1. Overview of Ta Van Village

1.1. Geographical location and natural characteristics of Ta Van Village

Nestled amidst high mountains perpetually shrouded in mist, Ta Van Village possesses the abundant beauty of a highland village. This is where communities of the H'Mong, Red Dao, and Giay ethnic groups live together, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture. About 12 km from the center of Sa Pa town, Ta Van still retains its rustic simplicity, although life has become somewhat more modern to serve tourism.

The name “Ta Van” in the Mong language means “large arc”, as the village nestles beside the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range and faces the gracefully winding Muong Hoa stream. It is this blend of mountains, forests, and streams that creates a landscape that is both majestic and poetic.

Ta Van village attracts tourists with its lush and fertile terraced fields. (Source: Collected)

In 2013, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the Sa Pa terraced fields as a National scenic relic, with most of the area belonging to Ta Van commune. With 749 ha of terraced fields, this area is divided into two protection zones: 450 ha in the strictly protected zone and 298 ha in the extended conservation area.

Thanks to its preserved natural beauty, Ta Van village has become a favorite stopover for tourists, especially foreign visitors. They often choose to rent motorbikes or walk from the Sa Pa center to enjoy the natural beauty along the way and slowly experience the village life rhythm.

1.2. Characteristics of ethnic groups living in Ta Van village

Ta Van village currently has over 150 households, the majority of whom are Giay ethnic people, hence it is also called Ta Van Giay village. The lives of the people are mainly tied to their fields, and additionally, the women in the village maintain the embroidery craft, creating exquisite handicrafts that are rich in traditional culture.

The houses in Ta Van are often nestled on gentle slopes, next to lush green terraced fields. The Giay people have two characteristic house types: stilt houses and earthen-walled houses, with the central room always housing the ancestor altar, which is the most solemn space for receiving guests. Despite participating in tourism activities, the local people here still maintain their farming practices and traditional crafts passed down through generations, such as: self-forging farming tools, silver crafting, brocade weaving…

Stilt houses of the Giay people are often located next to terraced fields. (Source: Collected)

Notably, Ban Ta Van still preserves traces of ancient beliefs. Across the Muong Hoa stream is a unique stone carving area, where there are nearly 200 large and small stones with many mysterious patterns and carvings of the ancient Vietnamese people, serving as a vivid testament to the long history of this land.

2. How to get to Ban Ta Van

2.1. From Hanoi and major cities to Sa Pa

2.2. Moving from Sa Pa town to Ban Ta Van

The journey from Sa Pa center to Ban Ta Van, you will pass Cau May street, Muong Thanh area and continue along the Muong Hoa stream, where terraced fields stretch out, creating a beautiful picture.

Tourists conquer the road to Ta Van village. (Source: Collection)

The road has now been invested and built by the state, making it easy to travel, with many ideal stops for photos, so you can choose one of two popular modes of transport:

• Motorbike: Suitable for those who want to experience freely, be proactive about time, and can stop anytime to admire the scenery or check-in. However, if you are not used to mountain passes, you need to be especially careful to ensure safety.
• Car: Suitable for tourists traveling in groups or families with a lot of luggage, who want to travel safely and comfortably.

2.3. Suggestions for some reputable motorbike rental addresses in Sa Pa center:

• Hoc Ly Store:

Address: No. 08 Hoang Lien, Sa Pa, Lao Cai (back gate of Sun Plaza)

Phone: 0915 190 874

Rental price: manual bikes 80,000 – 100,000 VND/day, automatic bikes 130,000 – 140,000 VND/day

• Anh Sang Store:

Address: No. 04 Muong Hoa, Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai

Phone: 096 999 95 83

Rental price: manual bikes 80,000 – 100,000 VND/day, automatic bikes 130,000 – 140,000 VND/day

3. Ideal time to visit Ta Van Village

At any time of the year, Ta Van village possesses its own unique beauty, making every trip a memorable experience. During the ripe rice season, around September to October, Ta Van valley is adorned in a brilliant yellow, with terraced fields heavy with grain stretching to the mountainside, creating a prosperous and abundant scene.

In the autumn-winter season, from October to December, the weather is cool, around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, with fresh and peaceful air. After the harvest, people burn the stubble, and the gentle smoke drifts through the air, making the village seem immersed in the mystical charm of the mountainous region.

During the water-pouring season, around April and May, the terraced fields are like giant mirrors reflecting the sunlight, interspersed with fields being plowed, sown with seedlings, or transplanted with rice, creating a vibrant village scene.

When spring arrives, Ta Van village buzzes with the Roong Pooc festival of the Giay ethnic group, a special ceremony praying for a good harvest, honoring traditional culture, and attracting many tourists to participate and immerse themselves in the local life.

Ta Van village during the pouring water season is imbued with colors of abundance and vitality. (Source: Collected)

4. Discover unique cultural features in Ta Van village

4.1. Costumes and hand embroidery art

In the unique culture of the Giay people, traditional costumes and jewelry hold extremely important value. They not only appear in daily life but also stand out in their community activities and traditional festivals. The costume of the Giay ethnic group is quite simple compared to some other ethnic groups in Lao Cai.

Tourists can experience the brocade weaving work of the people in the village. (Source: Collected)

Men's outfits are mainly black or indigo, featuring loose trousers, a short shirt buttoned with fabric in the front, and a head wrapped in indigo-dyed cotton cloth adorned with unique and beautiful star, rhombus, tree, and leaf-shaped knots. The women's outfits are quite elaborate, comprising separate tops and trousers.

