top of page
Search

New things to do in Sapa in 2025 - Better than Trekking Tours

Updated: 4 days ago

You, Sapa tourists, are all looking for some cool things to do while you are here, but all the articles and guides you found are just pointing you to those cliché and ordinary activities. In this article, we will show you some of the new attractions just emerging on the scene this year. Read on!


1 - Tandem Paragliding with FlySapa - Flying like a bird


After many years of scouting and testing to ensure safety, paragliding is finally legal and operational in Sapa. You will see the Muong Hoa valley from a bird's-eye perspective, taking off from Indochina's highest launch site: the Ham Rong peak, at an altitude of almost 1,800 m. The landing spot will be in Ta Van village, which is also a unique attraction in its own right. The operations team is super friendly and professional (Don't take my word for it - see the reviews for yourself). All pilots are highly experienced with thousands of flights under their belt.


Google Map Locations:

Website: flysapa.com

Hotline: +84 58 414 6688 (Whatsapp, Zalo)


Notable details:

  • Price: 2,400,000 – 2,800,000 VND ($90 - 105 US)

  • Duration: 10–15 mins in air, 2–3 hours total experience

  • Distance: Office 3 km from Sapa. From there, 20 minutes (~8km) to either Take-off and Landing Zone.

  • Best Season: March–May (spring) & September–November (harvest season)

  • Suitable for: Adventure seekers, couples, groups

  • Highlights: Bird’s-eye views, professional pilots, and landing in Ta Van village


2 - Paramotor Trike - Flying an ultralight airplane


If paragliding is all about connection with nature, flying like a bird, a paramotor gives you the freedom to fly for as long as you want and wherever you need. Take-off and landing will be from the same spot (the landing zone of the Paragliding Site in Ta Van). You will be sitting in a comfortable seat in front of the pilot and not be asked to run or do anything. The take-off and landing are very similar to that of an airplane.


Paramotor is more suitable for people who can't run fast and passengers coming in as a big group because all of you will be together at one location and the operation can serve a much larger group of people.


With Paramotor, you also have the option to request longer flights, flying to more destination (instead of a fixed route with paragliding). For example: flying to Sapa town, flying to Fansipan.


Google Map Locations:

Website: flysapa.com

Hotline: +84 58 414 6688 (Whatsapp, Zalo)


Notable details:

  • Price: 2,400,000 – 2,800,000 VND ($90 - 105 US) for the standard flight

  • Duration: Minimum 12 mins, 2–3 hours total experience

  • Distance: 10 km from Sapa

  • Best Season: All year round

  • Suitable for: People who can't run fast, big groups

  • Highlights: Airplane feel, taking off and landing in Ta Van village


3 - Shooting Sport at Sapa Shooting Club


Oopening in 2025, this is an unique activity in Sapa for groups or friends looking for something different. Located next to Sapa night market. There are a number of different sport weapons to choose from, from riffes to air guns. Everything in a very safe and sporting setting.



  • Price: 300,000 – 500,000 VND

  • Duration: 30–60 mins

  • Distance: In Sapa town

  • Suitable for: Adults, groups

  • Highlights: Real rifles & air guns, team challenges


4 - Mountain Coaster at Bản Mòng (Xe Trượt Núi)


A coaster ride down the slope, where you control the speed. Great fun for families and groups, with safe tracks and stunning scenery. Located near the paragliding place, this is a perfect activity in the parawaiting time (when weather doesn’t allow for the flight).



  • Price: 200,000 – 250,000 VND

  • Duration: 5–7 mins ride

  • Distance: ~3 km from town, ~10 mins by car

  • Best Time: Year-round, but best in dry season for clear views

  • Suitable for: Families, kids with adults, groups

  • Highlights: Thrilling but safe, self-controlled speed


5 - Rainbow Slide (Đường trượt cầu vồng)


A colorful, quick thrill right in Sapa town. Popular with families and a fun break between treks. The ride is not as spectacular as a paragliding flight for example, but it’s cheap, quick and fun. Worth the try if you are near the South area of Sapa.



  • Price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND

  • Duration: 2–3 mins

  • Distance: Near Sapa town center

  • Suitable for: Kids, families

  • Highlights: Bright rainbow track, Instagram-friendly


6 - Rồng Mây Glass Bridge (Cầu Kính Rồng Mây)


Step into the clouds on a transparent glass bridge at 2,200m above sea level, overlooking Ô Quy Hồ pass. A thrilling experience and a perfect Instagram spot. Can be planned to go together with several other activities in the north side of Sapa (Item No. 13, 14, and 15 in this article).



  • Price: ~400,000 VND

  • Duration: 1–2 hours

  • Distance: ~17 km from town, ~40 mins by car

  • Best Season: Dry, clear months (Oct–Apr) for best visibility

  • Suitable for: Thrill-seekers, photographers

  • Highlights: Glass walkway, epic mountain views


7 - Cat Cat Village - A-Z Photos service


A short walk from Sapa town, Cat Cat combines waterfalls, minority culture, and photo opportunities. Recently, it’s become popular for all-in-one photo services: rental costumes, makeup, and professional photographers — great for couples and pre-wedding shoots.


  • Price: ~100,000 VND entry; photoshoot packages from 500,000 VND+

  • Duration: 1–3 hours

  • Distance: ~2 km from town, 30–40 min walk or 10 min drive

  • Best Time: Morning or late afternoon (soft light for photos)

  • Suitable for: First-time visitors, couples, families

  • Highlights: Waterfalls, weaving workshops, A–Z photoshoot service


Down below here are the well-known activities, having been around for a long time. If you are completely new to Sapa and this is your first article on this topic, the following options can also be really fun for you.


