Guided Market Tour and Hotpot Dinner in Sapa
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This experience goes beyond simply tasting food — it connects you with the stories, traditions, and daily life behind Sapa’s mountain cuisine. Instead of visiting tourist-focused restaurants, you explore the local market with a guide who explains seasonal ingredients, traditional preservation methods, and how ethnic minority families prepare their meals.
You’ll sample authentic highland specialties before sitting down in a small local eatery for a shared hot pot experience — a true symbol of community dining in northern Vietnam. The tour is designed in small groups for a more personal, interactive atmosphere, allowing meaningful cultural exchange rather than a rushed food stop.
It’s not just a meal — it’s an introduction to Sapa’s highland culture through its flavors.
Available options
Sturgeon Hotpot
Sturgeon Hotpot: With this option, you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese sturgeon hotpot (Lẩu cá tầm), served at a local restaurant in Sapa.<br/>Pickup included
Beef Hotpot
Beef Hotpot: With this option, you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese beef hotpot (Lẩu bò) at a local restaurant in Sapa.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Traditional hot pot meal (choice of Beef or Sturgeon)
Tasting of local specialties (dried fruits, smoked buffalo meat, roasted chestnuts)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your experience begins with a warm welcome and pick-up from your hotel in Sapa. From there, you will enjoy a leisurely walk to Sapa Market, the vibrant heart of the town where local ethnic communities trade fresh produce and handmade specialties each day.
As you explore the market with your guide, you will discover unique highland products and learn about their cultural significance. Taste a selection of local specialties such as dried fruits, smoked buffalo meat, and roasted chestnuts — flavors that reflect the mountain climate and traditional preservation methods of the region. Your guide will share stories about daily life, seasonal harvests, and the culinary traditions of ethnic minority families.
2
Stop 2
Continue to a carefully selected local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese hotpot dinner. Depending on your chosen option, you will savor either sturgeon hotpot (Lẩu cá tầm) or beef hotpot (Lẩu bò). Both are prepared with fresh ingredients, seasonal vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and noodles, cooked together in a rich, aromatic broth.
Hotpot dining is a social and interactive experience, served family-style and perfect for sharing. Your local guide will introduce the ingredients, explain cooking techniques, and share insights into Sapa’s culinary traditions.
This experience combines culture, cuisine, and local atmosphere — an ideal evening activity for food lovers visiting Sapa.
What's not included
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Sapa
Sapa is a picturesque town in northern Vietnam, renowned for its stunning rice terraces, vibrant ethnic minority cultures, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Top Attractions
Fansipan Mountain
Known as the 'Roof of Indochina,' Fansipan is the highest peak in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It offers stunning views and a spiritual significance to the local ethnic groups.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive (cable car ticket required)
Muong Hoa Valley
A picturesque valley surrounded by rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. It's a popular trekking destination with stunning landscapes.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free to Budget (guided tours available)
Cat Cat Village
A traditional H'mong ethnic village known for its handicrafts, cultural performances, and unique architecture. It's a great place to learn about local traditions.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to Budget (donations appreciated)
Silver Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall located in a lush forest. The waterfall is especially impressive during the rainy season when the water flow is strong.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Ta Van Village
A Giay ethnic village known for its traditional stilt houses and beautiful surroundings. It's a great place to experience the local way of life.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to Budget (homestays available)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Thang Co
A traditional H'mong stew made with horse meat, organs, and various herbs and spices. It's a hearty and flavorful dish.
Main Course
Contains meat and organs, not suitable for vegetarians.
Sticky Rice
Glutinous rice cooked with various ingredients like mushrooms, peanuts, or sesame seeds. It's a staple food in Sapa.
Side Dish
Vegetarian options available.
Salad of Young Corn
A refreshing salad made with young corn, herbs, and sometimes pork or shrimp. It's a popular dish in the region.
Salad
Can be made vegetarian or with meat.
Sapa Hot Pot
A communal hot pot with a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. It's a great way to try a bit of everything.
Main Course
Can be made vegetarian or with meat.
Popular Activities
Trekking
Mountain climbing
Motorbike tours
Horseback riding
Homestays
Herbal baths
Scenic walks
Cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
September to November and March to May
These months offer the best weather with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and lush landscapes. It's ideal for trekking and exploring the rice terraces.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English, French, Chinese
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sapa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to take precautions, especially in crowded areas and when trekking. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides.
- • Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and motorbike taxis.
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Getting there
By air
- Noi Bai International Airport • 300 km (186 miles) from Sapa
By train
Sapa Station
By bus
Hanoi - Sapa Express, Good Morning Sapa
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are affordable but can be crowded. They are a good option for short distances within the town.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Sapa Town
Tau Chuu Village
Lao Chai Village
Day trips
Bac Ha Sunday Market
50 km (31 miles) from Sapa • Full day
A vibrant market held every Sunday, featuring a variety of stalls selling local products, street food, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and interact with the ethnic minorities.
Bac Ha Terraces
50 km (31 miles) from Sapa • Full day
A scenic area known for its stunning rice terraces and traditional villages. It's a great place for trekking and experiencing the local way of life.
Trung Do Valley
30 km (19 miles) from Sapa • Full day
A picturesque valley surrounded by rice terraces and traditional villages. It's a great place for trekking and experiencing the local culture.
Festivals
Sapa Love Market • Weekends (year-round)
Bac Ha Sunday Market • Every Sunday (year-round)
Gong Culture Festival • Every two years (even-numbered years)
Pro tips
- Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if trekking.
- Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the region.
- Try local specialties and street food, but be cautious with raw or undercooked foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Carry small denominations for markets and street vendors. Bargaining is expected, but be respectful and polite.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
