any beautiful and different places? To answer this question, we cannot help but mention Seo My Ty Lake, which is about 20km from the Sapa center. This is one of the attractive attractions in Sapa for those who love exploration and natural beauty. Considered a pearl in the middle of the Sapa rocky plateau, Seo My Ty Lake is as beautiful as a watercolor painting. Coming here, you will feel the peace and separation from the hustle and bustle of Sapa town.
Seo My Ty Lake has apparent blue water, making it an ideal place to visit, relax, and unwind. Visitors can walk around the lake, row a boat, or sit by the lake and enjoy the fresh, cool air.
The best time to explore Seo My Ty Lake is in September when the lake water is clear and the rice is ripe. Winter is from November to February, with peach and plum blossoms blooming throughout the village and mountainside. A unique feature is that you can set up camp, organize an activity camp, watch the stars at night, and immerse yourself in the surrounding space, with mountains in front and terraced fields behind.
- Address: Ta Van commune, Sapa town, Lao Cai province
- Opening hours: All day
- Cost: Free to visit
2/ Attractions in Sapa charge a fee
In the above section, Yourvietnam.org has introduced tourists to completely free Sapa tourist attractions. However, in Sapa, there are still many other places that attract thousands of tourists who buy tickets to visit every year. Famous places to mention are:
2.1/ Cat Cat village
Cat Cat village in Sapa is a traditional village of the H’Mong ethnic group located about 2 km from Sapa’s center. With the wild beauty and unique culture of the H’Mong ethnic people, Cat Cat Village attracts tourists with its unique traditions and customs.
The most unique feature of Cat Cat Village lies in the cultural and traditional values that have been preserved for a long time here. Visitors can explore and learn about the lives of the H’Mong people by visiting ancient houses, watching traditional cultural performances, and experiencing traditional crafts such as linen weaving, engraving wood, and making crafts.
Another unique feature of Cat Cat Village is the Tien Sa waterfall, located in a beautiful flower field right next to Cat Cat Village. Visitors can admire the heavenly beauty of the waterfall and enjoy the peaceful, quiet atmosphere in the brilliant flower fields. Couples can also come here and chat under the remarkable green trees.
- Address: Hoang Lien Commune, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Opening hours: All day
- Sightseeing cost: 90,000 VND (adults) and 50,000 VND (children)
2.2/ Attractions in Sapa – Heaven Gate
With a high position right on the top of O Quy Ho Pass, Sapa Heaven Gate, also known as O Quy Ho Heaven Gate, is a great observation point to admire the majestic natural panorama of the Northwest mountains. Here, you will experience the feeling of touching the endless blue sky, as if space is expanding before your eyes.
This is the ideal place to take impressive photos, especially during sunset or sunrise, when light sparkles on the mountain peaks. Tourists should start from Sapa Center at 3:00 pm to reach Heaven’s Gate at 5:00 pm and watch the beautiful sunset. Also, remember to bring warm clothes, hats, and scarves to keep your body warm because the weather here will change very quickly during the day.
- Opening hours: 7:00-18:00
- Sightseeing cost: 60,000 VND (children) and 120,000 VND (adults)
2.3/ Lao Chai – Ta Van village
To get to Ban Lao Chai – Ta Van from the Sapa town center, you can choose the direction through Cau May and Muong Hoa streets. From there, follow the trail over Y Linh Ho Hill, and you will reach Lao Chai. If you travel with your family or a group of relatives, using a motorbike or car will be a convenient choice.
When you step into Ban Lao Chai-Ta Van, you will be fascinated by the quiet and peaceful space. Consistent as far as the eye can see are beautiful fields with diverse colors and graded into terraces on hill slopes. Come during the rice harvest season, around September or October. You will see the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests mixed with ripe rice fields on terraced fields.
Regarding costs, to explore Lao Chai – Ta Van village, it will cost you 75,000 VND/adult and 50,000 VND/child. Children under 1m are free. Take time to enjoy Lao Chai – Ta Van village, located deep in Sapa, to enjoy the poetic beauty of nature and learn about the unique culture of the local people. Indeed, you will have memorable and satisfying experiences on this journey of discovery.
2.4/ Attractions in Sapa Muong Hoa Valley
If you want to explore Sapa in its most pristine version, go to Muong Hoa – a beautiful valley located more than 10km from the town center. The road is somewhat inconvenient, but when you arrive here, you will find that all the difficulties have become worth it!
From March to May, Muong Hoa Valley is as beautiful as a fresh green picture. Between the fields, the clear stream from the Silver Waterfall weaves through the fields and beautiful wildflower fields. After admiring the beauty of the mountains and forests, try walking on the Cloud suspension bridge. It is an excellent virtual check-in location in Sapa connecting two streams.
The late summer and early fall months will also be the time when the terraced fields here enter the golden rice season. Terraced fields are grown by Mong ethnic people on high mountain slopes, creating a beautiful natural picture.
In December, if you’re lucky, you can witness white snow covering the valley, creating a scene like something out of a fairy tale movie. Of course, the weather is freezing at this time. So prepare warm clothes and book a hotel room in Sapa in advance to fully enjoy this experience.
Besides, in Muong Hoa Valley, visitors can also explore ancient stone fields dating back about 1500 years. The rocks here have strange shapes with delicately carved patterns.
