13 Best Things To Do In Sapa
Sapa is a cute mountain resort town located in the northern Lao Cai province of Vietnam. It's famous for dramatic misty landscapes, picturesque terraced rice paddies and trekking through ethnic minority villages.
There's a certain type of remote stillness that can only be found here and it's the perfect destination for adventurous, outdoorsy, slow travelers that value cultural depth.
I really enjoyed my three days there with highlights including wandering Sapa Town, taking a Red Dao Herbal Bath, and cruising through the mountains on motorbike.
So if you're making your way over from Hanoi or Ha Giang, here are the top things to do in Sapa!
1. Go Trekking
As previewed in the intro, one of the best things you can do in Sapa is go trekking.
Whether it's a multi-day trek through various villages or simply a one-day adventure through the Muong Hoa Valley, trekking allows you to really soak in the nature of Sapa.
It's a great way to get to understand the land and its people a little better while getting physically active! Just make sure you're dressed appropriately and ideally go with a local guide as they know the best routes and can offer a level of insight that you wood be have access to on your own.
2. Wander Sapa Town
One of my favorite things to do as a slow traveler is to just walk around the destination and get a feel for the local vibes. When you slow down and take things on foot, you can really begin to appreciate all that a place has to offer.
Sapa town is surprisingly walkable. Whether you're taking a peaceful stroll around the lake or are getting lost in the town's shops, restaurants, and cafes, exploring the city on foot is a great way to get oriented and more familiar with the place.
Just make sure to bring comfortable, weather-proof shoes because those roads are steep!
3. Go Paragliding
Experience Sapa from above by going paragliding!
Meet your guides at the top of Vietnam’s tallest mountain and enjoy a 10-15 minute tandem flight with incredible 360° views of Sapa’s emerald rice fields, misty peaks, and hidden valleys.
This activity is a MUST for adventure junkies but remember to double check your travel insurance to see that such adventures are covered...
4. Visit Fansipan Mountain
Fansipan Mountain is the tallest mountain in all of Vietnam and luckily, it's located right in Sapa!
It's really accessible as the cable car from Sapa station takes you directly to the peak. We purchased our tickets ahead of time from Klook, but you can also get them day-of at the ticketing booth.
If you have time and are visiting during good weather, you can also consider a multi-day trek up to the mountain. At the summit, you'll find a buddhist complex, a cultural center, and of course, panoramic views of the province stretching all the way to China.
On your way there, make sure to snap some photos of Sapa station! There's not much to do but shop, but the station itself is beautifully designed with an elegant French-Vietnamese aesthetic inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of the local ethnic groups.
5. Visit An Ethnic Minority Village
Speaking of ethnic minority groups, one of the best things to do in Sapa is to spend some time with these communities.
Cat Cat Village is by far the most famous of these villages, but it's definitely on the more touristy side. It's a quick 20-minute walk from city center and features different experiences and performances that introduce you to the traditional way of living.
For more ethical, non-extractive way to experience this, I would book a homestay within one of these villages or go with a guide who is actually from the community. You can of course explore on your own, but it does seem a bit weird to just wander in, as people actually do live here. Imagine if somebody just walked into your neighborhood thinking that it were a spectacle to see.
6. Stay At A Homestay
Aaaaaand that brings us to point number six!
As responsible travelers, staying at a homestay is one of the best ways to give back to the local community and connect on a deeper level. You'll gain insight into how locals live and get tips on how best to enjoy your travels.
Some homestays even offer unique cultural experiences and provide a sense of community that you just don't get when staying at a hotel. I recommend finding one in Sapa town, but if you want a more quiet experience, Ta Van Village is also a great alternative to consider! (Here's a full breakdown on where to stay in Sapa.)
7. Enjoy Local Cuisine
One of the most accessible ways to get to know a culture is through food, so prepare your belly to eat your way through Sapa!
