1. Overview of Ta Phin Village: Pristine Beauty in the Heart of Sa Pa
1.1. Location and Geographical Features of Ta Phin Village
Ta Phin Village belongs to Ta Phin commune, Lao Cai province, about 11 km north of Sa Pa center. The road to get here is quite winding, with rugged, deeply cut high mountain terrain, posing a challenge for the journey but also being the attraction for tourists who love trekking and adventurous experiences.
The rich and peaceful terraced rice field scenery is the reason why many tourists leave the bustling city to come to Ta Phin. (Source: Collected)
Hidden among limestone mountains, covered by the early morning mist, Ta Phin village evokes a feeling of stepping into a fairy tale. This is the ancestral home of the Red Dao and Hmong people, with traditional houses built on high mountain slopes, opening up panoramic views of lush green terraced rice fields.
The climate in Sa Pa in general and Ta Phin village in particular is cool all year round. In autumn, the temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, with cool, fresh weather. During this time, people enter the harvest season, and the countryside becomes more bustling. In the afternoon, columns of smoke from straw piles rise in the valley, covering it with a hazy layer, making the picture of Ta Phin more peaceful and poetic.
With its slow pace of life, wild nature, and space separate from the city noise, Ta Phin village has become an ideal destination for many tourists seeking rest after stressful working days.
1.2. History of the formation of Ta Phin village
In their ancient migration journey, the Red Dao people settled in an area with high mountains to lean on, green forests for shelter, and flat valleys convenient for cultivating rice fields. The name Ta Phin, in its original meaning, is "wide flat plain," accurately reflecting the terrain here: in the middle of a spacious valley, surrounded by undulating mountains stretching endlessly.
Peaceful working life of the people in Ta Phin village. (Source: Collected)
Ta Phin village is associated with many historical stories and is a witness to a glorious period of resistance against foreign invaders of our country. During the war to protect the northern border in 1979, Ta Phin cave was a place for people to shelter, and also a place to hide soldiers, store food and weapons. With its rugged rocky terrain, hidden deep underground, Ta Phin cave in particular and Ta Phin village in general hold special strategic military value.
Today, after the smoke of war has cleared, Ta Phin village has donned a new guise as a community tourism village rich in identity. The Red Dao and H'Mong people live together, united in developing tourism economy, preserving traditional culture, and contributing to building a more prosperous homeland.
2. How to get to Ta Phin Village
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi and other localities to Sa Pa
From Hanoi, tourists have many transportation options to get to Sa Pa, the most popular being sleeper buses, trains, and private cars.
Sleeper buses are considered a convenient and cost-effective option, with an average travel time of 5 to 6 hours. If you depart on night buses, you can rest comfortably on the bus and arrive in Sa Pa the next morning. Some reputable bus companies chosen by many tourists include Sapa Express, Ha Son Hai Van, Sao Viet, The Anh, Sapa Group Bus, and G8 Open Tour…
For tourists who want to enjoy the feeling of exploring along the way, traveling by private car is an ideal choice. From the center of Hanoi, you can follow the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway, a distance of about 320 km, taking about five to six hours of driving. This route is modern, easy to navigate, and has many rest stops for resting, eating, or taking photos of the beautiful scenery along the way.
In addition, tourists can also choose to travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. This journey takes about 7 to 9 hours, after which you continue by bus or taxi for about 30 km to reach the center of Sa Pa. Ticket prices range from 300,000 to 800,000 VND depending on the seat class and train type. This is a safe mode of transport, less likely to cause motion sickness, suitable for families with young children or the elderly, thanks to its comfortable sleeper berths and spacious interior.
The upgraded train to Sa Pa offers a premium and comfortable travel experience for tourists. (Source: Collected)
2.2. From Sa Pa Center to Ta Phin Village
The road leading to Ta Phin village is now much more convenient thanks to local investment and infrastructure improvements. From Sa Pa center, you can choose various means of transport to reach Ta Phin Village depending on your desired experience.
2.2.1. Traveling by Car
7 to 16-seater cars can now reach the village, suitable for groups of friends or families. Car rental costs range from approximately 400,000 to 900,000 VND/car/round trip, depending on the car model and time. The advantage of a car is convenience and safety, suitable for those not accustomed to mountain pass travel.
