A famously spectacular mountain escape, Sapa will delight both outdoorsy travellers and culture aficionados. Popularised as a hill station during the French era due to its natural beauty and cool climate, Sapa has long been home to some of Vietnam's oldest tribes, including the H’mong, the Dao and the Tay. Whether you’re eager to delve into traditional craft revival or to hike through the verdant mountains of the Hoang Lien National Park, this is a destination unlike any other. Our Gurus’ recommendations of the best places to stay in Sapa are the perfect starting point for planning your trip! We've discovered a wide range of properties from a stunning hilltop eco-lodge to great value boutique stays in the centre of town.
Sapa itself — also known as Sa Pa — was named after a nearby market town by the French. It’s now the region’s bustling hub, and an ideal base for adventures. Explore the old town to marvel at heritage buildings, ponder handicrafts and fresh produce at the bustling Saturday market, and visit the Sapa Cultural Museum for a sense of the region’s history and ethnology. For a deeper understanding of the ethnic minorities and hill tribes who have lived here for centuries, however, take a reputable guided tour to nearby villages where families continue to live in traditional homes and skilled artisans create intricate hand-dyed clothing and jewellery using age-old methods.
Keen hikers and mountain bikers will be fascinated by the iridescent terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley and the leafy peaks of the Hoang Lien National Park. Mist-framed Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain at 3143m, is visible from Sapa and makes for a challenging hike. You’ll find ample opportunities for kayaking or fishing on lakes and rivers, too. Return to one of the best places to stay in Sapa to savour flavoursome hill country cuisine within sight of the mountains.
