Ta Phin Village in Sapa is a tourist destination that has gained increasing popularity among travelers in recent years. Carrying a remarkably serene beauty, it leaves visitors yearning for more with each visit to Sapa. Nestled in the Northwestern mountainous region, Ta Phin Village retains its pristine and rustic charm. VnCarRentals.com’s presents to readers an exclusive Sapa tour to explore Ta Phin Village in detail!
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A Glimpse into Ta Phin Tourist Village
Ta Phin Village is located approximately 15km east of the town of Sapa. Unlike other villages near Sapa, it is not bustling and noisy. Ta Phin appears extremely mysterious and discreet. The winding road leading to Ta Phin is just wide enough for a 16-seat car to pass through, with majestic mountainous landscapes and expansive terraced fields. The rocky road into the village stimulates the curiosity of travelers, inviting them to experience an adventurous journey of exploration.
Ta Phin is the living village of a small number of H’Mong people and the Red Dao ethnic group – a common ethnic group in the Northwestern region of Vietnam known for their vibrant traditional costumes. However, when it comes to choosing a place to live, the Red Dao people are quite simple and reserved, living quietly in valleys and mountain slopes. They have many differences from their H’Mong counterparts in terms of religion, architecture, houses, and customs and festivals.
The Route to Ta Phin Village
From the center of Sapa town, heading east for about 15km will lead you to Ta Phin Village. If you go in the opposite direction from Sapa towards Lao Cai, there is a large sign directing you to Ta Phin Village. Currently, the road has been renovated, but only vehicles with fewer than 29 seats can enter the village. Larger vehicles with big groups might face difficulties. For personal vehicles, the journey is simpler.
Young travelers may opt to rent a motorbike or take a motorbike taxi to reach the village. The road is very convenient and easy, so trying the exhilarating experience of conquering the passes in Sapa will be equally enjoyable.
Furthermore, if you are in Hanoi and seeking a fast, safe, and door-to-door transportation option, the private car rental service with drivers in Hanoi from VnCarRentals.com’s can meet your needs. With a team of experienced and professional drivers, they will ensure the most convenient journey for you. Moreover, on the way, you can rest and visit famous tourist spots if you wish. Book your private car rental service from Hanoi to Sapa today.
Exciting Experiences When Traveling to Ta Phin Village, Sapa
Ta Phin Cave
Ta Phin Cave is located just 1km north of the Ta Phin commune headquarters, where you will encounter a limestone mountain range branching off from the Hoang Lien Son range. Entering the mountain range, you will find a large cave entrance with a height of about 5m and a width of about 3m, leading into the depths of the earth. Continuing about 30m further, tourists will discover narrow paths descending into the earth, suitable for only one person to traverse.
Ta Phin Monastery
The ancient Ta Phin Monastery conceals itself in the mist on the summit of a tall mountain, a dilapidated structure surrounded by dense vegetation, evoking fairy tales from ancient times. Moss-covered walls create an incredibly eerie and mysterious atmosphere. Built-in 1942 with a European-style castle architecture, the monastery was once home to 12 nuns. Over half a century later, for unknown reasons, the structure was abandoned and has since crumbled.
Immerse Yourself in the Life of Locals
Due to its relatively remote location from major roads and tourist spots near Sapa town, Ta Phin Village is primarily for those who love exploration and authentic experiences. The locals here are very genuine and down-to-earth, creating a unique charm for a community-based tourism destination.
From the moment you set foot in Ta Phin Village, you will encounter innocent gazes, playful children, and warm smiles from elderly people inquiring about your origin and the places you wish to visit. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about cultural life, traditional values, and stories about the people and their history, especially when you choose to experience an overnight stay in the village. Engaging in activities with the local people, sitting by the glowing fire to dispel the intense cold of this harsh winter region, sipping a cup of flavorful corn wine, and listening to the elders share stories of pioneering times will be truly meaningful.
In the central area of Ta Phin Village, there is a vibrant red community house amid the peaceful mountainous forest. Inspired by the traditional scarf of the Red Dao people, this house serves as a communal space for both tourists and locals.
Ta Phin Brocade Weaving Village
Within Ta Phin Village, there is a craft village specializing in traditional hand-woven brocade. Visitors can directly experience the process of spinning and weaving fabric on traditional looms. Purchase exquisite products at extremely reasonable prices for souvenirs or daily use.
Ripening Rice Season in Ta Phin Village
During the months of September to October every year, the consecutive terraced rice fields in Ta Phin Village blossom into a picturesque sight. The layered terraced fields extend like a silk cloth.
Standing on the mountainside and looking down at the cascading terraced fields will make you forget the daily burdens and immerse yourself in nature, enjoying the serene moments of the soul.
