Sapa is often associated with Fansipan peak, but the Sapa Heaven Gate is another gem in this region. Visitors to Sapa Heaven Gate can marvel at its stunning natural beauty and learn about the culture of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. In this article, Trekking Tour Sapa will look closer at the Heaven Gate to see if it’s worth visiting.
Introduction to Sapa Heaven Gate
The Heaven Gate is a place that tests the bravery and adventurous spirit of photographers and hikers. It is located at the top of O Quy Ho Pass, one of Vietnam’s four great peaks of the Northwest Pass. Visitors can fully appreciate the raw beauty of the mountainous and forested region surrounded by white clouds.
Location and Directions to Sapa Heaven Gate
2.1. Where is Sapa Heaven Gate?
- The Heaven Gate is located at 2,035m above sea level, on National Highway 4D, about 18km north of Sapa town center.
2.2. How to get to Sapa Heaven Gate?
- From Sapa town: It’s about 18km away, a 50-minute drive along the old 4D highway. Then, follow the road to Silver Waterfall and Tram Ton Ranger Station, and you’ll reach the Heaven Gate in another 6km.
- From Lao Cai city: It’s about 40km along Highway 4D to O Quy Ho Pass, and you’ll reach the Heaven Gate in more than 1 hour. You can take a bus or coach to enjoy the scenic views.
Note: The pass road to Heaven Gate is zigzag and narrow, with sharp turns and broken road barriers. It’s best to drive carefully, or rent a motorbike taxi if you’re not confident.
2.3 Ticket Price for Sapa Heaven Gate
The ticket price is 120,000 VND/adult and includes a drink voucher. Children under 1m can enter for free.
Sapa 1 Day Tours
- 1 day experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Rice fields, valleys & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 2 Day Tours
- 2 days 1 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 3 Day Tours
- 3 days 2 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 4 Day Tours
- 4 days 3 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields & villages
- Private tours – Less Touristic
- Vegan-friendly
The Beauty of Sapa Heaven Gate
Explore the Stunning Scenery
The Heaven Gate offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, including panoramic views of Sapa, its terraced fields, and the Hoang Lien Son range.
Visitors can witness the changing seasons in Sapa, from the bloom of wildflowers in spring to the green fields in summer, the ripe rice fields in autumn, and the snow-capped mountains in winter. The small courtyard at the top of the Heaven Gate is perfect for taking in stunning views.
The best time to visit Sapa Heaven Gate
Time of year
Every month or every time of the year, Sapa Heaven Gate has its own different beauty. Everyone has their favorite moments.
January is the time when the sky gate sinks in the cold winter. The whole city of Sapa is covered with a layer of white snow – this is also a rare climatic feature in Vietnam. At this time, you will have the opportunity to see the white snowflakes deposited on each tree branch and blade of grass, creating an incredible scene.
February is the month of blooming peach blossoms, mountains and forests full of life. The peach blossoms start to bloom when the weather has warmed up on the first days of the new year. At that time, the cold white coat of Quy Ho Sapa Heaven Gate will be replaced by a pale pink coat of wildflowers and peach trees that are racing to bloom on both sides of the 4D road.
When looking down into the valley, you will see the faint pink color of the peach blossoms, dotted with the green color of the budding and budding leaves, creating a beautiful landscape picture.
March is the best time to see plum blossoms. You will admire the white plum forests on the green hillsides along the way to the heaven gate, highlighting a corner of the sky.
The plum flowers are engrossed in blooming, the light, faint fragrance in the wind makes visitors feel like spring is still here in the Northwest mountains.
See Sapa in the pouring water season, then the water will come from upstream, bring with it fertile alluvium, and flow into the terraced fields in April and May. At this time of year, Sapa’s weather is often very Beautiful, the temperature is always only about 20 degrees Celsius, even in summer, because it is located at an altitude of more than 2000m above sea level.