2.2.2. Traveling by Motorbike
For those who love exploration, motorbikes are the preferred choice for many young tourists. The route to Ta Phin Village is about 12 km long, winding around the mountainside, opening up views of terraced fields, lush green valleys, and small villages nestled on the hillsides. Traveling by motorbike offers a sense of freedom; you can stop anytime to take photos or rest.
However, the rider needs experience on mountain passes to ensure safety. You can hire a local resident familiar with the terrain to drive you to the village to ensure a safe vacation.
2.2.3. Walking and Trekking
If you want a closer and slower experience, you can try walking from Sa Pa town to Ta Phin Village. The 12 km journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the tourist's fitness. During the ripe rice season, the golden terraced fields along the way will be a wonderful reward for your trekking trip.
The road to Ta Phin village is filled with the golden color of ripe rice. (Source: Collected)
3. Unique experiences in Ta Phin Village that should not be missed
3.1. Ta Phin Cave
Ta Phin Cave with many unique stalactite formations. (Source: Lao Cai Newspaper)
Located about 1 km north of the center of Ta Phin commune, Ta Phin cave has long been an unmissable stop when visiting Ta Phin village. It is part of the majestic and mysterious Hoang Lien Son mountain system.
The cave entrance has a unique shape, about 5 m high and nearly 3 m wide, resembling a door leading to an underground world within the mountain. The deeper you go, the wider the cave opens up with rock ceilings up to 8 m high, and fantastically shaped stalactites hanging down, sparkling. When sunlight filters through the rock crevices, the entire space seems to light up, creating a rare and brilliant scene.
The journey to explore Ta Phin cave not only brings a new experience but also helps visitors feel the grandeur of Northwestern nature. For a safe visit, you should prepare sports shoes or lightweight clothing. On foggy days, the path can be slippery, so pay attention. In particular, visitors are advised not to touch the stalactites or artifacts in the cave, as they have been formed over thousands of years and have great historical and geological value.
3.2. Cultural space of the Red Dao people
The Red Dao people are one of the ethnic minority communities rich in identity in Sa Pa, nổi bật with a treasure trove of customs, beliefs, and traditional festivals preserved through many generations. In Ta Phin village, that unique culture is still present in every daily activity, from wedding ceremonies, spiritual festivals to folk remedies, creating a special attraction for tourists.
- Solemn wedding customs
The wedding ceremony of the Dao people is colorfully decorated with brocade patterns. (Source: Collected)
In spiritual life, the wedding customs of the Red Dao people are both solemn and intimate. Wedding days are often celebrated grandly, with the participation of many relatives and neighbors. If you are lucky enough to witness a bridal procession, visitors can ask to join to listen to traditional musical instruments, witness rituals such as ancestor worship, exorcism, or call-and-response singing.
- Harvest Festivals
The Red Dao people also have many festivals with spiritual significance tied to the harvest season. The Cap Sac ceremony usually takes place from November to December, during the slack season, to recognize adult men as descendants of "Ban Vuong" – the ancestor of the Dao people. The Tet Nhay festival (January 1st – 2nd) and the Put Tong festival (January 9th) are occasions for the community to gather, recreating ancient rituals through dancing, worship, and folk games.
- Famous Red Dao Herbal Bath Medicine
Besides festival life, the Red Dao people are also famous for their traditional herbal bath medicine. They harvest over 20 types of herbs from the Hoang Lien mountain range to prepare bath water that has relaxing effects, aids blood circulation, reduces aches and pains, and relieves stress.
The Red Dao herbal bath is a relaxing treatment loved by many tourists. (Source: Collected)
Nowadays, about 40 households in Ta Phin are maintaining the herbal bath service, with prices ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 VND per session. When experiencing, tourists should note: only soak for a maximum of 30 minutes, do not bathe on an empty stomach or after drinking alcohol to ensure health safety.
- Traditional Costumes
The Red Dao people's costumes are nổi bật with vibrant red colors on headscarves, belts, and intricate hand-embroidered patterns. Women often wear indigo long dresses, large red scarves, and silver jewelry; men are simpler with indigo shirts and red belts. These outfits are not only visually appealing but also carry meanings of good luck, protection, and affirmation of cultural identity.
