VIETLAND HOLIDAYS

History of Sapa

Sa Pa is a frontier township and capital of Sa Pa District . It was first inhabited by people we know nothing about. They left in the entire valley hundreds of petroglyphs, mostly composed of lines, which experts think date from the 15th century and represent local cadastres. Then came the highland minorities of the Hmong and Yao. The township is one of the main market ones in the area, where several ethnic minority groups such as Hmong, Dao (Yao), Giáy, Pho Lu, and Tay live. groups, as well as by smaller numbers of Tày and Giay. These are the four main minority groups still present in Sa Pa district today. The Kinh (lowland Vietnamese) never originally colonised this highest of Việt Nam’s valleys, which lies in the shadow of Phan-Xi-Pǎng (Fansipan, 3143 m), the highest peak of Vietnam

It was only when the French debarked in highland Tonkin in the late 1880s that Sa Pak in the country.

- Silver Waterfalls ( Thac Bac Waterfalls)Eight miles (13km) from Sapa is the Thac Bac Water fall (the one in the picture).This is one of the region’s major attractions. It is possible to climb to the top of the waterfalls ( step walkway). From there, there is an excellent view of the waterfalls.

Alongside the road, about 5km towards Sapa is Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall). With a height of 100m, it’s a big one, and the loop track is steep and scenic. If you come here, follow the road and you will get to the Tram Ton pass.The incredible road between Sapa and Lai Chau crosses the Tram Ton Pass on the northern side of Fansipan, 15km from Sapa. At 1900m this is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.Drop down a few hundred metres below the pass on the Lai Chau side and it will often be sunny and warm. Ferocious winds come ripping over the pass, which is not surprising given the temperature differ ences – Sapa is the coldest place in Vietnam while Lai Chau is the warmest.

- Muong Hoa Valley

Don't miss a chance to visit big waterfall and a village of Red Dao minority, located in a very magnificent place, surrounded by rice terraces and bamboo forest.

You tour begins by leaving Sapa town for a 30-minute drive along Muong Hoa valley. Upon arrival to the trekking point, start a down-hill walk. Once passed Black H’mong village, you'll approach a big waterfall where you can take a short break to enjoy beautiful scenery. The walk continues on a small dirt path up to Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai. When visiting a local house your guide will explain to you local traditions. If it is a school day, you will visit a school and see students, coming from different minorities. After, you will continue to a suspension bridge, walk up the main road to get on your vehicle, that will transfer you back to Sapa.

- Hill Tribes in Sapa