Top Things to do in Sapa
Things to do in Sapa, Lao Cai Province: The Best Shopping
The northwest market town of Sapa is colorful and charming, providing the perfect oasis in the midst of a strenuous mountain trek or rice-paddy tour. The Gothic stone church at the center of town is a bull’s-eye in the center of shops and stalls, serving as a reminder of the town’s French missionary influence. Dine on Vietnamese or European-inspired cuisine downtown, and don’t miss the Saturday night "love market," one of the most potent—and strictest—single’s nights imaginable.
Restaurants in Sapa
1. Indigo Cat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
At Indigo Cat shop, we carefully choose our fabrics directly by visiting local families from all over the northern part of Vietnam. Those families and Indigo Cat agree on a fair price that covers the cost of labor and materials and enables artisans to earn a fair compensation for their work. All these artisans can plan for the future with constant orders from month to month. We are now working with more than 50 different families and we are employing 3 women in our workshop located in Ta Van village. By purchasing items from us, our customers are directly impacting the local minority communities to create a better life for them and their families.
Reviewed By Oliwwwa
I am greatly interested in art of fabrics. My husband took me for super treking combined with batik workshop from Indigo Cat. We had a scenic walk for about 10 km from Sa Pa to Ta Van village where the sweetest and lovely teacher had showed me the secrets of batik making and indigo. You have to reserve minimum 3 hours for the whole process. It is such a meticulous and complex craft and everyone interested in artisan work and diy will greatly enjoy it. My teacher was very patient and truly applied learning by doing method of educating. I was so satisfied with observing her work, teach and also happy with the effect. Additionally we made a little shopping on the spot. Highly recommend this very unique and rare experience.
2. Tho Cam Lan Rung
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Hieu Stone
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
My shop is located on the way to the tourist area of Cat Cat Village! We accept orders (custom design available) and follow the requirements of customers from sapa soap stone! "all days of the week workshop( Carving class"!
4. Linh Handicraft
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Linh's Handicraft specializes in natural eco friendly giftware including custom made clothing and accessories. All products comprise of beautiful hemp and cotton fabrics which are naturally dyed using Indigo, Yam and timbers. The shop is situated in the heart of the Cat Cat tourist village and offers authentic locally made products and artwork. Very affordable pricing for such beautiful items.
5. MaiEcolife The Hill Opera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
High-end Ecolife homestay with all trekking, hiking tour options, spa and food art. By thoroughly understanding that each community, ranging from tribal villages to nations, has different methods of conveying and conserving their culture and reckless tourism development can wreak havoc upon the traditions we keep for hundreds of generations, the idea of MaiEcolife came together.
6. Sapa Hemp
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
7. Anh Duc Shop
8. Can Cau Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By J4939HJmichaelp - Chiang Rai, Thailand
Another market well known for colorful minority people and one of a handful where large livestock (cows and buffalo) are still traded. I have been to this market many times as it is easy enough to reach by bus from Bac Ha town center. Located 12 highway miles (19 km) north of Bac Ha, the small village of Can Cau hosts a smaller version of the Bac Ha market every Saturday morning. Overlooking a beautiful valley blanketed in rice terraces and cornfields, the market is spread out over a fairly large area. Situated along provincial road DT- 153, it feels less crowded, and until recently had fewer tourists than the market in Bac Ha. Since many of the vendors are selling their wares on the highway itself, it is easier to move around and take photographs. Much like Bac Ha, Can Cau market attracts the colorfully dressed Flower Hmong people who both buy and sell fresh produce, livestock, farming equipment and all sorts of clothing and household goods. In the very back of the market is a long-curved path where vendors sell handicrafts, trinkets, and souvenirs to a growing number of tourists. The trip from Bac Ha to Can Cau takes about forty minutes, so I recommend getting an early start. The market can be reached by bus or motorcycle taxi; a one-way moto ride costs around 200,000 VND. Another option is to hire a motorcycle taxi and after seeing the market make a tour of the surrounding area. Drivers can be arranged through hotels to do a six to eight-hour sight-seeing tour for around $30 USD. To reach Can Cau by bus, take any of the local ones marked "Lào Cai - Bắc Hà - Si Ma Cai". These buses pass directly in front of the market which happens to be on the main road between Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai. Since buses make frequent stops, the journey takes at least one hour. The cost, each way, is 40,000 VND.
9. Coc Ly Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Coc Ly market where situated between stunning mountains by the Chay River. Every Tuesday morning, the people from the surrounding ethnic villages such as Flower H'mong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen gather to sell and buy their products. Having explored the market, you will have a boat trip to Flower H'mong village of Na Nen then trek to Trung Do village of Tay minority people. Enjoy the picnic lunch in local house with Tay people. From there you can travel by boat down the river and experience the magnificent sight of the beautiful river banks.
Reviewed By r0landbrunner - Zurich, Switzerland
The Coc Ly Tuesday market is very colorful and much more authentic then the bigger market in Bac Ha and especially more so then the whole Sapa setting, even if also here tourists start coming in more and more. the buffalo fair with hundreds of buffalos to be traded is amazing.
10. Lan Anh Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By sophinetan
When I visited Lan Anh Shop dealing with tribal handcraft handmade products that provided good services & good discount. I would like to recommend to all visitors who like to buy souvenirs or gift that they bring back to home country. Satisfied guaranteed.
