When we think of Vietnam, two major cities instantly come into our mind – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The land of the ‘Ascending Dragon’ prides itself on otherworldly natural wonders and rich history rooted in foreign influences.
Nestled in the northern mountains of Vietnam near the Chinese border is Sapa, a prominent trekking spot that overlooks vast terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley. Far away from the bustling city’s traffic congestion, this misty, languid town transports us to nature paradise that keeps our worries out of the way for a while.
Ride a boat on Sapa Lake
Start your adventure off with a relaxing duck paddle boat ride on this tranquil lake, akin to a canvas painting that reflects the picturesque view surrounding it. Take in the architecture of quaint cafes and restaurants as well as lush trees while your paddle moves along with the water. Sublime postcard-worthy shots will be guaranteed if you’re there in nice weather. 
Trek to Cat Cat Village
Vietnam isn’t just well-known for its breathtaking sceneries, but also its time-honoured ethnic cultures, particularly of the Hmong people. This ethnic tribe resides in a lovely village situated 3 kilometres away from Sapa town, namely Cat Cat Village. It only takes 30 minutes to reach the main entrance of the Cat Cat Village at a moderate pace.
Follow the trail, discover historical wooden homes where local indigenous people work with looms and craft souvenirs, marvel at the French commissioned old Hydro Electric Power Station and the breezy, serene Cat Cat Waterfall, experience walking over a narrow bridge, take breaks at small food stalls for BBQ skewers, and be entertained by the spectacular performances of a traditional dance troupe. 
Canyon Down Love Waterfall
To be in one with nature while satisfying your thrill-seeking side, canyoning at Sapa’s local waterfalls is the ultimate activity to take part in, especially if you love being in water. There are guided tours that provide you with 3 options for canyoning routes. From low to high intensity and easy to difficult, these routes are Discover Canyon, Love Waterfall Canyon, and Wild Canyon.
You’ll also get to take a break and enjoy the fresh air of Hoang Lien Son National Park in between canyoning activities. Those who are trying canyoning for the first time need not fret as guided tours are led by 2 English-speaking professionals who supervise you through each obstacle. 
Conquer Mount Fansipan
You have not been to Sapa if you’ve not reached the summit of Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam as well as in the Indo-Chinese Peninsula. There are two ways to conquer the majestic peak: trekking through the forest for 2 days or taking the cable car with some climbing activities for 3 hours.
If you choose the first option, make sure to have hiking/trekking buddies with you to keep you motivated throughout the entire journey. On the trail, you will come across scenic views, simple cottages, dense bamboo valleys, etc. Book a guided tour so that you will not get lost in the woods. Additionally, make sure to have all your hiking gear, food, weatherproof garments, and essentials ready in a backpack before embarking on this challenge.
Best Times to Visit Sapa
Given that it’s strategically located in the northern province of Vietnam, Sapa experiences four seasons throughout the year. On certain days, the locals even get to enjoy 4 seasons in a day – spring in the morning, summer at noon with sunshine, fall in the evening with light fog and mist, and early winter at night where the temperature can reach around 14°C to 15°C.
The best times for travelling to Sapa are the months from March through May or September through November. Tourists will be able to enjoy a pleasant stay with a balance of sunshine and breeze. 
