A Malaysian’s Journey to Sapa, Vietnam: Cat Cat Village, Sun World Fansipan Mountain, Moana Lisa, Sapa City Town

Hey guys! Welcome back to my travel blog!

I’m so excited to share the next part of our Sapa, Vietnam adventure with you!
If you’ve already read my first post, where I talked about our hotel stay and transportation tips, you’ll know that our journey up to this peaceful mountain town was smooth and scenic.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can click HERE to read all about how we got to Sapa and where we stayed.

Now it’s time to dive into the part I’ve been looking forward to sharing the most, the real magic of Sapa: the breathtaking landscapes, quiet mountain villages, rich cultural experiences, and the peaceful vibe that makes this destination so unique.
Sapa surprised me in so many ways; from the cool, foggy mountain air to the colorful villages in the valleys, it felt like we were in a picture.
Everywhere we went, there was something nice to see, whether it was a waterfall hidden in the trees, a quiet spot with mountain views, or a local market full of bright fabrics and handmade things.

The peaceful feeling and unique culture in Sapa made this part of the trip very special.
This post is all about the places we explored in and around Sapa, I’ll also share what stood out to us and why this destination should definitely be on your Vietnam itinerary, especially if you're someone who loves nature, photography, or a bit of adventure.

Let’s get into it , and trust me, by the end of this post, you might just find yourself dreaming of misty mountains, peaceful villages, and scenic trails too.

Cat Cat Village Sapa

Our first stop in Sapa was the well-known Cat Cat Village, located just a short drive from the town center. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Sapa, and once we arrived, we quickly understood why.

We took an Uber from our hotel, and the ride took around 10 minutes. Even though it’s close, the journey wasn’t exactly smooth. The road leading to the village is quite narrow and steep, and it was very crowded with cars, motorbikes, and tourists walking along the sides.

So, if you're planning to go by car, be prepared for a bit of traffic and a tight squeeze on the way down.

Once we arrived, we bought our entrance tickets, which cost 150,000 VND per person, about RM28–30, depending on the exchange rate. The ticket includes access to the village and all the scenic spots inside, so it’s worth it if you plan to explore and take your time.

Cat Cat is a real village, home to many local families, mostly from the H’mong ethnic group.
As we walked deeper inside, we noticed that each household sells different things, like handmade clothes, bags, accessories, snacks, or drinks. It felt like every turn had something interesting to see or buy.

One thing we really liked was that many corners of the village were nicely decorated by the house or shop owners. Some set up beautiful photo spots with flowers, traditional items, or small setups with mountain views in the background.

A few of them had signs asking for a small fee if you want to take photos, but most were free to enjoy. It's a mix of local culture, creativity, and a bit of fun for tourists who love taking pictures.

It’s a good idea to bring small change if you’d like to support the locals by paying for photo spots, snacks, or souvenirs.

We really enjoyed walking around and seeing how every family added their own unique touch to their space, it made the whole place feel lively and colorful.

We saw a lot of shops in Sapa selling dried buffalo meat, pork, and beef, all known as local specialties in the region. These are often displayed hanging outside the shops or packed neatly in vacuum-sealed bags, and many locals recommend them as must-try snacks or souvenirs.

Out of curiosity, we decided to buy a small pack to try…but honestly, the meat was so hard and tough that I could barely chew it. It’s definitely a unique texture and flavor, but not really my type of snack. Still, it was interesting to try something that’s so popular with the locals!

But what I really loved was their BBQ sausage! We found it at one of the street stalls, freshly grilled over hot coals. It was juicy, flavorful, and had just the right amount of spice. So while the dried meat wasn’t for me, the BBQ sausage totally made up for it!

Just a heads-up...the path inside Cat Cat Village isn’t very smooth.
There are lots of stairs and uneven stone walkways, which can make walking a bit tiring, especially if you're not used to hiking or if you're traveling with elderly family members.
It’s a beautiful walk, but I’d say it’s not the easiest for seniors or anyone with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are a must!

As we continued walking deeper into Cat Cat Village, the scenery became even more beautiful.

Surrounded by tall green mountains, lush trees, and the sound of nature all around, it felt so peaceful.
There were a small wooden bridges crossing the stream, perfect spots to stop and take photos or just enjoy the fresh air.

