Ta Phin Village: What To Know For Your Sapa Adventure?

Sapa gradually becomes a destination to attract domestic and foreign tourists. With poetic mountain landscapes. Sapa is a living place of highland people, so the culture is very special. Ta Phin village in Sapa is one of the villages visited by many tourists.

Where Is Ta Phin Village?

Ta Phin Village is approximately 13 km northeast of Sapa in Lao Cai. The village is near the limestone range, a branch of Hoang Lien Son.

Ta Phin is primarily inhabited by two main ethnic groups: the Dao and the Hmong, with the Dao people being the majority. 

Ta Phin Village

Ta Phin Village

What’s The Best Time To Visit Ta Phin Village?

The best time to visit Ta Phin Village is from August to September when the weather is cool as autumn begins. During these months, the village looks stunning with its golden rice fields. 

Another good time to visit is in early spring, from February to April. Spring brings dry and warm weather, making it pleasant for sightseeing. The landscape is adorned with cherry blossoms in various shades of pink.

You can also visit during flood season, in April and May. You’ll see flooded fields and farmers transplanting young seedlings. In June and July, although the whole village is covered in bright green, it often rains.

Why Should You Visit Ta Phin Village?

Why Should You Visit Ta Phin Village?

Why Should You Visit Ta Phin Village?

Ta Phin Village is a hidden mountainous treasure, often overlooked by many tourists. So, it's a break from the busy city life, providing a peaceful and genuine encounter with traditional living. 

As you wander the village, you'll see beautifully crafted textiles that tell stories through their designs. The food in Ta Phin is a treat, too, featuring local dishes with the rich flavors of the mountains.

If you're looking for a serene and real adventure into the heart of Vietnamese culture, Ta Phin is the place to be, with its untouched beauty and cultural authenticity waiting.

What To Explore In Ta Phin Village?

Ta Phin has terraced fields, caves, and unique architectural works that will make your jaw drop when you come here. Come with me to go through every corner of this idyllic village!

Terraces

Terraces In Ta Phin

Terraces In Ta Phin

In Ta Phin, just like in many villages in Sapa, you'll find stunning terraced rice fields. These fields are like giant steps carved into the hillsides. 

I was lucky to visit during the season when locals were watering the fields (in April), turning the terraces into a mesmerizing mosaic of flowing water.

The terraced fields look like layers of silver streams, neatly arranged side by side, reflecting the sunlight and the clouds. It's all thanks to the hard work of the local farmers who take care of these fields with dedication. 

Standing on a hill and looking down at the fields stretching into the valley, I forgot about the stresses of daily life and felt a deep sense of peace and connection with nature.

As I stood there, the view became a break from the usual chaos of life, letting me immerse myself in nature's beauty. 

If you go in June, a whole green space appears before your eyes. An endless blue. Interspersed are tiny, white streams of water dotting the green fields.

If you go in August, these fields are even more beautiful with ripe golden rice plants. It’s the time when farmers prepare to harvest their rice plants.

During the ripe rice season, the wind carries the scent of young rice to every corner. Everyone in the village is happy with the bumper harvest; the enthusiastic work atmosphere is mixed with the silence of nature.

Local Specialities 

Local Specialities

Local Specialities

Coming to Ta Phin, you cannot help but enjoy Sapa cuisine with rich flavors of the Northwest mountains and forests here, such as:

  • Armpit-clip pork (Thit Lon Cap Nach)

Derived from the Bac Ha pork, these pigs roam freely in the natural surroundings, feeding on wild vegetation and roots. After a year of free-range living, these pigs yield firm and surprisingly lean meat. 

Unlike conventionally raised pork, Ta Phin pork lacks gaminess, making it ideal for signature dishes such as roasted and grilled skewers.

  • Village chicken

Renowned for its sweet, resilient, and distinct flavor, Ta Phin chicken takes center stage in grilled chicken with pepper and lime. You can dip them into a sauce made from chili and lime.

  • Grilled stream fish

These fish are grilled or fried to perfection with curry powder and black pepper. The fish lacks a fishy taste, with succulent meat and crispy skin. The perfect accompaniment is a dipping sauce crafted from fish sauce, chili, and lime.