Regarding the entrance fee, visitors can roam Muong Hoa Valley freely, without charge. However, to enter here, you must buy a ticket for 150,000 VND/adult and 100,000 VND/child.
2.5/ Fansipan
Fansipan Legend, located southwest of Sapa, is considered a high-end tourist and resort complex. It offers many diverse services, including cable cars, entertainment areas, and 5-star resorts with international standards.
Among them, the most prominent one at this tourist destination is the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car. The cable car has a length of 6,292.5 meters, including 6 main pillars; each pillar is 1,000 meters apart. The cable car has a total capacity of 2,000 passengers/hour and a maximum capacity of 35 people/cabin.
After being put into operation since 2016, the cable car has been recognized by the Guinness World Records Organization with two records:
- The three-wire cable car has the world’s most significant difference between departure and arrival stations: 1,410 m
- The world’s longest three-wire cable car: 6,292.5 m
The Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car will take visitors to the top of Fansipan, the roof of Indochina, to admire the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains. At the top of Fansipan, visitors can see far away panoramic views of Sapa town and rolling mountains, terraced fields of ethnic minorities, winding streams, and green forests.
Sun World Fansipan cable car ticket prices for adults start from 1,100,000 VND and for children from 850,000 VND. Note that ticket prices may change over time. In addition, during a year, there will be periods when the cable car will temporarily stop operating for system maintenance. Tourists planning should check information about the suspension time so as to make it to the tourist destination.
2.6/ Attractions in Sapa – Ta Phin village
Ta Phin village is a Sapa tourist destination to explore the wild natural beauty. About 12km northwest of Sapa town center, Ta Phin village captivates visitors with its fresh, natural beauty mixed with rough, rustic beauty and rich national culture.
Here, visitors will have the opportunity to explore and learn about daily activities as well as the customs and practices of indigenous people. Traditional rituals such as turtle-catching dances, wedding ceremonies, and love song festivals,… have created the unique identity of this land.
Besides, Ta Phin Village is also famous for its unique and exquisitely designed handicraft products. This is an ideal destination for tourists to buy cultural gifts to give to friends and relatives.
The ticket price to Ta Phin Village is 40,000 VND/per ticket for adults and 20,000 VND/per ticket for children. Get ready to explore and enjoy memorable experiences in this rustic land.
2.7/ Hoang A Tuong Mansion
Hoang A Tuong Mansion is the most powerful house in the White Highlands during the French colonial period. The palace was built in 1914 in a style that combined Asian and European architecture, marking the blend of ideas of French and Chinese architecture.
Outstanding features of the mansion are its rectangular construction with many floors, large windows and doors, and thick walls made of solid stone. To access the villa, you will go through the stairs on both sides and continue into the waiting room. A spacious yard will appear before your eyes – a place to organize events, festivals, or meetings.
Hoang A Tuong Palace is currently used as a tourist attraction within the framework of State management. Tourists come here mainly to explore unique ancient works. And learn about a significant historical period for the people of Bac Ha in particular and Lao Cai in general. In addition, the galleries also offer unique handicrafts of indigenous people such as brocade shirts, dresses, necklaces, pipes…
Below is some information about Hoang A Tuong mansion:
- Address: 257 Ngoc Uyen, TT. Bac Ha, Bac Ha, Lao Cai
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00 on weekdays.
- Ticket price: 20,000 VND/adult, 10,000 VND/child.
- Children under 6 years old and people with disabilities get free tickets.
- Those who enjoy preferential policies will receive a 50% discount on ticket prices.
2.8/ Attractions in Sapa – Glass bridge
A new address to admire the beauty of the “four great passes” of the Northwest is Rong May Glass Bridge. Considered the longest glass bridge in Southeast Asia and capable of holding hundreds of people at the same time, the Rong May glass bridge is no less impressive than famous glass bridges in China, providing a truly adventurous experience. Honest with the feeling of “heart pounding and shaking legs.”
To get here, visitors only need to go to the O Quy Ho pass. Then buy a ticket, and use the elevator to get to the Rong May glass bridge. Under high-quality tempered glass, the panoramic view of the majestic valley at the foot of O Quy Ho mountain will appear before visitors’ eyes.
Visitors can walk on the glass bridge, admire the beautiful scenery of the mountains, and take beautiful photos. In addition, visitors can also participate in games such as zipline sliding, playing on swings and dugout bridges, bungee jumping.
Information about location:
- Address: Highway 4D, Son Binh, Tam Duong, Lao Cai (Located about 18km from Sapa)
- Ticket price: Adults: 500,000 VND/person, Children (1m-1.4m): 300,000 VND/person, Children (under 1m): Free
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Notes when visiting this location:
- Sapa Glass Bridge is a tall architectural work and is more than 2,000m above sea level. Therefore, people with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other diseases should be careful when visiting.
- You should bring sneakers or soft-soled shoes to walk on the glass bridge.
- Do not bring sharp or breakable objects onto the glass bridge.
- Do not run or play on the glass bridge.
- Follow the staff’s instructions when visiting the glass bridge.
Above are 15 attractions in Sapa that you should not miss when coming to the beautiful misty town. It posses beautiful natural landscapes and the unique culture of Vietnamese ethnic people. This article from Yourvietnam.org will help you easily choose places worth experiencing during your trip.
