Happy Friday from one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever set foot in—Sapa. I know it’s a bold statement, but there’s something about this little mountain town in northwestern Vietnam that defies description. It’s not just the scenery—though the rolling rice terraces, sweeping valleys, and mist-covered peaks are enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s the way the colors here feel richer, more alive. Shades of blue, green, and aqua stretch across the horizon in a way that makes you wonder if your eyes are finally seeing the world in its truest form.
Sapa sits about five hours north of Hanoi, tucked away in the mountains where the clouds feel close enough to touch. Getting there is an adventure of its own—you can choose between train, bus, or car—but no matter how you arrive, the journey is worth it.
Where We Stayed: A Lodge Among the Clouds
For our time here, we stayed at the Topas Ecolodge, a retreat perched high above the valleys with some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. Originally, we planned to stay just one night. But the moment we arrived and took in the surroundings, it was clear that twenty-four hours wouldn’t be enough. We extended our stay another night, and even then, leaving felt like pulling myself away from a dream.
The ecolodge itself is an escape within an escape. Nestled deep in the mountains, it’s about fifty minutes from Sapa town, which is charming in its own right with its bustling markets and local eateries. But what makes Topas unforgettable is the serenity—the kind of quiet that makes you stop, breathe, and really see the world around you.
Every morning began with a steaming bowl of pho, enjoyed on a terrace with panoramic views of the valley. There’s something grounding about starting your day this way—warm broth, mountain air, and the hush of nature stretching out before you.
A Landscape in Transition
We visited during planting season, which meant the rice fields were still brown, waiting to be transformed. Even without the vivid greens and golds of harvest time, the terraces carried a raw beauty. They curved across the mountainsides like works of art, carved by generations who’ve cultivated this land.
Come September, those same terraces turn into a patchwork of emerald and golden hues, glowing in the sunlight. Part of me wishes I could return just to see that transformation, but another part is grateful I got to witness Sapa in this quieter, more understated moment—when the land was preparing for the season ahead.
Why Sapa Belongs on Your Travel List
When I shared photos from our stay on Instagram, so many people asked about the location. And truly, Sapa deserves to be on any Vietnam itinerary. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but that’s part of what makes it special—it feels untouched, almost secret, like a hidden corner of the world waiting for you to discover it.
If you’re planning a trip, here’s what I recommend:
- Fly into Hanoi. We flew from Saigon to Hanoi on VietJet for about $25 one-way per person, which was surprisingly affordable.
- Make your way to Sapa by train, bus, or car. Each option takes around five hours, but the views along the way keep the journey interesting.
- Stay at Topas Ecolodge if you can. Yes, it’s about fifty minutes outside Sapa town, but the tranquility and views are unforgettable. Most guests combine their lodge stay with a day trip into town, which worked perfectly for us.
A Place That Stays With You
Sapa wasn’t a place I had high expectations for—I’ll admit, we came here not knowing exactly what to expect. Maybe that’s why its beauty hit me so deeply. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you stop planning every detail and allow yourself to be surprised.
What I found in Sapa was more than just stunning landscapes. It was a reminder of how big and beautiful the world is, how travel has a way of humbling you and making you feel small in the best possible way.
As we sat on the lodge terrace, mountains wrapping around us like an embrace, I felt a kind of peace that’s hard to find in everyday life. That’s what Sapa gives you—a chance to step out of the noise, into a place where the sky feels close and the world feels wide open.
If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, I can’t recommend Sapa enough. Come for the views, stay for the stillness, and leave with the kind of memories that linger long after you’ve gone.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend wherever you are, and as always—thank you for reading.
