New iconic travel experiences turn Sapa into a must-visit destination

A masterpiece of hotel design

Hoitel de la Coupole – MGallery by Softel brings back "old Indochina" to modern day Sapa

Paying tribute to the magnificent architecture of “old Indochina,” Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel is a stunning five-star accommodation that has taken hospitality and hotel architecture in Sapa to unprecedented heights.

Located in the misty heart of Sapa with views of the Hoang Lien mountain range in the background, the hotel’s outstanding design is one of the most fascinating creations ever conjured up by award-winning architect Bill Bensley, who was once described as ‘the king of exotic, luxury resorts’ by Time magazine.

Hotel de la Coupole is a perfect mixture of French haute couture and local Hill Tribe motifs

After making a number of survey trips to Sapa, Bensley was mesmerised by the rich culture of this mystical land and went to great lengths to recreate it in Hotel de la Coupole. The gorgeous interiors blend the lush textures of French haute couture with the vibrant colours and patterns of local hill tribes who still populate this mountainous realm. The design also captures the essence of the northwest thanks to a huge collection of hill tribe accessories that tastefully adorn every corner of the hotel from various ethnic dresses with majestic motifs hanging on the wall to the beautifully handcrafted jewelries seen in the hallway. There is also a wonderful throwback feel throughout the hotel with antiques and vintage items also embedded into the décor.

The indoor pool Le Grand Bassin is a spectacular feat of architecture

Guests will be hugely impressed by how Hotel de la Coupole manages to blend a classical European style with features that capture the essence of the mountainous landscapes. For example, the heated indoor pool, Le Grand Bassin, boasts a stately air with large Romanesque pillars while the ceramic tiles are inspired by the tribal patterns and colours of local Hill Tribes.

Here and there you will see tributes to the stilt houses of the northwest as well as rich, lush colours that would not look out of place in a flamboyant runway show. Everything seems to underscore Bensley’s flair for story telling through interior décor and design.

A new icon of Sapa and Vietnam, Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel also offers superlative services with incredible restaurants, spacious rooms, stunning views, and much more besides. It is truly a triumph of hotel architecture and hospitality, one that will leave luxury travellers greatly impressed as they sojourn in Sapa by the Roof of Indochina.

Unforgettable moments in Sapa

The Muong Hoa mountain train connecting the hotel to the cable car station

There are now many wonderful ways for visitors to explore Sapa and experience its natural beauty and timeless charm. The Muong Hoa mountain train runs for 2km, connecting Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel to the cable car station, which in turn can deliver visitors to the peak of Fansipan.

It is a short, but spectacular journey. Sitting in charming carriages of classical European interiors and vintage fittings, passengers will see the mist-covered and lush landscapes all around Sapa as the elegant train trundles through valleys and tunnels.

The two-carriage train, which can travel at a maximum speed of 16kmph per second and serve up to 2,000 guests per hour, was designed and produced by Swiss company Garaventa. Each carriage is 20m in length and 3m wide, weighs 25 tonnes, and can carry 200 passengers at once.

Sun World Fansipan Legend is an electrifying cavalcade of colours and experiences

The breath-taking journey also leads visitors to Sun World Fansipan Legend, where they can experience the highland culture of the northwest in a cultural space that hosts colourful festivals and events all year round.

From there, guests can head for the ‘Roof of Indochina’ by cable car. What was once a two-day trek can now be achieved in 15 minutes. The incredible cable car ride is a truly unforgettable experience. The system holds two Guinness World Records: at 6,282 metres long it is the world's longest three-cable system, while rising 1,410 metres throughout its journey, it is also the cable car system with the greatest elevation in the world.

The cable cars offer a one-of-a-kind view of Sapa and its powerful natural surroundings

Riding in the cabin is an exhilarating experience as you float through the clouds high above the terraced fields, lush valleys, and villages with breath-taking views of the swirling clouds and the forested slopes of the Hoang Lien mountain range.

The Roof of Indochina is a spectacular sight to behold

Standing at the top of teh Fansipan, visitors will not just be able to feast their eyes on 360 degrees of awe-inspiring natural scenery. Now they will also get to relax in a peaceful garden complex and admire a complex of spiritual architecture that includes the grand bell tower of Thanh Van Dac Lo, the Great Amitabha Buddha Statue, the Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda, the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva – all developed by Sun Group.

From Hotel de la Coupole, the cable car-system and Muong Hoa railway line to Sun World Fansipan Legend and these striking, sacred buildings and statues on the top of Fansipan, Sapa has a new generation of icons that are heralding in a new day for this incredible destination that is famed for its timeless charm.