Life in the Mountains of Northern Vietnam

Set off to discover the ethnic minorities living in the mountains of Northern Vietnam!

Sapa is a town in Lao Cai Province, on the Chinese border in northern Vietnam. It was first developed by the French colonial authorities at the beginning of the 20th century, as a retreat for French officials working in Vietnam to escape the intense heat of the tropical summer. Home to many ethnic minority groups, especially the Hmong, the town later welcomed increasing numbers of Vietnamese (Kinh) settlers.

Lao Cai Province is home to the highest peaks in Vietnam, including Mount Fansipan, which rises to 3,143 meters. Traveling to Sapa and hiking in its surroundings is an opportunity to meet the indigenous peoples, particularly the Hmong, who have lived in these regions for centuries. It is also, of course, a chance to marvel at the breathtaking scenery – especially the iconic terraced rice fields, shaped by the hard work of mountain communities.

Parfum d’Automne organizes private excursions to discover Sapa either on its own or combined with other destinations in Northern Vietnam. These private tours include the services of a French-speaking guide, who will provide you with all the insight needed to better understand the way of life in the mountains of Northern Vietnam.