Buzz
The History of Gem Valley Sapa
Beautiful accommodations from Vietnamese artists and architects are abundant, ranging from loft apartments in Tam Dao to community homestays and communal houses in Ha Giang. However, here in Sapa, where hotels compete for the lush greenery, the charm of a homestay like Gem Valley surpasses them all.
Renowned by the press as the most scenic café in Sapa, this place is also deemed a 'dream home' by its patrons. It's where fresh greens are plucked by the owner and transformed into hot delicacies on a crisp morning awakening.
2. Where Exactly is Gem Valley?
About 3 km from the center of Sa Pa town, following the path down to Cat Cat village, across the valley and Vietnamese-Japanese hills for approximately 50 m, lies Gem Valley. It's a favorite spot for domestic and international backpackers to check-in and snap some photos. Originally intended by the owners as an art studio and a tiny loft homestay, the overwhelming support from friends and customers has elevated it to a place as 'picturesque as a painting.'
To visit, guests often need to make prior arrangements. Besides private homestay rooms, you can also opt for dormitory-style accommodation. Costs start from around 200,000 VND per person. Here, you can order meals based on your preferences, featuring garden-fresh delicacies like chayote, local pork, fried rice, chicken curry, and more, all at a cheaper rate compared to the town center.
The only thing missing here perhaps is a swimming pool or a herbal bath tub on the left wing of the house, as seen in typical travel films. Of course, you can find these amenities in other Sapa hotels, such as Topas Ecolodge, U Sapa Hotel, Amazing Hotel Sapa, etc. However, overall, no luxurious 5-star hotel can provide the serene and humble atmosphere that Gem Valley offers...
3. What's Special About Gem Valley Sapa?
Gem Valley is nestled within Cat Cat village, a longstanding settlement of the Black Hmong people. The village also preserves numerous traditional handicrafts such as flower cultivation, linen weaving, and fabric dyeing... Opting to stay at Gem Valley exempts you from additional fees at the tourist area, which charges 40,000 VND per person. You simply need to ascend the steps to enter the village for exploration.
As this is a homestay integrated with local life, if you wish to behold ethnic houses amidst vast paddy fields, just open the window, and you'll have a panoramic view. While admiring the lush rice fields, you can also visit Sapa's famous tourist attractions such as Dragon Jaw Mountain, Old Church of Sapa, Ta Phin Village, Lao Chai, Fairy Cave, Heaven's Gate Viewpoint, Silver Waterfall, and Fansipan Peak.
Come to Gem Valley Sapa and experience it for yourself, you'll surely fall more in love with the beauty of Sapa! Wishing you a peaceful journey to Sapa!