One of the highlights was the waterfall in the heart of the village, the water rushing down over the rocks with the mountains in the background was such an amazing view.

In the middle of the village, there’s a lively area where you can catch a traditional cultural performance. We were lucky to see some local dancers in beautiful ethnic costumes performing on a small stage, it was such a fun and colorful experience that really added to the atmosphere.

This spot is also a great place to take photos, with the mountains and traditional wooden buildings in the background. We saw many visitors wearing local H’mong costumes, which you can rent from nearby stalls. It’s a fun way to experience the culture and snap some unique travel photos while blending in with the village vibe!

We even managed to take some photos with a local aunty and a few adorable kids dressed in traditional H’mong clothes. They were so friendly and happy to smile for the camera. It felt really special to connect with the locals, even just for a short moment.

One of the things I loved most about Cat Cat Village was how peaceful and natural it felt once you got inside.
You could hear the sound of flowing water so clearly, from small streams to the main waterfall, it added such a calming vibe to the whole place.
We even saw a few ducks waddling around near the water, which made the scene feel even more charming and alive.
Surrounded by green trees, wooden bridges, and mountain views, it really felt like we had stepped into a quiet, hidden corner of nature.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the moment.

You’ll need at least 2 to 4 hours to explore Cat Cat Village, depending on your pace and interests.

If you’re just planning to walk through, take a few photos, and enjoy the scenery, then around 2 hours should be enough. But if you’re like me — someone who loves to check out every little shop, peek into the traditional Hmong homes, stop for snacks or lunch, and take a hundred photos at every corner, then you’ll probably need closer to 4 hours to fully enjoy the experience.

We personally spent almost 4 hours inside the village, and honestly, it wasn’t boring at all. There was always something new to see, a beautiful photo spot to stop at, or a local smiling and inviting us to explore their handmade crafts. It was a really fun and memorable part of our Sapa trip!

The mix of nature and local village life made the whole experience feel like stepping into a quiet, hidden world. We found ourselves slowing down, just standing there and taking it all in, the sounds of the water, the cool mountain breeze, and the peaceful surroundings.
Truly a perfect escape into nature, and one that leaves you feeling calm, refreshed, and inspired.

Is Cat Cat Village worth visiting?
Definitely yes! Even though I’ve been to other similar local villages before, Cat Cat Village truly opened my eyes. It had its own unique charm that made the experience stand out from the rest.

I actually found it super fun to visit, from exploring the local homes and shops to watching the cultural performances and enjoying the photo spots. But what I loved the most was the natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere, the sound of water flowing, the mountain views, and even seeing ducks wandering near the stream, it all felt so relaxing and special.

If you’re heading to Sapa, don’t skip Cat Cat Village. It’s more than just a tourist spot, it’s a place where you can really slow down and take in the beauty of local life and nature.

Sun World Fansipan Mountain

The next day, we set off on a day trip to Sun World Fansipan Mountain.

We had purchased our tickets in advance through a KK Day package, and it turned out to be a very smart choice, it saved us from all the long queues and the stress of buying tickets on the spot.

The full combo cost about RM196 per person and included everything we needed for the journey: Fansipan Legend Cable Car + Muong Hoa Monorail + Fansipan Peek Rail Upward.
With all the transport arranged in one ticket, the trip felt smoother and more organized, letting us focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about logistics.

From Sapa City, we walked to Sapa Station, which is in the middle of town near the Sun Plaza building. The station looks grand and colorful, with a French-style design and big glass windows. Here, we took the first short cable car to Muong Hoa Station.

Muong Hoa Station sits on the hillside and has a beautiful view over the Muong Hoa Valley. This is where we boarded the Fansipan Legend cable car, one of the longest and highest in the world.

The cable car ride takes about 15–20 minutes, flying over rice terraces, valleys, and thick forest.
On clear days, you can see far across the mountains, but in February, we saw a lot of mist and clouds, which made it feel mysterious, like floating above the clouds.

25 years of friendship and still counting.
I’m so glad we’re still side by side through all the ups and downs, and now making this amazing trip together!
Here’s to more adventures, more laughter, and many more years of celebrating this special bond!

