Showing posts with label sapa. Show all posts
Located in the Lao Cai province of Vietnam, the North Western town of Sapa has become very popular with tourists in recent years. This is largely due to its cool, pleasant climate and picturesque scenery which is unique to this part of the world. December brings cooler weather as winter arrives with temperatures settling between 8°C and 15 °C and only 4 hours of sunshine per day. 
Weather 
The daily average temperature for Sapa in December is approximately 12 °C. Tourists to the area can expect rainfall with an average of 26mm precipitation during the month. During winter months, the weather is much milder than the rest of the year but it’s the perfect time of year to go on outdoor pursuits. Humidity for the town can reach 81% but due to the cooler temperatures, visitors shouldn’t expect any discomfort. 
Where to stay 
There are several hotels in Sapa which offer a range of accommodation for families, individuals and groups. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, there is something for everyone. If you are on a budget then take a look at Pinocchio Sapa Hotel. Situated on Muong Hoa Street, this accommodation is popular with both tourists and business travellers. Guests can access free Wi-Fi, mini bar, bathroom and desk. The hotel has a range of facilities, including restaurant, family room, bar, 24 hour desk, tour service and bicycle rental to keep guests entertained. The convenient location is handy if you’re planning a visit to Mau Temple or Lao Chai Village. Alternatively, take a look at Sapa Sky Hotel. This affordable accommodation only has eight rooms but its offers guests free Wi-Fi, a coffee shop, restaurant, 24 hour reception desk and even childminding service. Located in Cat Cat Village, it’s just 2km from Sapa centre and in close proximity to many of the regions attractions. Another good hotel you might want to explore is the Sunny Mountain Hotel. Situated in the heart of Sapa, this accommodation has the perfect location for anyone wanting to see all of the town’s attractions. The hotel has some fantastic services, including free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, children’s swimming pool, shops, coffee shop, restaurant, beauty salon, bar and 24 hour room service. This hotel caters for everyone with disabled access, a babysitting service and pets allowed. The 75 rooms have comfortable furnishings with bright and clean décor. If you’re fairly active then use the hotel fitness centre and then relax in the sauna or spa. This accommodation is more expensive than other hotels in the area but the Sunny Mountain Hotel is a superior choice that will allow you to have an enjoyable stay in Sapa. 
Things to do 
There are many things for visitors to do in Sapa. Cycling is hugely popular in the area as it’s a great way to see the local landscape. Taking a Sapa biking tour is the best way to see the region. You can choose a tour over half a day or even over the course of a week. As Sapa has many beautiful sites, biking allows you to explore them in a short space of time. View the mountains, markets, villages and local residents. You can take the challenge on your own or in a small group and enjoy local hotels and cuisine while adventuring through the region. If you fancy exploring Sapa by walking instead then a trekking tour is ideal. The Tram Ton Pass hike allows you to visit the 1900m peak. The views are incredible but it’s best to check weather reports before you set off on your trip. Alternatively, you might want to visit the Silver Waterfall by renting a motorbike. 
Restaurants and nightlife 
Though Sapa doesn’t have a lively nightlife, there are several restaurants that provide good food and drink to tourists. If you want to stick to cuisine that you are used to then head to Romano’s Pizza Restaurant. Located on Cau May Street, here you can enjoy a pizza, pasta dish or a Vietnamese dish. Another restaurant to try is the Silk Lantern Restaurant. Serving Asian and Italian dishes, this eatery offers hearty food and a friendly service. Situated on Pham Xuan Huan Street, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re just looking for a hot drink to warm you up then try Peters Coffee Corner. Situated in a quiet part of town, this is ideal for those who want to relax after a day of backpacking. Profits from the shop are donated to local children so it’s also great if you want to support local projects.

