Visites, gastronomie, folklore
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. What to expect in Ta Phin Village, Sapa
Ta Phin is located about 13km northeast of Sapa. 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 approximately 500 families, consisting mainly of the Red Dao and Hmong ethnic groups, with about 80% of the population being Red Dao people. Upon arrival, you will immerse yourself in a truly authentic living space, featuring traditional stilt houses, vibrantly colored handmade costumes, and an array of traditional dishes full of unique mountain flavors. The Red Dao people are particularly renowned for their exquisite traditional brocade weaving and unique herbal medicine.
Ta Phin lies among beautiful winding rice terraces.
Children herding cattle is a common sight here.
2. How to get to Ta Phin from Sapa?
To reach Ta Phin village, you need to cross rather arduous 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. The 13km road from Sapa town to Ta Phin takes about 30-45 minutes by motorbike and features winding, hilly terrain. 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.
- Local guide: You can also hire a local guide or join a guided tour for a safer and more informative journey.
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 stone walls and arched windows offer a perfect backdrop for travellers to visit and take photos.
Built in 1942 by 12 nuns, the monastery was abandoned shortly after due to political instability.
3.2. Ta Phin Cave
Ta Phin Cave is located about 3km away from the centre of the village. The cave stretches for over 500 meters deep inside the mountain. 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 Dao 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 Dao and its typical ethnic decorations. This vibrant communal house is the heart of village life, where important community meetings and cultural events take place.
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
3.4. Terraced rice fields
While not located directly within the village center, the journey to Ta Phin is renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields. These majestic, winding layers of green (or golden, depending on the season) blanket the hillsides, creating a spectacular landscape. They are not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the ingenious cultivation methods of the local ethnic communities. These fields offer countless photo opportunities, especially during the harvest season.
4. Activities not to be missed
4.1. Sightseeing and buying gifts
f you have the opportunity to visit Ta Phin village, you should definitely explore the brocade shops along the streets. You'll find countless handicrafts with patterns unique to the Lao Cai region. The intricate designs often depict nature, spirits, or scenes from daily life, with some pieces taking weeks or even months to complete. These beautiful items make for perfect gifts for your family and friends, or a memorable souvenir for yourself.
The beauty of handicrafts with colourful details.
4.2. Red Dao herbal bath
The Red Dao 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. The bath uses a secret blend of up to 10-12 different herbs to soothe muscles, improve circulation, and relieve stress. You can easily find a homestay offering this service for around $8-$15 per session.
Once visiting Ta Phin, you must definitely try Red Dao 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 Dao people in the village are really friendly, lovely and hospitable. They are ready to support you in case of difficulties.
Want to see the authenticity of Ta Phin? Our custom private tours with IZITOUR offer more than just sightseeing, they offer a genuine cultural immersion. Contact us via [email protected] to build your unique itinerary and make lasting memories with a truly authentic experience.
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