① Vietnam’s Vacation Destinations
Vietnam has become a popular destination for Korean tourists. With the increase in travelers to Vietnam after COVID-19, cities like Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and others have gained popularity. Among them, Sapa in Vietnam, known as the “Alps of Southeast Asia,” has become a well-known tourist spot.
Sapa is a village located in the mountainous region in the northwest of Vietnam, at the northernmost tip of the country, near the border with China. It is home to ethnic minorities who live naturally, offering a different landscape from the city’s. They developed it as a highland resort during the French colonial period.
Like a village hidden in the mountains, Sapa sits surrounded by mountains that belong to the Hoang Lien Son range. It is also the location of Fansipan, the highest peak in the Indochina Peninsula. Sapa preserves the grandeur of the mountains and the natural beauty of the place. Many tourists visit Sapa to enjoy hiking and trekking.
Sapa is unique in that it occasionally snows, which is rare for the typically hot weather in Vietnam. Even if you visit in July or August, you will discover the relatively cool climate pleasantly.
To visit Sapa in Vietnam, you must first arrive in Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can take a bus or train to Sapa. The increase in tourists seeking Sapa has led to the launch of direct buses from Hanoi to Sapa. The journey takes about 4 hours by sleeping bus, and the bus fare is US$17. Bus travel is recommended because it takes more than 10 hours to get there by train. Sapa is also one of the honeymoon destinations that locals most desire to visit.
② Recommended Sapa Travel Course
In Sapa, you can enjoy a fulfilling trip just by looking at the natural scenery. Among them, the terraced rice fields of Cat Cat Village in Sapa, Vietnam, are the most famous. The village, located not far from downtown Sapa, is home to the Black Hmong, a minority in Vietnam.
When you visit Cat Cat Village, you will feel like you have entered another world. You can encounter amazing natural scenery. This place is also a representative walking course in Sapa. Walking along the terraced rice fields, you can glimpse the life of the ethnic minority. The sight of people wearing traditional Vietnamese hats and ethnic costumes is impressive.
They have set up various photo zones for tourists throughout the area. A giant photo zone that seems straight from the animation Howl’s Moving Castle also catches the eye. The actual scenery of the Vietnamese tourist spot, now called the “Alps of Southeast Asia.”
Fansipan is the highest point in Indochina, with an elevation of 3,143m (10,312 feet). To ascend Fansipan, you can either trek or take a tram or cable car to use the funicular. Because there is a climbing train, you don’t have to climb the mountain strenuously. Trekking in Fansipan takes more than 10 hours, so it’s difficult for beginners. Even for experts, thorough preparation is necessary before visiting.
A windmill park surrounds the Fansipan cable car station, captivating the eyes of tourists. When you get on the cable car, you can take in the landscape of Sapa at a glance, which will make you marvel. You can see the grand nature of Sapa with the terraced rice fields. Especially in Sapa, there are always clouds hanging over the mountaintops. When you see this mysterious sight, you naturally think of it as the Alps of Southeast Asia. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Hoang Lien Son range, offering a panoramic view.
However, if the weather is bad, riding the cable car can result in entirely blocked visibility, which can be dangerous. Therefore, exercising caution and checking the weather in advance is advisable before visiting Fansipan.
③ Exploring Ethnic Minority Markets
You can’t miss the ethnic minority markets in Sapa. The Hmong people sell handmade crafts across the street from the Sapa church. The handmade crafts that reflect the unique traditions of the Hmong people are also good souvenirs to commemorate your trip to Sapa. On weekends, night markets are held in Sapa. Various ethnic minorities in Sapa participate and sell their products.
Bac Ha Sunday Market, considered the most famous market in Sapa, is open only on Sundays. It is the largest and most renowned market in Bac Ha. It is a local market where various items such as fruits, vegetables, daily necessities, crafts, and clothes are sold. It’s also a fun time to get a glimpse of the lives of the locals.
While exploring the market, you can also taste various foods in Sapa. With so many things to see, you’ll lose track of time at the Bac Ha Sunday Market.
By. Kim Min Jae
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