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If you’ve ever visited Viet Nam, you probably know that October is the best time to take tours to the highlands of the country.
 Da Lat, Sa Pa and Ha Giang are known to be the best among the suggested tourist sites. 
Enjoying Tam Giac Mach (Triangle Oast) flowers in Ha Giang 
tam giac mach
 Ha Giang province is famous for the luring fields of Tam Giac Mach flowers, often in full blossom over a period of 3 months, from October to December. 
 Apart from the flowers, visiting Ha Giang, tourists also have the chance to admire the grandeur of the landscapes, especially the mountains in Quan Ba district, the terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi, the Hmong king’s palace in Sa Phin valley, and the flag pole in Lung Cu, the land in the far north of the country. 
 Discovering golden terrace fields in Sa Pa 
Sa Pa, a district of the northwestern province of Lao Cai, is famous for terraced rice paddy fields in the harvest season. Sa Pa is beautiful all year round but most visitors seek to reach Sa Pa in October, for this is the time the rice in the terraced fields is ripe and ready for harvest. Sa Pa townlet, the capital of Sa Pa district, is well known for a number of attractive destinations, such as the Silver Waterfall, the foggy Heaven Gate, and the Love Market held each Saturday. 
sapa
 Getting lost in the wild sunflowers in Da Lat 
Well known for various kinds of flowers, Da Lat city is, however, often remembered with the image of the golden wild sunflower, often in full bloom in October. The wild sunflower is most attractive on the morning when the dawn has just broken the darkness. It is the time when the dew is still lingering on the yellow petals of the flowers and the whole city seems to be covered in yellow. Such a brilliant and splendid flower fades very quickly, in just 2 or 3 weeks. Therefore, if you really wish to admire the “yellow season” in Da Lat, you must be prepared to be there as soon as the flower starts blooming.
da lat flower
Nestled in a beautiful valley about three kilometers from Sapa Town, Cat Cat- the old village of ethnic groups- attracts tourists from all over the world for its distinctive customs and practices which have been lost in almost ethnic villages. 
The village is within easy walking distance from any hotel in downtown Sapa. 
Overview 
Cat Cat cultural village was formed in 19th century by the gathering of some families belonging to some ethnic groups living in mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, especially Black H’Mong .
They lived next to each other along the mountain side and cultivated surrounding their home. Rice and corn were grown in terraced fields, while traditional handicrafts such as twisting flax and weaving fabric have been well-kept. Through times, Cat Cat Village has transferred to one appealing feature of Sapa’s tourism. 
What to see? Visiting Cat Cat, tourists will be impressed by the peacefully picturesque sceneries. People can easily catch sight of women sitting in front of the loom with colorful pieces of brocade, while children playing around with pets or even livestock. From the plain brocade, then women can carefully dye them with special leaves and embroider beautiful patterns of flower and animal on them. 
Moreover, many residents of Cat Cat Village are also skillful at manipulating sophisticated gold and silver jewelry. The original architect of H’Mong people is interesting as well. Their house typically contains three rooms with three doors and po mu wood roof, while the walls’ material is sawn timber. There are other indispensable parts of the house such as altar, kitchen, places for keeping food and sleeping, etc. 
What to do?
Cat Cat Village gives tourists a chance to have a glimpse into the daily life of local ethnic people, as well as take part in traditional activities such as weaving fabric. It is also a good opportunity to purchase some traditional souvenirs and handicrafts right from the craftsmen. People can also try some local food selling the way upcoming to the hill. In addition, the road leading to Cat Cat Village is an easy and interesting route for trekking.
 The spot is only within 20-30m minutes walking from Sapa center; and the hike through mountains will offer tourists the wonderful picture of rice paddies, water fall, or even water buffaloes grazing leisurely.

Among many romantic destinations in Viet Nam, Sa Pa, Da Lat and Ha Long are the top choices for couples. 
In North Viet Nam, Sa Pa is the most favored place for honeymoons. The year-round cool climate, the cold of the mountains and fog, and romantic landscapes of Sa Pa make people want to be close. With a thin coat, a warm hand, you and your partner can take a stroll along the streets, go shopping, enjoy yourself in the love market on Saturday, visit French villas and Love Waterfall, which is known as the most beautiful waterfall in North Viet Nam, or the villages of ethnic minority groups to learn their unique culture.

sapa dating
The evening in Sa Pa is quite long. Many couples confided that, for them, the most interesting thing to do in Sapa in the evening is getting into a warm blanket. So without any official survey, Sa Pa is still called the tourist destination for love in Viet Nam.

