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Located in Lao Cai province in the far north
west of the country near the Chinese border,
this old French hill station is home to many
ethnic minority people, including the H’mong,
Tay, Dao and Thai, whose markets and
festivals add colour and character to the
town. The Saturday love market in particular
is a great tourist drawcard. The area has
average annual temperarures of 18-28 degrees
in the mountains, but the temperature can
fall below zero in winter.
Love Market
An ancient tradition, where young ethnic
minority people go to find a parther.
Surrounding Villages
Home to ethnic minorities who live the
sam way they have done for centuries. Catch
a xe om from town , or for the full
mountain challenge trek there on foot.
Around Sapa
Bac Ha
Another important ethnic minority centre
and increasingly popular as an alternative
to Sapa-103km away .At 900m above sea level,
it may be a bit warmer in the winter. Get
there by minibus from Sapa.
Mount Fansipan
Exactly 3,143m high, it is the highest
peak in Indochina. Five day trecks are
available to climb it. |