• 🌾 1. Trek the Rice Terraces of Muong Hoa Valley
• 🏘️ 2. Explore Local Villages: Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van
• 🚠 3. Ride the Fansipan Cable Car – Reach the Roof of Indochina
• 🌉 4. Conquer the Cloud Dragon Skywalk – Sapa’s Glass Bridge Adventure
• 🎢 5. Ride the Sapa Alpine Coaster – Vietnam’s Scenic Mountain Ride
• 📸 6. Visit Moana Sapa – Sapa’s Most Instagrammable Photo Park
• 🌄 7. Climb Ham Rong Mountain – A Scenic Escape Right in Sapa Town
• 🧵 8. Shop Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs – Support Sapa’s Indigenous Communities
• 🚶 9. Stroll Around Sapa City Centre – Charming Streets, Local Life, and Misty Vibes
• ☕ BONUS: Watch the Mountain Tram from Viettrekking Café – Chill Views with a Warm Drink
• Final Thoughts: Why Sapa Is Worth the Journey

If you’re dreaming of cool mountain weather, breathtaking rice terraces, and a mix of nature and culture, Sapa, Vietnam is calling your name. This charming highland town in northern Vietnam is perfect for both laid-back travelers and thrill-seekers!

Jam and I visited Sapa during the first week of April, and the weather surprised us — it was cold, foggy, and beautifully moody. Temperatures ranged from 3°C to 10°C, so if you’re planning to go around the same time, make sure to pack warm clothes, jackets, and a good pair of shoes for trekking.

Despite the fog, Sapa’s beauty still shined through — from quiet mornings wrapped in mist to jaw-dropping landscapes waiting just beyond the clouds. Here’s our handpicked list of the top things to do in Sapa that you shouldn’t miss!

🌾 1. Trek the Rice Terraces of Muong Hoa Valley

If there’s one thing that truly defines Sapa — it’s the breathtaking rice terraces of Muong Hoa Valley. Imagine layers upon layers of green or golden steps carved into the mountains, as far as your eyes can see. It’s peaceful, surreal, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

During our trip, we were excited to include this in our itinerary, but unfortunately, the cold and thick fog during our stay in early April made it difficult to do the trek safely. Temperatures dropped to around 3°C, and visibility was low — so we decided to save this experience for next time.

Still, we caught glimpses of the valley from Sapa town, and even those foggy snapshots looked like a dreamy painting!

This valley is home to ethnic minority villages like Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Y Linh Ho, which are usually reached on foot. Many travelers opt for guided treks that pass through scenic trails, hanging bridges, rice paddies, and traditional homes — all while getting to know the culture of the local Hmong and Dzay people.

🥾 Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes! There are easy to moderate trekking routes, and local guides adjust the pace based on your preference.

🗓️ Best time to trek:

• May to June – Rice planting season (lush green)

• September to October – Harvest season (golden yellow terraces)

📍 How to do it:
Start from Sapa town and trek downhill toward the villages. It’s highly recommended to go with a local guide, not just for safety but also for cultural insights and hidden scenic spots.

💡 Tips:
Don’t underestimate the weather. Always check the forecast, wear layered clothing, and bring a poncho and good trekking shoes. If the fog’s too thick, it’s okay to adjust your plans — the valley will be there next time. 😉

🏘️ 2. Explore Local Villages: Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van

One of the best ways to experience Sapa’s charm is by visiting its ethnic minority villages — where culture, scenery, and tradition beautifully blend. Even if you’re not into long treks, exploring at least one village is a must.

We visited Cat Cat Village, just 15–20 minutes away from Sapa Town. Luckily, the fog cleared up during our visit, and we finally enjoyed cool, crisp mountain air and clear views of the surrounding rice terraces. The village is a bit touristy but packed with charm — think waterfalls, wooden houses, bamboo bridges, rice fields, and local crafts.

A popular activity here is renting traditional Hmong clothing for that full cultural photo experience. Outfits are vibrant, intricately designed, and perfect for those IG-worthy shots. Rental prices start at ₫300,000 and up (around ₱720+), especially for women’s clothing which includes hairstyling services with traditional accessories.

