Anyone who has ever visited Sa Pa knows that this mountainous town is home to a wealth of famous attractions: from the majestic peak of Mount Fansipan, to traditional ethnic villages, and the expansive terraced fields of the Muong Hoa Valley. However, these places often attract large crowds. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet to truly immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains and forests, here are some new destinations worth exploring!
Mật Pet Farm - A “Pet Paradise” in Sa Pa
Mật Pet Farm is originally famous in Moc Chau (Son La Province), located in Ban Lun, Muong Sang Commune, similar pet farm models are now starting to pop up in Sa Pa. One such charming farm lies along Violet Street, just a short distance from Sa Pa town center - a favorite among young visitors.
Though not particularly large, Mật Pet Farm is a beloved check-in spot for teenagers and animal lovers thanks to its cute animals and uniquely photogenic corners.
The farm is designed as an open space with plenty of greenery and a wide variety of animals such as gentle alpacas, playful rabbits, friendly dogs, plump hamsters, as well as goats and sheep. Especially charming are the two adorable capybaras that live here.
Alpacas - the friendly, fluffy companions you’ll love to meet. Photo: Q.Lien
The morning atmosphere is crisp and refreshing, occasionally punctuated by the sound of the wind and the gentle bleating of goats and sheep. With Sa Pa’s mild daytime temperatures averaging 18 - 22°C, it’s a perfect spot to spend a relaxing half-day unwinding and taking photos with the cuddly residents.
Although there are many friendly animals, the highlight of the farm is definitely the capybaras. These two gentle creatures are so calm that visitors can sit next to them, gently pet them, and they’ll simply lie there peacefully. The farm also features sheep, goats, rabbits, cats, and dogs.
There are no elaborate games or staged performances - just the slow, peaceful rhythm of walking around, feeding the animals, petting their soft fur, or simply sitting on the grass and watching them wander by. It’s more than enough to help visitors feel completely at ease.
Adorable bunnies hopping around, ready to melt your heart. Photo: Q.Lien
The animals are grouped into different sections. Right at the entrance, you’ll likely be greeted by fluffy, friendly alpacas. Nearby is the area for rabbits and hamsters, where dozens of white, gray, and brown bunnies hop around on the lawn, and tiny hamsters rest in small enclosures.
Farther in, you’ll find a more spacious, separate section for goats and sheep. Dog lovers won’t be disappointed either, as there’s an entire zone dedicated to breeds such as Corgis, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies.
Meet the cutest hamsters in town - small in size, big on charm! Photo: Q.Lien
The farm also features pre-set camping tents and shaded seating areas. After a walk around the farm, you can settle into a quiet corner with a cup of coffee, breathing in the fresh mountain air. Amid the many familiar attractions of Sa Pa, a place like this offers a refreshing break in your itinerary - without requiring strenuous travel.
If you’re visiting Sa Pa during a holiday or planning a summer getaway, this is definitely a worthwhile experience. No need to venture far from the town center or make a reservation - just come by, park your vehicle, buy a ticket, and walk in. You’re sure to have a memorable time!
Some refreshing eco - spots around Sa Pa
Olong Tea Hill: Olong Tea Hill is a well-known destination that draws visitors with its lush green tea rows interspersed with cherry blossom trees in full bloom during the spring.
Located at about 1,800 meters above sea level along Highway 4D, it’s roughly 7 kilometers northwest of Sa Pa’s center. The scenery here is like a painting, with vibrant green tea buds contrasted by the pink hues of cherry blossoms from December to January each year.
In December, Olong tea hill shines in all its glory - where the fresh green of the tea meets the romantic pink of cherry blossoms. Photo: Huong Giang
Thanks to its high elevation, the area offers cool, fresh air - perfect for relaxation and soaking in the peacefulness of nature. The tea hill is a popular check-in spot, attracting tourists eager to take photos and capture beautiful moments. You can even visit the tea processing factory to learn more about how Oolong tea is made.
Succulent plants Gardens: Blessed with a unique climate and vibrant blooms year-round, Sa Pa is a floral paradise. In addition to its many native flowers, visitors can also explore stunning succulent gardens lovingly tended by local growers.
One particularly charming mini succulent garden can be found at house number 4 on Dien Bien Phu Street, near the entrance to Mau Thuong Temple, about 2 kilometers from the center of Sa Pa. Though small, this garden contains thousands of neatly arranged pots, creating a visually delightful setting.
These gardens feature hundreds of succulent varieties like Ruby, Lola, Emperor, Gray Rose, Brown Stone, Silver Leaf, White Crane, and White Daisy - some native to Vietnam and others imported from South Korea and China.
Strawberry Gardens: Strawberry gardens are another unique and enjoyable stop during your journey through Sa Pa, alongside must-sees like Mount Fansipan, Muong Hoa Valley, Ham Rong glass bridge, and ancient rose gardens. The best time to visit these gardens is from November to April, when strawberries are in peak season.
If you’re looking for a light, relaxing activity during your stay in Sa Pa, spending a morning or afternoon visiting places like Mật Pet Farm or the tea plantation is definitely worth considering. These are not places to explore cultural heritage - but they do offer a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature and adorable animals. If you decide to go, it’s best to start early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and capture the magical “golden hour” light for your photos.
Standing proudly behind the statue is the magnificent Hoàng Liên Sơn range - a breathtaking natural backdrop. Photo: Q.Lien
These new eco-friendly destinations in Sa Pa are setting a trend for a different kind of tourism - one that delights both young people seeking stress relief and families with children. With cool weather, peaceful scenery, and charming animals, Sa Pa continues to “reinvent” itself to win the hearts of more visitors./.
Text: Q.Lien
To make your trip to Sa Pa more successful and memorable, consider the following tips:
- Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, as early mornings and evenings in Sa Pa can still be chilly, even on sunny days.
- Wear comfortable sneakers or soft-soled shoes suitable for walking on hilly terrain, rocky paths, or through ethnic villages.
- Book your accommodation and Limousine bus tickets early if you’re traveling on a weekend or during holidays.
- Pack essential medications such as motion sickness pills and medicated oil, especially if you’re traveling by car or bus, as the mountain roads to Sa Pa are winding.
- Always maintain cleanliness and respect the local environment, particularly when visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip to plan a suitable itinerary and avoid rainy days that may affect outdoor activities.
- Bring some cash with you, as smaller attractions, local eateries, or homestays may not accept card payments. Wishing you a truly unforgettable journey in the “town in the clouds”!
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