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For wanderlust enthusiasts yearning for pristine landscapes, Tả Phìn Sapa is a must-visit destination. Explore the land of flowers and mist with Klook!
Sapa tourism never goes out of style for travel enthusiasts. When in the foggy city, a visit to Tả Phìn village – a rustic and untouched gem – is essential. Have you checked out this interesting tourist spot yet? Let's pocket some Sapa travel experiences, as well as the Tả Phìn mountainous village with Klook.
Where is Tả Phìn Located?
Located about 15 kilometers northeast of Sapa town, in contrast to the bustling city life, Tả Phìn village exudes a serene and tranquil beauty. It's an ideal place for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.
With its pristine and tranquil beauty, Tả Phìn is mainly inhabited by two ethnic groups with vibrant traditional costumes: the Dao and H'Mông - common ethnic groups in the Northwest mountains of Vietnam. When visiting Tả Phìn, you will be amazed by the majestic and magnificent beauty of this place.
How to Get to Tả Phìn Village from Downtown
Nestled amidst the Northwest mountains, Tả Phìn village blends into the majestic mountainous landscape and vast sky with its winding and rugged roads. Similar to the remote routes from Lào Cai city, the road to the village twists and turns with many rocky sections. #teamKlook can reach Tả Phìn village affordably through various means:
1. By Car
With the government's efforts to improve the road system, the path to the village has been somewhat enhanced. For comfort, it's best to travel in a group, with reasonable costs and the opportunity to explore the route with a guide.
2. By Motorbike
Why not challenge yourself to conquer the mountainous terrain on a motorbike? Don't forget #teamKlook can rent a motorbike through the Klook system along with thousands of discount vouchers. Along the way, you can stop and capture stunning sky views!
3. Hiking
For those seeking an authentic experience in Sapa to truly immerse themselves in the local life, especially in Tả Phìn village. Hiking will be a profound and unforgettable experience. It may take about 2-3 days to hike from downtown Sapa to Tả Phìn village. However, the deeper understanding gained about this place is definitely worth the trade-off. If you have the time, #teamKlook don't miss out on this opportunity.
What to Do in Tả Phìn Sapa?
Renowned for the hospitality of the local people, visiting Tả Phìn, you will immerse yourself in mountainous life to the fullest extent. Let's see what this promised land has to offer with Klook!
1. Terraced Rice Fields
The magnificent terraced rice fields often seen in photos, do you want to admire them in real life? The terraced fields are neat and tidy, curving like flowing waterfalls. This is a wonderful place to forget about the worries of life. Each season, the fields have their own beauty, sometimes in gentle green, sometimes in shining golden freshness. If you're lucky enough to visit Tả Phìn during the flooding season, you'll get to see layers upon layers of terraced fields resembling silver streams.
2. Tả Phìn Cave
For those who love exploring, especially caves, Tả Phìn Cave is the ultimate choice. Located north of Tả Phìn village, this mysterious and captivating cave lies beneath the limestone mountains known as Ti Ô Cẩm by the locals. Tả Phìn Cave is quite dark, belonging to the same mountain range as the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, with a width of about 3m and a height of about 5m. The rock formations, shaped by water erosion over thousands of years, are condensed into various shapes. For the locals, Tả Phìn Cave is a sacred place as they believe it is the dwelling of their ancestors from the Dao ethnic group.
3. Ancient Monastery of Tả Phìn
Nestled on a high mountain peak shrouded in mist, this place attracts visitors with its classical and mysterious beauty. This ancient monastery was built by 12 nuns from the Korean order of the Catholic Church in 1942. With Western-style architecture, it consists of a west-facing horizontal house, a small staircase, and an underground basement. However, the roof of the monastery has collapsed, leaving the walls covered with moss and weeds. This is an ideal check-in spot that evokes a sense of mystery and enchantment.
4. Tả Phìn Strawberry Garden
Unlike the dreamy ambiance of Da Lat, this strawberry garden offers a unique flavor experience. Here, various types of strawberries from Japan, Korea, the United States, etc., are grown, infused with a chilly atmosphere, making the taste truly distinctive. These strawberry gardens are also fantastic places to admire and take photos, all free of charge. Immersing yourself in the fresh air here, coupled with the majestic scenery, truly makes this a must-visit destination in Tả Phìn village.
5. Tả Phìn Traditional Weaving Village
For ethnic communities, each place has its own unique identity. When visiting Tả Phìn village, one cannot overlook the traditional weaving village. The art of weaving has been passed down through generations, from mother to daughter. Before getting married, girls in Tả Phìn must learn to weave to make clothes, blankets, and garments. Gradually, this has become a cultural practice for the people of Tả Phìn, serving both practical and sentimental purposes. #teamKlook can also purchase these as souvenirs!
6. Red Dao Herbal Bath in Tả Phìn Village
In addition to delicate pieces of traditional fabric and unique strawberry gardens, the people of Tả Phìn are also famous for their herbal baths. After a day of exploration, immersing oneself in a bath filled with various herbs and medicinal plants can instantly relieve fatigue. Bathing in herbal water holds significance for the locals, symbolizing the removal of misfortune and bringing health, freshness, and purification to the body. Remember to soak for only about 20-30 minutes, as prolonged herbal baths may have unintended effects.
Ideal Time to Visit Tả Phìn Sapa
As a village that preserves the richest cultures in Sapa, Tả Phìn boasts the captivating beauty of the Northwest mountains. The best time to visit the village is around late August to mid-September. During this period, the terraced fields adorn a golden hue, adding a touch of autumn charm.
