Sapa is a delightful town set amid stunning highland mountain scenery, and the region has plenty of attractions such as hill tribe villages, rare fauna and flora, waterfalls and the highest mountains in Vietnam. Often they are shrouded in mist so plan to come in the summer or spend a few days to increase your chances of clear days. Sapa was historically a French hill town and is the perfect base from which to discover this rarely explored area of Vietnam, which is bordered by China. The town itself has few attractions, the main ones being colonial buildings such as the church that were built by the French at the beginning of the 20th century. However the bustling market comes alive as colourfully dressed hilltribe people come to sell their wares. Facilities are extremely basic, however, and visitors staying over at any of the villages should be prepared for cold bucket showers and uncomfortable beds. It’s a small price to pay, however, for experiencing the fascinating lifestyle, culture and traditions of these enthralling peoples. Fansipan: is Vietnam’s highest peak and just nine kilometres from Sapa. The summit is an airy 3,143m, but no special mountaineering skills or equipment are necessary to scale the peak. Ham Rong Mountain: is a small hill immediately behind Sapa. The climb to the top takes just a few hours, with the workout rewarded by fantastic views of the town and surrounding area. The views are usually best in the morning. Thac Bac Waterfall: is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls in the area around Sapa. The most convenient way to reach the waterfall is to hire a motorcycle and ride the 13kms. The pool at the base of the waterfall is suitable for swimming (though a bit chilly!), while you can climb to the top of the waterfall for some rewarding views. If you have your own motorcycle, you can continue along the road to Tram Tom pass for some more great scenery. | 
