Buzz
It's not an exaggeration to call Sapa a destination of complete beauty in all four seasons. Following the floating clouds in November, December brings the pure white color of snowflakes covering Sapa. Let's explore tips for traveling to Sapa in December with Mytour and discover the surprisingly beautiful tropical winter!
What's the Weather Like in Sapa in December?
Gone are the last traces of honey-like sunshine from the end of autumn, the weather in Sapa in early December becomes even colder with a blanket of mist shrouding the streets. Arriving in Sapa at the beginning of winter, you'll get lost in the mystical foggy town. According to travel experiences in Sapa in December, the weather fluctuates from 10 - 18 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to as low as 7 - 8 degrees Celsius at night, chilly but not freezing.
The latter half of December marks the coldest winter in the mountainous town. Some days, temperatures in Sapa drop to 0 degrees Celsius, accompanied by thick fog or the first snowflakes covering the villages, creating a fairytale-like scene resembling a miniature Europe. If you desire to witness the magical tropical snowscape, choose to visit Sapa from the latter half of December to January.
Where to Go in Sapa in December?
December is also the peak period in Sapa, so it's advisable to book accommodation about a month in advance to find a hotel in Sapa and avoid the situation of fully booked rooms regardless of the type of accommodation chosen. Moreover, the weather in Sapa in December is very cold and foggy, almost drizzly, so you should consider selecting hotels near the town center to minimize long-distance travel when sightseeing or dining. Another note when staying in Sapa that many tourists often overlook is that hotels should have a good functioning heating system, air conditioning, and hot water. The weather in Sapa in winter is much colder than in other regions of Vietnam, so this is something to bear in mind to avoid unintentionally 'freezing together'!
1. Lotus Aroma Sapa Hotel:
Located in the heart of Sapa town, just 800m from Holy Rosary Church, Lotus Aroma Sapa Hotel, a 4-star accommodation, is a perfect place to stay, fully equipped with elegantly designed rooms in a classical style. Moreover, this hotel offers a variety of services, from restaurants to spa and gym, ensuring you have the most perfect and convenient resort experience.
2. Sapa Clover Hotel:
3-star Sapa Clover Hotel is like a charming three-leaf clover amidst the misty town of Sapa. Located near the center of Sapa, designed with vintage architecture with warm, vibrant yellow tones, Sapa Clover can somewhat 'warm you up' in the chilly weather. Not only attractive because of its modern and charming rooms, Sapa Clover is also a place where you can participate in special experiences such as cooking tours, cycling, or exploring the extremely interesting city.
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3. Aroma Sapa Hotel:
Aroma Sapa Hotel is conveniently located just 50m from the stone church and Love Market, making it ideal for exploring the central area of the town. The hotel stands out with its charming room colors and spaces. According to tips for traveling to Sapa in December, this is one of the 'budget-friendly' options for you while still ensuring all necessary amenities.
4. Sapa Jade Hill Resort:
One of the hottest accommodation spots in Sapa is undoubtedly Sapa Jade Hill Resort. Just 2km from the town center, yet the space at “Northwest Jade Hill” with endless green mountain scenery will give you a truly different Sapa experience. In addition to the indigenous architecture mixed with Western elements, Sapa Jade Hill also attracts tourists with a restaurant specializing in serving local dishes with rich local flavors, providing the most unique Sapa experience.
5. Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa:
It can be said that the 5-star Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa is like a magnificent castle amidst the floating clouds of the Northwest. The resort's rooms are all equipped with luxurious design, full amenities, spacious, and airy. With a view towards Dragon Jaw Mountain, from the balcony of your bedroom, you can easily both 'hunt clouds' and relax in a private, serene space like no other.
What's beautiful about traveling to Sapa in December?
1.
Experience the misty town and fly amidst the clouds:
In December, Sapa loses the golden hues of autumn sun or the terraced fields laden with ripe golden rice, yet visiting Sapa in winter doesn't diminish its charm because Sapa's scenery varies with each season. December is the 'golden' time for you to vividly experience the majestic natural landscape with layers of clouds spanning across the hills and the town hidden in the mist.
Cloud chasing in December has become a 'specialty' here because the seas of clouds blending with the sun and wind gracefully wander across the hills. Standing from above, feeling the breeze through your hair and witnessing the clouds embracing the villages is one of the experiences not to be missed when visiting Sapa in December.
2. Witnessing the stunning 'fire' sunset like a fairyland:
In the late winter days, the sun no longer dominates the mountain sky, instead, thick mist cuts through the flow of light and covers the sun. This is the reason why the sunset becomes more shimmering and the sun appears, resembling a blazing fire on the stove. The moment of sunset in Sapa is already beautiful, but witnessing the unique 'fire' sunset in December will leave you in awe.
