Sapa

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Sapa is a mountain village not far from the Chinese border; in addition, it is the capital of the region. The city itself is at 1500 meters altitude is flanked by high mountains all around - the Hoang Lien mountains. The highest of these is Fan Si Pan which is the highest mountain in Vietnam with more than 3000 meters.

The climate that prevails here is unique to the country; it is cool and rainy in summer and foggy with occasional snow in winter. Because of this weather, the area is rich in other plants and animals than elsewhere in Vietnam; the tourists come here mainly because of the unprecedented possibilities of making day-hikes of multiple-day-trekking. Beautiful views, rice fields against steep hills and the last parts of the first rainforest in Vietnam. 

In addition to the above, the city is known for its important daily market where many mountain tribes (minorities) come. Hmong, Dao (Yao), Giay, Pho Lu and Thai come here next to the ethnic Kinh Vietnamese. The minorities live in the small communities around Sapa city and normally work on the steep fields for rice and corn. The region is also known for its motorcycle tours.

Unfortunately is Sapa city growing lately so fast with some high-rise building blocking most of the best views of the surrounding area.

Trekkings:

One of the activities that you have to do when you are in Sapa is to make a (short) hike of a multiple day trekking. You can make a nice day-walk to some small villages where hill-tribes live for example. One of the most popular walks is to the small community Cat Cat about 3 kilometers south of Sapa town.

Like everywhere in and around Sapa it is quite a walk because it is so steep. The panorama is worth the walk and effort. 

The first inhabitants of Sapa, where we know something about, where different mountain tribes like the Hmong and Yao. It was only when the French arrived in the highlands of Tonkin (North Vietnam) at the end of the 19th century that Sapa was signed on maps. In 1922 the French sent soldiers to the highlands to pacify the country and it became a hill station; missionaries came to convert the Gentiles.

The cool climate gave potential in the form of soldiers with health problems, followed by citizens with enough money. From WWII to the end of the French era in 1954, there would long be hostility in the region. All 200 colonial buildings were destroyed, either by Vietminh sympathizers or by French aircraft attacks in the early 50s. Many Vietnamese fled and the city was left dead. Residents did not return until the early 1960s.

In 1979, the city was briefly occupied by Chinese troops during the Chinese-Vietnamese war that raged for about few months. The people came back soon. Sapa would again become an international tourist resort in the 1990s, especially for trekking around the city through the mountains. Today, Sapa is one of the biggest tourist-attractions of  Vietnam.

The bus station of Sapa is located in the north part of the city. Only if you drive from here to Dien Bien Phu you can go directly (9 hours). Otherwise you will first have to go to Lao Cai (on the Chinese border) which is about 38 kilometers away.

Buses run every half hour and the journey takes about 1.5 hours over a high pass. If you want to go to Lao Cai you can go at the bus station in front of the church.

Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi: in Lao Cai you can, among other things, take the train to Hanoi which you can book in the city (booking office) against a small commission. Almost everyone (tourist) takes the train so be on time. A 10% extra is requested during the weekend. The journey takes about 8 hours and there are two trains a day (night).

The best and most fun to view the region around Sapa (besides a hike) is to rent a motorcycle. But be warned - the number of accidents involving motorcycles (and tourists) is the highest in the country. There are many tourists here who have never been on a motorbike and are going to drive here for the first time. Not a good idea, because all roads are steep, often wet and sometimes broken up by heavy rainfall. It is better to rent a motorcycle with a driver. Cycling is also not an option because the mountains are too steep.

If you go hiking for a few days it is better and wiser to take a local guide. He or she speaks the language and knows the habits of the mountain peoples who live here, besides the fact that you do not want to get lost in this region. Take warm clothing, drink and food and make sure everything is arranged before you go (what is included, where are you going, where and how do you sleep etc.).