Sapa – making money, losing innocence

Tourism development has enriched Sapa, but at what cost?
At the height of around 1,500m over the sea level, the town of Sapa is situated in the magnificent Hoang Lien Son mountains. This community in Lao Cai province has become a tourist haven because it offers an exquisite natural setting and a fascinating cultural mosaic in the surrounding villages.
Tourism has brought major changes to Sapa town, especially to the lives of its residents. H’Mong and Dao people are becoming familiar with the lifestyle of ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh). Young men from the minority cultures puff at cigarettes instead of using a traditional pipe.
Yet there is a price. Sapa is losing its natural charm and values. It is no longer a place for those who want to return to nature and enjoy the simple life.