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A visit to Vietnam's northern regions would be incomplete without stopping by Sapa, and getting a glimpse of the breathtaking vista and the cultural spectrum of the various montagnards living nearby. Known as the "Queen of the Mountains" by many, the highland town sits nobly on the Tonkinese Alps. The commercial buzz brought to Sapa years ago does not put off the cozy, warm atmosphere felt everywhere. Colors unfold at every turn on the street, with a myriad of ubiquitous ethnic locals wearing their vibrant traditional garbs.
The hill-tribe villages peppered on the jagged elevations are some of Sapa's prime lures. The town's hotels can arrange tours to visit the ethnic villages such as Sin Chai, Ta Va, and the Matra. The closest to Sapa, however, is the Cat Cat Village, a short downward trek from town. The H'mong settlement features a spectacular view of the jagged elevations, a delight to trigger-happy photographers. Tourists can ask for a guide to take them to the other hill-tribe hamlets scattered on the area. A rougher trek leads to the Ta Phin Village, home to the Red Dzao people who are known for their elaborate veil-like headdresses.
Daredevils and thrill-seekers may want to try scaling the mountains. Towering the region at 3,143 meters, Mt. Fansipan is an ideal vantage point to some of the country's picturesque panoramas. Reaching the summit is a relatively short hike (a few days or so) from the town proper, though more experienced and fit backpackers can get there faster. One must remember that no lodgings or huts lie along the trail, so packing one's own tent, sleeping bag, and other necessities is strongly advised.
Sapa's town proper does not disappoint, especially when it comes to exhibiting the best of the montagnards. Though commonly crowded even on weekdays, the local market bursts with culture and goods on Saturdays, considered as the market day. Bamboo trays and plastic pails of fresh produce, metal trinkets, and embroidered pillows swarm the streets, along with flocks of ethnic people and tourists bargaining for a lower price.
Another market worth visiting is the Love Market, the montagnards' version of speed-dating, where the adolescent participants congregate in Sapa to find a mate. Of course, tourists are not allowed to participate, but the heat of teenage romance can be appreciated from a distance. The shy glances, coy smiles, and the couples disappearing into the crowd make for a truly remarkable photograph, just remember to ask permission.