Hikers fall in love with it, photographers can take their eyes off it, and dreamers find in it a place of magic and mystery that is hard to resist. Sapa, a mountain town in Vietnam, is truly a place of wonder and delight. A picturesque town which is surrounded on all sides by lush green mountains and moist paddy fields, Sapa is fast becoming the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam. There is nothing to “do” here in the conventional touristic sense. Of the best things to do in Sapa, plenty of hiking, biking, lounging, eating and drinking is all that is available here. And yet, there is a wild beauty about Sapa that invests even these simple tasks with a sense of adventure. The slopes around the city are full of glorious trails that lead up to awe-inspiring sights of the neighbouring mountains. You can hike to the sites or simply rent a bike and zoom through the mountains. Both of these activities have their own set of pleasures, and if possible, tourists should distribute their time equally between hiking and biking. Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam, is situated close to Sapa. The panoramic views that can be seen from the top defy description.
If you want to enjoy an offbeat adventure, you can bike up to the steep mountain peaks of Aurora & J early in the morning, and be there in time to catch the first rays of sunlight as they wash over Sapa. A pretty waterfall tumbling down the rocks amidst the throbbing greenery adds additional charm to the landscape. There are many ethnic minorities hidden in the mountains around Sapa. They are friendly and hospitable and make for pleasant companions as you take a break in between your hiking or biking. The main city of Sapa bustles with activity so if you want to immerse yourselves into complete oneness with nature, a trip to the remote Muong Hoa Valley 20 kilometres away should be on the cards. The evening can be spent enjoying the local Vietnamese food that is served in the many restaurants around Sapa or enjoying a drink or two at the few bars in the city. Check out the best things to do in Sapa on your vacation here.
