Sapa will always be attractive to visitors especially during holidays
The northern mountainous province was opened, the Sapa city was visited by many local and foreign tourists despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Sapa is a small mountain town in Lao Cai Province. It is located about 350 km northwest of Hanoi, close to the Chinese border. Here you will find the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, including Fan Si Pan, the highest peak in the country.
This peaceful Vietnamese city is home to several ethnic tribes. There are five major ethnic groups in Sapa: the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. It is said that Sapa was first occupied by the first four groups, because the Vietnamese from the lowlands (better known as the Kinh) did not colonize the highest valleys.
The mountain Fansipan in the city of Sapa in Vietnam is covered with snow
“As we can see, there is a serious influx of visitors. The reopening of Sapa was a positive step in terms of tourism,” Sophie Dao, a visitor told Vietnam Insider.
Going sightseeing in Sapa in winter is a very enjoyable experience
The number of travelers has grown especially after the reopening of the Fansipan cable car system that takes visitors to Vietnam’s highest mountain peak.
The streets leading to the center and attractions of Sapa are busy and packed with many vehicles.
At Fansipan cable car system
Due to the many visitors, the toll station Km237 Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway has had to contend with heavy traffic jams. Although the weather is cold and foggy, the streets leading to downtown Sapa and attractions of Sapa Ancient Stone Church, Cau May (Cloud Bridge), Fansipan Mountain, Xuan Vien, Thach Son, Muong Hoa are crowded and full of many vehicles.
From the third to fourth day of the Lunar New Year, more than 6,000 vehicles traveled to Sapa while hotels were fully occupied, raising concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
The streets leading to the center and attractions of Sapa are busy and packed with many vehicles.
At the old stone church of Sapa
At Sapa . bus station
Hiking and enjoying nature is the name of the game in Sapa. The most prominent attraction in the area around Sapa is Fan Si Pan, the highest mountain in Vietnam. It is only 19 km from the city. This may seem like a short distance, but the journey is not easy; the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather present some difficulties. Tourists who are fit and experienced in mountaineering will enjoy this attraction the most, as the summit is accessible all year round. Technical climbing skills are not necessary, but stamina is a must.
Steep terraced fields captured in the Cultural City of Sapa – a famous tourist attraction in Lao Cai Province. (Photo: Sarawut Intarob / 500px.com)
Fan Si Pan can be found in Hoang Lien National Park, which is an attraction in itself. The park covers a picturesque mountain landscape and several forests and serves as a habitat for a diverse array of animals. Some species are only found in northwestern Vietnam and are highly endangered. Nature lovers will appreciate this park very much.
Other attractions that are part of the Hoang Lien National Park are the Cat Cat Village and the Ta Phin Village and Cave.
In Sapa town is a small museum and a modest cathedral. We highly recommend taking a walk through the steep streets of this small mountain town. You may be harassed by tribal ladies to buy their wares, but it’s nice to talk to them.
Compiled by Minh Khang/ Kim Khanh @ SGGP and employees of Vietnam Insider.
