From terraced rice fields to the Love Market, Sa Pa in Vietnam captivates Hong Kong tourists with its natural beauty and unique culture.
Sa Pa is one of the favorite destinations for domestic and foreign tourists because of its wild and majestic beauty. Photo: Blog of Rot.
Vietnam is a popular vacation destination for tourists from Hong Kong (China). It only takes a two-hour flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Hanoi, according to SCMP.
In addition to the capital city, Hong Kong visitors are also very eager to explore the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, particularly Sa Pa in Lao Cai, located about a five-hour drive from Hanoi.
Situated at an elevation of about 1,600 meters (one mile) above sea level, Sa Pa town is considered difficult to access for most people, except for the local community.
In 1901, French colonists discovered the untouched beauty of Sa Pa. They invested in developing some infrastructure and turned it into an ideal summer resort. By 1905, trains began running between Hanoi and Lao Cai, attracting many tourists.
Terraced fields are a check-in spot not to be missed when coming to Sa Pa. Photo: Erika Na, Phuong Lan Ngo.
Since the opening of the Hanoi-Lao Cai Expressway in 2014, Sa Pa has experienced even more growth. Today, it is a bustling place with plenty of guesthouses, hotels, and high-end businesses serving international tourists.
Despite the commercialization, many villages in Sa Pa, such as Lao Chai and Ta Phin, have retained their unique traditional characteristics.
In these villages, the H’mong people often wear traditional dark-colored clothing with intricate embroidery, and their local language and customs are still preserved. They have a tradition of early marriage and having many children.
Nowadays, the Internet and smartphones have become convenient tools for locals to promote Sa Pa tourism. As a result, many homestays, local tour guides, and unique travel experiences have emerged. Additionally, luxury travelers tend to choose Sa Pa as a destination for relaxation and healing.
Recognizing the potential market, many investors have built luxury hotels in Sa Pa. Among them is Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, a hotel designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley. Opened in 2019, this European-style accommodation attracts many visitors who stop to take photos.
Beyond the terraced rice fields, adventure seekers can opt to visit Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” standing at 3,147 meters. Previously, the only way to reach the summit was through a multi-day hike. However, since 2016, a cable car has been in operation, taking visitors to the top in just 20 minutes.
The largest bronze Amitabha Buddha statue in Vietnam, nearly 13 meters high, in Sa Pa. Photo: @hongwei88.
From the cable car, tourists can admire the panoramic view of the lush green terraced rice fields. Upon exiting the cable car, they are greeted by Vietnam’s largest bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, standing nearly 13 meters tall.
The people of Sa Pa often gather at the town square every Saturday evening to socialize at the so-called Love Market. Through music performances and games, young men and women have the opportunity to get to know each other, with the goal of finding a life partner.
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