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If you've got only an hour or so to kill, it is worthwhile following the steps up to the Sapa radio tower (admission 15,000d); the views of the valley from here are breathtaking.

SAPA MARKET
Montagnards from surrounding villages don their best clothes and go to market most days. Saturday is the busiest day, and the town is choking with tourists as the market is a big magnet for organised tour groups from Hanoi. If you'd rather enjoy Sapa at a more sedate pace, avoid the Saturday market.

TREKKING TO LOCAL VILLAGES
The nearest village within walking distance is Cat Cat, 3km south of Sapa. Like everywhere in this area, it's a steep and very beautiful hike down; if you're too exhausted or unfit to hike back up, there are plenty of xe om ready and willing to cart you back to your hold.
Another popular hike is to Ta Phin village, about 10km from Sapa. Most people take a xe om to a starting point about 8km from Sapa, and then make a 14km loop walk of the area. We offer guided day and half-day treks depending on the number of people and what, if any vehicles are needed, expect to pay some where between US$10 and US$20.

Best one is included Green Valley : Lao Chai and Ta Van villages about 10km north of Sapa
Vietnam Royal Tourism can arrange comrnunity based tours to the nearby H'mong village of Sin Chai with an overnight in the village to learn about textiles or music and dance.
* Long-standing and Home stay will be prepared by Us with limited time at lest one week before departure and normally from Hanoi

FANSIPAN
Surrounding Sapa are the Hoang Lien Mountains, nicknamed the Tonkinese Alps by the French. These mountains include Fansipan., which at 3143m is Vietnam's highest peak I he summit towers above Sapa, although is often obscured by clouds and is occasion ally dusted with snow, The peak is accessible all year to those in good shape and properly equipped, but don't underestimate the challenge. It is very wet, can be perilously slippery and generally cold, so you must be prepared. Do not attempt an ascent if the weather is terrible in Sapa, as limited visibil¬ity on Fansipan could be treacherous.
The summit of Fansipan is 19km from Sapa and can be reached only on foot. The terrain is rough and adverse weather is cold. Despite the short distance, the round trip usually takes three to four days; some very fit and experienced a steep and very beautiful hike down; if you're too exhausted or unfit to hike back up, there are plenty of xe om ready and willing to cart you back to your hold.
Another popular hike is to Ta Phin village, about 10km from Sapa. Most people take a xe om to a starting point about 8km from Sapa, and then make a 14km loop walk of the area. We offer hikers have made it in two days, but this is rare. After the first morning you won't see any villages; lust the forest, striking mountain vistas and perhaps some local wildlife such as monkeys mountain goats and birds
No ropes or technical climbing skills an-needed, just endurance. There are no mountain huts or other facilities along the way (yet), so you need to be sell-sufficient. This means taking a sleeping hag, waterproof lent food, stove, raincoat or poncho, compass and other miscellaneous survival gear. Bring your own gear. Hiring a reputable guide is vital and, unless you are a seriously experienced mountaineer, finding, porters who will earn your gear is also strongly recommended,