Things to do in Sapa in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Sapa. The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 46—66°F (8—19°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Sapa during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Sapa Market, try local hotpot dishes, visit the Cat Cat Village, and more!

Sapa has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Sapa. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Sapa in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Sapa in January

Top experiences in January
Visit the Sapa Market
In January, the Sapa Market is a bustling hub of activity, with local vendors selling a wide variety of fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional goods. The market offers a great opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the region and sample some of the delicious local foods and products. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly and welcoming people of Sapa.
Try local hotpot dishes
In January, the cool weather in Sapa makes it the perfect time to indulge in the local hotpot dishes. These hearty and warming meals are a popular choice during the winter months, and they are a great way to experience the delicious flavors of the region. Whether it's a traditional Vietnamese hotpot or a local specialty, you're sure to enjoy the unique and tasty dishes on offer.
Visit the Cat Cat Village
January is a great time to visit the Cat Cat Village, a traditional H'mong ethnic minority village located near Sapa. The village offers a fascinating insight into the local way of life, with traditional houses, handicrafts, and cultural performances. The cool weather also makes it more comfortable to explore the village and take in the stunning natural surroundings.
Go trekking in the rice terraces of Sapa
January is the perfect time to explore the stunning rice terraces of Sapa. The fields are usually covered in a beautiful green color, making for a picturesque and unforgettable trekking experience. The cool weather in January also makes it more comfortable to hike through the terraces and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Take a cable car ride to Fansipan Peak
In January, the clear skies and cool weather make it the perfect time to take a cable car ride to the top of Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina. The breathtaking views from the cable car offer a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
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Take a photography tour of Sapa
January is a great time to take a photography tour of Sapa, as the cool weather and clear skies provide the perfect conditions for capturing stunning landscapes and cultural scenes. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy taking photos, Sapa offers endless opportunities for capturing unique and beautiful images.
Explore the Muong Hoa Valley
January is a great time to explore the Muong Hoa Valley, as the weather is cool and comfortable for hiking. The valley is home to stunning terraced rice fields, traditional villages, and beautiful natural scenery. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the breathtaking views of the valley.
Visit the Ta Phin Village
January is a great time to visit the Ta Phin Village, a Red Dao ethnic minority village near Sapa. The village is known for its traditional handicrafts, herbal baths, and unique cultural practices. The cool weather in January makes it a great time to explore the village and learn about the local customs and traditions.
Visit the Silver Waterfall
In January, the Silver Waterfall in Sapa is at its most impressive. The increased rainfall during this time of year means that the waterfall is at its fullest, creating a spectacular sight. The surrounding landscape is also lush and green, making it a great time to visit and take in the natural beauty of the area.
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Holidays in Sapa in January
January
  • International New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Vietnamese New Year (January 2829)
  • Tet holiday (January 30February 2)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Sapa in January

Temperatures on an average day in Sapa in January

The average temperature in Sapa in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 66°F (19°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Sapa, May, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 46°F (8°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Sapa in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
66°F
highs
46°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
15%
Chance of rain
0.098 in
Amount
5.8 mph
Wind speed
89%
Humidity
10.9 hrs
Daylight length
6:45 AM
Sunrise
5:40 PM
Sunset
50%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 66°F (19°C) and a low of 46°F (8°C), it generally feels mildly cool, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Sapa in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Sapa has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Sapa that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Sapa for January.
Mường Hoa
1. Mường Hoa
Nature & Parks
Valleys
This popular road weaves through the scenic valley landscape with terraced vineyards & villages.
Fansipan
2. Fansipan
4.7
(2798)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Alpine attraction with multi-day hiking tours, a cable car ride & a pyramid sculpture at the top.
The waterfall of love
3. The waterfall of love
4.8
(18)
Historical place
Nature & Parks
Stairs run up along a section of this sizable waterfall cascading in a serene, wooded environment.
Ga cáp treo SUN WORLD FANSIPAN LEGEND
4. Ga cáp treo SUN WORLD FANSIPAN LEGEND
4.5
(14083)
Transportation
Golf course
Aerial cable cars between Sapa & Fansipan Peak, with temples, restaurants & shops at either end.
Cat Cat Village
5. Cat Cat Village
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Set in the Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village is known for its natural beauty, and H'mong culture and traditions. Traditional wood huts, some serving as homestays, overlook mountainside rice field terraces. On Si Bridge, visitors pass stalls selling H'mong handicrafts, homemade corn wine, and naturally dyed clothes on the way to Tien Sa waterfalls. Cultural shows are performed at the Nhà Hàng Dũng Thu center.
Silver Waterfall
6. Silver Waterfall
4.1
(1301)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Tả Phìn
7. Tả Phìn
Neighborhoods
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Quang Truong Square
8. Quang Truong Square
3.2
(5)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Khu du lịch sinh thái Hàm Rồng
9. Khu du lịch sinh thái Hàm Rồng
4.3
(1795)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Peak overlooking Sapa with a meandering hike amid lush vegetation to its dragon head–shaped summit.
Sapa stone church
10. Sapa stone church
4.5
(2)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Terraced Rice Fields
11. Terraced Rice Fields
3.6
(5)
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Sapa Market
12. Sapa Market
3.8
(89)
Market
Shopping
Ô Quy Hồ pass
13. Ô Quy Hồ pass
4.7
(632)
Mountain pass
Sights & Landmarks
50-km-long mountain pass usually topped with clouds & known for valley & forest views.
Sapa Tourist Information Center
14. Sapa Tourist Information Center
3.8
(76)
Visitor center
Sapa Culture Museum
15. Sapa Culture Museum
4.1
(29)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Hồ Chí Minh Friendship Monument
16. Hồ Chí Minh Friendship Monument
4.8
(6)
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Sapa?

Get inspired for your trip to Sapa with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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