Wandering through the streets of Sapa

Sapa, though not unfamiliar with its famous destinations and adventurous routes, always holds a unique allure for first-time backpackers.

Nestled at an average altitude of 1500m-1800m, the quaint town of Sapa boasts a year-round temperate climate. The majestic and untouched landscapes of the Northwest mountainous region, infused with the distinctive cultures of the H’mong, Tay, Red Dao ethnic groups, create a distinct charm that captivates every visitor to this picturesque land.

We arrived in Sapa on a cool early summer morning, as the town was still enveloped in a misty slumber. The crisp air gently seeped into our skin, occasionally sending shivers down our spines with each passing breeze. Renting a motorbike, we embarked on our exploration journey. Starting from the town center, heading towards Lai Chau direction, we began our adventure on O Quy Ho Pass, one of the longest, most perilous, and majestic mountain passes in Vietnam, renowned as one of the four great mountain passes in the Northwest region (alongside Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang, Khau Pha Pass in Yen Bai, and Pha Din Pass in Dien Bien).

O Quy Ho Pass, situated at an altitude of over 2000m, stretches over 40km with numerous hairpin bends and sharp curves that would make many drivers pale-faced; a moment of carelessness could send both driver and vehicle plummeting into the abyss below. The pass cuts through the legendary Hoang Lien Son mountain range like a soft silk ribbon. If fortunate to travel on clear sunny days, you'll have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking beauty of the 'seven-mountains' range, including the majestic Fansipan peak towering at 3143m, famously known as the roof of Indochina. Along the way, you'll pass by Silver Waterfall, a well-known waterfall in Sapa. However, we didn't stop here but continued our journey to Heaven's Gate, a spot nestled amidst the mountain pass.

From here, you can encompass a vast expanse of majestic mountains and forests, winding mountain roads, towering peaks piercing the sky, while below lies deep abysses. Standing amidst the vast wilderness, overwhelmed by the panoramic view, you'll undoubtedly experience a myriad of emotions, feeling insignificantly small in the face of nature's grandeur. At Heaven's Gate, there are a few stalls run by the H'mong people selling eye-catching souvenirs crafted from indigenous materials, alongside stalls offering grilled meat by a young Giay girl.

We highly recommend stopping by to indulge in some delicious grilled dishes along with the specialty of bamboo-cooked rice. Amidst the chilly atmosphere, savoring these enticing delicacies and engaging in conversations with the local vendors here not only provides you with a different perspective on the locals' way of life but also leaves you with beautiful memories of this perpetually chilly mountainous region.

After leaving Heaven's Gate, on our way back, we made a detour to visit Love Waterfall, a rather beautiful waterfall nestled deep in the forest. You have to trek along a winding red dirt road for nearly two kilometers to reach the waterfall. With a height of nearly 100m, cascading over the flow of the Vang stream originating from the summit of Fansipan, the surrounding vegetation is diverse and lush, with only the sounds of forest birds blending with the cool rushing water, making this place an emerging attraction in Sapa.

Continuing our exploration of Sapa, we retraced our steps back to the town, crossing the pass to reach Muong Hum, a small town over 30km from Sapa. There's nothing particularly remarkable about this place; it's just a small highland town with a quiet life, where the harmonious cultural blend of the Kinh people and other ethnic groups coexist and thrive together. However, the journey from Sapa to Muong Hum is indeed a fantastic experience for backpackers. With over 30km of mountainous roads, you'll have the opportunity to explore the life and activities of the mountainous people here. Steep terraced mountainside fields stretch out in a myriad of colors, while villages faintly emerge behind the mountain ranges, shrouded in mist amidst layers of clouds. Herds of horses graze on the high mountainsides. Alongside the road are dry fields preparing for the upcoming harvest season...

Terraced fields, with figures bending over to cultivate the land

On the way, you occasionally encounter elderly villagers returning home after hours of wandering in the forest, and small children who have to assist their families in herding buffalo. Their innocent eyes filled with sadness when we visited them and offered them small bags of snacks or candies. Hopefully, their childhood will be as sweet as those candies...

All the ethnic people we met along the way were very genuine and still impoverished. Perhaps because the development of tourism has yet to impact these remote areas. Hence, our trip became more meaningful as we brought small gifts to the children of the mountainous region, giving them a little joy and sweetness that they rightfully deserve at this age.

We returned to Sapa with mixed feelings, hoping that with the investment and development of tourism by Lao Cai province, the difficult lives in those highland areas would become more affluent, so that children no longer have to labor hard but instead have radiant smiles as if walking to school in a dream.

To continue exploring Sapa, you can visit the well-known tourist spots such as: Ham Rong Mountain, Stone Church, Sapa Market, Ancient Rock Field, Cloud Bridge, Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin Village, and more...

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Source: Travel guide Mytour – By: Young intellectuals.