Top 12 must-see tourist destinations in Sapa

Over 120,000 varieties of roses, both native to Vietnam and from around the world, thrive here. Carefully nurtured by dedicated workers, the 'roses in the clouds' compete to display their beauty and fragrance. The valley resembles a large, soft carpet that blankets a section of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the stunning Sapa region.

Silver Waterfall, located around 15km from Sapa towards Lai Châu and Điện Biên, is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Vietnam. It takes about 30 minutes by motorbike or bus to reach the falls. The waterfall is situated in the San Sả Hồ commune, Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province, making it a convenient and popular spot for tourists.

Silver Waterfall lies near National Route 4D, a vital highway connecting Sapa to Lai Châu, just 12km west of Sapa town center. The waterfall area is easily accessible, with two distinct paths leading up and down the falls. The path on the right takes you halfway up, where you'll cross a bridge to the left side. From there, the majestic waterfall appears before you. The upper part of the falls is veiled by misty water sprays, while at the base, the powerful rush of water creates foam and mist. As you climb higher, it feels as if the waterfall is tumbling toward you, with smaller streams cascading down, rushing to meet the river below.

Golden Stream – Love Waterfall is located in the expansive area of Tram Ton – Mount Xe, San Sa Ho Commune, about 15 km from Sapa town.

Inside the Golden Stream – Love Waterfall tourist area, there are many fascinating spots to explore. The first sight that greets visitors at the entrance of the ecological tourism area is the Vong Cảnh Pavilion. Built from solid stone, this tall and sturdy structure offers visitors a panoramic view of the majestic O Quy Ho Pass, Silver Waterfall, and the peaks of Hoang Lien Son. After crossing the pavilion, a few steps lead to the Golden Stream.

The Golden Stream stretches about 1,600 meters, with crystal-clear amber-colored water that sparkles. The golden hue of the stream blends beautifully with the surrounding greenery, creating a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. One side of the stream is lined with a smooth stone path.

At the end of the stream, visitors will reach the Love Waterfall. Although not as grand as Silver Waterfall, the Love Waterfall, standing at about 100 meters high, has a peaceful and romantic charm that attracts many couples who come here hand in hand.

Located 18 km from the center of Sapa, the road to Heaven's Gate is steep and winding, which only adds to the excitement as you approach. This spot offers a perfect vantage point to take in the vast, pristine landscape of the North-Western mountains, as well as a sweeping view of Sapa town and the Muong Hoa Valley. Don’t miss the chance to conquer one of Vietnam's "Four Great Passes" – O Quy Ho.

Located 9 km southwest of Sapa town, there are two ways to visit this iconic spot. If you're an adventurer who loves exploring, you can take a bus to Tram Ton and begin your trek to the Roof of Indochina. Alternatively, if you prefer a less strenuous route, you can buy a round-trip cable car ticket for 600,000 VND per person. The Fansipan cable car, operational since early 2016, holds two world records: the greatest elevation difference between the departure and arrival stations (1410m) and the longest cable car span (6292.5m).

The scenery at the Fansipan station is breathtaking. On sunny days, with drifting clouds, you’ll feel as though you’re strolling through a European paradise.

Located about 8 km southeast of Sapa town, with an entrance fee of 80,000 VND per person, you will arrive at Mường Hoa Valley. The standout features here are the ancient extraterrestrial stone field and the stunning terraced rice paddies. Especially during the rice season or the water pouring season, the landscape feels like stepping into a watercolor painting. Additionally, from here, you can also visit the Lao Chải and Tả Van villages.