Sapa in the northwest of Vietnam is a mountainous region with a town of the same name. It is best accessed by catching the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai close to the border with China. In recent years it has become the centre opt trekking tours for the whole of Vietnam. Walkers are drawn here by the clean air and breathtaking mountain views.
The local people here are really gearing up to help make the trekkers as welcome as possible. That is all well and good of course, but what happens if you are not fit enough to take on a mountain trek, or if simply hiking is not your thing. This is not a problem as there are many alternatives to walking round the area, taking in the views.
The Traditional Ethnic Villages are a Must-See
Some of the villages where the ethnic minorities live are accessible by road and hiring a jeep and driver is a good way to go. The drivers will know which places are accessible and which are not. there is plenty to see. Lao Chai Village for example is easily accessible by road. It is only a few miles from the town centre and is home to the Black H’Mong ethnic people. The ride into the village will present you with an amazing photo opportunity as the road reaches it’s high point and the whole valley comes into view. From here you can see the rice terraces and the villages itself. These people are very hospitable and will invite you into their homes, it is a wonderful experiences interacting with them.
See more: Sapa Cycling Tours
The more adventurous may wish to hire a motorbike, but think carefully before embarking on this. The roads are not like city roads, there is danger lurking at every turn. It is recommended that you at least have some experience, beforehand. Hiring them can be quite an adventure with the young guys who rent them out wanting either your passport or a serious despot before allowing you to set off.
The famous heaven’s Gate with its amazing views and waterfall is possible to reach on a rented motorbike. You can get maps and directions from the tourist centre in the middle of town. Other villages are also within reach. Sapa Lake is close by the town and here you can hire a pedal boat for a couple of dollars and enjoy the lake with it’s beautiful scenery.
As Always there are Markets to Explore
You can book a trip out to one of the ethnic village markets. Here the ethnic women sell the most amazing woven cloths. There traditional dress is made from the material and the cloth is very popular with tourists.
In Sapa town itself of course there are bars and restaurants opening up all the time. A few small taverns make people very welcome and its nice to sit by a real fire at the end of a long day. It can get quite cold in the evenings so these places are really cosy. Some of the bigger hotels have bars and restaurants with amazing panoramic views of the valleys.
You can visit our website www.trekkingsapa.com to check more reviews about Sapa travel or contact us to book the amazing Sapa tours right away!
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