Sapa Sights and POI

Trekking and visiting the local villages are the main activities in Sapa featured in every visitor’s must-do list. But once you've done that there's plenty more to keep you entertained for a few days. You can combine sightseeing – well, very modest in the sense of museums and the like – with much more rewarding visits to local markets or learning to cook traditional food or even sew traditional garments which is real fun.

Cooking classes

Even if you are not much of a cook, whilst you're in this region you should ensure you make time for a cooking class to learn more about the traditional cuisine they make in this area. Many homestays offer classes and you will see adverts everywhere where they can be arranged. Money you pay will go to support the local communities so it is also not a bad way to make your contribution.

Some restaurants in Sapa itself also hold classes,The Hill Station(37 Fansipan) being one of the best. Your teacher for the day will be a Black Hmong chef, an expert in the local cooking culture. You'll get the chance to make 5 traditional dishes, including the beautiful smoked buffalo, which is usually saved for special occasions such as weddings, and the juicy trout in banana leaf. Priced at USD29 this is an unforgettable introduction into the culture of the region and there are few better people to learn from.

Sewing lessons

These lessons are real fun – mostly because you won’t find them everywhere – opposite to cookery classes, to be honest. Sewing and other craft making techniques are big business here, most shops in the centre of Sapa will showcase the finest traditional designs from across the region.

One of the most popular craft shops in town is Indigo Cat (46 Phan Xi Pang) which boasts an impressive array of souvenirs. Best of all, they offer the opportunity to try your hand at making some of the creations you see in the shop, good luck trying to improve on the originals!

Sapa Museum

Sapa museum is not large and the main focus there is on the culture of the local minority villages, which inevitably means there are loads of crafts on display here. It's well worth a visit before you head out on a trek to one of the communities in the countryside. There's even a wide range of crafts to buy downstairs. Free entry; 07.30–11.00 and 13.00–17.00.

Quang Truong Square

If you're wondering why the town is quiet on a Saturday night, it's likely that the crowds have gathered here. This square is where Sapa’s locals come to relax, exercise and hang out and you'll find it's a great place for people watching. There's plenty of food and souvenirs available around the edges of the square and usually an opportunity to join in with a game of football or volleyball in the centre.

Sapa market

Recently relocated to an indoor venue, this market sells handicrafts as well as a large area devoted to food, offering some of the cheapest meals in town. The market itself can be a bit touristy so don't feel pressurised into buying anything if you think you can get it cheaper elsewhere.

Ho Chi Minh Friendship Monument

Don't be surprised if you're the only westerner here. Although it may not be the country's most impressive monument, it's a hugely popular photo opportunity for the Vietnamese, with some even having wedding photos next to it! If you hang around for long enough, you might get pulled into some of the wedding photos…