There’s nowhere in the world quite like Sapa. A town founded by the French during colonial times (though close to a collection of existing hamlets and villages) this hill station has experienced a history of ups and downs.

Principally a retreat for long escape holidays from Hanoi’s summer heat, it soon became a hotspot for European anthropologists keen to study Southeast Asia’s rich cultural history and diversity. Nowadays, local cultures contrast with foreign nationalities, genuine colonial architecture sits beside kitsch Soviet copies, and ladies grilling corn crouch outside Italian pizza restaurants.

The town will continue to change, but experiences like warming your hands on a cup of coffee with a view of mountains, standing above the clouds on the Roof of Indochina, or haggling over textiles in the bustling market will always remain a quintessential part of traveling through Vietnam. Curious about what else there is to do in Sapa? We’ve curated a helpful list of our favorite things to do in Sapa here to help you out.

After experiencing the rainbow of color represented by the peoples of Sapa and beyond, you’ll see that kaleidoscopic is no understatement. This is down to the ethnic diversity, with H’mong, Dzao, Tay, Giay, Xa Pho, and many others represented throughout the area. Many of these groups can be segmented even further, which further enhances the differences. 

The Black H’mong and Flower H’mong may both speak H’mong, but the colors they don themselves in couldn’t be more different. Less striking but just as enchanting is the architecture. Each group have a different way of constructing houses, from H’mong bungalows atop mountain peaks to the Tay that live in towering stilt houses alongside rivers. Get to know the people of the northern mountains through meaningful activities, such as hiking and homestays while traveling through Sapa. Or support the vibrant weaving and dying culture by purchasing textiles and joining workshops.

Picture a mountain. At the top there are dark green jungles that blanket the peak. About halfway down, waterfalls of rice terraces are carved into the slope like staircases for giants. And at the bottom, a flowing river trickles over rocks as it meanders down the valley. The forests are evergreen and the rivers rarely run dry, but the rice terraces shift dramatically throughout the year.

Sapa is a year-round travel destination, with the rice cycle showcasing the beauty of each season in spectacular fashion, particularly from March to May and September to early November. Whether it’s cycling, motorbiking, driving, or trekking in Sapa, there is no wrong way to discover the gorgeous landscapes and rich cultural diversity of the region. That being said, we believe there is no better way to experience the incredible landscapes of northern Vietnam than by joining a Sapa trekking tour.