The Unique Herbal Bath of the Red Dao People in Ta Phin Village
The Red Dao People and Precious Medicinal Herbs
The Red Dao people in Ta Phin Village are fortunate to live amidst an incredibly diverse plant ecosystem of the Hoang Lien Son range. They have extensively utilized their knowledge of various plants and precious medicinal herbs, with hundreds of these herbs still preserved in the Dao people’s knowledge repository.
In Ta Phin Sapa, the Red Dao people use over 10 types of precious medicinal herbs, making their herbal bath formulas renowned far and wide.
Traditionally, at the end of each year, the Red Dao people venture into the mountains to seek these precious herbs for a family bathing ritual. The purpose is to cleanse away the misfortunes of the past year, promoting relaxation and health to welcome the new year with positivity. Individuals experiencing weakness, frequent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or joint pain can benefit from bathing with these herbs, as it contributes to immediate well-being.
The composition of the herbal formulas is adjusted according to each individual’s unique constitution. Specific herbal baths cater to those suffering from joint pain, flu, itching, constipation, or inflammation. There are also specialized herbal baths for women after childbirth or for individuals recovering from illness. Even those feeling fatigued from strenuous labor can bathe with these herbs to invigorate the body, lighten the spirit, and restore health.
Herbal Bathing Experience
A precious experience awaits tourists who visit Sapa town – the herbal bathing service. However, it is only when you reach Ta Phin Village that you truly understand the extraordinary benefits of this herbal bath. This type of herbal bath is widely popular and trusted throughout the country.
The source of this precious herbal bath is none other than Ta Phin Village of the Red Dao people. There are two types of herbs: dried and fresh. Boiling the herbs for about 30 minutes releases a deep red color resembling wine, accompanied by the characteristic aroma of herbs. The ideal temperature of 37-40 degrees Celsius maximizes the effectiveness of the herbal bath.
The cost of a herbal bath administered by the Red Dao people in Ta Phin ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person. Bathers immerse themselves in a wooden tub for 15-30 minutes. When they start sweating, experience a rapid heartbeat, or breathe quickly, they pause. The warm water opens up pores, allowing the herbal properties to penetrate the skin and heal internal body injuries.
Costs When Traveling to Ta Phin Village
- Entrance Ticket to the Village: 20,000 VND per person
- Motorbike Rental from Hotels or Homestays in Sapa Town: 100,000 – 150,000 VND per bike per day
- Motorbike Taxi (Xe ôm) from Sapa Town to Ta Phin Village: 200,000 – 250,000 VND per ride
- Taxi Fare from the Center of Sapa Town to Ta Phin Village: 300,000 – 500,000 VND per 4-seater or 7-seater car
If you wish to stay overnight in Ta Phin Village, there are numerous homestays to choose from, with prices starting from around 200,000 VND per night.
For those who only want to visit Ta Phin for sightseeing, exploration, and to experience the local cuisine, you can also enjoy meals at the restaurants within the village. Famous dishes include ‘lợn bản cắp nách’ (local pork), grilled chicken, and ‘rau cải mèo’ (special local vegetable).
What to Eat When You Visit Ta Phin Village?
Ta Phin Village is home to two ethnic groups living together, namely the H’Mong and Dao people. Therefore, you’ll have the opportunity to try distinctive dishes from these two ethnic communities.
- ‘Thịt lợn cắp nách’ (Local Pork): A unique pork dish with special seasonings.
- ‘Thịt gà bản xào sả’ (Grilled Chicken): Chicken stir-fried with lemongrass.
- ‘Canh thịt lợn nấu măng’ (Pork and Bamboo Shoot Soup): A soup made with pork and bamboo shoots.
- ‘Cá suối chiên’ (Fried Stream Fish): Fried fish from the stream.
These are common dishes that visitors often enjoy when they come here. The food in Ta Phin Village is distinctive, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who are a bit picky or looking for a variety of choices. If you are somewhat selective about food, it’s advisable to bring along some light snacks.
Notes for Visiting Ta Phin Village
- The road to Ta Phin Village is quite challenging, with many potholes and bumps, so it is advisable to wear tidy clothing to move easily and avoid getting entangled. Additionally, wearing sports shoes is recommended for convenient walking during the sightseeing tour.
- If you plan to explore the caves in Ta Phin, it’s advisable to bring a flashlight, as the cave exploration path can be quite dark.
- When experiencing the traditional Red Dao herbal bath, it is recommended to do so when you are not too hungry, and it’s advisable not to stay in the bath for too long to avoid feeling lightheaded. Especially after the herbal bath, there is no need to rinse with clean water; just dry yourself and put on clothes.
- You can bring some light snacks from Sapa if you are concerned that the traditional dishes prepared in Ta Phin Village may not suit your taste.
The journey to explore Ta Phin Village in Sapa through the experiences gathered by VnCarRentals.com’s hopes to satisfy readers and equip them with the necessary knowledge for their visit to this place.