If Sa Pa is the Paradise for Love in the North, it is Da Lat in the South. The two locations have similarities in that they are located at high altitudes and have cool climate all year round.


Like a miniature Paris, Da Lat is famous for European architecture, the vast pine forest and flowers. What could be better than choosing this land as a romantic dating place.
Destinations in Da Lat are also characterized by love. Da Lat night is busy with lots of activities around the market and cafés around Xuan Huong Lake. There are many romantic destinations for couples there.
Da Lat dating

Night in the Ha Long Bay is wonderful, especially on the day of the full moon. There are many cruises in the bay and they have special rooms for couples to enjoy their honeymoon.
honeymoon in Ha Long Bay

You can sip a glass of wine and watch the sea from the room window, enjoy a special welcome cocktail party at sunset on the deck, or together on a deserted beach, prepare and have lunch with the famous seafood of Halong Bay. All will be unforgettable memories for you and your lover.


Source: VietNamNet Bridge
Vietnam offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip

Halong Bay

Thousands of limestone karsts jut skyward from emerald waters in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed seascape. The best way to see it is to hop by boat between islands, including scenic Cat Ba, home to a national park.

The Imperial City, Hue

The jewel of Hue’s Citadel, this sprawling complex of majestic palaces and evocative temples brings the magnificence of Vietnam’s royal dynasties to life.
hue citadel
Markets

From Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter to floating outposts in the Mekong Delta, markets reveal colorful slices of local life. Plunge right in and haggle like you mean it.
floating market
Ho Chi Minh City

Rapidly modernizing, HCMC is a jolt of urban energy unlike anywhere else in the country. The frenetic pace (that traffic!) is tempered by peaceful pagodas, parks, and cafés.
HCM City

Street Food

Devour a delicious bowl of pho on a bustling corner or follow the fragrant smoke emanating from a sidewalk brazier, where marinated pork sizzles
Vietnam War Legacy

Museums pay tribute, but for a different perspective on the war, look underground—the vast Cu Chi tunnel network is a monu­ment to Vietnamese tenacity.
cu chi tunnel


Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park


Untamed jungle, vast imagination-defying limestone caves, and underground rivers make this spectacular region irresistible to
adventurers.

 Phong Nha- Ke bang

Hoi An

French colonial architecture, historic traders’ houses, and atmospheric temples are among the charms of Hoi An that are easily discovered on a riverside stroll.

Hoi an

Beaches and Islands

Two thousand miles of tropical coastline ensure that the white sands of a postcard are never far away. Islands like Phu Quoc combine idyllic beaches and diving.
Phu Quoc beach
Sapa

Home to ethnic minorities, this northern mountain town is also the jumping-off point for some compelling sights, including Fansipan, Vietnam’s tallest summit.
Sapa

The Mekong Delta

This patchwork of waterways and floating markets, mangrove swamps, and brilliant green rice paddies is best explored by boat, but bike tours provide a fun alternative.

Hill Stations

Built by the French as health retreats, hill stations such as Dalat make a cool contrast to the steamy lowlands—think misty peaks and rugged scenery.
Da Lat



Source: Fodor's


If the flocks of postgrad travelers in elephant print pants haven't told you already, Southeast Asia is having what we like to call "a moment."
And just because it definitely has its share of over-touristed sites, don't let the region fool you: there are some seriously stunning spots that are perfect for your next digital detox.
Want to know which authentic places backpackers really get amped about?
1. Pai, Thailand
If you uprooted the hippie neighborhoods of San Francisco and plopped them into the jungles of northern Thailand, you'd (roughly) end up with Pai. Ride your motorbike a few hours into this mountain town for a chillaxing weekend of zenning out at Rasta bars, napping in woven hammocks, and -- if you can manage to leave your field hut -- exploring the waterfalls and hot springs.
field hut in Pai
2. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Almost everybody agrees that Phu Quoc is about to become Vietnam's next hot destination, but thankfully the perfect beaches are still mostly empty. You can rent a motorbike (no license needed, no questions asked) and zip up, down, and around the red dirt roads of this island paradise. Then, take a snorkeling or scuba dip. Hurry up, before other people discover the secret.
Phu quoc island
3. Bagan, Myanmar

