US magazine recommends Sa Pa among departure points for the Year of the Fire Horse 2026

In its latest news forecasting Asia travel trends for 2026 through the lens of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, Travel Leisure recommends Sa Pa (Vietnam) as an ideal destination for people born in the Ox year. According to Travel Leisure, the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 is the year of a travel spirit – symbolising movement, freedom, and adventure. For each zodiac sign, the magazine selects the most suitable destinations across Asia, along with an “already-written” journey.

The story notes that after a year of tireless hard work, those born in the Ox year will need places where they can “slow down,” and Sa Pa is the perfect definition of that. “This destination beckons with its rice terraces, serenity, quietude, and infinite beauty,” Travel Leisure wrote.

The US magazine describes Sa Pa as offering a “hygge” travel experience, where travellers can slow down, breathe, and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. Among the must-dos, conquering Fansipan is not to be missed – an experience Travel Leisure describes as a way to “a refreshing challenge.”

To reach Fansipan in the gentle, rejuvenating spirit Travel Leisure mentions, travellers can take the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car. The cable car line carries visitors over layer upon layer of rice terraces, offering sweeping views of the majestic Hoang Lien Son Range and the dreamy Muong Hoa Valley from above, before arriving at the 3,143-metre-high Fansipan summit – known as the “Roof of Indochina.”  

At the summit, travellers can quiet their minds while paying respects at the spiritual complex, home to symbolic landmarks such as the Great Amitabha Buddha statue, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue, and the Arhat Path. These grand spiritual works, set against the magnificent natural scenery of the sacred peak, create a serene, sacred space that helps visitors let go of worries and find a sense of peace. 

Beyond its dramatic landscapes, Travel Leisure also suggests connecting with local ethnic communities for a “culturally rich journey” in Sa Pa. At the foot of the mighty Fansipan, nestled within the pristine beauty of the great forests, May Village is lively and filled with laughter. If you want to experience the diverse customs and traditions of the Northwestern ethnic groups, don’t miss this shared village of highland minority communities.

This is the only place in Sa Pa where you can experience the daily life of multiple highland groups (H’Mong Sa Pa, H’Mong Dien Bien, Xa Pho, Tay, Giay, Red Dao, Thai, Ha Nhi) in a single day, at a single location.  

Here, the traditional colours of each community are preserved in the most authentic way. Ban May’s old houses were carefully brought from villages around Sa Pa and restored by local artisans themselves. The living space is always warm with the glow of the hearth, where daily routines and customs – unchanged for hundreds of years – continue to be practiced. Visitors can explore processes such as brocade-making, weaving, incense-making, beeswax pattern printing, and bamboo-and-rattan weaving, guided by highland artisans. Everything at Ban May is designed so travellers can feel Sa Pa at its truest – and the Northwest at its most distinctive.

“The earthy, authentic vibes of this mountain retreat will resonate deeply with your calm and dependable soul,” Travel Leisure affirms, underscoring that Sa Pa’s experiences are especially well-suited to those born in the Ox year. 

From rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see, to the sacred Fansipan peak floating among clouds, to the earthy, sincere rhythm of life in highland villages, Sa Pa offers a journey to slow down, rejuvenate, and connect deeply with both nature and local culture. In a new year defined by movement and exploration, Sa Pa emerges as a peaceful invitation for those seeking balance and depth – an especially meaningful starting point for the Year of the Fire Horse 2026.