From mountain adventures to spa indulgences, here’s everything you need for a dreamy getaway in Sapa, Vietnam.
It could be the stunning terraced rice fields, or the captivating views of Hoàng Liên Son Mountain ranges that lure travellers to this northern town way up in the clouds of Vietnam. Unlike its counterparts like Hue and Danang with their laidback charm and bustling energy, Sapa enchants with its serene landscapes and mountain vibes. No matter what, visitors leave Sapa mesmerised with its blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We take you through unforgettable things to do and the best hotels to stay in Sapa, Vietnam.
Guide to Sapa: A dream destination for nature lovers
Accessible only via train or private transfer, Sapa’s remote destination is the gateway to breathtaking landscapes and an immersion into the lives of indigenous hill tribes like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. Famous for stunning trekking routes, mist-laden valleys and scenic mountain vistas, Sapa needs to be on your travel radar if you love to connect with nature.
The secluded destination aside, Sapa offers an incredible selection of accommodations for all price tags, fresh wholesome fare and once-in-a-lifetime destination activities that will surely put a spark into your socials.
Where to stay in Sapa: From 5-star hotels to mountain escapes
1. Hotel de la Coupole, Sapa
As far as hotels go, I don’t think it gets much better than Hotel de la Coupole located in the heart of Sapa town. This vibrant fusion of French sophistication and local ethnic heritage has been designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley and the hotel’s decor is nothing short of a visual feast.
My spacious elegant bedroom featured gold and black tonnes for as far as the eye could see, with my balcony overlooking the hotel’s inner workings and gardens of what can only be described as a ‘palace in the clouds’.
Guests can indulge in the hotel’s luxurious amenities like Nuages Spa, where traditional treatments like the Red Dao Herbal Bath and traditional massages help weary travellers like me unwind from a day of hiking. The heated indoor pool, surrounded by whimsical decor that looked straight out of a Baz Luhrmann movie set, is a stunning highlight.
Hotel de la Coupole, Sapa, 1, Hoang Lien Street Sapa District Lao Cai Province
2. Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa
Way up high in the clouds of Sapa you’ll be glad to discover the serenity of Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa. It’s a luxe escape with stunning views of the Hoàng Liên Son mountains – perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. The resort combines French colonial elegance with traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with spacious rooms featuring private balconies, allowing guests to nestle into Sapa’s serene, misty landscapes.
For relaxation and entertainment, the resort’s onsite spa provides a range of treatments, while the indoor pool, gym and sauna will leave visitors feeling revitalised and ready to venture into Sapa’s great outdoors. Make sure to check out the Diva Karaoke room if you’re feeling like belting out a tune.
Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa, Doi Quan 6, Group 5, Sapa, Lao Cai
3. BB Hotel Sapa
Located in Sapa’s vibrant centre, BB Hotel Sapa effortlessly blends all the creature comforts of home with convenience. This international hotel features 57 rooms across five categories: Superior, Deluxe, Executive Suite, Corner Suite, and Family, catering to every need. For those wanting it all at their fingertips, there’s an on-site spa, and restaurant dishing up local and international faves.
But what’s even better is the chance to step onto your own private balcony and immerse in the authentic life of Sapa, with stunning views of the town square. BB Hotel Sapa offers all the mod cons but best of all, you’re only a minute away from the Muong Hoa Mountain Train that operates from Sapa town to the Fansipan Legend Cable Car Station.
BB Hotel Sapa, No 008, Cau May St, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
4. Chau Long Hotel
This well-established retreat, designed to resemble a castle no less, is the ideal mountain escape from Sapa’s hustle and bustle. Incredible views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Muong Hoa Valley aside, Chau Long Sapa Hotel should be the number one choice for nature lovers.
The wide choice of room designs offers something for every traveller, private balconies, and large windows that frame the breathtaking scenery (tick!). Guests can indulge in scrummy Vietnamese and international fare at Skyview restaurant where the friendly staff can organise trekking tours and local excursions to work off dinner. We think Chau Long Sapa Hotel is ideal for travellers looking for affordable, pano-beauty in Sapa.