The cable car ended at Hoang Lien Station, which is already very high up the mountain.
I was shocked by how misty it was when we got here; the fog was so thick we could barely see a few meters ahead. The wind was strong and icy, whistling through the open spaces. At times it almost blew me off balance, and I had to hold onto my jacket and walk slowly.
Each step felt like a small battle against the wind, but it also made the experience exciting, like we were standing on top of the world, wrapped in clouds.

From here, you have two choices: take a short funicular train that covers most of the remaining climb, or walk up hundreds of steep stone steps to reach the top.
Our package already included the train ride, and honestly, we didn’t want to put ourselves through the extra challenge of walking all the way up, especially in the foggy, cold weather with strong winds blowing against us.
Just imagining the climb in those conditions felt exhausting.
Taking the train was definitely the smart choice, letting us save our energy and stay warm while still enjoying the scenic ride to the peak.
We choose to take the short train up to the hills of course.

Finally, after all the cable car rides, the train, and the climb, we made it to the very top of Fansipan Mountain,3,143 meters above sea level.
The journey wasn’t easy. The cold wind, the fog, and the steep steps had tested our energy, but standing there at the summit made it all worth it.
I felt a mix of relief, pride, and pure joy. Even though the view was hidden by clouds, there was something magical about being up there, knowing we were standing on the "Roof of Indochina".

All the effort, the shivers, and the slow steps were part of the adventure, and in that moment, I couldn’t stop smiling.

I was especially glad that I did it with my girls, who are adventurous enough to take on this journey with me. We laughed through the tired steps, pushed each other to keep going, and shared snacks when we needed a break. Having them by my side made the whole trip more fun and meaningful, it wasn’t just about reaching the top, but about sharing the challenge and the memories together.

We took a lot of photos, videos and stayed at the top for almost an hour.
After all, it had been such a challenge to get here, and who knows if we will ever make this journey again?
We wanted to enjoy every minute. breathing in the cool mountain air, watching the clouds drift past, and just soaking in the feeling of being on the highest point in Indochina.
Each photo we took felt like a little trophy from this adventure, a reminder of how far we’d come and the effort it took to stand here.

For the return trip, we chose to walk down the stairs instead of taking the train.
We wanted to experience a different route and see more of the mountain along the way, like the giant Buddha statue, the waterfalls, and the temples.
Though we knew the weather wasn’t clear, and the fog would hide some of the views, we still wanted to feel the atmosphere and take in whatever we could see.
Walking down let us slow our pace and notice more around us, the sound of rushing water, the flutter of colorful prayer flags, and the calm, quiet spirit of the mountain.

Fansipan is definitely worth visiting, and I think it would be even more stunning in brighter weather, with clear skies and wide, open views of the mountains. But the foggy, freezing cold we had that day gave us a different kind of beauty, a quiet, mysterious atmosphere, where the clouds wrapped around us and the wind made every step feel like a little victory. It wasn’t the postcard-perfect scene you might see online, but it was raw, real, and unforgettable.

Climbing Fansipan is something I believe everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. The journey takes time, effort, and a lot of energy, but the feeling when you finally stand at the summit is worth every step. I’m not sure if I will ever do it again, because it truly pushes you to your limits, but I’m so glad I did it this year, while my legs were still strong, my heart was still curious, and my friends were adventurous enough to join me. This memory will stay with me for a long, long time.

Sun Plaza Sapa Station

I believe Sun Plaza Sapa Station is one of the highlights of Sapa, and it’s clear why, because almost everyone who comes here ends up posting about it on social media. I was no exception. :)
Located right in the city center, the station has a grand, colorful, French-inspired exterior that makes it a perfect photo spot.

There are a lot people gathered in front, posing for pictures with the elegant building as their backdrop. But if you want a clear background, it’s almost impossible, we stood there for 30 minutes waiting, and there were still people everywhere.

The outside of Sapa Station was beautiful, with a vintage charm, especially the yellow and green colors that matched so well. It really stood out in the middle of the city and made the perfect backdrop for photos.
But stepping inside was a bit disappointing. For such a stunning building on the outside, the interior was almost empty, with nothing much to see or do. It felt like such a waste to leave a place like this unused, when it could have been filled with shops, cafés, or even a small gallery to match its beautiful exterior.

Took a selfie group photo of the three of us in front of the station, a little souvenir to keep from our Sapa trip.

Moana Sapa

If you’re planning a trip to Sapa and working on your itinerary, you’ll probably see Moana Sapa listed as one of the attractions to visit.