Sapa cuisine is hearty and warming, with lots of stews featuring local livestock like black chickens, salmon, and mountain boars, and sticky rice dishes that provide sustenance.
The cuisine blends traditional dishes from the Hmong, Tay, and Dao people using local highland resources to create a delicious experience. And of course, you've gotta wash it all down with some classic Vietnamese coffee!
Here's What To Eat In Sapa:
Lau ca tam (salmon hot pot - you can also try sturgeon hot pot!)
Black Chicken (hot pot or grilled)
Lợn cắp nách (armpit pig - eat smoked, roasted, or grilled)
Thang co (horse and offal stew)
Bánh hạt dẻ (chestnut cake)
Cơm Lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo shoots)
Restaurants & Cafes To Check Out:
8. Take A Red Dao Herbal Bath
If you're visiting during the cooler seasons of fall, winter, or spring, this is a MUST DO. We were scooting around during our trip and the wind and mist completely took us out, but after a traditional Red Dao bath with warming herbs, we were good for days.
Book your entrance tickets ahead of time or you can just show up at this establishment in Ta Phin and ask for a soak.
They'll prep a small wooden tub for you and then you'll strip down and enjoy your soak. I went with another woman friend, so they put us in the same room with two baths, but it's just something to note if you're expecting privacy!
9. Beeswax Batik Workshop
Learn beeswax batik from local Hmong artisans using traditional tools and techniques.
Get craftsy and let your creativity flow when it comes to designing a little fabric souvenir inspired by classic Hmong motifs and stories. It's a great way to support local artists and to slow down during your travels!
10. Go Chasing Waterfalls
If you feel confident on a motorbike, I highly recommend stepping outside of Sapa town and actually exploring more of the surrounding Lao Cai province!
This region is known for luscious mountains with waterfalls around every corner. Rent a scooter from your homestay or a (credible) shop and go chasing waterfalls! Pack a picnic and spend some time at Love Waterfall, Silver Waterfall and Heaven's Gate for a restorative time immersed in nature.
11. Take The Alpine Coaster
Love theme parks? Then check out the Ban Mong Alpine Coaster!
This is open-air rollercoaster gives zip-line vibes as you zoom through the scenic mountains of Sapa. Each car is equipped with its own brake system so you can slow down or speed up according to your own preferences or if you want to take photos.
With a 4.9 rating from almost 2,000 riders, you can trust that it's a great experience for both thrill-seekers and more cautious riders!
12. Go Cycling Through Sapa
Cycling is a growing sport and mountain biking through Sapa is a fun way to see the region's incredible views.
I highly recommend taking a guided tour with a local group because mountain weather can be pretty unpredictable and the roads are poorly maintained. Locals have a better understanding of the route and established resources in case of emergencies (land slides, road accidents, sickness, etc).
Cycling is still less popular than trekking so your options are limited, but Vietnam Bike Tours seems to have a pretty established community! It might be worth booking with them or reaching out to your homestay to see if they have any recommendations.
13. Unwind With A Massage
The key to slow travel is taking care of yourself along the way. Massages are so affordable in Vietnam and it's a great way to reset from all the physical activity and prep your body for the long overnight bus or train journey back to Hanoi.
The "best" things to do in Sapa shifts season by season, but overall, these were my tried-and-true favorites that I'd happily do again.
I really enjoyed my time there despite the vibes being super commercial at times. If you step away from the main tourist attractions like Cat Cat Village and Fanispan and wander deeper into the surrounding province, you'll find and incredible depth and stillness to the experience.
If you're getting ready to plan your Vietnam trip, definitely check out my 3-Day Sapa Itinerary for a day-by-day breakdown on how to spend time there and read my guide on Where To Stay In Sapa for recommendations on a homestay or hotel that fits your travel style and budget.
Once you're done with your Sapa adventures, you can loop back to Hanoi or head on north to tackle the Ha Giang Loop! As always, let me know if you have any questions by leaving me a comment below!
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