Located in Lao Cai province in the far north west of the country near the Chinese border, this old French hill station is home to many ethnic minority people, including the H’mong, Tay, Dao and Thai, whose markets and festivals add colour and character to the town. The Saturday love market in particular is a great tourist drawcard. The area has average annual temperarures of 18-28 degrees in the mountains, but the temperature can fall below zero in winter.

Love Market
An ancient tradition, where young ethnic minority people go to find a parther.

Surrounding Villages
Home to ethnic minorities who live the sam way they have done for centuries. Catch a xe om from town , or for the full mountain challenge trek there on foot.

Around Sapa

Bac Ha
Another important ethnic minority centre and increasingly popular as an alternative to Sapa -103km away .At 900m above sea level, it may be a bit warmer in the winter. Get there by minibus from Sapa.

Mount Fansipan
Exactly 3,143m high, it is the highest peak in Indochina. Five day trecks are available to climb it.