Chau Long Hotel, 24 Dong Loi Street, Sapa
5. Viettrekking Sapa
VietTrekking Sapa Hotel offers sweeping views of Sapa’s mountain landscapes and terraced rice fields – perfect for nature lovers seeking comfort, adventure and great food. That’s what we’re talking about! Not only are rooms affordable, but they’re also stylish, each featuring large windows or balconies that showcase the valley’s beauty.
The hotel also provides trekking tours and local experiences, ideal for guests who want to explore and immerse in Sapa’s rich culture and natural surroundings. Hungry? Step right into the restaurant which offers wholesome Vietnamese delights.
Viettrekking Sapa, 33 Hoang Lien, Phan Si Pang Ward, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
6. Sapa Highland Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for modern comfort, that won’t break the bank then Sapa Highland Resort & Spa should be on your radar. The rooms are spacious, with rustic wood finishes and large windows that showcase stunning views and misty hills. Pure bliss! Guests rave about the Highland Spa, which offers rejuvenating treatments ideal for relaxing after a day of trekking through the mountains. There’s also a gym and indoor pool in case you feel like recharging onsite while the restaurant serves a mix of fresh local and international dishes.
Sapa Highland Resort & Spa, No. 07 Thac Bac Street, Group 5, Sapa District, Lao Cai Province
Where to eat in Sapa: Authentic local food and sophisticated Vietnamese fare
7. Chic
The name says it all, Chic at Hotel de la Coupole MGallery is every bit its namesake. Think elevated French culinary elegance blended perfectly with local Vietnamese flavours. The restaurant’s sky-high ceilings and the theatrical interior, inspired by 1920s Parisian glamour, set the luxurious stage.
Indulge in a carefully curated menu featuring French-Vietnamese fusion dishes crafted with the freshest regional ingredients. Must-tries include delicate Sapa trout ceviche to more robust main courses like braised Sapa sturgeon in claypot and the chestnut cheesecake for dessert. When we say elevated dining, we’re not joking as Chic’s stunning views of the surrounding mountains do not disappoint.
Chic, Hotel de la Coupole, Sapa, 1, Hoang Lien Street Sapa District Lao Cai Province
8. Samu
Delivering a refined dining experience perfect for special occasions, Samu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and a contemporary take on Vietnamese fare. Expect local specialities like locally reared black pork or deep-fried sturgeon, alongside all your Vietnamese favourites. Don’t forget to tuck into the divine creme caramel dessert! The restaurant’s ambience screams elegance and is oh-so-inviting, with stunning local indigenous face decor adorning the walls.
Samu, Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa, Doi Quan 6, Group 5, Sapa, Lao Cai
9. Le Sapa Restaurant
Location, location! Le Sa Pa Restaurant is right smack in the heart of town and is every bit as inviting as it is surprising. You’ll be delighted by the authentic Vietnamese flavours and creative presentations. For starters, try the creamy soup served inside a pumpkin bowl. The menu celebrates local ingredients, with standout dishes like grilled salmon, cheesy bread, pomelo salad, and traditional meat hotpot, making Le Sapa restaurant a surefire dining spot to replenish after a hard day’s trekking.
Le Sapa Restaurant, 18 Fansipan, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai
10. Indigo
Indigo is perfect for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, that’s also easy on the wallet. Known for its flavourful hotpots, fresh spring rolls, and traditional soups, Indigo uses locally sourced ingredients to deliver a genuine taste of Sapa. Alongside the warm hospitality and charming rustic decor, Indigo is the perfect spot to unwind, meet new friends, and take in the lively ambience after a day exploring Sapa.
Indigo, số 023 Đồng Lợi, Sapa, Lào Cai
Things to do in Sapa: From hiking tours to iconic destinations
11. Fansipan Sun World
We aren’t kidding when we tell you this is an iconic destination. Fansipan Sun World in Sapa blends natural beauty with cultural experiences. Equal parts religious shrine and cultural theme park, Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina” and Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 3,143 metres, is a destination site that is every bit as incredible as its photos.
In 2016, the introduction of the Guinness World Record-breaking cable car (which spans 6,282 metres and climbs nearly 1,410 metres in height) cut the journey time to the summit from two days to just 15 minutes, making it accessible to over 1 million visitors each year.
Trust me when I say the views from the cable car are unparalleled. Once you reach the top, be prepared for the sweeping sights of the Hoang Lien Son mountains, rice terraces, and cloud-covered valleys that’ll take your breath away.
