Ham Rong moutain

(1.5km from Sa Pa): 1750m high. From here you can see the whole panorama of Sa Pa town. Ideal for walking 2.5 hours round trip. The scenery is really wonderful. Discover the artificial orchid garden and enjoy the art show program of the ethnic minority group in Sa Pa at 10:30 every day and at 12:30 every Friday and Saturday. Entrance fee: 20,000 VND per person.

Sapa love market

Montagnards from surrounding villages, especially Red Dao people don their best costumes and head to the market on Saturday. The girls try to hide in the dark shadow and sing love songs to attract the boys. The boys try to find where the songs come from. If they are well matched they come together into the forest for 3 days. Back from the forest, they can get married if they want. Also, some people go to the market to meet their old girlfriend or boyfriend who they couldn't marry for some reason. The Love Market takes place very late in the evening (from 22:00). Be quiet and patient to discover it. Do not miss it!

Bac Ha

Bac Ha is located to the northeast of Sa Pa. Its tourism industry lags behind that of Sa Pa but things are improving. The town's main industry is the production of rice wine, cassava wine and highly potent corn liquor. The lively Sunday market is a good place to pick up handicrafts or you can just wander around and admire the colourful dresses worn by the H'mong women. If you're feeling more adventurous try a visit to Can Cau market that is a 20km drive from Bac Ha. The road is very bad so make sure your transportation is up to the job.

Lao Cai

Lao Cai is the place where travellers cross into China on their way to or from Kunming. Like Lang Son, the Chinese invaded Lao Cai in 1979 and the border was closed until 1993. On the opposite side of the river from Lao Cai is the Chinese town of Hekou.