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3. Lost in the White Snow Paradise:
Sapa boasts a cool climate distinct from Vietnam's humid tropical monsoon climate and becomes truly unique thanks to the snowy days. You don't need to go to faraway Europe, you can still touch the snowflakes in the Northwest sky.
Although snowfall varies from year to year, there is no year when tourists do not flock to Sapa in December to await the 'dream of white snow'. There are times when snow falls thickly in Sapa, covering even the mountains, enough for you to frolic, transform into snow angels, or build your own adorable snowman.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Festival Atmosphere:
In December, Sapa is the time for you to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the highland winter festivals. Amidst the freezing weather, girls and boys from the villages enthusiastically participate in unique winter festivals. The dances, songs, and vibrant ethnic colors are sure to warm your winter. Moreover, the major festivals in the Sun World Fansipan area are also eagerly awaited opportunities to experience a European winter with snow, Christmas trees, and sparkling lights.
Where to Go Guide for December in Sapa?
1. Hang Da Village:
Not widely known among the tourist spots in Sapa like Cat Cat Village or Ta Van, but Hang Da Village still stands out in terms of scenery. Located 7km from the town center, Hang Da Village is one of the most beautiful cloud hunting spots in Sapa.
Nestled against the lush green mountainside are endless terraced fields, dotted with simple, rustic houses. The most special thing about Hang Da Village is perhaps the rustic charm of a true highland village. Grandmothers and mothers carrying water by the stream, innocent children with smiles always on their lips will be the lovely images you encounter in this village.
2. Fansipan Peak:
The 'Roof of Indochina' Fansipan will be a great place to fully enjoy the 'fire' sunset or the floating clouds of Sapa in winter. You don't have to be a hardcore trekker or climb mountains tirelessly, experiencing the Fansipan peak tour with the most modern 3-rope cable car system in the world will also help you conquer the highest peak in Vietnam.
Not only attracting domestic tourists but also a goal coveted by many international travelers, Fansipan Peak offers an experience of 'flying' amidst the clouds on the mountain top, witnessing the panoramic view of the beautiful town nestled within sight, an experience not to be missed when visiting Sapa.
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3. O Quy Ho Pass:
Part of the 'Four Great Passes of Vietnam,' O Quy Ho Pass is a stunning destination you should visit in Sapa. The road to O Quy Ho Pass can also be considered a 'golden' route with magnificent natural landscapes such as Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall, or the Heaven's Gate area with its 'sacred' check-in view.
From the 2073m altitude of the pass, you can admire the floating clouds, embrace the villages, or witness the vibrant sunsets here. On snowy days, the scene from O Quy Ho Pass is breathtaking with white covering the hills, a sight unlike any other in Vietnam.
4. Sapa Stone Church:
Sapa Stone Church is a French-style structure built in the late 19th century. Built in the Gothic architectural style, the stone church brings a nostalgic European atmosphere to Sapa. Over hundreds of years amidst the Sapa landscape, the stone church has become an iconic symbol of the misty town.
Though seemingly out of place among the indigenous architecture and way of life, this church holds a unique and strong connection to the highland people. The courtyard in front of the church is where many couples meet during bustling love markets, it's a place of religious activities, and echoes with the hymns of H'Mong children from the village. Travel experience in Sapa in December shows that this is also a glamorous check-in point as the church is always adorned with sparkling lights every winter to welcome a warm Christmas.
5. Hotel de la Coupole:
One of the most suitable places to visit in Sapa in December is Hotel de la Coupole. Amidst the rustic mountainous space of the Northwest, a luxurious palace stands out like a Western sky. Not only a luxurious 5-star hotel, Hotel de la Coupole can become the 'thousand likes' photo spot for your Sapa trip.
Even if you don't stay at the hotel, you can still experience 5-star service as a visitor at the rooftop cafe or bar and lobby area. On days when the weather doesn't cooperate, sipping a hot cup of coffee with a piece of cake, enjoying the cozy and luxurious atmosphere at Hotel de la Coupole is also an excellent choice.
6. Sun World Fansipan Legend:
Whether you prefer to travel solo or with friends, Sun World Fansipan Legend is still the place where you can find your favorite corners for exploring Sapa. Located on the majestic Fansipan Peak, Sun World Fansipan Legend is a high-end entertainment and resort complex with a variety of exciting experiences. Besides the entertainment areas or famous spots in this complex, in December, you can immerse yourself in the lively winter festival.
Every year, tourists flock here to admire the early season snow, watch fireworks shows, take photos with the 'super giant' Christmas trees, and marvel at the cultural exchanges imbued with the Northwest identity. If there is no snowfall in Sapa in certain years, don't worry because Sun World Fansipan has it all covered. Here, they even invest in giant artificial snow-making machines, allowing you to capture every winter concept you desire. To not miss out on the winter festival at Sun World Fansipan Legend, don't forget to follow the news from Mytour to stay updated on the latest events!
