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China News praises the beauty of Sa Pa, Vietnam
From terraced fields to love market, Sa Pa makes visitors from everywhere immerse themselves in its natural beauty and unique culture.
The article “Fall in love with Sapa, Vietnam, with its rice terraces, hill tribes and Mount Fansipan” is shared by Erika Na, a writer for Southern China Morning Post (Hong Kong, China), praising the beauty and nature of the Northwest region of Vietnam.
Photo: Nguyen Cong Binh
Tourists to northern Vietnam not only visit Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay but also visit Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province. Although it is not easily accessible, this tourist town rich in history and culture becomes even more special.
Located at an altitude of 1,600m above sea level, Sa Pa has long been home to ethnic minorities, building terraced fields on the hillsides. The largest ethnic community here is the H’Mong.
The Ha Noi – Lao Cai Expressway, which opened in 2014, has shortened the travel time to Sa Pa. Today, the town is more vibrant with many motels, hotels, and tourist businesses serving international visitors.
Sa Pa view from cable car (Photo: Dinh Huu Ngot)
Some ethnic villages near the centre of Sa Pa have been commercialised, but Lao Chai, Ta Phin… still retain their traditional characteristics.
Chu, a Black H’Mong girl tour guide, shared with Erika Na that water buffaloes are a great asset to the people because agriculture is their main occupation. They are only slaughtered when they are too sick or injured.
The H’Mong language and customs are still preserved. The indigenous language and customs are still passed down. For example, the Black H’Mong still have their own language and wear traditional costumes: brightly embroidered and striking dresses.
Technology development, especially the internet and smartphones are more popular, becoming convenient tools to help people promote Sa Pa tourism. Local people can introduce more homestay services and trekking tours to tourists.
Sa Pa is not only an attractive destination for Western backpackers but also attracts luxury tourists to come and relax. Among the many resorts and luxury hotels that have appeared in this town, the most prominent is Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery located right in the centre. This luxury hotel has a strong European style but still has designs that incorporate highland cultural elements, using indigenous materials and motifs.
The hotel is located next to the cable car station and the train station that takes visitors to the highest peak of Fansipan in Indochina. In addition to the cable car, guests can choose to hike Fansipan on a 2-day, 1-night tour or combine the cable car and hiking.
On the way up the mountain, visitors can fully enjoy the view of the valley below, stretching out with beautiful terraced fields. The higher you go, the more things there are to explore, such as temples, giant Buddha statues, flower gardens, forests, streams, waterfalls…
The love market in Sa Pa takes place every Saturday. Ethnic melodies and folk games attract many locals and tourists. The market is also an opportunity for local people to exchange culture, meet, learn about each other and find a partner.
Source: Tourism Information Technology Center
About the Author Sapa Tourism Office
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