From the top of Sapa Heaven Gate, you can observe the whole scene of the water overflowing into the terraced fields. These fields are all created by talented hand sculptors of ethnic minorities living around the Hoang Lien Son range, present for hundreds of years. Although the main harvest has not yet been harvested, the image of Sapa in the pouring water season always attracts the attention of the paparazzi.
June and July is the time when Sapa becomes busier and busier than ever, because tourists in big cities come here to avoid the heat.
In June, people here start to plant rice in terraced fields, the green color gradually replaces the transparent color of the water. After only 1 month, the image of young seedlings began to grow, rising up high, green, looking extremely pleasant and cool.
August comes, bringing a whole rice season. The terraced fields say goodbye to the green color to gradually turn into a brilliant yellow, signaling a harvest season is about to come.
When entering September, the terraced fields will turn to extremely beautiful golden yellow, making visitors also be amazed by its beauty.
Entering October is also the time when the golden color of the terraced fields turns to a late ripe color. The scent of ripe rice and burning straw fluttering in the wind, as if holding visitors back. When going up to Sapa heaven gate, you will see the image of people here harvesting rice, everyone’s face is radiant and excited.
November is also the time when Sapa enters winter, the weather has started to get chilly. This is the most favorite time of the year for tourists because you will experience the feeling of hunting clouds.
Sapa is covered in a romantic fog, the clouds float carelessly, just a light hand can be touched. At this time, heaven’s gate is no different from a fairyland with a poetic beauty that will bring unforgettable memories on the journey back to the Northwest.
December is the coldest month, there are days when the temperature drops deeply, Sapa Heaven Gate is even covered with white, translucent snow hidden behind a dense fog. Those who cannot stand the cold will not like to come to Sapa at this time.
However, there are still many tourists who like to come to this place on misty days to see the heavy snow covered all the way, to feel the freezing cold, to wander around the town that has been covered in color. white is very beautiful, very loving.
Fansipan Hiking 1 Day
- 1 day fansipan experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Visit Fansipan, highest mountain of Indochina
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Fansipan Trekking 2 Days
- 2 days 1 night fansipan experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Visit Fansipan, highest mountain of Indochina
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Buy Cable Ticket Online
- [QR Code] Buy Fansipan Cable Car Tickets Online
- Non-refundable
- Present your e-voucher
- Fixed-day ticket
- Admission with voucher
Time of day
Morning: The air in the morning is very fresh, cool and pleasant, very suitable for sightseeing. Moreover, going in the morning, you can visit more beautiful scenes such as windmill homestay, H’mong flower garden, etc. before setting foot on Sapa heaven gate.
Afternoon: In Sapa, it gets dark pretty quickly, especially in winter (November to December), so it will be difficult for you to see the surrounding scenery, even nothing. However, if you are lucky, go on days when the weather is favorable, you will be able to see the beautiful sunset, the sky and heaven of Sapa at this time is like red.
Note when visiting Sapa Heaven Gate
Visitors should not go in the springtime. Because at this time, the ice has melted and the rains have started more often, the road to the pass is very slippery and dangerous for pedestrians. Moreover, the road to the pass is the economic lifeblood of the Northwest, so there are many trucks carrying goods through, so you should drive very carefully. However, if you still want to go to Sapa Heaven Gate and see the scenery of Sapa in the spring, you can use the cable car service to get there. Although the cost is a bit high, it ensures your safety.
The road to the pass is often quite steep, so you need a car strong enough to get there. You should choose a digital car to go to O Quy Ho pass because the ability to climb slopes is good, and the scooter will be more convenient and better when traveling on a flat road.
You should go to the sky gate in the afternoon because by this time the fog has gradually dissipated, it is easier to see the surrounding scenery.
Some hotels and resorts near Sapa Heaven Gate
7.1. Sapa Horizon Hotel
- Address: No. 018 Pham Xuan Huan, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.
