Winter in Sapa: 6 best things to do during winter in Sapa, Vietnam

Nga Do
Whether it’s the pearch blossoms of spring or the autumn with golden season on the terraced rice fields, Sapa Vietnam is well known for its seasons. However, the one that doesn’t immediately spring to mind is winter. Winter in Sapa is an incredible time to visit thanks to its natural beauty, extreme experiences and snow.

Sure, December to February can be uncomfortable as the temperatures drop below 10ºC and snowstorms make travelling challenging in the north. But layer up and get ready to enjoy an illuminated wonderland that’s Fansipan - "Roof of Indochina", colour festivals and seasonal gourmet treats.

Are you thinking about exploring Sapa during the most wonderful time of the year? Great! Below, you’ll find a list of six unique things to see and do during winter in Sapa.

Winter in Sapa: 10 best things to do during winter in Sapa, Vietnam
Photo by Sun World Fansipan Legend

1. Winter festivals


Held annually in Sapa every winter, this year Sun Group’s Sun World Fansipan Legend Company launched a winter festival at Sa Pa national tourism site in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on November 30.

All the interesting winter activities are on offer here, plus with themed “Snowy Paradise”, you can to discover some unique event. The festival will offer the most special ever winter in Sa Pa in a joyful Christmas atmosphere, with many new and interesting attractions such as an 18m-high Christmas tree made up of 160 transparent crystal blocks, a 50m ice tunnel and entertaining music performances. 

This festival runs from November 30st to January 1, 2020. Prior booking the event takes place during peak tourist season.

Don't forget Vietnam Typical Tours always offers you the best services and support you whenever you need. Contact us at: http://vietnamtypicaltours.com/contact-us/

Winter in Sapa: 10 best things to do during winter in Sapa, Vietnam 1
Photo by Giang APhon

2. Pearch blossoms


Watching peach bloom is a top-rated activity on any traveller’s bucket list, so it would be a massive shame to miss out. Just because you’re visiting Sapa in winter doesn’t mean you have to – as long as you’re willing to travel to far north provinces!

Sapa always gets the first sightings of peach, with first bloom being as early as December and the full bloom mid December. So if you’re looking to pink-wash your Instagram feed before spring has fully sprung, you know where to head!

3. Local Villages


Local villages is one of the popular attraction with travellers all year round, but there’s something magical about exploring this traditional villages in the Sapa mountains during winter.

4. Sapa homestays in winter


The local people of Sapa are one the biggest reasons for you to visit Sapa anytime of the year. With over 50 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, you can meet up to 15-20 different tribes in Sapa, including the Black H’Mong, Tay and Dzay people. The local people in Sapa are incredibly friendly and will take good care of you at their homestays. Keeping cosy by a fire, surrounded by family, with a home-cooked feast of local produce and a few glasses of ‘happy water’ will keep you warm even on the coldest night!Sapa homestays in winter

The local people of Sapa are one the biggest reasons for you to visit Sapa anytime of the year. With over 50 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, you can meet up to 15-20 different tribes in Sapa, including the Black H’Mong, Tay and Dzay people. The local people in Sapa are incredibly friendly and will take good care of you at their homestays. Keeping cosy by a fire, surrounded by family, with a home-cooked feast of local produce and a few glasses of ‘happy water’ will keep you warm even on the coldest night!

5. Food and drink


When the temperature plummets, you’ll need gastronomic delights that warm your soul. Thankfully, winter in Sapa is packed with delicious treats. Salmon is a hotspot, with salmon a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Grilled food is another speciality of Sapa’s in the winter.

Winter in Sapa: 10 best things to do during winter in Sapa, Vietnam 2
Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours

6. Trekking in Sapa in winter


Along with homestays, people come to Sapa for the trekking. Trekking is usually a fair weather activity but we would actually recommend hiking in Sapa in winter because the temperatures are cooler. Hiking is a great way to warm up and if you are lucky, you’ll get a homestay foot bath at the end of your trek! The visibility for views may not be as good as in spring or autumn but there is something about fog clinging to the tops of mountains that really makes a place seem magical.

What to pack for winter in Sapa


Sapa in the winter is very cold – temperatures sometimes lower than 0°C – so warm clothes are a must. A big coat, thick jumpers, long trousers and boots are necessities, and women should also bring tights along for the ride. Gloves, a scarf and a hat will all come in handy too. A great tip is to wear easily removable layers, as bars and restaurants are heated and get toasty very quickly!

Another factor is the dry weather. The humidity is low, which means lip balms and moisturisers are useful if you suffer from dry skin. A refillable water bottle is a good idea to stay hydrated.

Are you preparing to see Sapa in the winter? Then you need to check out all of our guide in Sapa at: https://sapatoursfromhanoi.com/blog/

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