Temples seem to pop out of nowhere in Bagan, which has the highest concentration of Buddhist ruins the world. A hot air balloon ride over the temples during the quiet dawn or sunset hours is an absolute must.
balloon  above the temple
4Mui Ne Sand Dunes, Vietnam

They're not far from Saigon, but these sand dunes seem like they belong on another continent entirely. You can sled, bike, or just freely frolic down both white and red mountains of bliss. Be sure to find the Fairy Stream, a magical river with a soft, sandy bottom that flows between dry rocks.
Mui Ne Dunes
5. Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

This is a pristine chain of hundreds of tropical rainforest islands in the Andaman Sea. Check in at one of the two hotels and kayak or sail the uncharted blue waters, where you might run into sea gypsies who, for part of the year, live on boats while they dive for pearls
Andaman sea
6. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
This is one of Southeast Asia's most popular hill stations, holiday towns at the base of lush, low mountains. Travelers agree the Cameron Highlands are a perfect escape when you're too hot to withstand another day of astronomically-sizzling Malaysian temperatures. You can tour one of several authentic tea factories before cozying up to a mug overlooking the rolling green hills
Cameron Highland
7. Ngwe Saung Beach, Myanmar

Weary travelers looking to literally escape it all should head to Ngwe Saung, an astonishing NINE MILES of beach that just recently opened to the public. It's unspoiled, uncrowded, and some of the best scenery you'll see in Myanmar.
ngwe saung beach Myanmar
8. The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The Mekong River creates a rich marshland responsible for the bulk of Vietnam's rice crops. There are oodles of tiny villages and floating markets to visit, with kindly locals who will gladly let you sample their fruit or teach you to birdwatch. Avoid feeling like a yuppie in a tour boat by biking the Delta-- that way, you can see the impressive rice paddies and stop off at destinations on your own.
Mekong Delta river

9. Sapa, Vietnam

There's nowhere on Earth like Sapa: tiers on tiers of bright-green rice fields are dotted with the colorful clothes of hill-tribe dwellers and roofs of French colonial villas. Sometimes the view gets clouded by a warm, jungle-y mist, but it only makes your day of hiking even prettier
Sapa
10. The Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

This $5.7 billion hotel -- which also boasts shopping, a dinosaur museum, and a concert hall -- has a yacht-shaped infinity pool teetering on the 57th floor. When you take a swim, it feels like you're about to spill over the edge and onto glittering Singapore beneath you.
Mariana Bay
11. The White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand

It may look ancient, but the White Temple (technically named Wat Rong Khun) was actually designed by a Thai artist in the 1990s, and it's still a work in progress. A tangle of gnarled statues and outstretched hands -- symbolizing the cycle of rebirth -- lead you into the temple, where you'll find intricate (although haunting) murals of Keanu Reeves and planes hitting the Twin Towers.
White Temple
12. Luang Prabang, Laos

UNESCO named Luang Prabang a World Heritage Site, partly for its architecture that fuses Asian and European styles together. As in much of Asia, elephant tourism is huge here. But not many places have four-day mahout courses where you can learn to expertly (and humanely) ride elephants as their keepers do.
Luang Prabang
13. Kep, Cambodia

This seaside village was a hip getaway for wealthy Frenchies in the early 1900s, and it's about to tip over into another big tourist boom. For now, though, you can feel like a total local in Kep's tranquil beaches, where cute seafood spots on stilts serve some of the yummiest crab in the world.
Kep
14. Mae Sot, Thailand

"Perfectly remote" might be a good way to describe Mae Sot, which teeters right at the border of Thailand and Myanmar. The crowd here is a zesty mix of Burmese, Thai, hill-tribe natives and Westerners making visa runs. Locals hang out at the town's herbal sauna and open-air markets, and visitors get a kick out of adorably furry rescued apes at the Highland Farm Gibbon Sanctuary.
Maesot
15.Angkowat, Cambodia
This larger-than-life temple complex really is as epic as it looks. The biggest religious monument in the world is surrounded by a wide-open moat-- you'll march down a massive stone causeway to enter a village of temples, life-size stone-carved faces, and giant tree roots that have grown to twist over and around dark, windowed hallways.
Angkowat
16. Inle Lake, Myanmar

This massive, shallow lake is over 13 miles long and a big draw for visitors, as it's inhabited by many local tribes who set up waterside "workshops" for intriguing traditional crafts. Despite the touristy-ness of it all, most agree Inle is unmissable because of its peaceful floating gardens and entire towns hoisted onto stilts.