8 - Trekking Through Rice Terraces & Villages


The classic Sapa experience. The most popular trekking route starts from Sapa town, goes along a scenic trail up to Hàm Rồng peak (different trail than the truck road used by paragliders), passes by the FlySapa take-off point, then descends to Bản Hang Đá. This makes for a beautiful loop trek, combining panoramic views and village encounters. There are a few other route options too.


Booking: many different vendors


  • Price: 300,000 – 600,000 VND

  • Duration: Half-day to multi-day

  • Distance: Routes range from 3–15 km; Hàm Rồng loop is ~8 km

  • Best Season: Sept–Nov (golden rice terraces) & Mar–May (blooming flowers)

  • Suitable for: Fit and healthy individuals. Expect a lot of walking up and down

  • Highlights: Rice terraces, minority villages, unique Hàm Rồng trail


9 - Fansipan Cable Car – Roof of Indochina


Skip the hike and glide up to the “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143m. From the Fansipan Legend cable car, you’ll enjoy sweeping valley views before reaching the summit, where temples and the giant Buddha await. This is like a standard activity that everybody has to do in Sapa. But it’s a little bit overrated. Don’t go on cloudy days. You won’t see anything.



  • Price: ~850,000 VND

  • Duration: 15 mins each way, 3-4 hours total experience

  • Distance: 3 km from Sapa town, 10–15 mins by car

  • Best Time: Clear mornings for best views

  • Suitable for: Families, kids, seniors

  • Highlights: Vietnam’s highest peak, panoramic landscapes, spiritual sites


10 - Explore Local Markets


Markets are the beating heart of Sapa. Don’t miss the Sapa daily market or the vibrant Bac Ha Sunday market, where you’ll find colorful clothes, fresh produce, and street food. The Bac Ha one is a bit far away from Sapa and only open on Sundays. But it’s a very unique experience.



  • Price: Free entry; souvenirs from 50,000 VND+

  • Duration: 1–2 hours

  • Distance: Sapa market: central; Bac Ha: 100 km (~3 hrs by car)

  • Best Time: Morning

  • Suitable for: Shoppers, culture lovers

  • Highlights: Handmade crafts, minority costumes, local food


11 - Herbal Baths & Dao Spas


Soak in a wooden tub filled with medicinal herbs prepared by the Red Dao people. Perfect after trekking or paragliding. This is available throughout Sapa area. Most of the locations are equally good.


  • Price: 150,000 – 250,000 VND

  • Duration: 30–60 mins

  • Distance: Available in Sapa town & Ta Van village (FlySapa landing zone area)

  • Suitable for: Anyone needing recovery

  • Highlights: Relaxing, traditional, great after outdoor activities


12 - Overnight Homestay in Ta Van Village


Stay in Ta Van village for an authentic cultural experience. There is something about it that the busy Sapa town just doesn't have. Pick any homestay in the South East side of Ta Van. There are many nice rustic bars and restaurants around.


You’ll also see the FlySapa paragliding landing zone, making evenings extra magical with gliders landing against sunset backdrops.


  • Price: 250,000 – 500,000 VND per night

  • Duration: Overnight

  • Distance: ~10 km from town, ~25–30 mins by car

  • Best Season: Sept–Nov (harvest season)

  • Suitable for: Culture seekers, trekkers

  • Highlights: Local meals, FlySapa landing views, starlit skies


13 - Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc)


At 200m tall, Silver Waterfall is one of the tallest in Vietnam. Best seen in the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak.



  • Price: ~20,000 VND

  • Duration: 30–60 mins

  • Distance: ~12 km from town, ~25 mins by car

  • Best Season: May–Sept (rainy season for strong water flow)

  • Suitable for: Nature lovers, photographers

  • Highlights: Impressive natural wonder


14 - Love Waterfall (Thác Tình Yêu)


Romantic and myth-filled, this waterfall is accessed by a forest trail. A favorite for couples and those looking for a peaceful nature escape.



  • Price: ~70,000 VND

  • Duration: 1–2 hours round-trip

  • Distance: ~14 km from town, ~30 mins by car

  • Best Season: Year-round, but spring (Mar–May) is most beautiful

  • Suitable for: Couples, hikers

  • Highlights: Romantic legend, forest walk


15 - Tram Ton Pass (Đèo Ô Quy Hồ)


Vietnam’s highest mountain pass at nearly 2,000m altitude. Known for breathtaking sunsets and sweeping panoramas. I would recommend renting a motorbike and ride yourself to this pass. The road condition is very good and safe. The scenery is spectacular.


Direction: Just search on Google the Route from Sapa to "Lai Chau". It will take you through the pass.


  • Price: Free

  • Duration: 30–60 mins

  • Distance: ~15 km from town, ~35 mins by car

  • Best Time: Sunset or clear days

  • Suitable for: Road trippers, photographers

  • Highlights: One of the “Four Great Passes” of Vietnam


***

Final Thoughts

Sapa is much more than trekking. It’s a mix of thrills, culture, and relaxation. From flying with FlySapa to soaking in herbal baths, every type of traveler finds their fun here.

👉 One must-do for adrenaline? Paragliding. Book here!

👉 For culture? Homestay in Ta Van + local markets.

👉 For fun family thrills? Mountain coaster & rainbow slide.

Sapa will surprise you at every turn.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page