Sapa: hills, thrills and windy chills

Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is a lovely little walk from the centre of Sapa. The views on the way are amazing, especially on a clear day, because you’re completely surrounded by Sapa’s stunning mountains and terraced rice fields. The village was originally formed in the 19th century when various ethnic H’Mong and Dzao families came together from other mountainous areas in northern Vietnam. They started cultivating rice and corn in the region, as well as weaving fabric and creating handicrafts to get by. A ticket cost us 70,000VND, but the money goes towards local families who have opened their homes so you can explore and get to know their culture, which is ace. Nowadays Cat Cat is very much for tourists, but it really wasn’t packed at all, and the village is genuinely really lovely. They have traditional music and dance shows several times a day at no extra cost, which we really enjoyed too.

H’mong Markets

Sapa is home to the Hmong people who are super skilled in the traditional crafts of weaving and hand embroidery, the things they create are beautiful. We stumbled upon a market on Saturday evening in front of the stone church where colourfully wrapped up women were selling everything from handcrafted bags to beautifully woven skirts for mad low prices when you consider the craftsmanship and that goes into their loot. They’re a lovely bunch too, so definitely treat yourself to some beautiful Hmong keepsakes.

Tram Ton Pass

Tram Ton sits at nearly 2000 metres, making it the highest road in Vietnam. On a clear day the views stretch endlessly. The road Is winding but smooth so you could absolutely rent a motorbike and spend a few hours bimbling along and gawping at the views. Honestly, they’re some of the best I’ve seen.

Along Trân Ton Pass you can also see these next 3 little gems...

Heaven’s Gate

The views here are just insane (can you see a theme emerging here...) And so are the health and safety standards. We walked up a ever-narrowing ladder with no sides and a nice long drop either side to jaw dropping views (trust me it’s worth it, just don’t look over the edge). There’s a cute little peach garden at the top too, but you’re really here for the monumental views.

Love Waterfall

A little walk through a quiet forest, along a stream and up a few steps brings you to the secluded Love Waterfall. Legend goes that a long time ago this waterfall was the place where fairies bathed. One day, one of the fairies heard a young boy playing the flute and fell in love with him. She came to the Love Waterfall every day to hear his songs. Unfortunately, her parents found out and forbade her from ever coming back to the waterfall. The fairy was so sad that she transformed herself into a bird just to be able to be together with her love forever. And that’s why it was named the Love Waterfall. Cute.

Silver Waterfall

You can see the Silver Waterfall from the road and it’s then just a 10 minute walk up a fairly steep set of steps to the top of the waterfall. The views across the valley and out to the mountains are absolutely banging.

Sleep: Sapa New Villa- well placed this little guesthouse has electric blankets, perfect for chilly evenings. I feel like that’s all you need to know. Electric blankets. What more do you want?

Eat:

24Restaurant- so good we ate there 3 times in the space of 3 days. They’ve got a vegetarian set menu with 3 courses and a drink for just over £3, and the pumpkin soup is divine.

Fanispan Terrace Cafe- What. A. View. Honestly, being sat in the sunshine looking out at those views was one of my favourite things about Sapa. The food is a bit of alright too.

Viet Emotion- Cake. Go and eat cake.

Drink:

Nature Bar- mulled wine, candles, an indoor fire pit, and Bob Marley. The best little haven from the chilly Sapa nights.

I’ve really loved Sapa. I’m happiest when by the sea or up a mountain, and Sapa has mountains for days. What a little gem. Next stop: Hanoi. Out of the mountains and into the city!