Traditional costumes with prominent red patterns of the people in Ta Phin village. (Source: Collected)
Coming to Ta Phin village, you can try on the vibrant costumes of the Red Dao or H'Mong people. This is also a way for tourists to better feel the rhythm of life and the cultural beauty of the ethnic people here.
3.3. Prosperous Terraced Fields
In the autumn season from September to October, Ta Phin village seems to put on a brilliant new outfit. The terraced fields, layered and winding around the mountainside, are sometimes lush green, sometimes golden, creating a vibrant natural picture of the Sa Pa highlands. The gentle sunlight shines down, making each field glow, soft as an endless silk ribbon.
The golden season is one of the most beautiful times to explore Ta Phin village. (Source: Collected)
Looking down from above, visitors will feel the peace and purity that the scenery here brings. At sunset, when the last rays of the day gild the terraced fields, the human soul seems to calm down, all worries gradually disappear, leaving only tranquility amidst the mountains and forests of Ta Phin.
3.4. Special Cuisine of Ta Phin Village
The journey to explore Ta Phin village will be more complete if you take the time to enjoy traditional dishes with the rich flavors of the mountains and forests.
One of the most special dishes is black Banh Chung, an indispensable dish during Tet for the Dao people. The sticky, fragrant cake, with its glossy black color from glutinous rice, is not only a gift for reunion meals but also symbolizes wishes for a peaceful and lucky new year. When enjoying it, you will feel the connection between the culinary flavors and the spiritual cultural beauty of the local people.
Additionally, don't miss out on bamboo-tube grilled pork. The meat is marinated with lemongrass, lime leaves, and herbs, then stuffed into bamboo tubes and placed over glowing charcoal. When cooked, the aroma of bamboo blends with the spices, and the meat is sweet, tender, and rich, making it unforgettable for anyone who tries it.
For those who love the seafood of the mountains, stream fish is definitely an attractive choice. The fish are caught directly from the streams around the village, then deep-fried or grilled in bamboo tubes over charcoal. The fish has a natural sweetness, served with a little chili salt or spicy fish sauce with garlic, creating a flavor that is both rustic and unforgettable.
A traditional meal tray rich in mountain forest flavors of Ta Phin. (Source: Collected)
4. Suggestions for some homestays in Ta Phin Village
4.1. Ta Phin Lodge
- Address: Suoi Thau Hamlet, Ta Phin Commune, Lao Cai Province
- Hotline: 1900 252 209
- Reference price: 290,000 VND/person/night
Located about 10 km from the center of Sa Pa town, Ta Phin Lodge is an ideal stopover for those who want to escape the bustling city to enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and forests. The homestay is surrounded by lush green hillsides and terraced fields – especially beautiful during the ripe rice season when the entire space is filled with golden hues. Not only offering a spacious view, but this place is also a peaceful resting spot for tourists to relax after their journey of exploring the village.
4.2. Stone Garden Homestay
- Address: Ta Phin Commune, Lao Cai Province
- Hotline: 1900 252 209
- Reference price: 225,000 to 500,000 VND/room/night
With over 10 years of operation, Stone Garden Homestay has become a familiar name when mentioning homestays in Ta Phin village. Unpretentious, this place attracts tourists with its warm atmosphere, reasonable prices, and the friendliness of the hosts. This is a favorite choice for students, young groups, or those who love local exploration and experiences.
Cozy space of Stone Garden Homestay. (Source: Collected)
4.3. Sanh Homestay Ta Phin
- Address: Group 4, Sa Seng village, Ta Phin commune, Lao Cai province
- Hotline: 1900 252 209
- Reference price: 500,000 to 1,800,000 VND/room/night
Although it only opened in March 2022, Sanh Homestay has quickly become a well-known accommodation for many tourists. Located amidst a close-to-nature space, the homestay impresses with its simple yet sophisticated style, bringing a feeling that is both familiar and new.