What sets Ta Phin's cuisine apart is its commitment to using clean and locally sourced ingredients. Free-range pigs, village-roaming chickens, river-caught shrimp and crab, and stream fish contribute to the authenticity of the dishes. 

The culinary experience is further enriched by wild vegetables like Rau Ron and bamboo shoots, foraging from the surrounding forests.

The cuisine here has a unique flavor and may not suit the taste of first-time diners. So, you can consider bringing your own food.

Ta Phin Cave

In Ta Phin Cave

In Ta Phin Cave

Ta Phin Cave is a unique underground wonder in a mountain range connected to Hoang Lien Son. The cave is around 5 meters high and 3 meters wide, offering an exciting adventure for those curious to explore its depths.

Entering the cave, you'll find a narrow passage where only one person can fit. As you go deeper, it gets narrower. It's thrilling, and you won't know what surprises await until you come across giant rock formations in various shapes and sizes.

Inside the cave, the walls create a maze of tunnels and chambers, leading you on twists and turns. Walking along the cave walls, you'll feel like climbing rocks. 

Going through narrow paths, you'll discover formations that look like a woman holding a child, mythical creatures, huge rice trays, and even columns that resemble smooth white pillars hanging from the ceiling.

Water droplets seep through the rocks and form droplets on the stalactites, creating a rhythmic and soothing sound in the quiet cave.

Going deeper into the cave, you'll discover a large rock slab with imprints of chicken footprints and grooves resembling horse hooves. 

On the opposite wall, there are French inscriptions carved long ago but still visible despite the passage of time. 

To make the experience of visiting Ta Phin Cave safe and enjoyable, you can hire a nearby Dao ethnic person to shine a light and lead the way. They’ll tell you many stories about Ta Phin village.

Ta Phin Monastery

Ta Phin Monastery

Ta Phin Monastery

The Ta Phin Monastery, built in 1942, has an old-timey charm that draws young people looking for a bit of history and great photo spots. 

It was a home for Christian nuns who lived and worshiped here until 1945 when they had to leave due to safety concerns. 

Despite being left behind and turning into ruins, the monastery's strong stone structure ensured its walls and pillars stood strong over the years. 

The monastery has a long building facing west, a small staircase, and an underground floor. 

The front of the main building has a wide corridor that's gotten old and weathered. This horizontal building used to be where the nuns lived and did their activities. Next to it was a place for storing food, supplies, and the kitchen.

The walls surrounding the monastery are made entirely of laterite. Inside are solid, sturdy walls and windows that now have a layer of moss but still stand firmly amidst the clouds and sky of Sapa. 

Now, time has somewhat eroded the ancient beauty of the houses. Most of the roof is gone, leaving only bare stone walls, and somewhere mixed in are cold, gray bricks. 

Anyone who strays into this place will feel a bit startled and mixed with regret that is hard to express in words.

Red Dao Herbal Bath

Red Dao Herbal Bath

Red Dao Herbal Bath

In Ta Phin, besides enjoying natural beauty, you'll likely encounter Red Dao women carrying woven baskets filled with leaves for herbal baths.

  • What makes this herbal bath special?

The Red Dao people have a long-standing tradition of regularly bathing with herbal leaves, especially on the last days of the year and month. 

This ritual symbolizes washing away the misfortunes of the old year, refreshing the body, and welcoming the new year. 

They collect these herbal leaves directly from the forest by the locals. They clean, dry, and boil these leaves with warm water before pouring them into a bath, foot soak, or used for steaming. 

To make a quality herbal bath, the Red Dao people may use up to 120 different types of leaves, at least ten varieties. 

If you want to try this herbal bath, you can do it right in the village for a very reasonable price, around 150,000 VND per bath. 

The wooden bath is made from po-mu wood, giving a natural and fragrant aroma, blending with the herbal scent. 

The bathwater has a reddish-brown hue reminiscent of Bordeaux wine. The gentle waves and warmth of the water leave everyone who bathes in awe and praise.