April is also an ideal time to admire the local waterfall season or to hunt for beautiful floating clouds. Opting to visit the village around October to December is also a worthwhile choice.
Where to Stay in Tả Phìn Village?
To preserve its rustic beauty, Tả Phìn village offers only homestay accommodation and resorts close to nature, especially suitable for those inclined towards healing. Here are some well-equipped resort options in the village recommended by Klook:
1. Tả Phìn Lodge
Surrounded by the intimate scenery of terraced fields and lush green mountains, Tả Phìn Lodge is an ideal place for #teamKlook to relive childhood memories. Adjacent to the ethnic minority villages of H'mong, Dao, and others, everything here helps forget the hustle and bustle of life.
- Address: Suối Thầu Hamlet - Tả Phìn Commune, Sa Pa, Lào Cai.
- Price range: from 300,000 VND per night.
2. Ta Phin Homestay
Ta Phin Homestay is an excellent spot for a restful night's sleep amidst refreshing nature. Located just 15 kilometers from the Fansipan Legend cable car station, it offers full services including restaurants, bars, parking, and 24-hour reception. There's also a children's playground, making it especially suitable for families with young kids. It's a cozy accommodation option when visiting Ta Phin village, offering free Wi-Fi service.
- Address: Ta Phin, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.
- Price range: from 350,000 VND per night.
3. May Kim Ta Phin Homestay
May Kim Ta Phin Homestay is a resort built by a Red Dao ethnic girl. It provides parking, private bathrooms with personal amenities, and complimentary local-style breakfasts. Quite convenient for a homestay, isn't it?
- Address: Ta Phin, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.
- Price range: from 350,000 VND per night.
4. Sapa Dao Homestay
Located just 3.8 kilometers from the Fansipan cable car station, Sapa Dao Homestay offers accommodation, restaurants, bars, a common lounge, and a garden. This homestay provides both free WiFi and private parking.
- Address: Ta Phin, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Price range: 333,000 VND per night
What to Eat in Ta Phin Village?
When exploring a new destination, indulging in local cuisine is an essential experience. In Ta Phin village, it would be incomplete without tasting the traditional dishes. There are many delicious specialties from the H'Mong and Dao ethnic groups, such as grilled pork belly, stir-fried chicken with lemongrass, pork soup with bamboo shoots and sour leaves, pan-fried mountain fish,... all offering unique and delightful flavors.
Travel Tips for Exploring Ta Phin Village, Sapa Independently
To ensure a smooth trip, #teamKlook should remember these tips:
- The road to the village can be rough, so wear comfortable clothes and sneakers for easy movement.
- Only bring essential items when visiting Ta Phin village.
- If exploring Ta Phin caves, bring a small flashlight for thorough exploration. And to avoid getting lost, ask a local guide for assistance.
- Although the local food is delicious, it may not always suit everyone's taste. So, #teamKlook, remember to bring some light snacks.
- Avoid wearing white clothes as they are associated with mourning in the village. Also, refrain from whistling as it is believed to summon ghosts.
- More importantly, respect local customs. Learn and familiarize yourself with some local traditions to behave appropriately in various situations!
What Souvenirs to Buy When Visiting Ta Phin Village?
While visiting Ta Phin village, it's essential to bring back some souvenirs for yourself or as gifts for loved ones. You can purchase finely woven products made by local girls, such as backpacks, travel jackets, scarves, handbags, wallets, and neck scarves...
Depending on the product, size, quantity, complexity, or simplicity, each item has a suitable price range, ranging from 10,000 to 1,000,000 VND per product.
Famous Tourist Destinations near Ta Phin Village, Sapa
Apart from the simple and rustic Ta Phin village, there are plenty of beautiful, unique, and exciting tourist destinations in Sapa worth visiting. Quickly jot down the list from Klook's suggestions.
1. Ma Tra Village
Just 7 kilometers from Ta Phin village, trekking to Ma Tra village is an ideal activity for trekking enthusiasts. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the sky and the melodious singing of birds.
2. Fansipan Peak
Famous as the roof of Indochina with an altitude of approximately 3,143 meters above sea level, Fansipan peak is a dream destination for many. Conquering Fansipan peak, you'll witness the majestic scenery of the mountainous forests.
3. Cat Cat Village
Following the path towards Fansipan mountain about 3km away, Cat Cat village lies in San Sa Ho commune, Sapa district. Cat Cat village is famous for its simple wooden houses, small winding streams, and vibrant terraced fields, attracting a large number of tourists. The scenery here blends harmoniously, creating an extremely romantic and colorful space.
4. Sapa Sky Gate
One of the must-visit destinations in Sapa is the Sapa Sky Gate. This famous tourist spot, located about 18km from Sapa, sits at an altitude of 2035m above sea level. Standing at the sky gate, the towering mountain peaks and the floating clouds blend together into a beautiful painting bestowed by nature.
5. Dragon Cloud Bridge
With a height reaching 2,200 meters above sea level, the Dragon Cloud Bridge is a fantastic check-in spot not to be missed when visiting Sapa. The good news is that #teamKlook can now purchase tickets to the Dragon Cloud Bridge through the Klook system. Make plans with your best friends now!
Carrying the majestic beauty of mountains and hills, Sapa is a destination that cannot be missed in everyone's life. Visit the Klook blog to pocket more experiences for independent Sapa travel, a 4-day 3-night Sapa travel itinerary, a review of a 2-day 1-night Sapa trip, a list of Sapa hotels, travel experiences for November and December in Sapa, and much more!
Are you ready to embark on your journey to Tả Phìn Village in Sapa?
