I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
Ta Phin village in Sapa is famous for its wild and rustic beauty. You will be overwhelmed by the majestic terraced rice fields and simple houses on stilts located at the foot of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Let's explore the village full of ancient and mysterious beauty!
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1. Overview about Ta Phin village
Ta Phin is located about 13km northeast of Sapa town. Like many other routes in Lao Cai, the road to Ta Phin is quite winding and difficult to Ta Phin village if you are not familiar with the topography. This is also one of the reasons why, despite its impressive beauty of mountains and wild forests, it is known by not too many tourists.
The village is quite high above sea level, so you may feel the chill in summer and the torpid cold from the typical highland winds in winter. So you should prepare warm clothes and a waterproof jacket.
Ta Phin Village is home to two main ethnic groups, the Red Dzao and Hmong, with the majority of Red Dzao. When you come to this village, you can see a typical ethnic living space with simple stilt houses, colourful handmade costumes and lots of traditional dishes, full of the mountainous flavour.
Ta Phin lies among beautiful winding rice terraces
Children grazing cattle is an image you will often see here
This land is inhabited by the Dzao and H'Mong ethnic groups
2. How to get to Ta Phin?
To reach Ta Phin village, you need to cross rather arduous and dangerous roads. Therefore, you should choose a suitable means of transportation with your ability to have a safe journey.
- Motorcycle: You can rent a motorcycle to transfer from Sapa town to Ta Phin village. It takes around 30 - 45 minutes to travel a distance of about 13 km. However, you need to have courage and experience to overcome the magic curves along the way. But in return, if you conquer your fears, you have the chance to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the road in the most vivid way.
- Car: In addition to travelling by motorcycle, you can also take a tour or take the car with the departure from Sapa to ensure safety.
3. Things to see in Ta Phin village
3.1 Ta Phin ancient monastery
The ancient Ta Phin Monastery was built in 1942 by 12 ascetic nuns of Christianity. However when this work was still under construction, the political situation in Sapa became unstable, they had to return to Hanoi and give up their unfinished work.
Today, the monastery has become one of the destinations that attracts many tourists to visit and discover its unique semi-classical beauty. Although this ancient architecture is no longer as new and untouched as in the past, its moss-covered grey walls create an incredible attraction for travellers to visit and take photos.
The abandoned monastery is well known among the majestic mountains and forests
3.2 Ta Phin Cave
Ta Phin Cave is located about 3km away from the centre of the village. Although it is located some distance away, the scenery on both sides of the road is beautiful, so you don't have to be worried.
Ta Phin Cave is hidden at the foot of a mountain. The locals say it was the residence of the early ancestors of the Dzao ethnic group, so for them this is a truly sacred and holy place. Inside the cave, there are stalactites everywhere formed by the interference process of water over thousands of years, condensing and creating many different shapes and sizes. To have a safe and fun visit here, you can hire a local person to shine the lights, guide you; with its interesting stories, the cave holds many mysterious secrets within itself.
The cave still preserves the wild traces, bringing a popular but impressive beauty
3.3 Ta Phin village communal house
Ta Phin village communal house stands out in the middle of the mountains with its bright colours, its architecture inspired by the scarf of the Red Dzao and its typical ethnic decorations. This is a place where locals can interact with each other or welcome tourists to visit.
The Ta Phin communal house is built as a symbol of the village with very significant architecture
In this place, many village’s cultural activities take place
4. Activities not to be missed
4.1 Sightseeing and buying gifts
If you have the opportunity to visit Ta Phin village, you should definitely go to the brocade stores on both sides of the street to see countless handicrafts with extremely unique patterns typical of Lao Cai. They are the perfect gifts for your family and friends or souvenirs for yourself.
The beauty of handicrafts with colourful details
4.2 Red Dzao herbal bath
The Red Dzao people have a life associated with mountains and forests for generations, so they can understand and skillfully use various kinds of aromatic herbs to offer you relaxing moments in the water.
Once visiting Ta Phin, you must definitely try Red Dzao herbal bath
With the experience and daily life associated with mountains and forests, local people know how to make your body healthier and relaxing.
Ta Phin village is a place you must visit if you want to know more about the beauty and friendliness of the people of Sapa. The Red Dzao people in the village are really friendly, lovely and hospitable. They are ready to support you in case of difficulties.
To see more about Sapa, Vietnam:
>> The Complete Sapa Travel Guide - Practical information and things to see
>> Conquering Fansipan Mountain - the rooftop of Indochina, Sapa
>> Discovering the serenity of Muong Hoa Valley, the hidden gem of Sapa
>> Exploring Sapa Rice Field | When and Where to See ?