👘 Jam & Gelo Tip:
💡 Rent inside the village, not near the entrance. The clothes can be heavy, and you’ll be required to return them to the same shop. Since the exit point is different from the entrance, you’ll save yourself the hassle of walking all the way back just to return the outfit.

👟 Also, wear comfortable shoes! There’s a lot of walking — uphill, downhill, and through cobbled paths. Stylish OOTDs are fun, but comfort is key if you want to enjoy the whole experience without sore feet.

We booked our Cat Cat Village tour via Klook, and it made the process stress-free — from entrance coordination to insights from a local guide. Highly recommended if you want a smooth and informative visit.

🎟️ Book the same Cat Cat Village experience here:
👉 Cat Cat Village Day Tour via Klook
(Affiliate link – booking through this supports our blog at no extra cost to you!)

We originally planned to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van as well, but due to the earlier cold and foggy weather, we decided to skip those for safety. These villages are best reached via trekking or guided tours and offer a more off-the-grid, homestay-type experience — something we’re saving for our next visit!

📍 How to Get There:

• Cat Cat Village – 15–20 mins walk or a quick motorbike ride from Sapa Town

• Lao Chai & Ta Van – Typically accessed via guided treks or tour vans

🚠 3. Ride the Fansipan Cable Car – Reach the Roof of Indochina

If there’s one must-do experience in Sapa that combines thrill, scenery, and convenience — it’s riding the Fansipan Cable Car. Known as the “Roof of Indochina,” this is your chance to stand at 3,143 meters above sea level, the highest point in Vietnam!

It’s one of the most scenic cable car rides in Asia, with views of lush valleys, rice terraces, and clouds blanketing the mountains. Even with a bit of fog (which is common in Sapa), the ride is nothing short of magical.

🚉 How We Got There:
We started our journey at the Sun Plaza Station in Sapa Town (that beautiful yellow European-style building). From there, we boarded the Muong Hoa mountain tram, which took us to the Fansipan Cable Car base station. It was a short but scenic ride, passing through tunnels and lush greenery.

Then, we boarded the Fansipan Cable Car, which brought us high up into the clouds in about 15 minutes. At the upper station, we hopped on the Peak Rail Funicular, which took us closer to the summit. From there, a few stair climbs led us to giant Buddha statues, temples, and that feeling of being on top of the world!

🎟️ Tickets and Booking Info:
We booked our tickets in advance via Klook, and it was super convenient — one QR code for everything!

Here’s what our combo ticket included:

• ✅ 2-way Muong Hoa Mountain Tram

• ✅ 2-way Fansipan Cable Car

• ✅ 1-way Peak Rail Funicular going up (you can hike or buy a return ticket going down)

Total price: ₫1,000,000 (~₱2,406 PHP) per person
👉 Book it here via Klook (affiliate link – helps support our blog at no extra cost to you!)

🧾 Alternative Option:
You can buy tickets separately on-site. But honestly, since we were riding all of these anyway, booking a combo ticket via Klook saved us time and avoided long queues — highly recommended!

💡 Jam & Gelo Tips:

• Dress warm — it was freezing (3–5°C) at the summit during our April visit!

• Go early for the best chance at a clear view.

• The Sun Plaza interior is gorgeous — take some photos before you start the ride!

Even though we caught fog at the summit, it gave everything a mystical vibe. The towering Buddha statue disappearing into the clouds? Definitely a moment we won’t forget.

🌉 4. Conquer the Cloud Dragon Skywalk – Sapa’s Glass Bridge Adventure

If you’re up for a mix of thrill and breathtaking mountain views (plus a little foggy mystery), the Cloud Dragon Skywalk — or Cầu Kính Rồng Mây — is one of the most exciting attractions in Sapa. Located in the O Quy Ho Pass, this glass-bottom walkway sits on the edge of a cliff over 2,000 meters above sea level, offering dramatic views (if the fog gives way!).

We visited this as part of a half-day tour we booked via Klook, which also included a stop at the beautiful Silver Waterfall. It was still foggy when we went, so we couldn’t see far into the mountains — but that actually made it more thrilling! The dense mist gave the entire place a mysterious vibe, like we were walking in the clouds.