Experience a peaceful homestay amidst the vast mountain and hill space. (Source: Collected)
5. Suggested 3N2Đ itinerary to explore Ta Phin village and conquer Fansipan peak
Day 1: Immerse yourself in the rhythm of life in Ta Phin village
- Morning: Wake up early in the cool air of Sa Pa, you can start the day with a highland-style breakfast such as sticky rice with five colors served with sesame salt or hot corn cakes. After breakfast, visitors can stroll around the village to admire the endless terraced rice fields.
- Noon: Enjoy a traditional meal with Red Dao specialties: bamboo-tube grilled pork, grilled stream fish, stir-fried wild vegetables with garlic, and a cup of potent corn wine.
- Afternoon: Explore Ta Phin cave, a historical site associated with wartime memories. Stepping through the cool cave entrance, you will be amazed by the high stone vault and sparkling stalactites when sunlight penetrates through the mountain crevices. This is an ideal place for those who love mystery and adventure.
- Evening: Return to the homestay to rest and don't forget to experience the Red Dao leaf bath – a traditional remedy from over 20 types of herbs. Soaking in a warm wooden tub, you will feel all fatigue melt away, ready for the next day's journey.
Day 2: Journey to conquer Fansipan peak
- Morning:
Departing from Ta Phin village, visitors travel to Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area, which has a modern three-rope cable car system. From the cabin, the scenery of Muong Hoa valley and the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range appears right below, with clouds and sky swirling around as if stepping into a fairyland. Besides the cable car, you can experience the Muong Hoa mountain climbing train with a panoramic view of the valley, small villages nestled on the mountainside.
The smooth 15-minute cable car ride will take you to the vast and magnificent Sun World Fansipan Legend spiritual tourist area. Here, visitors can worship the 21.5m high bronze Amitabha Buddha statue, visit Bich Van Zen Monastery, Heaven's Gate, or many other unique architectural works, all blending with the white sea of clouds, creating a sacred and majestic space on the "Roof of Indochina".
Majestic Fansipan mountain peak amidst the vast sky and clouds. (Source: Collected)
The journey ends at the peak of Fansipan, 3,143m high, the "Roof of Indochina". This is the moment every tourist looks forward to, taking a commemorative photo amidst the floating sea of clouds.
- Lunch:
Tourists can have lunch at Van Sam or Do Quyen restaurants within the tourist area. Both restaurants serve many refined and delicious highland specialties to suit all tastes.
If returning to Sa Pa town center, tourists can enjoy famous dishes such as Sa Pa salmon, sturgeon hot pot, or thang co at local restaurants. Recommended famous restaurants in the center include: A Phu, Thang Co A Quynh, Red Dao, Cho Phien quán…
- Afternoon:
Tourists return to Ta Phin village, rent Red Dao or H'Mong traditional costumes, and stroll through the vast terraced fields.
- Evening:
After a long day of travel, tourists can gather around a bonfire with a Dao family, listen to them sing folk songs, and enjoy a cozy dinner with hot black chicken hot pot – a delicious and nutritious dish, rich in highland flavors.
Day 3: Farewell to Ta Phin
In the morning, you can spend time walking around the village, buying souvenirs such as brocade, Ta Phin sticky rice, smoked meat, and preserved plum wine. Then, check out of the homestay, concluding a 3-day, 2-night journey full of unforgettable memories.
6. Tips for exploring Ta Phin village and important notes
The best time to visit Ta Phin village is during the rice harvest season from September to October or the water-flooding season from March to May. Winter is suitable for those who want to experience the highland cold. You should bring warm clothes, non-slip shoes, and a light raincoat if traveling during the rainy season.
In your interactions, greet people warmly, ask for permission before taking photos, and bargain gently when shopping. Avoid littering, and do not touch the stalactites in Ta Phin cave, as they take millions of years to form. Tourists should not bathe in Red Dao herbal water on an empty stomach or after drinking alcohol to avoid low blood pressure.
Before traveling, check your vehicle thoroughly, bring a jacket, basic medicine, a power bank, and have a backup plan as Sa Pa's weather changes unpredictably. A little careful preparation will ensure you have a safe, complete trip with many memorable experiences in the Red Dao village.
Ta Phin village, with its simple way of life, kind people, unique customs, and fresh atmosphere, is an ideal stop for anyone wanting to explore the beauty of highland villages when visiting Sa Pa.
