THE VERY BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAPA, VIETNAM IN 2025

We have recently just come back from a 7-month long backpacking trip and included in our travels was 5 weeks discovering the magic of Vietnam. Sitting firmly at the top of our bucket list for a good while now, we were so excited to finally see what all the fuss was about. Six hours north of Hanoi, sitting just below China, Sapa has become famous with travelers due to the breathtaking landscape and for the chance to get fully immersed into a truly unique local culture. We spent 3 nights there in mid-February to explore what the region had to offer. Here is our round up of the best things to do in the region, from trekking through rice terraces to visiting different cultural villages.

STAY AT A HOMESTAY IN SAPA, VIETNAM

If there’s one thing you should absolutely do in Sapa, it’s this. Staying in a homestay was the highlight of entire trip. We believe the magic of Sapa is found when you choose to stay with a local family in one of the villages. Our experience was completely enhanced once we got out of the town and stayed with our hosts. We stayed at Sapa Hmong Bungalow Homestay, a calm, peaceful retreat sandwiched between the rice terraces and valleys ran by Asua and his family. Staying at a homestay means you’ll gain an invaluable insight into the culture of those living in the highlands of Sapa.

TREKKING THROUGH SAPS’S RICE TERRACES

Sapa is known for its picturesque valleys and vibrant rice terraces, so it’s no wonder trekking is so popular in the area. Book yourself a guide for your trekking adventure and you’ll be shown the beauty of the valleys and villages whilst learning about the culture of those living in the highlands. You’ll also be supporting local communities by booking a local guide. You can opt for a trek as long or as short as you like, there’s so many options to get out in the hills there. We booked our trek through our homestay.

Best things to do in sapa, vietnam - a guide

CONQUER FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN

Sitting as the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan is the best place to go to get the most epic views over Sapa and the mountains beyond. You can take the Fansipan cable car from sun plaza in Sapa town and get up there with ease. At the top you can explore the famous buddha and pagoda and if the weather is on your side, views for miles. If you want a more challenging, memorable experience, book a guided tour and spend a couple of days hiking to the top.

EAT AND SHOP AT SAPA MARKET

Serving as a hub to buy and sell fresh produce, artisan crafts and other goods, Sapa market is not only the perfect place to find a unique souvenir but it’s also a great spot for people watching. Stay a while to observe the hustle and bustle and perhaps try something new, such as chestnut cakes, a delicious local snack served hot.

VISIT SAPA’S ETHNIC VILLAGES

Sapa is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with their own language, dress and customs. Spend some time on your trip visiting different villages to get a unique insight into the lives of these communities. We recommend Cat Cat Village to experience the culture of the Hmong community. The village is also famous for its waterfall-laden valley, bamboo bridges and picturesque mountain views as well as being easy to get to from Sapa town. If you want a less touristy experience, head to somewhere like Ta Phin to experience what life is like for the Red Dao community. The town is known for their herbal baths, which you can go and experience for yourself.

the best things to do in sapa vietnam 2025

DISCOVER SAPA TOWN

There’s lots to do in Sapa town and it will more than likely be the first thing you do when you arrive in Sapa. There’s numerous cafes and restaurants to check out, as well as different souvenir shops to browse. You’ll likely be approached by members of the local community wanting to sell you their goods and time, which can feel overwhelming at first, but provides the perfect opportunity to get to know the people of the highlands and score the best local tips. Check out the stone church in the town centre and walk around the lake for a relaxing start to your trip in Sapa.

SPEND SOME TIME RELAXING IN A COFFEE SHOP

The Vietnamese know good coffee and trying out the unique options available, such as egg coffee and coconut coffee should really be on your bucket list! Luckily Sapa has a whole host of cafe options to choose from. They tend to open early, perfect for starting your day before trekking through the rice terraces and they stay open late, ideal for resting your tired legs afterwards! We loved The Mist , a relaxed spot serving up the best coconut coffees and bahn mi’s in the town. There’s an outdoors area for relaxing in the summer months and a cosy, firelit space inside for when the weather turns.

Planning on going to Sapa in Vietnam? Add these best things to do to your own travel itinerary!