It feels like stepping into another world when you arrive in Sapa.
When I planned my Vietnam trip, I thought Hanoi would be the highlight. The street food, the busy streets, the train, and that Bún Chả place Obama and Anthony Bourdain raved about eight years ago (I can confirm that it’s worth it). But the place that truly stayed with me was Sapa. Tucked high in the mountains of northern Vietnam, this small town is often covered in fog and known as the land of mist.
I went during the first week of October, right in the middle of fall. It was drizzling most days, the air was cold, and the clouds hung low over the valleys but the weather added charm. Sapa makes you slow down.
Climbing Fansipan
The best part of the trip was the Fansipan tour. Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and all of Indochina, which includes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It stands at 3,147.3 meters (10,326 feet) above sea level and is often called the Roof of Indochina.
Our trip started at Sapa Station, where a short tram took us to a garden filled with flowers, temples, and stone sculptures. Even at the base, the fog was thick, giving everything a magical feel. From there, we took the cable car, about a 20-minute ride through the clouds. Sometimes you could see rice terraces and waterfalls below, other times the world disappeared completely into a white mist.
At the top, another tram took us close to the summit. We reached the peak just in time for the flag-raising ceremony. Watching the Vietnamese flag rise slowly through the fog felt emotional. It showed how proud the people are of their history and identity. (Vietnam declared its independence from French rule in September 1945, and the red flag with the yellow star has since stood for unity and freedom.)
Drying corn, a traditional method of storing food in mountain villages
The higher you go, the colder it gets
Walking through Cat Cat Village
A few kilometers from town is Cat Cat Village, home to the H’mong people (one of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups.) The H’mong have lived in the northern mountains for centuries and are known for their bright, handmade clothes and traditional crafts.
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The walk down to the village is steep and lined with small shops selling embroidered bags, scarves, and silver jewelry. There are cafes overlooking the waterfalls, where you can drink Vietnamese coffee and watch the mist roll through the valley. Some travelers rent H’mong costumes for photos, others take aesthetic photos by the bridges (like I did)
If you walk a little farther, you’ll see wooden houses and villagers going about their day as they always have. It’s quiet and peaceful.
If you’re up for something more active (like we were), try the rainbow slide that runs down the hillside, it’s quick, fun, exhilarating, and a one of a kind break from walking. There’s also an alpine coaster that lets you control your speed as you twist down the slopes. Both are great if you like a bit of adventure mixed in with sightseeing.
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Food and the locals
Vietnamese cuisine is for me, the definition of comfort. Think bowls of hot pho with light broth, crispy spring rolls, spicy sauces, and strong coffee. My favorite snack is the chestnut cake, Sapa’s local delicacy mostly sold in the streets. It’s warm, sweet, and nutty, perfect for the cold weather.
But what I remember most are the people. Our BnB host was incredibly kind, always checking on us, giving us fresh towels and bottled water. Every morning, we woke up to clouds drifting right outside our balcony; it felt unreal.
Even our taxi driver became a highlight. He didn’t speak much English, but he used Google Translate to explain directions and waited for us patiently during our visit to Cat Cat Village. He gave us a fair rate, but we ended up tipping him more because he was so kind and sincere. Moments like that made the trip special.
Why you should visit Sapa
Sapa is about six hours from Hanoi by sleeper bus, and the ride itself is part of the experience. The road climbs through mountains and valleys, and when you arrive, it’s like stepping into another world.
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, don’t stop at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City only. Go north. Visit Sapa. Ride the Fansipan cable car, explore Cat Cat Village, try the chestnut pancake, and meet the people who make this mountain town so warm despite its misty weather.
Sapa surprised me and I think it will surprise you too.
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