Sapa

During my first weekend in Vietnam, just after my arrival, we embarked on a thrilling two-day trip to Sapa. On Friday evening, we hopped on a comfortable bus departing from Hanoi. The bus provided ample space, allowing us to lay down and catch a few moments of restful sleep during the journey.

Upon arriving at our homestay in Sapa, we encountered a minor confusion as no one was there to direct us to our designated rooms. Nevertheless, we took it upon ourselves to choose our accommodations for the night. The following morning, we were treated to a delightful breakfast of French "crepes" and refreshing smoothies at the homestay. Fueled up and ready to explore, we set out to discover the breathtaking landscape surrounding us.

During our exploration, we had the privilege of witnessing the local ladies' impressive craftsmanship. They demonstrated the traditional art of weaving marijuana plants, skillfully transforming them into shirts. The experience was both fascinating and eye-opening, providing us with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the region. Our weekend in Sapa proved to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with remarkable encounters and memorable moments.

Renting bikes and embarking on a journey through Sapa sounds like a thrilling adventure. However, the first day posed a challenge due to the incessant rain. Despite the unfavorable weather, we mustered the determination to ascend to the peak of Fansipan mountain, the highest point in Vietnam standing at 3,147 meters (10,326 feet) above sea level. The trip to the summit required an admission fee of 800,000 VND (approximately 32 USD). Regrettably, the rain hindered our chances of fully savoring the panoramic views that one typically witnesses from the top, as depicted in the pictures below. On the left: us, on the right: some lucky guy who went there at the right time.

On our way back, we stopped in Sapa, a charming city illuminated by the night lights. 

Sapa by night

We enjoyed a relaxing hot bath before returning to the homestay, where a delicious meal awaited us. We shared the meal with the welcoming family, and they offered us rice alcohol, which turned out to be surprisingly tasty. It was a memorable evening filled with warm moments and cultural delights that left us with cherished memories of Sapa.

The following morning, we hopped on our bikes and made our way to Silver Waterfalls, also known as Thac Bac. The journey was worth it as the waterfalls offered a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The soothing sound of cascading water made time seem to fade away, almost making us forget the effort it took to reach there (entrance fee: 20,000VND).

We then decided to take the bike to a secret spot where we enjoyed the freshness of the water coming from the mountain. It was a hidden gem with no tourists around, and we had the entire place to ourselves, savoring the stunning view from a high vantage point. To get there, we had to walk for an hour through a muddy bamboo forest, but the beautiful landscapes made it all worthwhile. I'll share the pictures of this heavenly place so you can see its beauty for yourself.

The whole crew on its way to the waterfalls

Our journey in Sapa came to a beautiful conclusion with this secret spot as our final stop. It was a trip that could have taken a negative turn due to the weather on the first day. Thankfully, the weather improved, and the second day turned out to be the best. I felt joyful as we trekked along the trail, and the highlight was discovering a natural swimming pool at the end. The refreshing dip in the pool added a perfect touch to the adventure, leaving us with wonderful memories of our time in Sapa.

Me, surrounded by nature