Tourists flock to Sa Pa town to enjoy the snow. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)ꦆ - According to The Travel, a well-known travel site in Canada, Vietnam's Sa Pa in the northwestern mountainous province of Lao Cai has been listed among the 10 most attractive snow-watching destinations in Asia.
Nepal is Asia's top destination for winter adventures because it's home to Mount Everest. However, those wanting to explore beyond Nepali slopes can enjoy other snowy destinations in Asia. Sa Pa of Vietnam is an example.
"It surprises some that it snows in Vietnam, specifically in the town of Sa Pa. When searching photos online of this destination, it's common to see mountains and valleys covered in greenery, hence the surprise of some that snow visits the area," it says.
During winter, the town turns green to white, attracting those who want a hike up Mount Fansipan or Ham Rong Mountain.
It is an ideal opportunity for tourists on Sapa tours to watch the snowfall in Vietnam, the website recommends.
Other best snowy destinations in Asia are Wadi Rum in Jordan, Papua in Indonesia, Almaty in Kazakhstan, Golan Heights in Israel, Hajar Mountains in Oman and UAE, Sapporo in Japan, Yongpyong Resort in the Republic of Korea, Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, and Taichung in Taiwan (China).
Standing over 1,500 meters above sea level in Vietnam's northwest mountains, Sa Pa enjoys a cool climate all year round.
The winter in Sa Pa lasts from December to February, when temperatures can plunge below zero, the landscape takes on a completely different look, and there is the chance of seeing snow and ice on mountain peaks.
The road to Sa Pa town is covered with ice. (Photo: VNA)
At 3,147.3 meters above sea level, Fansipan Peak is the first and foremost place locals suggest seeing the snow. Conquering its peak on foot can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most tourists. Still, it's not easy to do so, especially for amateur trekkers, who have to negotiate different terrains, steep slopes, towering cliffs and thick jungles.
People can also buy tickets to take a cable cab to the peak.
Ham Rong Mountain is another place where visitors can see the whole town and the scenery beyond. At an altitude of 1,700m, the peak is ideal for visitors to see local plants, flowers, clouds and, if lucky enough, snow.
Bat Xat Commune is another top choice for seeking snow, where one can see an immense field of thick snow.
Y Ty in the west of the commune has attracted many visitors, especially in winter, with white clouds embracing the mountains. It is even more magical when snow falls.
O Quy Ho Pass is another place to see white snow covering cottages and trees. The pass connects the mountains of the Hoang Lien Son range, which looks like a zig-zagging silk cloth from afar.
Silver waterfalls, Sa Pa ancient stone area, Muong Hoa valley and Cat Cat village are other highly-recommended destinations for tourists in winter.
Sa Pa welcomed a record number of 98,000 visitors during the National Reunification Day and May Day holiday this year, a 122% rise over the same time in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, according to the culture and information division of the town.
The figure represents a surge of 755% over the same period in 2020 and 225% over 2021. It reported that revenue from tourism during the four-day holiday (from April 30 to May 3) reached 295 billion VND (12.84 million USD).
During the holiday, Sa Pa ran nine cultural-tourism events, including a street carnival, to lure visitors.
𓆏 Head of the division Hoang Thi Vuong said that local accommodation facilities were booked by 60-98%, with the busiest days being April 30 and May 1./.
