Telephone Code: 020
In Lao Cai Province in the far north near the Chinese border, this old French hill station is home to many ethnic minorities, including the H'mong, Tay and Dao.
The city is 678,6 sq km large with population of 41.700.
When to go
January to Febrary is the coldest time in Sapa, It can be drizzly with no visibility and not get above 5C one day and broad sunshine and over 20 the next. The perfect time to travel Sapa is March and May or mid-September to early December.
Getting there
By train: From Hanoi, you can reach Lao Cai by overnight train (costs about $25) which takes about 10 hours. Catch a minibus to Sapa from outside the station (VND25,000), or just jump a xe om (motorbike taxi).
Around Sapa
Mount Fansifan
Exactly 3,143m high, it is the highest peak in the whole of Indochina. Five-day treks to the summit are available – but they are recommended for the very fit only.
Highlights
Love Market
An ancient tradition, where ethnic minority people go to find a partner.
Surrounding Villages
Home to ethnic minorities who live the same way as they have done for centuries.
Sapa is also a good place for trekking, cycling and motorbike trips to explore the mountainous region and visit the villages and markets of the ethnic minorities.
Tips: Take much care when driving as the roads are dangerous with rocks and cliffs
