1. General introduction to Ta Van village – a unique stopover in Sapa
Majestic terraced rice field scenery of Ta Van village. (Source: Collected)
Amidst the majestic scenery of the Northwest mountains and forests, Ta Van village appears as a vibrant painting blending nature and local culture. This is not only an ideal destination to explore the peaceful beauty of Muong Hoa valley but also a place where tourists can immerse themselves in the simple, rustic life of the people in the highlands of Sa Pa.
1.1. Geographical location and the way to Ta Van
Ta Van village is located right in the middle of Muong Hoa valley, belonging to Ta Van commune, Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province – one of the prominent tourist destinations in the Northwest. From the center of Sa Pa, the distance to the village is about 12 km to the Southeast, surrounded by the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the winding Muong Hoa stream, creating a beautiful natural landscape.
The journey from Sa Pa to Ta Van will take tourists through Cau May street, heading towards the Muong Thanh area, continuing along the Muong Hoa stream. Each turn reveals successive terraced fields, impressive photo opportunities, making the journey vibrant and full of experiences.
Tourists can travel by motorbike to freely stop and capture the beautiful scenery, or choose a car if traveling in a large group or with a family with young children. The road to Ta Van is quite convenient, but it is advisable to travel during the day and pay attention to the weather to ensure safety throughout the journey.
1.2. Why should you visit Ta Van village?
Ta Van village stands out thanks to the blend of beautiful nature and peaceful resort space. With an altitude ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 m, this place is always cool and fresh, ideal for tourists who want to temporarily escape the bustling city life.
The winding terraced fields, the clear Muong Hoa stream, and the towering Hoang Lien Son mountains create a vibrant and captivating natural picture. At the same time, Ta Van village still preserves the pristine cultural values of the Giay, Mong, and Red Dao ethnic groups through traditional festivals, stilt house architecture, brocade weaving, and characteristic agricultural activities.
The quiet space, gentle pace of life, along with the hospitality of the local people, make Ta Van an ideal stopover for those who want to stay overnight. Many tourists have come with the intention of staying for one night, but after experiencing the peaceful life here, they decided to extend their stay to fully enjoy the beauty and culture of the village.
2. What's interesting about Ta Van? Special highlight attracting tourists in 2025
In 2025, Ta Van village continues to affirm its appeal as a "green gem" in the heart of Sa Pa, a place where pristine natural beauty converges with diverse cultural identity. This is an ideal destination for tourists who want to explore spectacular scenery, experience community life, and enjoy a peaceful resort space amidst the poetic Muong Hoa valley.
2.1. Spectacular natural scenery at Ta Van village
Spectacular majestic natural scenery of Ta Van village. (Source: Collected)
One of the reasons why Ta Van has become an attractive destination is the scenery of terraced fields winding around the village. In April – May, the flooded fields shimmer like mirrors under the sun, creating a poetic scene. When the rice harvest season arrives (September – October), the valley is dyed in brilliant yellow, captivating any photography enthusiast.
The clear Muong Hoa stream flows through the village, with wildflowers blooming year-round on both banks. The path along the stream becomes an ideal trekking route, where visitors can stop to rest, soak in the cool water, or capture beautiful souvenir photos.
The majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range surrounds the village like an impenetrable natural wall. In the early morning or at sunset, light filtering through the clouds creates a dreamy and mystical scene. In autumn – winter, the phenomenon of early morning sea of clouds makes Ta Van seem like a fairyland.
2.2. Unique multi-ethnic culture in Ta Van
Ta Van converges three main ethnic groups: Giay, Mong, and Red Dao, creating cultural richness. The Giay people are notable for their wet rice cultivation, traditional stilt houses made of pơ mu wood with nipa palm roofs, and dark blue costumes with exquisite hand embroidery.
The Red Dao people maintain characteristic rituals such as herbal baths and the Gau Tao festival. Their vibrant red costumes combined with headscarves and exquisite silver jewelry create a unique image. Meanwhile, the Mong people are famous for linen weaving, indigo dyeing, and unique brocade products.
The weekend market is an occasion for cultural exchange, where visitors can witness praying for a good harvest rituals, new house inauguration ceremonies, and listen to traditional folk songs, creating a vibrant and intimate cultural experience.
2.3. Community tourism and homestay experience
Welcome gate of the community tourism village Lo Lao Chai, Lao Hang Chai, Hoang Lien commune. (Source: Collected)
Tavan View Homestay is a prominent choice with traditional architecture and panoramic views of Muong Hoa valley. The friendly homestay owner always guides guests to participate in local activities, from rice cultivation to brocade weaving. Room prices range from 300,000 – 500,000 VND/person/night, including breakfast and dinner of highland specialties.
