Sapa, Vietnam is a popular tourist destination, but many visitors miss the opportunity to discover the true beauty of the region by skipping the remote and charming Ta Phin Village. Nestled in the mountains, this Village is a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Red Dao and Hmong ethnic minorities.
Where is Ta Phin Village?
Ta Phin is known as a small village located in Sapa, about 12 km northeast of the downtown area of Sapa, Lao Cai. In contrast to the bustling and noisy life of the city, Ta Phin village has a peaceful and gentle beauty. This is primarily inhabited by two ethnic groups: H’mong and Dao people.
Wonderful scenery view from the mountain
Famous for its peaceful and wild beauty, every visitor who comes here is overwhelmed by the magnificent natural scenery as well as impressed by the friendliness and sincerity of the people.
Ways to get to Ta Phin village from the downtown area of Sapa
The journey to Ta Phin is an adventure in itself, with stunning views of the mountains and lush green valleys. The distance to get to Ta Phin is not too far, but the road is quite difficult because the soil has eroded. However, the road will not be too crowded so we can see the scenery on both sides of the road with beautiful terraced fields.
Trekking
If you’re an adventure enthusiast, consider trekking from the heart of Sapa to Ta Phin Village. The scenic route covers approximately 12-14 kilometers, passing through stunning landscapes of rice paddies, bamboo forests, and ethnic villages.
Motorbike
Another popular choice among tourists is traveling by motorbike. It’s an economical and time-saving way to get to the village. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours from downtown Sapa. So be careful and steer as firmly as possible if you want to conquer this dangerous road.
The most beautiful season to travel to Ta Phin Sapa
Golden rice terraces in Ta Phin Village Sapa
The most suitable time for tourists to travel to Ta Phin is around August to September. Because this is harvest time, the terraced fields will be covered with a warm yellow color, a unique beauty of Ta Phin that you cannot ignore. Or to hunt for beautiful floating clouds, choose to visit the village around October – December.
What to do in Ta Phin Village?
Discovering Ta Phin Village
Ta Phin Village is small, but it is full of character and charm. The village is home to the Black Hmong and Red ao ethnic minorities, who have lived in the area for generations. Visitors can explore the traditional stilt houses and learn about the unique culture and way of life of the local people.
Red Dzao ethnic group in Ta Phin village
One of the highlights of Ta Phin Village is the market of ethnic minority, where visitors can find handmade textiles, traditional clothing, and other authentic local products. The local women are skilled weavers and embroiderers, and their handmade products are of excellent quality.
Explore culture of Ethnic Minorities
The Hmong people have called Ta Phin home for generations, and their rich cultural heritage is woven into every aspect of the community. Visitors can immerse themselves in this vibrant culture by:
- Visiting local Hmong homes and learning about their traditional way of life
- Participating in handicraft workshops to try your hand at Hmong embroidery, weaving, and more
- Attending cultural performances and festivals to witness the music, dance, and customs of the Hmong people
Enjoy Red Dzao Herbal Bath
Ta Phin’s famous herbal baths
Ta Phin is very famous for its herbal bath service. With a variety of special herbs in mountains and forests, the Red Dzao people in Ta Phin have taken advantage of these precious gifts and processed them into water used for bathing. Bathing in the leaves is believed to be good for your health, helps to relieve pain and recover quickly.
Explore Ta Phin Cave
Located at the foot of the mountain and about 3 km from the center of the village, Ta Phin cave was formed over thousands of years, creating stalactites of diverse shapes and sizes.
This place is said to be the first place that Dao ancestors chose to live. Therefore, in addition to being an interesting tourist destination, Ta Phin cave also has an extremely important meaning for the Dao ethnic people here.
Visit Ta Phin Monastery
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery
This is a monastery that has been abandoned for nearly half a century. However, with its nostalgic ancient beauty, covered with the dust of time and unique classical architectural style, it has attracted many tourists to come here to take photos.
Discover the Flavors of Hmong Cuisine
As one of the last strongholds of authentic Hmong cuisine, Ta Phin promises an unparalleled culinary experience for adventurous foodies. Visitors can savor specialties like:
- Hmong Sour Soup (Canh Chua) – A light, broth-based soup brimming with wild-foraged greens, mushrooms, and preserved proteins
- Braised Water Buffalo (Thit Trau Kho) – Tender chunks of water buffalo slow-cooked in a rich, caramelized sauce
- Steamed Stuffed Bamboo Shoots (Mang Truc Nhoi) – Fresh bamboo shoots filled with seasoned minced pork, then delicately steamed
Tips for traveling to Ta Phin village Sapa Vietnam
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, as the terrain can be hilly.
- Dress modestly when visiting the village to respect local customs.
- Bring cash (Vietnamese dong) as many vendors only accept cash payments.
- Be respectful when taking photos of the local people and ask for permission first.
- Consider joining a Sapa tour if you want more insight into the local culture and history.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Ta Phin Village promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. So pack your bags, venture off the beaten path, and uncover the secrets of this hidden gem in the mountains of the north.
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