Getting
around Sapa
The Sapa district comprise of 17 communes and one town, Sapa. The main villages
surrounding Sapa, where the hill tribes live are: Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Ho,
Ta Phin, Su Pan, Sa Pa, Hau Thao, and Cat Cat. They are all within walking
distance of 3 - 15 km from the center of Sapa. Moto-taxi (Xe Om) are readily
available at a dollar a ride.
Anywhere in the main village of Sapa can be reached on foot, and the town
is small enough that you're not likely to get lost. A basic map will be good
enough for most travelers.
Sapa town:
Sapa's central market is a main gathering place for hill tribes from the surrounding
villages. They congregate there not only to sell handicrafts, jewelry, orchids,
mushrooms, and honey, but to also cultivate relations with other groups, play
games, and perhaps find a sweetheart. On some weekend evenings, singing courtships
and marriages take place.
Hiking and Cycling:
Nicknamed "the Tonkinese Alps," this picturesque area features vaulting
rice terraces, lush vegetation and the highest peak in Vietnam, Mount Fansipan,
which towers over the small town, swirled in fog from across a deep valley.
The town was discovered by Jesuit missionaries in 1918. Attracted by the cool
and temperate climate, Western arrivals transformed Sapa into a pleasant hill
station. Along with a church, they constructed hotels, tennis courts, airport,
and hydro-electric station and summer villas. Many were abandoned or destroyed
during the subsequent war for independence with the French and the 1979 Chinese
invasion, but the colonial influence remains.
Minorities villages around Sapa
Cat Cat - Sin Chai:
Trek to Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages of the Black Hmong ethnic group. Enjoy
the Cat Cat waterfall and beautiful scenery along the way.
App. 4 hours' trekking on 8 km
Lao Chai - Ta Van -
Giang Ta Chai:
Lao Chai is the residence of Hmong, Tay and Dzay ethnic people. Tourists can
walk there easily. After Lao Chai, you keep trekking around the bottom Muong
Hoa valley to get to Ta Van village. This is supposed to be the most beautiful
in the area. It is possible to arrange to spend the night at a local family
here.
App. 45 minutes' riding on 14 km and 6-7 hours' trekking on 15 km.
Ban Khoang:
After 2-hour-ride from Sapa on the muddy road, tourists have to cross a river
and trek up a hill to visit this village - the residence of Red Dzao ethnic
group.
App. 4 hours' riding on 45 km and 4 hours' trekking on 10 km.
Ta Phin:
Ta Phin is 15 km from Sapa and the scenery is exotic. It takes you only 15
minutes to get there by motorbike or jeep (both are available for hire). On
the way to Ta Phin, you will see the ruins of a French church, opposite to
entrance-fee-office to this village. The Ta Phin people (the Red Dzao and
Black Hmong) are very friendly and rich in custom. Their handicrafts are very
famous for colorful embroidery.
App. 40 minutes' riding on 25 km and 4 hours' trekking on 8 km.
Li Hong:
This village is the residence of Black Hmong, Red Dzao and Lu ethnic groups.
Enjoy the stunning view of the Binh Lu deep valley with the sun shining everywhere.
App. 5 hours' riding on 90 km and 3 hour' trekking on 9 km.
Ban Ho - Nam Sai:
The tour starts riding motorbike or jeep on the muddy road. After reaching
the end of this road, you can leave the vehicles there and trek down to Ban
Ho. Ban Ho and Nam Sai are the home of Tay and Xa Pho ethnic groups who still
maintain most of their tradition.
App. 2 hours' riding on 35 km and 6 hours' trekking on 15 km.
Sightseeing places In Sapa
Fansipan peak (3143m):
This is the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. From here, you can get a magnificent
view of Sapa. It needs between2 -- 4 days to climb to the Fansipan peak, including
nights in forests with local people and tour guides. It takes you only 2 days
to reach this peak by a special path. This, however, extends to people who
want challenge and danger.
Silver Waterfall - Tram Ton Pass: 12 km from Sapa center. You can get
there by car or motorbike. Climb up to see the falls.
Rattan Bridge:
There are two bridges of this kind in Sapa. One is in Ta Van and another in
Nam Kang. You only find these rattan bridges in Sapa.
Ethnic markets In
Sapa
Bac Ha Market: usually
on Sunday
Departure is very early in order to get there at 9h30. It is the best time
to visit this big market when a lot of colorfully-dressed ethnic groups such
as Flower Hmong Phu La and Dzao Tien
gather for trade.
App. 6 hours' bus on 210 km and 2 hours' trekking on 5 km.
Coc Ly Market: usually
on Tuesday
This market gathers in a remote area with the participation mainly of Black
Hmong. Flower Hmong and Tay ethnic groups. On the way there lies beautiful
Green River with a lot of caves on its banks.
App. 6 3 hours' bus on 160 km, 2 hours' trekking on 6 km and 2 hours' boating.
Mung Hum Market: usually
on Sunday
This market is joined most by Blue Hmong, Flower Hmong, and Black Dzao ethnic
groups. This gives you an alternative to visit a Sunday Market in a more remote
area which is different from Bac Ha Market.
App. 5 hours' bus on 170 km and 3 hours' trekking on 7 km.
For more information,
contact: info@hellosapa.com
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