VN · Lao Cai · 22.34°N 103.84°E

sapa

Rice terraces, cool mountain air and homestays in the far north.

Best time
September and October for golden rice terraces; March to May for clear, mild days. Winters are cold.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
From Hanoi, about 5–6 hours by bus on the expressway, or the overnight train to Lao Cai.
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VN · Lao Caisapa22.34°N 103.84°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Rice terraces, cool mountain air and homestays in the far north.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSapaVN, Lao Cai
KLsapa
≈ 2,148 km from KL, as the crow flies
Một phần thị trấn Sa Pa (Lao Cai, Việt Nam)

Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên · Public domain

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A mountain town in Vietnam's far north, surrounded by terraced rice fields and villages of the Hmong and Dao peoples.

Makan

  1. Salmon hotpotFish farmed in the cold mountain water, cooked at the table.Map ↗
  2. Night grillsSkewers and sticky rice in bamboo at the street stalls.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Village treksWalks through the rice terraces to Lao Chai and Ta Van.Map ↗
  2. FansipanA cable car to the highest peak in Indochina.Map ↗
  3. Muong Hoa ValleyThe valley of terraces below the town.Map ↗
  4. Cat Cat villageAn easy walk down from town.Map ↗

Where to stay

In Sapa town, or a night at a village homestay.

Good to know

  • Hire a local guide for the treks.
  • Bring warm layers in winter; it can get close to freezing.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.