Sa Pa

Sa Pa is the classic starting point for trail running and trekking in Vietnam. The Muong Hoa valley opens onto dozens of routes through the Lao Chai – Ta Van terraces, Red Dao footpaths around Ta Phin and 2,000 m+ peaks of the Hoang Lien Son range. It also hosts the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, Southeast Asia's largest trail race, every September. Golden harvest (mid-September) and the flooded-terrace season (May) are the two most photogenic windows; winter brings dense fog and the occasional frost on O Quy Ho pass.