Sapa, Vietnam

Displayed:   times.

The mountain town of Sapa is an intriguing mix of landscapes, ethnic cultures and fresh mountain air. This remote corner of Vietnam was "discovered" by a Jesuit missionary in 1918. In the 1920s the nostalgic French decided to develop Sapa into replica of their European Alps. They constructed villas, a small hydroelectric station, a church, tennis courts, even an aerodrome. These all still remain in Sapa today.

Today, the town supports a population of about 3300 while the surrounding district is home to about 32000 people. Major ethnic groups to be found here are the H'mong, Red Zao, Xapho and Tai, complete with their largely untouched dress and customs. Sapa market on a Saturday or Sunday is a fantastic chance to see and compare the different cultures as the people descend upon the town to buy and sell their wares, conduct centuries old matchmaking rituals and other social customs. Looming over the valley and Sapa is Mount Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak at 3143m (10,312 feet). Sapa and the surrounding areas are excellent for hiking.

Source: http://www.discovermekong.com

Rate this tip:

Rate!

Add Comment >>

Your Name:

Your Comment:

General Tips about Vietnam

» Required travel documents for Vietnam
» Electric power
» Area code to Vietnam
» Clothes packing
» Unique Vietnamese Foods
» Internet access
» Telephone
» Mail
» Public transport
» Currency Exchange
» Shopping
» Electricity
» People
» Religion
» Health care
» Language
» Food
» Climate
» Local Time
» Vietnam National Parks
» Vungtau
» Vinhlong
» Tuyenquang
» Tayninh
» Songbe
» Soctrang
» Sapa
» Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City
» Quinhon
» Pleiku
» Phuquoc Island
» Phongtho
» Phongnha
» Phanthiet-Muine
» Ninhbinh
» Nhatrang
» Mytho
» Myson Holyland
» Mekong Delta
» Maichau
» Luang Prabang (Laos PDR)
» Laocai
» Langson
» LaiChau
» Kontum
» Hue
» Hoian
» Hoabinh
» Hatien
» Hatay
» Hanoi
» Halong Bay
» Haiphong
» Habac
» Fansipan Mount
» DMZ
» Dienbienphu
» Danang
» Dalat
» Cucphuong National Park
» Cuchi Tunnels
» Condao Islands
» Chaudoc
» Catba
» Caobang
» Cantho
» Camau
» Cairang
» Caibe
» Buonmathuot
» Bacninh
» Bacha
» Ba Be Lake National Park

   More travel tips about Vietnam