Sa Pa overlooks the stunning terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley, and is near the 3,143m-high peak of Mount Fansipan. The spectacular mountain ranges of this remote region, such as Fansipan, constitute the last major peaks in the Himalayan chain. Based 1,500m above sea level, the highlands town is a popular base for trekking and exploring local hill tribes, such as the Hmong, Tay and Dao which make up much of the town and surrounding area’s population.
Bac Ha, a rural district to the North-East of Sa Pa, is the capital of the region of the Flower Hmong, one of the 54 minorities of Vietnam and one of the six groups of Hmong people, and is well known for its Sunday market frequented by many hill-tribes who travel from far away to trade their goods.