Sapa in October – The timeless charm of rice terraces

Updated July 21, 2022

October beckons as an optimal period to explore Sapa, as seasoned travelers often suggest. This season unveils a remarkable transformation, painting the landscape in a resplendent hue. The golden radiance of the rice field terraces harmonizes with the refreshing coolness, lending an unparalleled allure to the town. If you’ve been contemplating the perfect moment to discover Sapa’s beauty, seize the opportunity now. Pack your essentials and embark on this captivating journey without delay! 

Contents

1. Weather of Sapa in October:

October is autumn time in Sapa with temperatures ranging from 15 – 20 Celsius degrees. In the early morning or at night, the temperature can drop to below 15 degrees. With such comfortable weather backed by its spectacular scenery during rice harvest season Vietnam will surely bring tourists amazing experiences. Let’s see the top things to do in Sapa in October.

Sapa harvest season – Internet photo

Here are some notices for you if visiting Sapa this time: 

Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected: Despite the cooler temperatures, the sun can still be strong at higher altitudes. Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself during outdoor activities. 

Pack Accordingly: October in Sapa can have varying weather, so bring layers. Days might be warm, but nights can get chilly. Ensure you have both light clothing and warmer layers to stay comfortable. Remember to bring sneakers or slip-resistant sandals for walking on the sloping terrain in Sapa, especially when going to the local villages. 

2. What makes Sapa in October unique?

October becomes the most beautiful time for the ripe rice season of the year. Telegraph has voted rice terraces in northwest Vietnam as one of the 10 most colorful and magical natural landscapes in the world which visitors must at least experience once in a lifetime. The period from early to middle of October marks the best time for admiring Sapa harvest season. After that, rice will be harvested very quickly from the fields, which means that you should depart for the town now before the locals gather the rice. If setting off from Hanoi, you can take a Sapa tour from Hanoi, in which the journey lasts for around 6.5 hours.

Sapa welcomes sunrise

At this time of year, Sapa is like wearing a bright yellow coat. You can see that beauty in any street and road when traveling to this land. However, do not miss the golden times of terraced fields: sunrise and sunset. Each moment brings a specific wonderful scene and feeling:

Dawn time: When the first sunlight of the early morning wakes up from the mountains, the scenery seems to be more subdued. The bowed ripe rice looks sparkling under the early charming sunshine.

Sunset time: Sunset in the northwest mountainous area in autumn always has an exclusive attraction. Fall weather makes the sky clearer and higher, bringing bright and charming sunset to Sapa Town. The golden rice terraces seem to become a mixture of the red color from sunset and the green color of mountains, creating a picturesque moment of nature.

Blending colors of Sapa in sunset

3. Where to admire the timeless charm of Sapa in October?

3.1. Visit Sapa villages during the rice harvest season:

In the harvest season of ripe rice, the villages in Sapa look like a picture immersed in the golden color of rice, a glimpse of brown roofs and winding roads. TThese beautiful villages include Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village, and Ta Phin Village. All create a peaceful landscape to welcome visitors. You can take a Trekking Tour in Sa Pa to explore all those. 

Ta Van Village

From Sapa Town center, it is common to rent a motorbike and drive on your own to the villages. The distance from Cat Cat, Ta Van, and Ta Phin is 2km, 10km, and 12km respectively. Motorcycle rental price ranges from VND 80,000 – 150,000 /per day depending on the types of vehicles and self-fueling gasoline.

Besides watching the scenery, you also can discover more about the local culture such as enjoying a less hustling pace of life, learning how to dye cloth, weaving traditional fabrics of ethnic women, and having fun with the children in the village.

Sapa Market

About wearing an ethnic dress to take photos, there are some stores for you to rent ethnic costumes for picture taking. Now it is time to shine in the scenic scenery! Pose and Snap!

A safer choice for travelers to enjoy Cat Cat and Ta Van to the fullest is joining in the Explore the North of Vietnam tour. Specifically, everything is meticulously prepared for you, from your stay to your transportation. Besides, we recommend you explore these beautiful villages in your own way by contacting us to custom a fitting Sapa tour for you.

