Sapa is an atmospheric old French hill station nestled amongst the stunning scenery of the Tonkinese Alps. Easy day walks pass through terraced paddy fields to reach H’mong and Dzao minority villages, where traditional dress is still worn and ancient beliefs hold sway.
If possible, we time your visits to coincide with one of the bustling weekly markets that take place in the villages dotted amongst the surrounding hills, where many colourful ethnic groups congregate to trade. Sapa is generally accessed by an overnight train journey from Hanoi.
For the more adventurous, we suggest heading off the beaten track on a road circuit that visits Dien Bien Phu, the famous site of the French defeat by the Viet Minh or climbing Mt Fansipan. Please pack a few warm clothes as the weather in this region can vary day by day and often gets quite cold in the evenings.
Sapa Hotels
Topas Ecolodge$$$
The individual stone-built lodges have been built by local craftsmen using in the main local materials. Each lodge uses solar technology for all the accommodation and hot water requirements as well as implementing a wastewater facility to avoid polluting the local area. The 4 different room categories are minimal and functional but their main selling point is that each has a private balcony with magnificent views and some have private plunge pools! The 2 restaurants serve local, Vietnamese an...
Hotel de la Coupole$$$$
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