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Sapa sits high in Vietnam’s Hoàng Liên Sơn mountains. We visited in the summer of 2025 and almost didn’t – to get there you leave from Hanoi and at some point double back on yourself – but we quickly fell in love. The town delivered the most beautiful cascading rice terraces, ethnic hill‑tribe villages, misty morning mountain views and some of the friendliest locals we have met as a family.
Below are the best things we found to do in Sapa, all tried and tested. If you’re undecided about whether to make the visit or not, why not check out our “Is Sapa Worth Visiting for Families?” post.
1. Trek through rice terraces & villages
Trekking is the number‑one reason people come to Sapa. The countryside is a patchwork of rice terraces and small villages, and walking lets you meet the locals and soak up the views. Guides are everywhere, but some fellow travellers report you can follow the footpaths on Google Maps and go it alone. While that’s probably true, we wouldn’t advise it. Make no excuses – this is a proper hike, not a stroll in the park. You’ll need moral support when the hills kick in, and there’s no better way to find it than in a group of like‑minded people. Who knows, you might even make some friends along the way!
But, can you do it with children?…
Just my daughter being lifted over a 20ft waterfall drop mid trek
Well yes you can but be aware our three‑hour hike turned into six because we kept stopping for photos, snacks and chats with villagers. The times given when you book are average estimates; your real time will depend on the number and ability of people in your group. There are lots of treks on offer, and you can book them locally as you wander around town. We booked through a small family‑run operator – the guides spoke great English (self‑taught!) and the included lunch was delicious.
We completed the below hikes with our 7 and 5 year old in tow and it all went well.
There’s lots of trekking available with differing lengths and terrains, to book the exact same one we did, click here.
Top tip:
Buy some cheap shoes at the local Sapa market and expect them to get absolutely ruined. The mountains can be muddy and storms blow through quickly. Always carry water.
2. Slide down the Rainbow Road at Sapa Green Valley
Sapa Green Valley’s rainbow slide is brilliant value for money. For a small entrance fee (around £4/US$3 per person) you get access to the slide for as long as your legs can handle the stairs back up. Our kids maxed out around their 16th run. The slide is obviously the main attraction, but the owners have made an effort to create as many “Instagrammable” moments as they can on the way up think dinosaurs, random chicken statues and a botanical garden with a floating guitar. It sounds silly, and it is, but it does make for some fun family photos.
A snap from one of our many rides down the Rainbow Side
For a little extra you can get drone footage of yourself coming down the slide – makes a great holiday video and it was all for £3. Overall this was a really good day out for the kids; they absolutely loved it and we enjoyed it more than we expected.
Join a Sapa Cooking Class – Spring Rolls, Local Dishes & More
Looking for a hands‑on activity that isn’t a trek? We signed up for a spring‑roll cooking class in Sapa town. Cooking classes here are more than just following a recipe – they’re a chance for cultural exchange and a great way for the kids to learn without it feeling like a lesson. Your guide will first take you to the market to buy ingredients and give you time to wander and shop for yourselves (we got talked into buying new trainers!).
Us enjoying our cooking class
We were hesitant at first a seven‑ and five‑year‑old running around with big knives – but we’re so glad we booked. Everyone, us included, had the best day and the chefs made sure to be extra careful with the children throughout.
To book the amazing cooking class we did, click here.
Tip:
Come hungry. The amount of food they prepared was enough for about eight people. It was just us and the kids (picky eaters), so we ended up leaving a lot behind.
3. Explore Sapa Town – markets, cafés & rooftop bars
After days of hiking and sliding, we took a day to enjoy Sapa town itself. The centre has a pretty lake, a two-storey market, and a stone church built by the French. Wandering around costs nothing, and considering this is one of the poorer regions of Vietnam, you can treat yourself to a bit of luxury for very little.
Spa salons are everywhere and they’re fantastic. We highly recommend a herbal bath while you’re in Sapa – it’s the thing to do and you won’t regret it. Sink into a warm wooden tub, breathe in the aromatic herbs, and let your worries disappear.
