Sapa is nestled among the green Hoang Lien Mountains, the tallest mountain range in Vietnam extending from the Yunnan Plateau in South China. The highest peak Fan Si Pan (3143 m) is near by. Complemented by cool weather, it is a getaway for lowlanders to enjoy the cooler temperature and admire the scenic beauty of the valleys, hills and mountains. Terraced slopes cultivated with padi and other crops offer fascinating views.
Historically, Sapa town was a hill station developed by the French during their occupation in the late 18th and early 19th centuries but the mountains are home to the Hmong and Dzao tribal minority people. |
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| The view of the mountains and the valleys of Sapa. |
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| The way into the valley and villages of the Hmong people. |
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| The treks run across the river and fields. |
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Sandy river banks and lush forests, buffaloes taking
time off from working in the fields. |
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| Terraced slopes for padi just after harvesting season. |
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| The approach into Cat Cat Village. |
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| Waterfall near Cat Cat Village. |
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| The creek that flows into the river. |
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| Views of Ta Van Village, home to the Hmong and Dzao people. |
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| Another view of Ta Van and terraced fields. |
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A lone buffalo feeds on what is left in the vast fields
of drying stalks of harvested padi. |
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| Villages working on the manicured slopes. |
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| The river and bridge crossing at Ta Van Village in the valley. |
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| Another view of the river and village. |
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| Goats feeding in the terraces. |