Inle Lake , Myanmar
17. Ko Lanta, Thailand
Ko lanta
When backpackers want to visit one of the hundreds of islands off Thailand's coast, they normally head for the "big names" like Ko Tao (known for its scuba diving) or Ko Phangan (home of the famous full moon parties). These islands are pretty and so are the foreigners that visit them, but for a true Thai experience, try the blissfully empty Ko Lanta, where the National Marine Park protects unpolluted oceans that explode with angelfish.
18. Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon, Vietnam
Viet Cong soldiers used these narrow, claustrophobia-inducing tunnels as hiding places during the Vietnam War. Trap doors in the jungle led down into the underground network, where soldiers suffered from malaria and parasites while guarding food sources. The eeriness is all too real during a modern-day tour.
Cu Chi tunnel




Viet Cong soldiers used these narrow, claustrophobia-inducing tunnels as hiding places during the Vietnam War. Trap doors in the jungle led down into the underground network, where soldiers suffered from malaria and parasites while guarding food sources. The eeriness is all too real during a modern-day tour

19. Chiang Dao, Thailand


This forested region is a Disneyland for nature junkies complete with waterfalls, hot springs, and incredible limestone cliffs. The biggest attractions of all are the Chiang Dao Caves, which consist of about 100 caverns that extend as far as 40,000 feet into the mountains. You can enter five of the caves alone or with a guide to explore narrow rocky hallways, hanging stalactites and hidden Buddha statues.

Source: Huffington post

If you want to book tours to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia do not hesitate to contact us

TheRichest, a leading entertainment and lifestyle website, has released a video that names the top 10 mostbeautiful places in the world, and includes Vietnam’s northern province of Lao Cai.
The website noted that the beautiful man-made rice terraces in Lao Cai help supply the most staple food item for Vietnamese people: rice.
sapa woman
It also explained that rice grain requires a flat surface and lots of water to grow, which isn’t typical in the country, so people had to improvise and figure out an alternate way to grow their food.

“Their endeavours resulted in a beautiful coloured landscape”, says TheRichest.
sapa landscape
Rounding out the list of top 10 are Geiranger Fjord of Norway, Maldives, Salar de Uyuni of Bolivia, Yosemite National Park of the US, Midway Island of Haiwaii, Pamukale of Turkey, Meteora of Greece, Zhangye Danxia Landform of China, and Fiorland of New Zealand.
Source: Bao moi

Do not hesitate to book tour to Sapa

The WorldPost's "Through Your Lens" series brings you stunning photos taken by social media users in a different country around the world every week. This week, we explore the striking geography and local cultures of Vietnam.

From the solitary beaches of Ha Long Bay to the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, travelers to Vietnam (with a bit of patience) will be rewarded by the country's dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Check out some of the beautiful images taken in the country below, and tag your Twitter and Instagram photos from around the world 
Sung Sot cave
The Sung Sot Cave aka the "Amazing Cave" in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
A photo posted by b®enda alexander-quach (@brendalexander) on Mar 11, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT
Phong Nha cave
Went exploring in Phong Nha Cave in central northern Vietnam today. The cave itself is is 7729 m long, contains 14 grottos, with a 13,969 m-long underground river. Only 1.5km of area is accessible for tourists, with some caves with roofs towering up to 40m in height. See the full width shot at my Facebook page /jimmydauphotography

Ha Long Bay
Halong bay, Vietnam 2013
A solitary temple on a beach surrounded by huge limestone formations out in Halong Bay.
A photo posted by Spencer Elzey (@spencerlz) on Nov 30, 2014 at 3:56pm PST