Budget tip: Many restaurants in Sapa cater to Western tourists and they’re remarkably cheap. For even better value, skip anywhere with a big neon sign – local noodle shops and BBQ stalls will fill you up for around £1.50 / US$2 per meal.
Rooftop views, pineapple cocktails, and a shot of espresso – Sapa’s little slice of indulgence above the town
That said, Sapa is the perfect place to indulge without blowing your budget. Directly opposite Sapa Station, on the corner as you come out, there’s a rooftop bar that also houses a surprisingly upmarket restaurant. Think golden steaks, elegant plating, and five-star service for the cost of an average meal back home. Even if you’re watching your spending, this is one of those moments to let yourself be spoiled. In Sapa, a taste of luxury doesn’t come with a luxury price tag.
4. Ride the cable car up Mount Fansipan
Mount Fansipan, which stands at 3,147 m is Vietnam’s highest peak. Some hardcore hikers tackle it over two days, but with two kids and limited time we opted for the easier route – a funicular and gondola combo that still felt like an adventure.
The trip begins at the little funicular station in Sapa town. The train creeps up through the pine trees, climbing steeply until you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the terraced valley. The kids pressed their noses to the glass the whole time. A few minutes later you arrive at the main cable car station where you board a spacious gondola. The journey to the top takes about fifteen minutes and covers over six kilometres of cable. Watching the tiny villages and rice paddies shrink below you is breathtaking and just a tiny bit nerve‑wracking.
Soar above Sapa’s iconic rice terraces
At the summit station there’s still a short climb or a second, smaller funicular if little legs have had enough before you reach the temple complex and giant bronze Buddha. We had packed sandwiches to avoid the pricey summit cafés and ended up eating lunch above the clouds. On a clear day the views stretch forever; on a misty day it feels like you’re floating through a dream. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
Tickets aren’t cheap by Vietnamese standards: adults pay around 800,000 VND (£26/US$32) on weekdays (slightly more at weekends) and children between one and 1.4 metres tall get a discount. Under‑ones travel free. That being said we thought it was worth every dong for such a memorable family experience, and its sort of a can’t miss, if you have come all this way.
To get your ticket, click here.
5. Best Herbal Bath & Spa Experiences in Sapa (Without the Haggling)
If you’re anything like my better half—brilliant, charming, and prone to social anxiety the thought of haggling over prices for a spa or herbal bath in Sapa’s town square can be exhausting. Bargaining is part of the culture, but when you just want to relax, the stress of negotiating and making sure you’re not getting ripped off can ruin the whole experience before it even begins.
That’s why I recommend booking your spa, herbal bath, or massage online in advance, especially at one of Sapa’s top-rated spots. You skip the awkward back-and-forth, know exactly what you’re getting (no language mix-ups), and can simply show up ready to unwind.
I’ve rounded up the best and most trusted Red Dao bath and spa experiences. Click here to book with confidence.
Final thoughts
Sapa is an absolute must-visit. We are so glad we gave Vietnam a second chance. Back when we were backpacking in our youth, we skipped it mainly because we didn’t want to double back unnecessarily. Now, I wish we had stayed longer than we did. There is something undeniably romantic about this little mountain town. From waking up to the most breathtaking views imaginable, to the warmth of the local people, to truly feeling part of the culture, it is an experience that stays with you.
What makes Sapa special is that it is still relatively untouched compared to many parts of Vietnam. This means you get a more authentic travel experience: roaming through unfamiliar streets, trekking misty mountain trails, practicing your handful of Vietnamese phrases, and watching life unfold in a way that feels wonderfully traditional.
If you are wondering whether Sapa is worth visiting, whether with family or on your own, this is your sign: yes, yes, yes. It is one of those rare places where you can slow down, immerse yourself in nature and culture, and come away with memories you will treasure forever.
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