🌀 It was still foggy during our visit, but that only made things feel more surreal and dramatic.
🧍‍♀️ Jam was totally enjoying the glass walk, feeling the cold breeze and loving the unique vibe.
🧍‍♂️ Gelo, who’s slightly afraid of heights, took his time — but eventually got used to the bridge and was even smiling (and snapping photos) by the end.

📍 Location: Cloud Dragon Tourist Complex, O Quy Ho Pass (20–30 mins from Sapa Town)
🏞️ Included in the site:

• ✅ Cloud Dragon Glass Skywalk – the famous glass-bottom bridge

• ✅ Dragon Rainbow Bridge – a scenic arch bridge with colorful railings

• ✅ Glass Elevator – lifts you up the cliffside for more views

• ✅ Walking platforms, mountain-view cafes, and more

🎟️ You can book the same tour we did via Klook:
👉 Cloud Dragon Skywalk + Silver Waterfall Tour
(Affiliate link – helps support our blog at no extra cost!)

✅ Includes:

• Roundtrip transport from Sapa Town

• Glass Skywalk + Dragon Rainbow Bridge + Elevator access

• Silver Waterfall stop

• Lonely Tree Viewpoint

• Local tour guide

🚗 You can go DIY with Grab or a rented motorbike, but booking a tour made it easier, especially with the weather and road conditions.

💡 Jam & Gelo Tips:

• Wear comfy, grippy shoes — glass and concrete get slippery when wet.

• Bring light layers — even in April, it was cold and windy in the pass.

• Make time for the Dragon Rainbow Bridge too! It’s in the same complex and offers a more colorful, less intimidating photo option than the glass floor.

• The Lonely Tree is just along the mountain ridge — quiet, photogenic, and symbolic. Worth a short stop!

Even though we didn’t catch full views because of the fog, this entire trip to O Quy Ho Pass gave us a perfect mix of thrill and tranquility. Whether it’s walking above the clouds, chasing waterfalls, or standing still by the Lonely Tree — this is Sapa at its most poetic.

🎢 5. Ride the Sapa Alpine Coaster – Vietnam’s Scenic Mountain Ride

Looking for something thrilling but beginner-friendly? Don’t skip the Sapa Alpine Coaster — a gravity-powered ride that zooms through forest paths, tunnels, and hillside tracks, giving you a mix of adrenaline and fresh mountain air!

This two-seater coaster is perfect for couples or friends. You sit side by side and control the speed yourself using a simple hand brake. It’s up to you — go slow for the views or full throttle for the thrill!

🧍‍♂️ Gelo was in control… and went full speed from the start!
🧍‍♀️ Jam, sitting beside him, was lowkey freaking out (in a fun way) — laughing and shouting “slow down!” while clinging to the handles. 😂
When we got to the bottom, we were offered a discounted second ride — and because we enjoyed it so much, we didn’t even think twice. We went again!

📍 Location: Along Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street, near central Sapa Town (not beside Fansipan Cable Car)
🧭 View on Google Maps

🕒 Ride Duration: 10-15 minutes (depending on how fast you go)
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Seats 2 people per cart — perfect for couples or barkadas

💸 Ticket Price:

• ₫200,000 per person (~₱430 PHP)

• After our first ride, they offered a discounted second round — which was a great deal!

💡 Jam & Gelo Tips:

• You control the coaster using hand levers — push forward to go, pull back to brake.

• If you’re filming, use a chest mount or strap — you’ll want your hands free.

• It’s a great side trip if you’re staying near town — no long travel required!

This ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our Sapa trip. The first ride had us laughing so hard, and the second was even better because we already knew the curves. If you’re in town and want a short but thrilling experience, don’t miss the Sapa Alpine Coaster!

📸 6. Visit Moana Sapa – Sapa’s Most Instagrammable Photo Park

If you’re looking for a place in Sapa where every corner is designed for photos, Moana Sapa is a popular choice. It’s a curated outdoor photo park filled with Bali-inspired installations, scenic viewpoints, and mountain backdrops — especially beautiful on clear days.

