Insider Tips
Itinerary Ideas
Sapa
Sapa
Vietnam's charming mountain gem, with misty paddy fields and colourful hill tribes
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Top things to do in Sapa
01
See UNESCO rice terraces, but less touristy
The #1 thing to do in Sapa! You can explore rice terraces on a day trek, or on an overnight homestay. Day treks tend to be touristy but you can avoid the crowds by doing a private trek.
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02
Stay with a local tribe
A homestay is the best way to really immerse yourself in Sapa’s charm. With a homestay you can try further out routes, enjoy the warmth of local people and see the real magic of Sapa.
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03
Visit Sin Suoi Ho, the Opium Village
Visiting Sin Suoi Ho feels like stepping back in time to Sapa before mass tourism. Once an opium village, it’s now a story of hope because of sustainable tourism. Stay 2 nights!
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04
Climb Mt Fansipan, roof of Indochina
If you want bragging rights, climb Mt Fansipan, the tallest mountain in Indochina. It's tough but doable in a day (take the cable car down!). If you're lucky, the views are epic.
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05
Explore Red Dao traditions + herbal bath
The Red Dao community in Sapa have been using medicinal plants for their baths for generations. Try a healing bath to soothe aching muscles and connect with local tradition.
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06
Cook with Hill Tribes
The best part of Sapa is experiencing the heart of its hill tribe communities. Join a Black Hmong cooking class in a charming village and cook traditional dishes with a local family!
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07
Support a local social enterprise
Sapa is a great example of how regenerative tourism can uplift entire communities. Supporting a social enterprise directly empowers local peoples—making your visit more meaningful.
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08
Climb a lesser known mountain
Everyone climbs Mt Fansipan but there is a stunning off-the-beaten-path mountain, Five Fingers Mountain that only locals know about. If you have time & love hiking, this is for you!
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09
Explore local markets
For a glimpse of local life, visit Sapa's markets. To locals, they aren’t just for trade—they're also for finding love! Try Bac Ha or Can Cau market for a less touristy experience.
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10
Learn indigenous cloth making traditions
Local Hmong people have used natural indigo for generations to dye cloth and weave intricate patterns, symbolising their bond with nature. Get a glimpse into this dying tradition.
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Start Planning
Choose individual experiences or stack them to complete your trip.
4.8 (57)
|6 hrs
|Up to 15 guests
“Su May was a great guide she shared a lot about her Red Dzao culture”
Private trip
4.7 (43)
|6 hrs
|Up to 12 guests
“Always positive and checking to make sure we were OK on the trail”
Private trip
Instant book
4.7 (43)
|6 hrs
|Up to 12 guests
“Amazing local adventure knowledgeable guide unforgettable ”
Instant book
4.8 (57)
|12 hrs
|Up to 10 guests
“Highlight of his service was a hot stir fried noodles lunch”
Private trip
5.0 (2)
|2D1N
|Up to 10 guests
“Amazing views challenging hike great guide Chu”
Private trip
Instant book
4.7 (43)
|2D1N
|Up to 16 guests
“Stunning scenery amazing guides Fansipan hike needs more time”
Private trip
Instant book
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4.7 (43)
|2D1N
|Up to 6 guests
“Loved our tour guide Sue she was the best”
Instant book
5.0 (35)
|2D1N
|Up to 10 guests
“this was such a hidden gem! ”
Private trip
4.7 (43)
|2D1N
|Up to 10 guests
“Beautiful hike cozy stay stunning views weather permitting”
Private trip
Instant book
4.8 (4)
|2D1N
|Up to 32 guests
Private trip
4.8 (57)
|2D1N
|Up to 10 guests
“To see and experience the beauty of the highlands”
Private trip
2D1N
|Up to 11 guests
Private trip
3D2N
|Up to 11 guests
Private trip
5.0 (4)
|2D1N
|Up to 18 guests
Private trip
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All Sapa Adventures
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Essential
itineraries
itineraries
Use these as starting points, then sprinkle in your own travel magic.
We’ve done the
homework
homework
![Sapa: Your Essential Guide + How to Ditch the Crowds [2025]](https://images.prismic.io/seeksophie/Zf0uqs68zyqdRp3Z_Fansipan_Photos_-19-.jpg?auto=compress,format)
