Sa Pa's rapid weather changes mean that visitors can experience spring, summer, autumn and winter, all in one day. It is this special weather, the charm of the mountains, and the villages of friendly local people that have made Sa Pa one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam.

With caves scattered in the mountains surrounding Sa Pa, tourists often choose the best-known caves to visit first, and the others, if they have time. As their first destination, most tourists choose the old rock field in the southern part of Sa Pa, where geographical maps and battlefield sketches have been carved into stone along with many, many strange writings that are thought to belong to an ancient civilisation.

Another attraction of Sa Pa are the Ham Rong Mountains (Dragon's Mouth) of which locals say look like a dragon with its head looking toward the Hoang Lien Mountains.

Nearby, to the west of Sa Pa, the Thac Bac (Silver  Waterfall) is said to resemble a white dragon. Thac Bac feeds a stream named Muong Hoa, which in the past was spanned by many rattan bridges, with bridge piles made from ancient trees.

More than 10 km northeast of Sa Pa in Ta Phin, one can visit the Luyen Tam Monastery. The construction of this monastery was only half-completed in 1942. Today, it is an eye-catching architectural work in the mountainous area of Sa Pa, and tourists often go to Ta Phin in spring to attend traditional festivals, local rites and ceremonies. Ta Phin is also home to a mysterious cave where tourists can see images of fairies and other unexpected sights. (SGT)