I hadn’t looked too deeply into what the place was actually like, so when I first arrived, I was a little surprised.
It turned out to be more like a café that has been decorated with unique props and setups to make it different from other places in Sapa.
There are various photo spots and backdrops designed for visitors to take pictures, and you do need to pay a small entrance fee to get in.

The most famous spot in Moana Sapa is the Moana Girl Statue.
It’s a large, graceful sculpture of a woman standing with her back to the visitors, gazing out toward the mountains and valley below, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Moana Sapa.
Almost everyone who visits stops here to take a picture, and it has become the iconic symbol of the place.

Other than the famous Moana Girl Statue, Moana Sapa also has many other picturesque spots, such as the Heaven Gate, Infinite Lake, Golden Hand Sculpture, Mona Death Swing, Moana Sapa Flower Glass Box, and the iconic Lonely Pine Tree. Each spot feels impressively real, with a lot of effort put into the design and construction.

The one that surprised me most was the giant wooden hand, it stretches out toward the sky, creating the illusion of standing on a palm above the valley. It was breathtaking, but I have to admit, I felt a little nervous about the height.

If the weather is nice, the photos taken here can be stunning, but as you can see from my pictures, the heavy mist made everything look soft and blurry, a different kind of beauty in its own way.

Moana Sapa, to be honest, isn’t something I’d call a must-visit. It’s a nice spot for taking photos, especially if you enjoy man-made scenic backdrops, but it’s really more of a “go if you have spare time” kind of place. If your itinerary is tight, you won’t be missing much by skipping it.

One thing I do wish we had done was visit the rice terraces, Sapa’s most iconic view.

Unfortunately, the weather during our trip wasn’t on our side; heavy mist and low visibility meant we wouldn’t have been able to see much, so making the trip out there might have been a waste of time.
The terraces are also quite a distance from the town center, so you’d need to set aside at least half a day to really enjoy them. In good weather, though, I imagine they would be absolutely stunning, and perhaps the highlight of the whole trip.

Sapa City Center

Last but not least, we spent our final half-day exploring Sapa town.
After days of rushing between attractions, it felt good to slow down and simply take in the rhythm of local life.
The town itself is small and easy to walk around, with narrow streets lined by colorful shops and food stalls. We wandered past vendors selling handmade scarves, embroidered bags, and little trinkets that made perfect souvenirs to bring home.
The air was cool and fresh, carrying the smell of grilled meat and freshly brewed coffee.

One of the items that really caught my eye was the handmade wallets, each one crafted by hand, bursting with bright, cheerful colours and intricate patterns.

They had such a charming, authentic feel that I couldn’t resist.
I ended up buying a few to bring home as souvenirs for friends, and I think they’ll love them as much as I do.

We found a cozy cafe, Cong with outdoor sittings facing the street.
We settled in with warm drinks, watching people pass by, from tourists with cameras to locals carrying baskets of fresh vegetables.
It was the perfect way to end our trip, unhurried and full of quiet moments to remember.

And that’s the end of my Sapa trip story.
Unlike my usual travel posts, this time you’ll notice there’s no food section, and that’s because, sadly, my journey took an unexpected turn.
On my third night in Sapa, I fell seriously sick. It started with severe vomiting and was quickly followed by diarrhea. I’m still not sure what caused it, maybe it was something I ate, maybe it was the altitude after visiting Fansipan, or perhaps the sudden drop in temperature.
Whatever the reason, it knocked me out completely, and from Day 3 onwards, I could barely eat a thing.

It was a strange mix of emotions, being surrounded by all this beauty, from the photo spots at Moana Sapa to the colourful streets of Sapa town, yet quietly battling exhaustion and discomfort behind the camera. Every smile in the photos came with a bit of effort, but I still wanted to capture the charm of this place.

Travel isn’t always perfect, sometimes it’s picture-perfect days, and other times it’s pushing through with a packet of tissues in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. But that’s also what makes it real. Looking back, I still feel grateful for the moments I could enjoy, the sights I did see, and the memories I managed to make, even if they came with a few challenges.

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed following along with my Sapa journey, even without the food recommendations this time.
Here’s to better weather, better health, and more adventures ahead!
In the meantime, check out my IG @mizhippo for the Sapa Reels I posted. See you there --- promiseee tsk tsk :)