Things to do in Sapa
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Cat Cat Village
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 hotel.
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Delta Restaurant
A stylish and atmospheric place, Delta Restaurant is renowned for its pizzas, which are the most authentic in town, though the pasta is pretty decent too. Wash it all down with a drop of Aussie red.
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Viet Emotion
This stylish, intimate little place has a bistro feel about it, with bottles of wine hanging from the ceiling, plus a fireplace. Try the trekking omelette, home-made soup, or something from the tapas menu like gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns). If the weather really sets in there are books and magazines to browse and games including chess.
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Baguette & Chocolat
If you’re craving a genuine European-style cafe, head to this elegant converted villa for a fine breakfast (sets cost 60,000d to 78,000d), tartine, baguette or a slab of gateau. There are also good salads, pasta and Asian and Vietnamese dishes, and the ‘picnic kits’ are a smart option for trekkers.
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Ta Phin Village
Another popular hike is to Ta Phin village, home to Red Dzao and about 10km from Sapa. Most people take a xe om to a starting point about 8km from Sapa, and then make a 14km loop through the area, passing through Black H’mong and Red Dzao villages.
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Thang Co a Quynh
For a very local experience, Thang Co A Quynh is about as hard-core as it gets, as it only serves horse (yes, and including plenty of boiled blood and offal) and rice wine, and you sit on the floor.
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Tavan Restaurant
This hotel restaurant has a good rep, and is the place for a ser ious splurge. The Parisian chef has been here for years, and while there are Asian dishes on the menu it’s best to stick to European classics like the rack of lamb (US$20), raclette (US$28) or pasta (from US$4).
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Gecko
This large enjoyable French-owned place resembles an auberge, with a rustic feel and a menu of flavoursome country cooking: try the boeuf bourguignon or the ‘gecko’ soup (with potato, bacon and cheese). There’s a bar area and a little park-facing front terrace.
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Tau Bar
With an exterior tagged with graffiti and an interior of unforgiving concrete this bunker-cum-bar is as urban as it gets in Sapa. There’s a bass-heavy sound system, a DIY jukebox that’s strong on hip hop, and always a crowd around the pool tables.
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Red Dragon Pub
Looking like something transplanted from the Pembrokeshire coast, this genteel place resembles a Welsh tearoom, with plenty of knick-knacks on show. It’s good for a quiet drink, and serves filling pub grub including shepherd’s pie.
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Ly Ly Restaurant
It may not be obvious from the name, but this little eatery has morphed into the town's first and only Indian restaurant. Curries, dahl, nan and lassies, it's possible to indulge in a Mumbai master class here.
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Hmong Sisters
This bar with pool tables could be half-decent if the staff were half-polite or, as was the case when we were there, the owner stopped asking people to move tables to accommodate his friends.
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Red Dao House
Smart new restaurant in a mock hill-tribe house with a nice front terrace. There are set breakfasts, and plenty of Vietnamese seafood and chicken dishes. Staff wear Dzao-style costume here.
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Topas Travel
A Sapa-based operator that has high-quality trekking, biking and village encounters. Many options include a stay in their fab Eco Lodge. Topas also employs many guides from minority groups.
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Buffalo Bell
A good option on the main drag, this place has a slim street terrace, take-away cakes, and a menu that includes delicious, filling baguettes and Italian food – try the penne arrabiata.
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Bombay
Indian food in Sapa? Certainly – all your favourite curries, dhal, naan and vegie dishes are present and correct here, though the restaurant lacks a little in terms of atmosphere.
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Handspan Travel
Offers trekking and mountain-biking tours to villages and markets. Exact prices depend upon numbers, but a two-day trek with a night in a hill-tribe village costs around US$100.
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Victoria Spa
State-of-the-art spa complex, with gorgeous massage and treatment rooms. Swedish, Thai and aromatherapy massages, and some wonderfully revitalising body wraps and scrubs.
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Thac Bac Loop Track
Alongside the road, about 5km towards Sapa, is Thac Bac, the Silver Waterfall. With a height of 100m, it's a big one, and the Thac Bac loop track is steep and scenic.
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Chieu Suong
It looks pretty uninspiring from the street, but this humble place offers bona fide foot and body massages at very fair rates.
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Nature Bar & Grill
Has a large wood-panelled interior and a central fireplace. The menu is a typical Sapa mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
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Gerbera Restaurant
An old travellers’ fave that’s best for its filling, inexpensive Vietnamese food. Choose from the looooong menu.
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Sapa Radio Tower
The easiest trek in town is to follow the steps up to the Sapa radio tower for killer views of the valley.
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