Ta Van Village, situated approximately 12 kilometers from Sapa town center, is a must-visit for travelers seeking a cultural immersion. Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes and verdant terraced rice fields, the village offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the local Dao, H’mong, and Giay ethnic minorities.
Visitors can explore the traditional stilt houses, witness local handicrafts, and even participate in community activities. The village’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its colorful festivals, traditional attire, and delicious cuisine.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of nature, Ta Van provides ample opportunities for hiking, trekking, and simply relaxing by the Muong Hoa stream. The village’s name, “Ta Van,” translates to “large arc” in the Mong language, referring to its crescent-shaped layout against the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
The entrance fee is 75,000 VND for adults and 50,000 VND for children.
Directions from Sa Pa center to Ta Van village
The road to Ta Van Village is now paved, but it still has many winding turns and steep slopes. Therefore, utmost caution is advised when traveling by motorbike or self-driving car. If you go by motorbike, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the road and breathe in the fresh air scented with ripe rice from the terraced fields.
For detailed directions, travelers can use Google Maps or visit the Sapa Information and Tourism Promotion Center at 2 Fansipan Street.
You can also follow these directions: Starting from the center of Sapa, pass the Stone Church and turn onto Cau May Street. Continue straight onto Muong Hoa Street and follow it for 7 kilometers until you reach Lao Chai. From Lao Chai, follow the scenic Muong Hoa Stream for about 4 kilometers to arrive at Ta Van Village.
Travel to the van by motorbike
Motorbikes are a popular choice for travelers as they offer the freedom to explore the scenic beauty at your own pace. You can easily stop to take in the breathtaking views and breathe in the fresh air scented with ripe rice from the terraced fields. Motorbikes can usually be rented directly from your hotel or homestay for around 150,000 to 250,000 VND, with a deposit of your ID. However, please ride cautiously as the roads in the village can be quite steep and rocky.
Travel to the van by bike
If you enjoy outdoor activities and exploring nature, cycling is a great option. You can rent a bike in the town center for around 50,000 VND per day. Cycling is a popular choice among foreign tourists, as it allows you to stay active, breathe fresh air, and admire the stunning scenery of the terraced rice fields.
Travel by car/taxi
Larger groups or families may find it more convenient to travel by car or taxi. Reputable taxi services such as Mai Linh offer transportation from Sapa center to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages for around 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND per one-way trip.
Trekking to Ta Van village
Trekking to Ta Van Village, which is only about 12 kilometers from Sapa center, is a fantastic option, especially during the spring when the weather is cool. It’s a great way to explore nature, stay active, and save money. Trekking involves hiking and exploring natural environments, and it’s a popular choice among foreign tourists and young travelers. All you need is a backpack and a map.
What is the best season to visit Ta Van village?
The best time to visit Ta Van Village is from February to April and from August to October. During the early spring months (February to April), the slopes are covered in beautiful plum and peach blossoms. This is also when the locals organize their New Year market, offering a variety of local specialties. Additionally, the villages host many cultural festivals, such as the Rong pooc ceremony (a rice-planting ritual) of the Giay people, which usually takes place early in the year.
From September to October, the terraced rice fields turn golden, creating a breathtakingly beautiful and majestic landscape. The cool and dry weather during this time makes it the perfect season to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Sapa mountains.
Additionally, from April to June, when the rice terraces are flooded, Ta Van Village is a great place to visit and take beautiful photos.
What are the experiences when coming to Ta Van Village?
As one of the famous tourist destinations in Sa Pa, Ta Van village offers many interesting activities and experiences for visitors. Below are the top experiences you should not miss when coming to Ta Van village.
Check in May bridge Ta Van village
The unique Cloud Bridge in Ta Van Village is a popular spot for tourists visiting Sapa. The rattan bridge, crossing the scenic Muong Hoa stream, offers a picturesque backdrop for photos. While the bridge has aged over time, its rustic charm and the magical feeling of walking on clouds during foggy mornings make it a must-see.