We actually had Moana Sapa on our list, but during our trip, the weather was consistently foggy, and we felt it wouldn’t be worth visiting when the views were completely covered. Since the main highlight of the park is its open scenery and mountain views, we decided to skip it this time.

Interestingly, we could see Moana Sapa from our hotel! When the fog cleared up just a little, we caught glimpses of the giant hand structure and swing from afar — so in a way, we still got to see it (kind of 😄).

🏞️ What You’ll See at Moana Sapa (on a clear day):

• ✋ A giant hand sculpture reaching toward the sky

• 💞 Heart-shaped arches, swings, and ring frames

• 🪨 Infinity stone gates and other modern photo zones

• 🗻 Background: The Fansipan mountain range (when skies are clear)

📍 Location: About 10 minutes by car from Sapa Town
💸 Entrance Fee: ₫80,000 (~₱190 PHP) per person
🕒 Best time to visit: Late morning to golden hour, especially on clear days

💡 Jam & Gelo Notes:

• This spot is best visited when skies are clear, as the view of Fansipan Mountain makes a huge difference in your photos.

• It’s great for travelers who love taking stylish travel shots — but consider skipping if the weather is very foggy, like it was during our stay.

• We could see the park from our hotel window — so even without going in, we still enjoyed a little preview from afar!

We’re saving Moana Sapa for our next visit — hopefully with better weather. It definitely looks like a fun stop when the conditions are right, and we’re excited to return for the full experience!

🌄 7. Climb Ham Rong Mountain – A Scenic Escape Right in Sapa Town

If you’re staying in Sapa Town and looking for a nearby nature spot with panoramic views, Ham Rong Mountain (Dragon’s Jaw Mountain) is one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in the area. Located just behind the iconic Sapa Stone Church, it’s an easy walk from most hotels — no long drives needed!

The trail leads you through flower gardens, stone paths, rock formations, and viewing decks with 360° views of Sapa Town and the Fansipan mountain range — on a clear day, that is.

🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️ During our trip, we had planned to visit Ham Rong, but sadly, the weather was too foggy. Since the main attraction is the view from the top, we decided to skip it. Visibility was so low that we wouldn’t have seen much — just thick clouds and mist.
Still, we’re keeping it on our list for our next visit, because it looks absolutely stunning when the skies are clear.

📍 Location: Behind Sapa Stone Church — walking distance from most hotels in Sapa Town
🕒 Estimated duration: 1 to 2 hours roundtrip
💸 Entrance Fee: ₫70,000 (~₱165 PHP) per person

💡 Jam & Gelo Tips (for your future trip):

• Best visited on clear weather days — fog will block most of the scenic views

• Wear comfy walking shoes, as the path includes stairs and rocky areas

• Bring a jacket, water, and your camera — especially during spring when flowers are in bloom

• Try going in the morning or late afternoon for softer lighting and fewer tourists

We may have missed it this time, but if you’re lucky with good weather, Ham Rong Mountain is a peaceful and scenic escape right in town — a perfect half-day activity for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a bird’s-eye view of Sapa.

🧵 8. Shop Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs – Support Sapa’s Indigenous Communities

One of the most meaningful things you can do as a traveler in Sapa is to support the local ethnic minority groups by buying their handcrafted products. From handwoven scarves and bags to embroidered clothing, silver jewelry, and herbal products, each item reflects the unique culture, artistry, and stories of the people who live here — particularly the Hmong, Dao, and Tay communities.

You’ll see many of these items being sold in Cat Cat Village, the Sapa Night Market, and small roadside stalls along the trek routes. What makes it special is that many of the sellers are also the makers — often working with traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations.

📍 Where to Shop:

• Sapa Night Market (next to the Stone Church)

• Cat Cat Village stalls

• Roadside shops along trekking routes to Lao Chai and Ta Van

• Specialty stores with fixed prices, if you prefer not to haggle

💸 Price Range:

• Small items like bracelets: ₫30,000–₫50,000 (~₱70–₱120)

• Scarves, bags, and textiles: ₫100,000–₫300,000+ (~₱240–₱720+)

Tip: Haggling is common, but always be respectful — every purchase supports local livelihoods.