Make A Herbal Bath Water

Make A Herbal Bath Water

  • Benefits of herbal bath

The herbal bath helps enhance vitality in men, gives women smooth and radiant skin, improves sleep for the elderly, boosts immunity, and brings a healthier complexion for children.

Moreover, the remedy is for various health issues, such as relieving muscle and joint pain and treating colds, itching, constipation, and abscesses. It also enhances physical strength for women after childbirth or recovering from illness. 

Laborers who feel tired and weary after work find their bodies lightened, spirits refreshed, and health restored after such a bath.

Immersing oneself in warm water, surrounded by the aroma of herbal leaves, the fatigue from trekking through forests and crossing streams seems to vanish. 

Every muscle relaxes, and the entire body unwinds. After the bath, refreshment will envelop you, making you feel rejuvenated. 

No wonder the traditional herbal bath of the Red Dao people is famous. So, why not try the genuine Red Dao herbal bath?

Strawberry Garden

In Strawberry Garden

In Strawberry Garden

The Ta Phin strawberry garden is a modern strawberry farm of the Thang Loi cooperative. 

Covering about 7,000 square meters, it's not just a place to grow strawberries; it's also a hotspot for tourists curious about the strawberry farming process in Sapa.

The garden is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You'll have plenty of time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and vibrant strawberry field.

You can take photos, check in, and even pick ripe strawberries. There are different types of strawberries, each with its unique flavor. 

  • Is there any cost?

The visit to the strawberry garden is free. So, you freely capture beautiful moments and admire the lush strawberries. Just be careful not to damage the leaves or fruits while walking around.

Ask the garden manager about the prices if you want to pick strawberries. The cost can vary depending on the quality of the strawberries and the time of the year (usually ranging from 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND per kilogram).

  • The best time to visit

The best time to visit is during January and February, around Tet (Lunar New Year), when strawberries are at their ripest and most delicious. It's also the coldest time in Sapa, creating ideal conditions for strawberry growth.

For a more enjoyable experience, I recommend visiting the garden early in the morning. You can breathe in the fresh air of Sapa, feel like a real farmer for a while, and taste the freshly picked strawberries.

Brocade

Ta Phin Brocade

Ta Phin Brocade

In Ta Phin, brocade holds not only practical value for daily life but also sacred significance. It’s often associated with love tokens or bridal dowries during weddings. 

In the Hmong and Dao cultures here, girls master the art of embroidery before marriage. Thus, girls learn the delicate skills of sewing, weaving fabrics, and creating intricate patterns from a young age.

The brocade products from Ta Phin are in high demand, attracting orders from various parts of the country. They even find their way into international markets like the United States, France, and Denmark.

These products feature intricate patterns such as birds, flowers, and leaves. They reflect the mountainous landscapes intertwined with the daily lives of the local people. 

You can easily find souvenir items to cherish the memories of Sapa's highland markets, including ethnic costumes, bracelets, bags, and embroidered scarves.

As you stroll through the pathways of Ta Phin, you'll come across mothers and elder sisters from the ethnic communities gracefully sitting by looms. They’re weaving brocade textiles with skillful hands. 

Besides brocade, there are other traditional handicraft villages. Notable ones are silver inlay work and forging. You'll find silver jewelry, including bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

Taboos You Need To Know When Visiting Ta Phin

Taboos You Need To Know When Visiting Ta Phin

Taboos You Need To Know When Visiting Ta Phin

When visiting Ta Phin, you must be aware of local customs and taboos to show respect for the traditions and beliefs of the ethnic communities. 

  • If you notice a bunch of green leaves hanging on a tall pole at the entrance, it signals that the family prefers no outsiders to enter.

  • Avoid resting or eating in areas considered sacred, such as forbidden forests, ancient trees, or revered rocks. It's crucial not to whistle while exploring the village, as locals believe it may attract malevolent spirits.

  • Within the homes of ethnic minorities, the altar is the holiest place. Avoid sitting with your back to the altar. The kitchen, especially the hearth, has its set of taboos, like not pointing the firewood directly into the kitchen.