Trekking to explore Ta Van village
A trekking adventure to Ta Van Village is likely to be the most memorable part of your Sapa trip. With winding paths through terraced rice fields, the babbling Muong Hoa River, and fresh air, you’ll immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Northwest mountains. Depending on the season, Ta Van Village transforms, from golden rice fields to white plum blossoms and flooded terraces, offering a diverse and unforgettable trekking experience.
Explore the Lives of the People in Ta Van Village
The people of Ta Van Village maintain a simple and peaceful lifestyle. They are very friendly and hospitable, welcoming visitors with local specialties prepared by themselves. Life goes on as usual, with villagers working in the fields during the day and weaving at night. Visitors to Ta Van can immerse themselves in the daily life of the locals to fully appreciate the beauty of their labor and learn more about the unique culture of the Northwest highlands.
Participate in bustling highland markets and unique cultural festivals
When visiting Ta Van Village, don’t miss the chance to experience the bustling markets and vibrant cultural festivals of the ethnic minority groups. Festivals such as the H’mong Gau Tao, the Dao Do’s New Year, and the Giay’s Mid-Autumn Festival are rich in traditional customs. Participating in these events allows you to immerse yourself in the rich spiritual life and lively atmosphere of the local communities.
Enjoy highland specialties & shop for souvenirs
When visiting Ta Van Village, travelers can enjoy a variety of delicious Sapa specialties that showcase the rich flavors of the local ethnic groups. A standout dish is thang co, a traditional H’mong hot pot made with horse meat and unique spices. Additionally, you can savor grilled stream fish, flavorful wild boar meat, or crispy native chicken.
Additionally, while walking through the village, tourists can easily find local children selling adorable souvenirs such as scarves, embroidered bags, and handmade bracelets. These items are full of local culture and very affordable, making them perfect souvenirs to bring home for friends and family as a reminder of your meaningful trip.
Visit cafés to fully enjoy Sa Pa’s golden harvest season.
When visiting Sapa during the rice harvest season, don’t miss the chance to stop by hillside cafes or those nestled among the terraced rice fields to soak in the breathtaking natural beauty. Cafes like La Dao, Lao Chai View, Hau Thao, or LoFi are ideal spots to enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee while taking in the stunning panoramic views of golden rice terraces or the mesmerizing clouds that often blanket Sapa.
Experience staying overnight at Ta Van village homestay
If you’re planning a trip to Sapa, spending a night in a homestay in Ta Van Village is a unique experience surrounded by dreamy nature. The village offers a variety of homestays such as Green House Homestay, Lee’s House, Tavan Ecologic Homestay, and La Dao Spa & Coffee House. These homestays feature wooden architecture and stunning views of Muong Hoa River and terraced rice fields, providing a truly unforgettable stay.
Visit ancient stone beach & Muong Hoa stream
When visiting Tả Van Village, travelers can combine their trip with exploring the Sa Pa Ancient Rock Field and Mường Hoa Stream to create even more memorable experiences.
Sa Pa Ancient Rock Field: Stretching across the Mường Hoa Valley, this ancient rock field features nearly 200 stones of various shapes, attracting numerous visitors. Currently, there is no entrance fee to this site; however, to preserve this valuable heritage, you should avoid carving or writing on the rocks.
Muong Hoa Stream: This enchanting stream has won the hearts of countless visitors with its majestic and poetic scenery. Here, you can admire the stream in its tranquil and turbulent moments and take stunning photos to capture its beauty.
Tips for Visiting Tả Van Village
When traveling to Tả Van Village, keep these important tips in mind for a complete and enjoyable trip:
Clothing: Pack warm clothing, comfortable sneakers, or hiking shoes for easy movement on mountainous terrain. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as the weather can change unexpectedly.
Homestay Booking: To avoid running out of accommodations, especially during peak seasons, it’s best to book your homestay in advance.
Personal Documents: Make sure to carry your personal identification documents for check-in procedures at the homestay or in case they are needed during your trip.