Other homestays such as Ta Van Go, My Tra, Toce House, Ta Van Family also offer various room types and services, providing opportunities to live with locals, learn cooking, weaving fabric, and participate in agricultural experiences. In the evening, guests can gather around the fireplace, enjoy herbal tea, and listen to stories from the village elders – an unforgettable and culturally rich experience.
2.4. What's interesting about Ta Van village cuisine?
Xoi ngu sac, a dish that is both beautiful and associated with traditional festivals. (Source: Collected)
Tả Van (Ta Van) village cuisine is highlighted by the Thắng cố Mông (Thang co Mong) dish, which combines horse meat and offal with special mountain forest spices, creating an unforgettable flavor.
Fresh and delicious Mường Hoa (Muong Hoa) stream fish is grilled over charcoal or stewed with forest leaves, preserving its natural sweetness.
The five-colored sticky rice (Xoi ngu sac) of the Giáy (Giay) people is colored from forest leaves and often appears in traditional festivals.
Various forest vegetables such as cải mèo (cai meo), pumpkin leaves, fresh bamboo shoots, and banana flowers have the characteristic flavor of the mountains and forests.
Homemade corn wine is a special traditional drink. Many homestays serve these dishes prepared by the locals themselves, ensuring the original flavor.
2.5. Attractive exploration and check-in activities
Trekking along the Mường Hoa (Muong Hoa) stream is an unmissable activity, winding through terraced fields and primeval forests. Natural light filtering through the canopy creates a wonderful photo effect.
Cau May (Cau May) bridge, a symbol of Tả Van (Ta Van), is made from bamboo and ironwood, spanning the stream, especially romantic in the morning mist. The weekend market is bustling with brocade products, local specialties, and cultural exchange, making it an ideal place for photoshoots and capturing memorable moments.
2.6. Resort value and original experience
The peaceful atmosphere with birdsong and the babbling stream helps visitors relax and regain energy. The slow pace of life of the locals is also a way to deeply experience closeness to nature.
Homestay hosts are always enthusiastic, guiding traditional activities and sharing local life, making guests feel like they are returning to a familiar home. Many people plan to stay for one night but decide to stay for several days, fully enjoying the scenery, pace of life, and tranquility in Tả Van (Ta Van).
3. Guide to a 3D2N Tả Van (Ta Van) Village Exploration Itinerary
Put on ethnic costumes and explore the beautiful scenery. (Source: Collected)
The 3-day, 2-night journey in Ta Van offers the opportunity to fully experience local culture, nature, and life.
Day 1: Visitors begin by familiarizing themselves with the village space, strolling and light trekking through terraced rice fields, exploring the mountain and forest scenery, and enjoying the fresh air. This is an ideal time to capture the first photos and learn about the peaceful pace of life of the local people.
Day 2: A more challenging journey with a long trek to La Chai village, where visitors can participate in unique cultural activities such as weaving brocade with the Giay and Red Dao people, learning about traditional rituals, and tasting local cuisine. This is an opportunity to deeply explore the daily life and cultural spirit of the ethnic community.
Day 3: Before ending the trip, you can visit Sun World Fansipan Legend, experience a modern tourist ecosystem combined with majestic mountain scenery, then return to the center of Sa Pa town, concluding the journey full of experiences and memorable moments.
4. Useful tips for traveling to Ta Van village
Amidst the majestic terraced fields, the small house appears peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. (Source: Collected)
To make your trip to Ta Van village more complete and safe, visitors should equip themselves with basic knowledge about the local culture, weather, and terrain. Thorough preparation and a respectful attitude towards the local people will help you have authentic and memorable experiences amidst the Tay Bac mountains.
When exploring Ta Van village, respecting local customs and traditions is crucial for a fulfilling trip. When entering a stilt house, visitors should ask for permission from the host, leave shoes outside, and avoid touching the ancestral altar, religious items, or personal belongings.
If you wish to take portraits of the local people, especially children or the elderly, please ask for permission first.
Attire when entering the village should be modest and polite; women should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially when participating in traditional activities. The colors of the attire should be harmonious to easily integrate with the community and respect local culture.
When trekking to explore Ta Van village, sturdy-soled shoes are essential, helping you move safely on trails or slippery terraced fields during the rainy season. Additionally, a light jacket, raincoat, warm clothing, scarf, and hat are necessary to cope with the unpredictable weather in the highlands.
To ensure safety, do not go trekking alone on long stretches; inform your homestay of your itinerary and prepare personal medication as pharmacies in the village are quite limited.
Ta Van village is a harmonious blend of natural scenery, simple lifestyle, and diverse cultural values. In 2025, this is an unmissable destination when exploring the Sa Pa highlands for all travelers who love authentic experiences, peaceful relaxation, and deep exploration of local culture. Come, feel, and share precious moments in this most beautiful village of Sa Pa!
