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Sapa is a small market town that has been a gathering spot for many local hilltribes for nearly 200 years. Hmong and Dao people, among others, still come here to conduct trade, socialize, and attend an ephemeral "love market," where young men and women choose one another for marriage (these days, it's unlikely you'll see anything more than a staged re-creation of it). But seeing this as early as 1860, French missionaries said "Mon Dieu!" and set up camp to save souls; their stone church still stands sentinel and is well attended at the center of town. Sapa, with its mercifully cool climate, became a holiday escape for French colonists, complete with rail connection, upscale hotels, and a tourist bureau as early as 1917. The outpost was retaken by the Vietnamese in 1950, attacked and destroyed later by the French, and left in ruin, only brief occupied by Chinese troops in 1979. The town reopened for tourism in the 1990s.

Now connected by luxury train with Hanoi, Sapa boasts good accommodations and is a great jumping-off point for trekking and ecotours. Even a 1- or 2-day trip, bracketed by overnight train journeys from Hanoi, will give you a unique glimpse of local hilltribe culture. Trek out to nearby villages with or without a guide, or meet with the many hilltribe people who come to town to sell their wares. The Tonkinese Alps are a feast for the eyes; hills striated by terraced rice farms in vast, green valleys are like a stairway up to Mount Fansipan, which is Southeast Asia's tallest mountain at 3,143m (10,312 ft.). Climbing Fansipan is a multiday trip, requiring a guide and gear -- best arranged through one of the tour operators listed, and only for the hearty. Note: Bring a few layers; it can get quite chilly here, especially in the winter months.

Sapa has gotten busy, and 2004 saw nearly 70,000 visitors (up from just 20,000 in 1996). Concerns are even coming from Hanoi that the growth in tourism is unsustainable and does not benefit local people but instead lines the pockets of slick financiers. Steps are underway to ensure that the lives and customs of people here are not devastated, and you can do your part by educating yourself about some hilltribe traditions -- be very cautious around any animistic totems, ask before taking photos, be careful where your money goes, and try not to encourage a culture of begging:

2 Days Sapa Light Trek & Home Stay
from $89.00 USD
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ta Van Home Stay...
Perfect for those who want to change atmosphere from hotel to home stay with local people,...[ More ]

2 Days Sapa Light Trek & Hotel Stay
from $89.00 USD
Hanoi, Lao Cai - Sapa, Hotel Stay in Sapa Town...
Perfect combination of trek and culture while visiting the hill tribes’ villages at a pace and style that compliments...[ More ]

3 Days Sapa Longer Trek & Home Stay
from $109.00 USD
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ta Van, Ban Ho Home Stay...
Trekking is a healthy, adventurous and eco-friendly way to explore, our goal is to offer you a wide...[ More ]

3 Days Sapa & Bac Ha Market Explorer - A Culture Insight
from $149.00 USD
Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Cat, Bac Ha Sunday Hill Tribe Market...
Visit 1 Market (Bac Ha), 4 villages (Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Pho) and 7 different minority peoples...[ More ]

4 Days Sapa Real Trek & Home Stay
from $159.00 USD
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ta Van & Ban Ho Home Stay...
Vietnam's highest mountain, Fansipan ( 3143m ) lies within the reserve boundary, less 5 km as the crow flies... [ More ]

2 Days Sapa - Topas Eco Lodge
from $139.00 USD
Hanoi, Sapa, Topas Eco Lodge Bangalow Over-night...
Topas Ecolodge is located deep in the peaceful and picturesque Sapa Valley, ideally for the short break...[ More ]

2 Days Mountain Biking - Can Cau & Bac Ha Markets
from $219.00 USD
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Can Cau, Bac Ha Market & Hotel Stay...
Experience two of their bustling weekly markets which play an important part in the social and... [ More ]

2 Days Mountain Biking - Sapa & Thanh Phu
from $209.00 USD
Hanoi, Sapa, Thanh Phu & home stay with Tay hill tribe...
This exciting trip down the stunning Hoang Lien Valley takes you into the communities of local hill tribe people.... [ More ]

1 Day Mountain Biking - Sapa to Binh Lu
from $49.00 USD
Sapa, Binh Lu Biking Trip...
Binh Lu area is dotted with the villages of many hill tribes including Thai, Dzao, H’Mong, Lu, and Nung... [ More ]

3 Days Mountain Biking - Sapa & Heaven Gate!
from $279.00 USD
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Binh Lu, Than Uyen...
This wonderful itinerary takes you over the Tram Tom ("Heaven's Gate") Pass to explore the other side.... [ More ]

 

Note: These are small group tours so you may join with others who book the same tour. You can also book these tour as a private trip, please contact us for more details.

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