Nestled in the northern mountains of Vietnam, Sapa City is a must-see for visitors to Vietnam due to its natural beauty, comfortable weather, and many attractions. In this article you will find the necessary information for a trip to this paradise.
Sapa is a small town in the mountains of Vietnam
Sapa is beautiful in different seasons. If you want to see the peach blossom you should come here in January or February, the pear blossom in March, in May you will see the water filling the rice terraces, the fruit season here lasts from June to August, and in September you can watch how farmers harvest from rice terraces.
Geographical position
Sapa is located in the province of Lao Cai, northwestern Vietnam, 380 km from Hanoi, near the border with China. Near Sapa rises the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan, whose height is 3143 m above sea level.
Sapa is a quiet, mountainous city, as well as a haven for a diverse ethnic group. The total population is 36 thousand people. Most of the locals work on the mountain slopes. The main products are rice and corn.
The geographical location of the area makes it a truly unique place for the growth of many unusual plants and exotic animals, which attracts many tourists.
The climate in the city is mild and rainy in summer (May-August), and foggy and cold in winter. The average annual temperature is +15.4 °C. It is warmest here in July and August, and coldest in December and January. Sapa has subtropical summers, mild winters and 160 days of fog.
The average annual rainfall in Sapa is 2763 mm, the humidity ranges from 75 to 91%, the average is 86% per year.
The rainy season lasts from May to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August.
The prevailing wind direction during most of the year is from west to east, which leads to the formation of clouds on the upper slopes of the Fansipan massif. These areas are covered with clouds most days of the year and have very high humidity. Clouds also penetrate the valleys, but these areas are usually less humid than the mountain slopes.
The main attractions of the city
Visiting any city means familiarity with its sights. Sapa in this regard can surprise even experienced tourists.
Be sure to visit these places:
Terraced fields are a feature of this area. Here the locals grow rice. Using the experience of previous generations, they were able to conduct water from the tops of the mountains to their foots without destroying the mountains themselves.
- Love Market. Various performances and shows are arranged here. He works on Saturday evenings.
- Mount Hamrong. The path leading to this mountain consists of many stone steps on a winding path. About half way you will come across an orchid garden with a wide variety of these plants. Standing on the highest point of Mount Hamrong, you will have a breathtaking view of the picturesque city of Sapa. In spring, the mountain is covered with bright flowers.
- Bak Ha Market. This is one of the most interesting ethnic markets in Vietnam and possibly all of Southeast Asia. Sunday is a market day in Bac Ha. On this day, locals gather here in huge crowds to share the latest news, gossip, as well as for shopping and a hearty meal.
- Lake Sapa is located in the heart of the city. On it you can ride a boat or just take a walk near it.
Catholic Church of the Holy Lady Rosary. Located in the very center of the city, built at the beginning of the 20th century. You can visit it for free, but only during the service.