Shopping in Sapa isn’t just about souvenirs — it’s about connecting with the culture and supporting communities that have been crafting by hand for generations. Your purchase might be small, but for many local families, it means a lot.

🚶 9. Stroll Around Sapa City Centre – Charming Streets, Local Life, and Misty Vibes

Sometimes, the best way to experience a new place is by simply walking around with no fixed plan — and in Sapa, that’s exactly what we did. Sapa Town may be small, but it has a lot of charm. The foggy streets, old colonial-style buildings, and cozy shops make for a beautiful atmosphere, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

We enjoyed walking along Xuân Viên Street, passing by local markets, small cafés, and souvenir shops. The famous Sapa Stone Church stands right in the center, often surrounded by street performers, vendors, and lively night market stalls in the evening.

📍 Where to Walk:

• Around Sapa Stone Church and the Night Market

• Along Xuân Viên and Fansipan streets

• Sun Plaza area – with its iconic yellow building and view of the Muong Hoa Tram

• Small alleys that lead to hidden cafés and view decks

💡 Jam & Gelo Tips:

• Bring an umbrella or rain jacket — the weather changes quickly

• Try some local street snacks like grilled skewers, sweet potatoes, and chestnuts

• Watch your step — the streets can be a little steep and slippery when wet

• Nighttime strolls are magical too — with fog, lights, and music from nearby cafés

Walking around Sapa’s town center gave us a deeper feel of the place — slow, peaceful, and quietly beautiful. It’s the kind of stroll that doesn’t need a checklist — just time, curiosity, and maybe a cup of hot tea in hand.

☕ BONUS: Watch the Mountain Tram from Viettrekking Café – Chill Views with a Warm Drink

After a day of fog, trekking, or sightseeing, sometimes the best thing to do in Sapa is… just sit back and enjoy the view. One of our favorite laid-back experiences was spending a slow afternoon at Viettrekking Café, a cozy and well-known spot with amazing views of the Muong Hoa Valley — and the iconic mountain tram passing through.

The café sits right above the Muong Hoa railway line that connects Sun Plaza to the Fansipan Cable Car station, and every so often, the red and yellow tram glides through the pine-covered hillside below. It’s such a peaceful, postcard-like moment — especially with the misty mountains in the background.

🧍‍♀️ Jam enjoyed her hot chocolate while waiting for the tram to pass.
🧍‍♂️ Gelo had his camera ready — trying to catch that perfect shot as the tram rolled through the fog.

📍 Location: Viettrekking Café, Hoàng Liên Street, Sapa Town
☕ Known for: Balcony seating, affordable drinks, and mountain views
🕒 Best time to go: Late morning or early afternoon — the fog sometimes clears just enough to reveal the tracks

💡 Jam & Gelo Tips:

• Try to time your visit — the tram passes every 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic

• Even if it’s foggy, the mystical mountain vibes are still amazing

• Grab a hot drink and a window seat — it’s a great way to rest while still enjoying the scenery

• Want the shot? Be camera-ready — the tram comes and goes quickly!

Whether you’re into train spotting, mountain photography, or just love cozy cafés with a view, watching the tram from Viettrekking Café is one of those quiet, underrated Sapa moments that leaves a lasting impression.

Sapa may be a small town tucked in Vietnam’s northern highlands, but it offers some of the most soul-refreshing experiences we’ve ever had — from dramatic mountain views and cultural encounters to quiet moments over hot tea in a foggy café.

Despite the weather not always being on our side, our time in Sapa reminded us that beauty can still be found in the mist, and that sometimes, slowing down is the best way to appreciate a place.

Whether you’re trekking through rice terraces, crossing a glass bridge in the clouds, soaking in the view from a mountaintop café, or simply wandering through town with no fixed plans — Sapa has a way of capturing your heart slowly and quietly.

We hope this guide helps you build your own unforgettable Sapa itinerary. And if you’re lucky to visit on a clear day — take in the views for us, too. ☁️🧡