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The highland town of Sa Pa has long been a favorite destination for travelers both domestic and international when visiting Vietnam. Besides sightseeing, when you come to this Northwestern land, you will experience interesting feelings.
Conquer O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Hoang Lien Pass, is dubbed the 'king of passes' in the Northwestern region of Vietnam. With an elevation of 2,000m above sea level and a length of over 50km, this pass holds the record as the longest pass in Vietnam. It's the height and the challenge that have long made O Quy Ho a favorite Sa Pa tourist destination for many travelers.
Here, you'll not only test your inner resilience but also have the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent natural landscapes of the Northwestern mountains and forests. Standing atop majestic passes, casting your gaze far and wide, you'll witness the sublime beauty of the great mountain range, with its pristine climate providing travelers with a delightful sense of comfort.
The beauty of O Quy Ho Pass is ever-changing; while the Lao Cai side may be shrouded in mist, the Lai Chau side basks in radiant golden sunlight. In winter, there's snow and ice, while summer brings billowing clouds. It's this dynamic scenery that captivates both domestic and international travelers.
On clear, cloudless days, standing atop the pass, you can also admire distant villages, the proud peak of Fansipan amidst the clouds, and the undulating mountain ranges resembling watercolor paintings in Sa Pa.
Indulge in the traditional Mong dish, Thang Co.
Thang Co is one of Sa Pa's unique specialties that you must indulge in when visiting. It's a traditional dish of the H'Mong people with a history of over 200 years. Over time, it has become popular among various ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Dao, Tay, Thai,... across the Northwestern region.
Thang Co is made from horse meat. Local residents clean and boil the meat and 'five internal organs' thoroughly before simmering them in a broth made with horse bones, bile, and 12 traditional spices of the community, stewing for hours.
When eating, diners can add a bit of chili, pepper, or salt. Especially, if you sit around the Thang Co pot, you should enjoy it with Bac Ha corn wine or San Lung mountainous rice wine of the Northwestern forests. This way, you're truly experiencing the eating style of ancient times.
To enjoy authentic Thang Co when traveling to Sa Pa, visitors should visit the highland markets of the H'Mong people in Sa Pa, Bac Ha, and Muong Khuong.
Experience bathing in the pristine streams of Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village is one of the enticing tourist destinations in Sa Pa. Here, besides admiring the picturesque natural scenery, you also have the opportunity to experience the thrilling activity of bathing in the pristine streams amidst the dense forest. To reach this stream, visitors need to trek through a forest trail that stretches 2 - 3km.
You'll have the chance to behold a stream with an incredibly romantic natural landscape, with crystal-clear water so transparent that you can see the pebbles at the bottom.
Surrounding the stream, there are many large, flat rocks where visitors can rest, stop by, and admire the scenery.
Embrace the wilderness of nature, where you can freely swim, dive, ensuring an unforgettable experience. On sweltering summer days, immerse yourself in the cool, refreshing water, listening to the melodious chirping of birds nearby, melting away all worries.
Explore Sa Pa and witness the snowfall
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level, Sa Pa is dubbed the miniature Europe of Vietnam with its characteristic temperate climate, shrouded in mist all year round. Winter in Sa Pa is very cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C and snowfall.
In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Sa Pa in winter has significantly increased, everyone hoping to witness snowfall at least once. For Vietnamese tourists, seeing snowfall is truly a fantastic experience.
Sa Pa's landscape during the snowfall season is adorned with a layer of pure white, creating a stunningly beautiful sight. Snow blankets every space, resting on rooftops, clustering on tree branches, grass blades, and covering all roads.
When the winter sun rays shine down, Sa Pa's scenery becomes even more dazzling with bright white hues, captivating the hearts of all travelers.
Areas where snowfall concentrates in Sa Pa that visitors should explore include the stone church area, flower gardens, and lakeshores. Especially from the summit of Ham Rong Mountain, tourists can admire the panoramic view of Sa Pa town immersed in the romantic white snow.
Traveling to Sa Pa, you will experience fascinating things. So, right now, plan your trip to this wonderful town with your family and loved ones.