7. Cat Cat Village:
Cat Cat Village has already made its mark on the list of Sapa exploration destinations with its simple houses nestled against the mountainside and the sound of the stream flowing all year round. However, visiting Cat Cat Village in December, you will witness a different version of the most beautiful ancient village in the Northwest. Unlike the terraced golden rice fields that have become iconic, the yellow mustard flower fields in early December will be the highlight of the village before the entire space is covered in white.
Winter is also a time to immerse yourself in the unique festivals of the H'Mong people or simply to experience the peaceful life, explore the unique craft villages. Surely, the scenery and the people here will not disappoint you.
Guide to What to Eat in Sapa in December?
1. Stone Moss Vegetable:
The vegetable called 'stone moss,' which sounds a bit 'hard to swallow,' is actually a rare specialty of the mountainous area. Stone moss grows on high rocky peaks and only thrives in the cold season. Therefore, the quantity of stone moss is not available all year round to sell in bulk like other dishes. When you visit Sapa in December, you may have the chance to taste this unique dish.
Preparing stone moss vegetable may seem easy, but it's not that simple at all. Just boiling it over the fire will make the vegetable too soft and lose its characteristic sweetness. Boiled stone moss dipped in fish sauce or sesame salt is a simple but incredibly addictive dish. Besides this common cooking method, stone moss vegetable can also be stir-fried with pork or smoked pork knuckles, which is extremely satisfying.
2. Sapa Grilled Dishes:
Amidst the chilly atmosphere of Sapa, grilled dishes are considered the most popular cuisine at all times. Grilled dishes in Sapa are extremely diverse, ranging from fragrant sticky rice tubes, pork, chicken, duck to unique smoked tofu,... all of which can be ingredients for glowing charcoal grills. What's special is that grilled dishes in Sapa are seasoned uniquely, with each spice tailored for different dishes, so the flavors don't repeat, making you crave for more.
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3. Armpit Pig:
Armpit Pig is a distinctive breed in Sapa, crossbred from wild boars and Muong pigs. This breed usually has a small weight, making it easy to carry under the armpit to sell. The cooking method for armpit pig is essentially the same as regular roasted pork. The only difference compared to roasted pork in the lowland region is the secret marinating recipe with extremely rich spices. The pig is roasted whole over charcoal to achieve a crispy texture while remaining juicy inside. This is a specialty worth trying when visiting Sapa in December.
4. Salmon Hotpot:
You're not mistaken, salmon has become a specialty of Sapa after the successful aquaculture project since 2004. Salmon, originally reproducing and developing in natural environments in streams and waterfalls in Europe or North America, has now been brought to Sapa, allowing tourists to enjoy fresher and more delicious salmon than ever before.
In the chilly atmosphere of December, salmon hotpot is the perfect choice to warm up and equally delicious. Fresh salmon pieces combined with the sweetness of wild vegetables and the clear broth, mixed with a hint of spicy when enjoying a cup of cat apple wine, will be an unforgettable experience for this winter.
5. Men Men:
Men Men is the name of a specialty dish of the H'Mong people made from corn. Although simple, this dish contains the effort and meticulousness of the cook from the process of husking, grinding corn, and undergoing two rounds of steaming. Men Men is often mixed with rice or served with soup for easy consumption.
In the past, men men was only a dish used within H'Mong families, rarely sold outside. But nowadays, you can easily enjoy the specialty of men men at any highland market in Sapa. Additionally, Sapa now has many production and packaging facilities for men men that you can buy as gifts for your loved ones after your trip to Sapa.
Guide to Prepare for Sapa Trip in December
Sapa is the perfect choice in December to experience a change of scenery with the cold weather and exciting adventures. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so don't miss out on the following tips from Mytour for a perfect Sapa vacation!
- The weather in Sapa in December is very cold. Therefore, you need to prepare warm clothes and other accessories to keep your body warm during sightseeing and activities. Additionally, you should prepare an umbrella to prevent foggy and windy days.
- Due to the mountainous terrain, traveling in Sapa can be quite inconvenient with winding and steep roads. You should be aware of the terrain and routes if you plan to explore independently. If you prefer not to travel independently, affordable Sapa tours from reputable travel companies will be the ideal and safest choice.
- Don't forget to bring along your personal identification documents for hotel reservations or scooter rentals. If you plan to use multiple services simultaneously, make sure to carry at least 2 different types of identification documents to ensure a smooth journey.
So there you have it, Mytour has shared with you all the ins and outs of traveling to Sapa in December. Hopefully, these insights will prove useful in your upcoming misty town exploration. Don't forget to follow Mytour's website or call the hotline 19003398 for advice on your Sapa itinerary and other affordable domestic tours!