- Contact information: 0943 333 333 – 025 7777 7777 – 098 247 9999
Fully refurbished in 2017, Sapa Horizon Hotel confidently offers guests a completely modern, luxurious and beautiful space.
Sapa Horizon Hotel is located shyly behind the majestic mountains of the Northwest mountains, a town famous for its warm-hearted and warm-hearted compatriots. Relax in one of the hotel’s rooms and relax on the balcony to fully enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the fresh, airy air.
7.2. Pistachio Hotel Sapa
- Address: No. 29 Group 5 Thac Bac Street, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam.
- Contact information: 0943 333 333 – 025 7777 7777 – 098 247 9999
Pistachio Hotel Sapa is an ideal place to stay for visitors whenever they come to the foggy town with the design and international 4-star standard utility system. This place is also known as a miniature museum when preserving the cultural identities of the highland ethnic groups in Sapa, delicately combined with the trendy European resort style.
When staying here, visitors can not only experience the full range of high-class services such as infinity pool, spa, gym, … but also admire the poetic Muong Hoa valley and the magnificent Hoang Lien Son mountain range. right on the balcony of the hotel.
7.3. KK Sapa Hotel
- Address: 036 Muong Hoa Street, Sapa Center, Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.
- Contact information: 0943 333 333 – 025 7777 7777 – 098 247 9999
Proud to be one of the 5-star hotels, KK Sapa Hotel always ensures to bring guests absolute relaxation, with quality facilities that are both classic and modern.
Not far from Sapa’s heaven gate, here, visitors not only have the opportunity to admire the poetic beauty of Muong Hoa valley and the peaceful beauty nowhere else in Sapa, but also enjoy the culinary quintessence of Sapa. all three regions of the country. Besides, visitors will also have moments of real relaxation by professional staff, always dedicated and attentive service.
7.4. Sapa Catcat Hills Resort & Spa
- Address: No. 086, Fansipan Road, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam.
- Contact information: 0943 333 333 – 025 7777 7777 – 098 247 9999
When stopping at Sapa Catcat Hills Resort & Spa, guests will be rested in one of the resort’s rooms with a view of the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, creating a feeling of extreme comfort and relaxation.
Because it is located on a high hill, where there are many old trees around, in order to keep the natural space, each room, visitors have different experiences, different locations and heights. This will be an extremely wonderful and exciting experience when coming to Sapa Catcat Hills Resort & Spa.
8. Pictures of visitors’ check-in at Sapa Heaven Gate
Possessing charming beauty, it is not difficult to understand when Sapa Heaven Gate is a favorite check-in place for young people.
Sapa Heaven Gate is definitely a tourist destination that will certainly not disappoint those who love to conquer and love adventure. In this article, Trekking Tour Sapa has shared with you all the information about the heaven gate from the way to the hotels near the heaven gate for your convenience to rest and visit. Hopefully, you will have a really fun experience in the future!
Note when visiting Sapa Heaven Gate
Visitors are advised not to visit Sapa during spring as the roads to the pass become slippery and dangerous due to melted ice and frequent rains. Additionally, the road to the pass is a major economic artery, so caution must be taken when driving as there will be trucks carrying goods.
In conclusion
The best time to visit Sapa Heaven Gate varies based on personal preferences and the area’s climatic conditions. Each season brings its own unique beauty, from the white snow in January, the blooming peach and plum flowers in February and March, to the stunning golden rice fields in September and October.
The morning is the best time for sightseeing with fresh air and cool temperature, while the afternoon offers a chance to witness a beautiful sunset. However, visitors should avoid visiting during the springtime when the road conditions are dangerous and slippery.
Sapa 1 Day Tours
- 1 day experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Rice fields, valleys & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 2 Day Tours
- 2 days 1 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 3 Day Tours
- 3 days 2 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 4 Day Tours
- 4 days 3 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields & villages
- Private tours – Less Touristic
- Vegan-friendly
