Sa Pa District is located in Lao Cai Province, north-west Vietnam, and 350 km north-west of Hanoi, close to the border with China. Sapa is famous both for its fine, rugged scenery and for its rich cultural diversity. French used to consider Sapa as Summer Capital of Northern Vietnam in the early decades of the 20th century. Its naturally gifted beauty keeps attracting more and more people to spend their vacation there since then. Particularly, the place is the foremost choice for honeymoon couples!
Bac Ha MarketThere are many trees around Bac Ha, and in the spring the countryside is white with blossoms. It Every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the biggest fair near the mountainous highlands and the Chinese border is a trading centre and meeting place for couples, friends, and relatives, and it is a typical weekly activity for the H’Mong and other minority groups living in the locality. Local products for sale or barter are carried on horseback.At the fair, adventurous gastronomes can try thang co blood porridge, a popular dish of the H’Mong and other local people.
Legend has it that in the distance past, all animals lived together in a chaotic environment. One day, Jade Emperor gave an order that every species of animal had to find for them an area to live. Having heard the order, they scrambled for a place to reside. The three brothers of dragon who were living in a large lake hurriedly ran to the east but could not find any place; they then ran to the west.
Fansipan Moutain (3,143m), accross the valley from Sapa, is Vietnam’s highest peak and a popular expedition for those willing to brave its deceptively steep slopes. The trail starts at the pink building just 1km before Tram Ton Pass. From that permit checkpoint, it is a 3 - 4hr like up to the base camp (2,200m). Everyone sleeps in the small hut at base camp, and you will be provided with a sleeping bag. The base camp has a makeshift bar and a river, where you can take a cold bath. Typically, trekkers reach the summit and return to base camp on the second day. The steep, muddy trail travels through the jungle and bamboo forest, and ropes have been set up on the larger rock faces. The round - trip from base camp to the summit takes roughly 8hr and there are great vatage points along the way. On top, you can take a picture holding the Vietnamese flag. On the third day, one generally leaves base camp on a different route, heading down to Sin Chai, where a jeep or motorbike will pick you up and bring you back to Sapa.
