Sapa & the Northern Highlands

Overview

Sapa sits at 1,500m in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, with valleys blanketed in Asia's most photogenic rice terraces.

What to Do

• Trek through Muong Hoa Valley to H'Mong and Dao villages
• Climb Fansipan (3,143m) — highest peak in Indochina
• Visit Bac Ha Sunday Market for ethnic minority traders
• Stay in a homestay in Cat Cat or Ta Van village

Best Time to Visit

September–October (golden rice terraces) or March–May (green fields).

Getting There

Overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Lao Cai then bus 38 km to Sapa.