Korean media liken Sa Pa to "stairway to heaven"

Sa Pa – Stairway to heaven

South Korean economic newspaper Hankyung and top South Korean lifestyle magazine GQ Korea praise Sa Pa as the “Switzerland of Vietnam”. With the majestic Fansipan mountain peak, stunning terraced rice fields, and the diverse and unique culture of ethnic minorities, Sa Pa offers South Korean tourists an impressive exploration journey and many unforgettable experiences.

After a visit to Sa Pa on chilly days, GQ Korea magazine described the place as a "stairway to heaven" thanks to the majestic mountains and “cloud-touching” viewpoints everywhere. Reporter Kim Eun Hee was deeply impressed by the layered terraced rice fields and the 3,143-meter high Fansipan peak – which is known as the “Roof of Indochina”. The higher you go, the dense fog seemed to embrace everything, creating a mystical atmosphere. When stepping off the cable car, “the curiosity about what lay beyond the fog stirred my heart,” shared the writer Kim.

Meanwhile, ELLE magazine reporter Lee Maroo expressed great affection for Ban May at Sun World Fansipan Legend . The reporter could not hide her delight when experiencing craft villages, folk games, enjoying highland specialties, and discovering the highland culture of the indigenous ethnic groups. 

She also emphasized to Korean tourists that "Sa Pa is the only destination in Vietnam with snowfall" , at the same time advising tourists to prepare warm clothing to fully enjoy their trip.

The Hankyung newspaper also shared that veteran actor Hwang Jung Min and the star-studded cast of Running Man, including Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, and Yang Se Chan, recently chose Sa Pa as the destination for the reality show “Pinggyego”. The show’s 5 Sa Pa experience videos quickly garnered nearly 36.5 million views on YouTube. The program not only made Sa Pa a focal point of online attention but also increased the interest of South Koreans in this poetic land.

Hotel de la Coupole – An architectural masterpiece amidst the clouds

Not only enchanted by the majestic natural beauty of Sapa, Korean reporters were also particularly impressed by the unique architecture of the hotel  Hotel de la Coupole – a masterpiece amidst the clouds. 

The Neighbor, a reputable news outlet about luxury lifestyle and high-end products from Korea considers this a "priceless" experience when visiting Sapa . "There are many unique accommodation options in Sapa, but when it comes to class, aesthetics, and relaxation, Hotel de la Coupole-M Gallery Sapa is the top choice. As the only 5-star international hotel in Sapa, it boasts a prime location, excellent facilities, and unparalleled hospitality."

The Neighbor writer shared that upon entering the lobby, visitors will immediately feel a different atmosphere compared to other luxury hotels. The interior here is deeply inspired by the traditional culture of Sapa and influenced by the haute couture fashion of 1920s-1930s France. Designed by renowned American architect Bill Bensley, the hotel is decorated with hundreds of fashion illustrations, photographs, props, along with traditional handicrafts of ethnic minorities. The decorative details are both sophisticated and stylish, but not gaudy.

Hankyung Daily notes that Hotel de la Coupole offers a luxurious accommodation space with panoramic views of the rolling mountains, “redefining luxury standards in the highlands”. The unique architecture of Hotel de la Coupole adds to its mystical charm, making the hotel cinematic in every corner. Hankyung reporter Kang Eun Young humorously described the main lobby as a hat-making workshop straight out of the Japanese animated film “Howl's Moving Castle”, or evoking the legendary Platform 9 3/4 from the “Harry Potter” series. A special highlight in the lobby is the creatively designed reception desk with colorful industrial yarn spools, recreating the artistic atmosphere of a handicraft tailor shop, creating a unique space in the heart of Sa Pa.

“This place feels like getting lost in a maze, reminiscent of the traditional Hanok houses of Korea”, commented journalist Kang Eunyoung of Hankyung about Hotel de la Coupole. Additionally, the Hotel scores points with its range of high-class amenities, especially the heated swimming pool Le Grand Bassin and the Absinthe Bar located on the top floor. The Le Grand Bassin swimming pool makes a strong impression with its sophisticated design, using a luxurious emerald green color palette, combined with large bronze statues along the pillars, magnificent chandeliers, and artistic paintings on the ceiling and walls. This is an ideal space to relax and warm up your body amidst the characteristic chilly weather of Sa Pa. Meanwhile, the Absinthe bar is considered the perfect destination for a luxurious afternoon tea – a unique experience only available in Sa Pa, with a sophisticated artistic space and a stunning view of the majestic mountains.

On Naver – the most used information search engine in Korea, the reposted article by journalist Kang received many positive responses from Korean readers. Many tourists expressed that Sa Pa is a dream destination, where they wish to visit at least once in their lives to experience the majestic natural beauty and unique cultural richness.