5 experiences not to be missed when coming to Sa Pa

Visiting Ta Phin village to bathe in the medicinal leaves of the Red Dao people, taking photos on the May Bridge over Muong Hoa stream in Ta Van commune, and viewing Sa Pa from the top of Ham Rong mountain are memorable experiences in the town in the clouds.

The Red Dao people's medicinal bath pot includes more than 10 types of leaves, which need to be boiled for about an hour before being used. Photo: Phieu Linh.

Red Dao herbal bath

Sa Pa is not short of shops serving herbal baths. However, many people are still determined to rent motorbikes to Ta Phin village, 12 km from the town center, to find the first place where the traditional herbal bath of the Red Dao people appeared.

There are more than 10 types of leaves here, picked from the forest and grown in the home garden. Many types cannot be transcribed into Kinh. When a guest requests, the owner will start collecting the leaves, boiling them over a high fire for up to an hour before they can be used for bathing.

Herbal baths help reduce fatigue and regulate blood circulation, costing about 120,000 VND per person. Note that you should only bathe for about 15 minutes to avoid getting seasick. Visitors can also buy dried leaves to take home.

Explore the ancient monastery

The abandoned Ta Phin Monastery is a favorite spot for many photographers.Image:Wandering Spirit.

On the way to Ta Phin village, the ancient monastery hidden among the bare tree trunks is a little-known tourist attraction. Construction began more than half a century ago, but was never completed and was abandoned in the middle of the high mountains and clouds. This monastery has a quiet, ancient beauty. The photos taken next to the laterite wall remind many people of the scenery in ancient stories.

Take photos at Cau May

The entrance fee to Cau May is 10,000 VND. Photo: Phieu Linh.

Located in Ta Van commune, the bridge over Muong Hoa stream used to be the only road leading villagers to Sa Pa town. The bridge was made of rattan ropes, precariously connecting two ancient trees, and over time is no longer as sturdy as before.

Those with a fear of heights will find crossing the Cloud Bridge a significant challenge. However, no one wants to miss the moment standing on this bridge, especially on misty days. Visitors can also rent ethnic costumes to take photos by the stream.

Climb Fansipan

The cost of a round-trip cable car ticket is 600,000 VND. Photo: Phieu Linh.

The road to the “roof of Indochina” is no longer a challenge for those who are not physically fit or are not adventurous enough. Instead of conquering Fansipan by climbing, you can buy a round-trip cable car ticket for 600,000 VND, each trip only takes nearly 20 minutes. In addition to the milestone and the red flag with a yellow star at an altitude of 3,143m, visitors can also take many beautiful photos on the cable car or at the Fansipan Legend tourist complex.

Watching sunset from Ham Rong mountain

Ham Rong Mountain Eco-tourism Area has about 20 attractions for visitors. Photo: Phieu Linh

Orchid gardens, ancient peach trees, majestic granite mountains, lush green lawns and fresh mountain air are the interesting things that eco-tourism lovers will find in an afternoon exploring Ham Rong Mountain. From the “cloud yard” point at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level, visitors can have a panoramic view of the entire town, even more wonderful when witnessing the sunset.

According to VNE