Grab lunch and coffee, light an incense, and take your time to breathe it all in because Sun World offers a cultural immersion. Vibrant pagodas, Buddha statues, and traditional Hmong performances are highlights of the area’s ethnic heritage.
Fansipan Sun World, Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Sapa, Vietnam
12. Rong May Glass Bridge
Famously known as Sapa Glass Bridge, Rong May Glass Bridge offers a breathtaking experience high above Vietnam’s stunning Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Located near O Quy Ho Pass and roughly 17 kilometres from the centre of Sapa, this architectural marvel spans over 500 metres above ground level.
Visitors can access it via a unique glass elevator, tucked away in the rock formation, that offers panoramic views on the ascent. Translated to “Dragon in the Clouds,” Rong May Glass Bridge provides an exhilarating way to oversee the misty peaks and valleys from a stunning vantage point, making for a thrilling experience as you take in the sights from this transparent walkway. Not only will this bridge test your courage, but it will also give you an unforgettable chance to experience Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes from way up high in the clouds.
Rong May Glass Bridge, Road No.4, Son Binh commune, Tam Duong district, Lao Cai province
13. O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Ho Pass is a must-see when visiting Sapa. Often called the “Cloudy Pass,” this stunning mountain trail connects the provinces of Lai Chau and Lao Cai. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the pass is surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks and valleys that go for days. At 2,000 metres above sea level, the panoramic views change dramatically with the seasons – think lush greenery in summer, a mystical foggy ambience in winter, and blooming flowers in spring.
Travellers are drawn here not just for the scenery but for the thrilling journey along winding mountain roads either on scooters, cars or guided in buses, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers. But get ready for popping ears!
14. Hmong village trekking tours
By now you’ll be getting the message that Sapa offers some of the best trekking experiences in Southeast Asia. Without a doubt, the views rock alongside the authentic cultural encounters with the Hmong villagers and other ethnic minorities which are equally fun too. The trekking trails, which wind through lush terraced rice fields and misty mountains, offer glimpses of the Muong Hoa Valley’s stunning landscape.
Treks can range from half-day hikes to multi-day journeys that take you into remote villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van. As you walk, you’ll meet Hmong locals dressed in traditional attire, many eager to share their heritage and sell you their clothes and crafts. Remember to barter and take home some cool souvenirs. Most hotels & accommodations offer trekking services or can arrange for a local guide.
15. Red Dao Herbal Bath
With all that walking, hiking and exploring, my absolute favourite wellness recommendation is to ease into a Red Doa Herbal bath after a long day and let this invigorating local experience immerse you in the traditional healing practices of local Red Dao people.
Held in large wooden tubs, the bath is infused with a blend of local herbs, handpicked from the forested hills around Sapa. These herbs, steeped in hot water, release a deeply earthy, medicinal aroma that fills the air, creating an ambience sure to soothe aching muscles and tired minds. As you sink into the warm, herbal-infused water, you’ll feel your tension melt away, and your body absorbing the therapeutic benefits of the herbs. Pure Zen!
This ritual is not only a cultural immersion but a restorative one that many local hotels and spas offer, alongside the Hmong villagers from their houses. A must-do in Sapa! Most of the larger hotels & accommodations in Sapa can arrange for a local red dao bath experience.
So, are you ready to escape to the clouds and soak in Sapa’s magic?
How to get there from Singapore
Fly from Singapore to Sapa: Fly from Singapore Changi Airport to Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport). Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, VietJet Air, and Scoot offer daily flights between these two cities (duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes).
Travel from Hanoi to Sapa: You can take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, approximately 8 hours, followed by an hour bus or taxi to Sapa. Or take a direct bus from Hanoi to Sapa, which will take from five to six hours. My recommendation? Opt for a private car or transfer—it’s pricier but offers greater flexibility, making it perfect for groups, tours, or families.
Sapa fact box
Visa: Singaporeans can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Other nationalities should check visa requirements before entry.
Language: Vietnamese (English is widely understood in tourist areas)
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone: GMT+7 (1 hour behind Singapore)
Weather: The best time to visit is between March and May or September and November when the weather is mild. Bring warm clothes, as Sapa can be chilly year-round.
