Beyond Sapa: 5 Alternatives to Consider For Your Next Trip
So many things to see, so little time
If you are looking for a change, something off the beaten track beyond Sapa, there are still many others for consideration for the same time and budget spent. Sapa, the wonderful combination of harmonious weather, pristine nature and uniquely ethnic minority groups culture; is definitely one of the most well-known tourist attractions in northern Vietnam. However, that is also the reason why this small town is always packed with tourists both local and foreign all year round. If you are looking for a change, something off the beaten track, in northern Vietnam, there are still many others for consideration for the same time and budget spent.
Tam Dao Hill Station - Cool climate and tranquil trekking trails
Located just 80 km from Hanoi, Tam Dao Hill Station continues to be a favored getaway from the heat of the Red River Delta region. Each weekend and holiday, especially in the summer when temperatures in the plains can reach up to 40°C, Hanoians flock to Tam Dao. Elevated more than 1,200 meters, the climate here is refreshingly cool, with average summer temperatures around 18°C and winter averages around 10°C—an ideal retreat for those seeking refuge from tropical heat reminiscent of Sapa.
Once a vacation retreat for the French, Tam Dao was home to numerous grand colonial villas. Many of these were destroyed during the conflicts of the 1950s, leaving in their wake a newly established mountain town now catering to tourists. The area features a wide variety of accommodations from hostels to luxury resorts, along with an abundance of local specialties for visitors to enjoy.
In addition to its cool climate, Tam Dao offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as mountain sightseeing, serious trekking, and birdwatching—making it comparable to Sapa. Nature enthusiasts can explore Tam Dao National Park, which boasts eight types of forests across varying topographical and climatic zones and is home to over 2,000 plant species and 904 animal species.
Tam Dao - Photo: @hoidulich
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Mai Chau - Inhale the ethnic culture
Mai Chau is about 135 km from Hanoi and 60 km from Hoa Binh City, providing a stunning green valley perfect for those interested in the daily lives of ethnic minority groups, particularly the Thai people. Lined with traditional stilt houses showcasing unique Thai architecture, the valley offers tourists opportunities to interact with locals and even try their hand at cooking and crafting in Thai styles. Homestay programs are available, where guests can enjoy traditional dance performances while savoring local delicacies like bamboo rice and grilled skewers.
An engaging local market occurs every Sunday, drawing participation from various ethnic groups in the vicinity. This vibrant event is a chance for tourists to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of Hoa Binh Province, which is home to about six different minorities, each with unique languages, traditions, and festivals.
From Mai Chau, visitors can embark on trekking tours to explore remote villages. While the climate in Mai Chau is milder than Sapa, it offers a wealth of experiences including breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural interactions, and delightful cuisine. Several travel agencies currently provide tours that connect Hanoi, Mai Chau, Sapa, and the stunning landscapes of Son La province.
Mai Chau - Photo: @vietnamtravelaway
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Lai Chau - Panoramic landscape and untouched local culture
Nestled in the northwest, Lai Chau is approximately 450 km from Hanoi. Travelers can take Highway 12 from the Dien Bien Phu Loop or Road 4D from Sapa, where local buses operate daily from the Sapa terminal. Lai Chau features breathtaking highland villages like Sin Ho, Ta Phin, and Dao San, situated altitudes above 1,500 meters. This elevation creates a cool and misty climate reminiscent of Sapa, with average temperatures hovering around 20°C and experiences two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The pure air here is an asset that Sapa might envy.
The region is characterized by its splendid mountain ranges, narrow valleys, and cascades, alongside significant rivers such as the Da, Nam Na, and Nam Mu that provide stunning vistas. Visitors to Lai Chau can indulge in mountain trekking, navigate the Da River, explore ancient caves, or pamper themselves in natural hot springs.
Lai Chau is home to nearly 20 ethnic minority groups, including the H’mong, Thai, Dao, Ha Nhi, Mang, and La Hu. Tourists can experience this vibrant multicultural society by visiting local markets held every Thursday and Sunday mornings or by attending authentic festivals such as the Thai “Hoa Ban Festival” in the second lunar month or the H’mong’s “Gau Tao Festival” in spring.
Buses run frequently from the Lai Chau terminal to Sapa, departing every hour from 5 AM, with the journey taking about 2-3 hours for the 175 km route.
Lai Chau - Photo: @teadam171
Phia Den-Phia Oac - Wild nature
When visiting Phia Den-Phia Oac (also known as Phia Dac), travelers will be captivated by the stunningly wild landscape featuring majestic mountain ranges, winding rivers, expansive caves, and extensive patches of pristine forest. Located in Nguyen Binh, a remote district of Cao Bang Province, which is 240 km from Hanoi, Phia Den-Phia Oac is emerging as a promising ecotourism destination in Vietnam's northwest region.
With an average elevation of 1,500 meters and peaks reaching up to 1,931 meters, this area is often shrouded in mist, mirroring the climate found in Sapa. Both areas share historical connections, having once been exploited by French colonialists for valuable resources like aromatic timber and precious minerals, evidenced by remaining French villas and military posts such as Tai Soong and Tatsloom scattered throughout the landscape. Visitors can also engage with the various Dao minority communities living in the area.
Cao Bang is accessible via National Highway No.3, approximately 272 km north of Hanoi. Direct buses operate between Cao Bang terminal and Lao Cai terminal, facilitating easy access to Sapa from this region.
Phia Oac - Photo: @Caobangtourism
Mu Cang Chai - Unparalleled for photographs
Quietly nestled between two mountain ranges in Yen Bai Province, Mu Cang Chai is one of Vietnam’s lesser-known regions, renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, recognized as a national heritage site and arguably the most visually stunning in Asia. For those who have admired the terraced fields of Sapa, Mu Cang Chai is sure to leave a lasting impression. Located about 300 km from Hanoi, it is accessible primarily via rugged roads from either Yen Bai City or Lao Cai, featuring steep slopes and passes. Despite its remote access, Mu Cang Chai retains an incredibly pristine beauty, characterized by its untouched landscapes which are perfect for both trekking and sightseeing.
In terms of cultural experiences, the population here is largely Hmong, comprising 90% of residents, while the Thai account for around 8%. The Thai community tends to reside in lower elevations while the Hmong inhabit the higher hills, where they cultivate the remarkable terraced fields that cascade along the mountains. Mu Cang Chai offers a chance to slow down and immerse oneself in nature's tranquility, as well as engage with the warm and welcoming local ethnic communities. While it's only 170 km from Sapa, it is recommended to hire a local driver for a more comfortable journey. Alternatively, travelers can return to Mu Cang Chai from Tu Le or Than Uyen to catch a local bus toward Sapa.
Mu Cang Chai- Photo: @leethanhhaf
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