Walking around Sapa is one of the highlights of Vietnam

With its surrounding mountains often shrouded in mist, the stunning hill station of Sapa is worth every minute of the eight-hour train journey from Hanoi. 

The French established Sapa in 1922 to escape the heat on the coast. Indeed, it has even been known to snow here in the winter.

Vietnam's highest peak, Fansipan, soars over Sapa and tempts experienced climbers. The area offers some great easy hiking opportunities, through rice paddies and villages of colourfully-dressed ethnic minorities, with options for overnight accommodation in homestays. It is not unusual for friendly and helpful locals to accompany travellers on treks - don't be offended when they (innocently) ask you your age!