Sapa and the surrounding areas
are the habitat of a number of different ethnic minorities. Visiting the
villages where they are living is a not-to-missed experience in Sapa.
1. Cat Cat
It takes only 2 kilometers from
the center of Sapa to Cat Cat Village, where Mong people having lived here for
a long time. Some traditional craftsmanship such as growing flowers, crafting
jewelries, weaving… Especially, the village is still able to reserve some
unique traditions and customs that are not compromised. Visiting Cat Cat
Village, you should buy yourself some authentic pieces of finely crafted
textiles woven by the hands of the ethnic people themselves. It can be clothes,
or just a small wallet, purse or handbag.
2. Ta Phin
The first stop of travelers in Ta
Phin is visiting a monastery, which is built in Western architecture in the 19th
century. Looking to the Southeast, opposite to the monastery is the majestic
Ham Rong Mountain which is situated on a topographically diverse area. Going
onwards, you will have the chance to visit the brocade club of Mong and Dao
people and admire the vivid traditional custom of Mong and Red Dao. Another “signature”
activity in Ta Phin Village is medicinal bathing. You will be submerged in a barrel
filled with hot herbal water. This is proven to be very good for your health
and revitalization.
3. Ta Van
An 8 kilometer southeast drive from Sapa will lead you to Ta Van Giay
Village, where you will visit and discover the life of Giay people, one of the
lesser-known ethnic tribe in Vietnam. But first, you will have to get past a
narrow dirt trail. Both sides of it are picturesque rice terraces adorned by
lush corn and young rice. Apart from rice cultivation, Giay people are also
famous for forging silverware and for a long-lasting and well-preserved
culture.
4. Ban Ho
Not so cold like Ta Phin and Ta Van, the road to Ban Ho is twisty and
tricky. One side of the road is imposingly high mountain and the other is
intimidating cliff. The highlight of this remote village is that you will have
the opportunity to enter an ethnic family and have lunch with them. If you are
staying overnight, be escorted to explore the exotic wildlife of Hoang Lien Son
National Park and the idyllic rice terrace. As the temperature here is
considerably higher than most places in the surrounding area, you can submerge
in the warm waters of Lave stream or visit the spectacular Da Nhay Waterfall.
5. Sin Chai
Sin Chai Village is 4 kilometers
away from the town of Sapa. It is perhaps one of the most “serene” place in
Sapa as tourism is still very new to it. This timeless village is the habitat
of Black Mong people with the population of about 1,400 people. Apart from rice
and corn cultivation, a delicacy here is cardamom, an indispensable spice in
pho, the national dish of Vietnam.
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