Sapa – Summer capital

According to the historic documents, in 1903, when the adventurers of Indochina Geography Department explored Sa Pa plateau during their first topographic plotting of the northern area. In 1905, the very first data about the geography, weather and vegetation were collected by French. Thence, Sapa became more and more well-known for its magnificent views, cool and fresh weather that similar to the Europe’s weather in winter. In 1909, a convalescence and medical treatment area was built up. In 1917, a tourism office was founded in Sapa and one year later, the French people started to build up their first villas. In 1920, the railway Ha Noi – Lao Cai was completed and Sapa then was considered of as the summer capital of the North.  

Sapa - valley city in the mist

At the moment time, several constructions and buildings that were built in 20^th century such as Cong Doan hotel, Stone Church or Cat Cat hydroelectric plant are still maintained in good condition. Furthermore, Sapa town has been rebuilt since 1991. Up until now, Sapa has approximately 200 hotels and guest houses as well as several new resort projects that is preparing for operation in order to meet the demand of visitors. Especially after the inauguration of Noi Bai – Lao cai highway lead to the significant increase in the number of tourist visiting Sapa.  

Bac Ha – The White Plateau    

The White Plateau in spring

Bac Ha is among the well-known beauty spots in Lao Cai province, north-west Vietnam, and 100km east of Sapa. The Bac Ha plateau lies at an altitude of about 1200 above sea level. Therefore, climate of Bac Ha is similar to Sapa with cool and fresh weather for most of the year.

An urban planning project for Bac Ha tourism industry were announced by Ministry of Construction and local authorities, under which Bac Ha plateau will become an attractive and original resort in the northern mountainous of Vietnam. This is the result of cooperation between Lao Cai People’s Committee and experts from France’s Aquitaine region.  

Visiting Bac Ha will brings to visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the mountainous area which is called with the name White Plateau., especially in spring when the plum flowers bloom. In addition, tourists can also explore the culture of different local minor communities in their traditional markets like Coc Ly market, Can cau market …

Y Ty – The second Sapa

The mysterious beauty of Y Ty

Y Ty commune is located west of Bat Xat district and lies at the height of 1.600m above sea level. Therefore, all year round the village is covered by dense white clouds. In winter, visitors can see the rare phenomenon of snow and ice which cover all the roads, villages and mountains here.

In recent years, the route to Y Ty has become easier due to the operation of the tarred road from Trinh Tuong, goes through the jungle. As the result, the number of visitors are increasing significantly, especially young travelers and photographers.  

Coming to Y Ty, visitors are amazed at the beautiful and mysterious of the jungle which is the natural habitat of several kinds of ancient trees, colorful flowers. In addition, travelers can visit the weekly market of Ha Nhi people, Hmong people and Dzao people for exploring their traditional culture.

By Vietnamtourism