  • Traditional houses often have a central area reserved for worship, and guests should refrain from sitting in these spaces. 

  • In Hmong customs, the head seat at the table is for parents, and guests should not occupy this sacred spot.

  • Avoid touching children's heads or kissing them, as locals believe it could frighten the child or bring illness.

  • During meals, wait for the host to initiate the ritual before eating. Follow the host's lead when pouring or drinking alcohol, and avoid upending the bowl onto the table after finishing a meal.

  • If you stay overnight, refrain from sleeping along the use ridge, under the altar, and waking up too late. 

How Can You Go To Ta Phin Village?

How Can You Go To Ta Phin Village?

How Can You Go To Ta Phin Village?

From Sapa town, head to Highway No.4D and continue approximately 5 km until you reach the entrance gate for Ta Phin Village. There, you can purchase entrance tickets.

To reach the heart of Ta Phin, you'll need to cover an additional 7 kilometers. Along this route, you'll enjoy the breathtaking and tranquil natural beauty of the Northwest mountainous region.

While the scenery is idyllic, the road to Ta Phin has challenges. The journey involves navigating through winding and steep mountainous roads, where sometimes the road conditions may be bumpy and uneven.

For a smoother and more enjoyable trip, I recommend opting for local motorbike taxi services, with experienced riders familiar with the challenging terrain. 

Where To Stay In Ta Phin Village? 

In A Homestay In Ta Phin

In A Homestay In Ta Phin

  • Sapa Homestay Ta May

This homestay is on the mountainside and has a big porch and a hot tub. It has the old style of the Dao people. You can eat at their restaurant or cook your own food in the shared kitchen. 

It's a great place to stay if you want to visit famous places like Sapa Lake and the Fansipan Legend cable car station.

  • Ta Phin Stone Garden Ecological

This resort is a quiet place, perfect for people who want to relax. The rooms are simple but beautiful, with wooden floors, nets to keep mosquitoes away, and balconies with views of the mountains.

Imagine waking up in the morning, opening your eyes, and seeing not tall buildings but green gardens, hearing birds singing, a stream flowing, and smelling the fresh mountain air. That's a lovely way to start your day!

Both places give you a comfy bed and a chance to experience how the locals live. You get to see their traditional houses and the beautiful landscapes around. 

Tourist Attractions Worth Visiting Near Ta Phin Village

Ta Van Village

Ta Van Village

  • Cat Cat Village (approximately 13 km southeast of Sapa town): The village is known for its Hoa stream, swaying bamboo bridges, giant water mills, and simple thatched-roof houses. 

  • Muong Hoa Valley (approximately 20 km from Ta Phin): In this valley, you'll be immersed in the clear air, stunning terraced fields, misty mountains, simple houses, large ancient trees, and vibrant nature. 

  • Ta Van Village (around 35 km from Ta Phin): This is home to the Hmong, Dao, and Giay communities. The village showcases the timeless charm of traditional hillside living, with terraced fields and a mix of ethnic cultures.

Tips For Visiting Ta Phin Village

  • Wear comfortable and neat clothing, especially if you plan to explore Ta Phin on a motorbike. Consider practical footwear, like sneakers, instead of fancy high heels, as the village roads are often uneven and challenging.

  • If venturing into the cave, bring a flashlight for the deep and dark passages. Enlist the help of a local guide if you worry about getting lost during your cave exploration.

  • If you're uncertain about the local cuisine, bring snacks from Sapa town to ensure you have familiar options. 

Conclusion

Now you know everything about Ta Phin Village! You're part of a living narrative as you cozy in homestays nestled amidst nature. Ta Phin is a rendezvous with traditions, warm hospitality, and the region's untouched beauty.

Asia Tour Advisor is your professional and reliable companion for this Vietnam tours packages. With years of experience, we know this place like the back of our hands and will definitely enhance your adventure. Check out our Sapa tours!

So, lace up those walking shoes and immerse yourself in the charm of Ta Phin Village. Ta Phin is calling, and your adventure awaits!

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