Make your trip to Sapa worthwhile with our Explore the North of Vietnam tour!

3.2. Conquer Fansipan Peak – immersed in the sea of clouds:

Conquering Fansipan Peak throughout a distance of 6292.5m, lasting for about 15-20 minutes by taking the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car, you will admire the whole ripe rice fields of the vast Muong Hoa Valley and the majestic beauty of the mountain range – Hoang Lien Son. The scene is extremely impressive as if you are flying in the golden season of Sapa filled with poetic and artistic features.

Fansipan Peak – the rooftop of Indochina – Internet photo

Guide to visit Fansipan peak:

  • Fansipan cable car station: 3km from the center of Sapa Town
  • The latest ticket price for Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car: Adult over 1m3: VND 750,000, children under 1m3: VND 550,000, children under 1m: free

For those adventure lovers, you can trek to the rooftop of Indochina. With this experience, you can watch the wonderful scenery through your own eyes rather than through the glass screen as in the cable car. However, the trip to mount Fansipan quite far and easily to get lost, so you should travel with us to have a more exciting experience.  

Some notices:

Know more about Fansipan Sapa Cable Car in this article.

  • The higher you go, the more cloud it gets, the temperature will drop and the wind might make the cable swing a little but don’t worry!
  • You should limit your belongings. If you have a lot of bulky items, the management officers will not allow you to enter the cable car cabin.
  • You should wear neat and warm clothes, bring gloves, hats, and scarves because on the mountain the temperature is only about 8 degrees.
Muong Hoa Valley seen from a cable car
  • After getting out of the cable car, it takes you another 20-30 minutes to climb the stairs to reach Fansipan Peak. You should both climb and then have a break and don’t need to overdo it as the distance between stairs is quite high and sloping.
  • When climbing, absolutely do not smoke because it is easy to cause forest fires.
  • Protect the stunning surroundings by not littering along the way.

3.3. Head to Sapa Heaven Gate – The peak of O Quy Ho Pass:

Sapa Heaven Gate

Arriving at Sapa Heaven Gate in October, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of a vast valley with enchanting golden rice terraces, the white Silver Fall far away, the local houses, and Fansipan Peak hiding in the clouds.

The road to Sapa Heaven Gate belongs to the most impressive “four great mountain passes” in Vietnam with winding and narrow roads along the side of the high cliffs. Conquering O Quy Ho Pass to reach the heaven gate is something that everyone wishes to experience once.

If you like to be adventurous and conquer the highest mountain in Vietnam on your own then you gonna love this Bike tour in the Northwest. Here, you can feel the excitement rushing in when you conquer Sapa on our trusty bike.

Challenge your stamina with our Northwest Biking Tour!

O Quy Ho Pass – Photo from the Internet

You should choose the time when the sun has risen completely to conquer O Quy Ho Pass to admire the beautiful scenery clearly in the sunshine. It is such a great idea to climb to the pass and watch the sunset. However, it gets dark very quickly so please be careful when coming back to Sapa Town. Finally, remember to bring coats, scarves, hats, and sneakers when riding to the pass due to the cold weather even at midday.

3.4. Ham Rong mountain:

Another place to capture the view of Sapa from above is Ham Rong Mountain located in the majestic Hoang Lien Son Range, about 3km from the town center. Standing on the mountain top, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Sapa, Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Phin Village hidden far away, and even Fansipan Peak. Entrance fee to visit: 70,000 VND / adult ticket and 30,000 VND / children over 1m2.

Ham Rong Mountain – Photo from the Internet

Sapa in October – the most beautiful ripe rice season of the year will surely bring you many impressive emotions about the beauty of northwest Vietnam. For more instant support and inquiry about customized tours, you can contact Gadt travel via:

  • Email: support@gadttravel.com
  • Hotline: +84 941 61 8800

Don’t miss out on the latest Vietnam tours and remember that Gadt is always here to help you Travel your way.

Wish you have a great time traveling to Vietnam! And Happy October!

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