Sapa

Defined by the local ethnic minority's lifestyle and scenic mountains, Sapa's nightlife is strikingly unique compared to other Vietnamese destinations. Besides pulsating nightclubs, pub crawls, live music and folk performances, Sapa also offers bustling night markets, a tranquil lake, and restaurants with lake and valley views.

Here is how to enjoy the nightlife in Sapa -

• Make a stop at Sapa's iconic nightclubs and bars like Bebop Bar, The Hmong Sisters, Mẩy Club, Ninety Pub and Color Bar.
• Enjoy delectable cuisines and Mountain Pub, Dao Cafe, Wooden PUB, Xin Chao Pub and Relax Bar.
• Pick up textiles and crafts from Cau May Walking Street. This area is car-free after sunset.
• Venture to Sapa Love Market on Saturday Nights and purchase handcrafted costumes, brocades, handbags, scarves, trinkets and skirts. Watch traditional dances where H'mong boys blow bamboo pipe-shaped instruments while girls clad in circle skirts dance rhythmically under umbrellas.
• Stroll Sapa Lake's serene shores, where you can find street-food vendors and souvenir stalls.

For those seeking authentic Vietnamese handicrafts and the freshest organic countryside produce, shopping in Sapa is a fulfilling experience as it allows you to support the local tribal community and learn about their culture.

Here are the best places to enjoy shopping in Sapa: -

• Bac Ha is Sapa’s largest, most colourful upland market where ethnic people sell extravagant costumes, handbags, trinkets, baskets and souvenirs.
• Buy traditional clothing, homeware, jewellery and textiles from Sapa Market, Can Cau Market, Coc Ly Market and Cau May Street Market.
• Admire the British architecture of Sun Plaza Mall.
• Purchase world-class mountaineering gear at Clover Trekking and Souvenir Shopping.
• Quang Truong Square is the Sapa’s centre, boasting upscale boutiques, seafood vendors, bakeries, fountains and walkways.
• Pick up hand-made brocades, scarves, bags, jackets, carpets and skirts from Ta Phin Village and Sapa Love Market.
• For antiques and woodwork, head to Linh Handicrafts and Indigo Cat.

The daily cost on average would be around VND 892491. This includes meals as well as the cost of transportation and some light drinks.

• Money can be exchanged at airports for better exchange rates.
• There are some local restaurants as well as hotels which offer the facility of changing currency.
• Lots of ATMs can be found in and around Sapa.

• Never display affection in public places
• Never touch someone's head
• While talking don't point fingers rather use your hands
• Make sure to dress up appropriately in any public place