Things to see and do Sa Pa

It bears witness to the very ancient occupation of the region. More than 200 engraved and sculpted rocks are scattered in the rice fields. They also contain inscriptions that researchers have not yet deciphered. This is the task of P. Le Failler, historian and researcher at the École française d'Extrême-Orient (Efeo), who has been working on this enigma for several years. According to P. Le Failler, "known since 1925, the enigmatic petroglyphs of Sapa, in the province of Lao-Cai, show original models of cartography on stone. Though devoid of writing, the engravers have nevertheless left us a fine description of their world. The networks of rice terraces carved into the rock, the interlacing of hydraulic installations or the representation of villages allow the study of their morphology and provide information on the evolution of human settlements in the high valleys. The Efeo has carried out a census, which was essential due to acts of vandalism that have damaged many of the inscriptions. The coordinates of the stones were recorded by GPS, and each inscription was stamped for digitisation. Local people have always known about the stones, but are unable to explain their origin. Some inscriptions are sinister but unknown; others use an unidentified alphabet. The region has experienced significant migration to such an extent that local memory has lost the memory of those who were there only two hundred years ago.

The small village of Lao Chai, 7 km west of Sapa in the Muong Hoa valley, is a wonderful place to walk. Many guides take tourists on a tour of the still-preserved traditional way of life. The walk takes in picturesque bridges spanning the river, rice terraces, traditional Hmông houses, and culminates in a superb waterfall. For a coffee break or a meal, we recommend a stop at the Hà Meo Cau Mây Homestay.

Giang Thi Zao was born in Ta Van, a village near Sapa. Want to discover the breathtaking world of terraced rice fields, the breath of the mountains, the magnificent valleys? Giang invites the traveller to share his adventures in the Sapa Valley during hikes adapted to everyone's level. An experience to be lived and which allows local populations to be involved in the tourist development of the region; indeed, the management is ensured by a British company which accompanies people such as Giang.

Very wide choice (mountain biking, trekking, market visits…) in this very professional agency. The site is full of ideas and quality proposals.

The agency has Francophone guides and offers trekking and mountain biking.

To discover another Sapa, away from the great tourist machinery. By contacting Mao, you can organize a beautiful hike that will lead you to the Hmông, in the village of Hau Thao. Night (s) in the family home.

Artist works See Thang (lacquer, sculptures, paintings) inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Sapa and the lives of minorities.