A photo posted by @bradwilletts on Feb 11, 2015 at 11:52pm PST
woman with lottery ticket
Been bullied into hurrying up and posting some photos from my trip to SE Asia. So here's one of an old lady selling lottery tickets at the side of the road in Huế, Vietnam. There are very few beggars in Vietnam since the police started cracking down on them. So now, they all sell lottery tickets instead.
A photo posted by Nick C (@midvale99) on Feb 3, 2015 at 6:31am PST

wedding photo on LongBien briidge

The Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi is a traditional spot for wedding photos. We were convinced we were going to be hit by a train and didn't spend too long on the tracks. #Vietnam #Hanoi
A photo posted by Eric Stoen (@travelbabbo) on Dec 8, 2014 at 6:00am PST
barber
Mister Traveler @vanderploatsen || Phố Trịnh Hoài Đức Barber || Hanoi, Vietnam || #mistertraveler
A photo posted by #mistertraveler (@mister.traveler) on Dec 26, 2014 at 6:22pm PST
nice kid on mountain
I spent four days riding through the backcountry of Northern Vietnam getting to know a place of extraordinary beauty. I rode through rice fields and over mountains, all the while interacting with some of the most down-to-earth, kind people I have ever met. I took this picture on the side of a small country road. It was the Golden Hour in the Golden Land.
rush hour

Rush hour makes this city a sight to see. #saigon #hochiminh #Vietnam #anewbreedoftraveller #movingmeowtains #goexplore #letsgosomewhere #neverstopexploring #travelvibes #travel #travelgram #traveling #igtravel #instatravel #instapassport #rgphoto #travelwithfathom #thinklesstravelmore #getlostnow #travelstoke #lonelyplanet #huffpostgram #theexpatlife #discoveryourworld
A photo posted by Lauren & Seth (@movingmeow_tains) on Jan 28, 2015 at 2:31am PST
smoking woman


A lady having a smoke by the waterside in the beautiful picturesque city of Hội An in Vietnam.
A photo posted by Nick C (@midvale99) on Feb 3, 2015 at 11:13am PST

Hoi an, Vietnam 2014 This woman sold flowers to float on the river.
coconut hochiminhcity

Playing a tourist on New Years Day in this beautiful city // Thank you @grierface for letting me use your phone ☺️
A photo posted by Charl🌹tte (@charlottemaryrose) on Feb 19, 2015 at 1:06am PST

Sapa

Sa Pa, in Northwestern Vietnam, was my favorite place I visited. Cool, foggy mornings would give way to bright, sunny days. It was just beautiful. Side note: Thanks to @visuals4all for a recent feature! Much appreciated!
lantern
Lantern stall, Hoi An, Vietnam #hoian #vietnam #southeastasia #asia #lanterns #ig_captures #igtravel #travelgram #travelingram #instapassport #instatraveling #worldplaces #ig_worldclub #guardiantravelsnaps #wonderful_places #travelasia #globe_travel #huffpostgram #exploringtheglobe #lonelyplanet #rising_masters #myworldpost #igspecialist #ilovevietnam #lovetheworld #vietnamcharm
Foggy evening in the nortern part of Vietnam. #nakedplanet #NatureAddict #DoYouTravel #awesomeearth #TheGlobeWanderer #OurPlanetDaily #EarthPix #TravelAwesome #BeautifulDestinations #fantastic_earth #BestVacations #DiscoverEarth #wildernessculture #wonderful_places #luxwt #warrenjc #travelstoke #WelcomeToNature #allshots_ #hot_shotz #jaw_dropping_shots #epic_captures #BeautifulPlaces #Canon_Photography_ #vietnam #fog #worldshotz #huffpostgram
A photo posted by Tommy Simonsen (@tommysimonsenphotography) on May 13, 2015 at 10:05am PDT
water buffalo
A water buffalo in a field just outside of Hoi An, Vietnam. #latergram #vietnam
A photo posted by Nicole S. Young (@nicolesy) on May 13, 2015 at 9:30am PDT

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