Ta Van Village is a cultural intersection of the Hmong, Red Dao, and Giay communities. In Ta Van, traditional brocade weaving is an important part of the local culture, with women creating exquisite textile products with skillful hands passed down through generations.

4.2. Unique Festival Space

Traditional festivals in Ta Van village not only reflect the spiritual life of ethnic minorities but also become attractive 'cultural products' for tourists. One of the most important customs of the Giay people is the New Rice Festival (Tet Com Moi), a ritual held after each harvest to offer the first grains of rice to ancestors, thank heaven and earth, and pray for a new year of health, abundance, and bountiful harvests.

The New Rice Festival ceremony is valued and preserved by the Giay ethnic group people. (Source: Collected)

Additionally, in early spring, the Roong Pooc Festival takes place here – a traditional prayer for a good harvest festival with many folk games and unique singing and dancing, offering visitors a unique cultural experience of the highlanders. Visitors can join the locals in celebrating, try traditional dances, and feel the community cohesion in the mountains of the Northwest.

5. Natural Landscape and Tourism Experience at Ta Van Village

5.1. Terraced Fields

Terraced fields are not only a characteristic landscape but also the reason why many tourists visit Ta Van Village , due to their beauty changing with each season.

Terraced fields turn into a rich golden color. (Source: Collected)

The ripe rice season is one of the most beautiful times, Ta Van seems to put on a brilliant yellow garment. The terraced fields wind one after another, stretching along the hillsides, like a vibrant natural painting. This is the ideal time for tourists to walk among the rice fields, take beautiful photos, and immerse themselves in the cultural life of the local people.

5.2. Notable check-in spots in Ta Van Village

Arriving in Ta Van, tourists can stop by the clear Muong Hoa stream, check in at the famous wooden bridge of Sa Pa, or gaze at the drifting white clouds over the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

The romantic bridge is explored by many tourists. (Source: Collected)

Walking along Ta Van village , visitors easily encounter old houses along the road. Although decades old, they still retain the rustic charm and neatness of the local people. Typical examples are the houses of Mr. Hoang Din and especially Mr. Lo A Muc, built in 1934, which are popular spots for photography and cultural exploration.

5.3. Traditional homestay experience near Ta Van village

Ta Van commune is considered the “capital” of community tourism in Lao Cai, with the highest concentration of tourism services with nearly 170 establishments. Among these are over 90 homestays, along with dining services, souvenirs, medicinal leaf baths, massage, and many other unique experiences.

5.3.1. Sapa Eco & Spa ecological villa: 

The outdoor swimming pool is the symbol of Sapa Eco Villas & Spa. (Source: Collected) 

• Location: 1.1 km from Ta Van.
• Reference price: From 1,680,000 VND/double room/night.
• Highlights: The outdoor swimming pool is heated, so it can be used all year round, restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace overlooking the mountains. The space combines modern amenities with lush green nature.

5.3.2. Muong Hoa Eco Villa:

• Location: 1.8 km from Ta Van.
• Reference price: From 2,695,000 VND/double room/night.
• Highlights: Features an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, and a spacious terrace with a direct view of Muong Hoa valley – an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

5.3.3. Sapa Plum Eco Lodge:

• Location: 2 km from Ta Van.
• Reference price: 650,000 – 1,200,000 VND/room/night.
• Highlights: Quiet space, with a restaurant, BBQ area, campfire, and outdoor bar. Suitable for groups of friends or couples who want to enjoy a relaxing space close to nature.

6. Ta Van Village Cuisine and Specialties to Try in 2025

6.1. Authentic Northwestern Flavors

Ta Van village not only attracts tourists with its majestic natural scenery but also captivates them with its unique mountain cuisine. Traditional dishes of the Giay people such as thang co, grilled stream fish, or five-colored sticky rice carry rich flavors, close to local life.

Thang co is famous for its main ingredients of horse meat or buffalo, beef, combined with meticulously prepared offal, simmered with Northwestern spices like mac khen, hat doi, thao qua… creating an unforgettable characteristic flavor. Golden grilled stream fish, retaining its fresh sweetness, is often served with fresh wild vegetables.

Five-colored sticky rice with vibrant colors made from natural leaves is both eye-catching and delicious. Each dish not only satisfies the palate but also helps tourists experience the traditional culinary culture of the Giay people in the Northwestern mountains.

6.2. Suggested local eateries and restaurants

6.2.1. Toan Man Eatery

Located right in Ta Van village, Toan Man Eatery offers a cozy, simple space with a strong Northwestern mountain character. Although not very large, the eatery is always tidy and clean, creating a comfortable feeling for diners. The owner and staff are friendly and enthusiastic, making the dining experience more complete.

• Serving time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Address: Ta Van Giay 2 Hamlet, Ta Van Village, Ta Van Commune, Lao Cai Province
• Reference price: 50,000 VND/dish, set meals from 350,000 VND
• The restaurant's menu is diverse, featuring local specialties such as sturgeon hot pot, grilled chicken, mountain rice and soup, to creative dishes like vegetarian hot pot, rice noodles with lemongrass chili sauce. Fresh ingredients, retaining the characteristic taste of the Northwest.

6.2.2. Ta Van Restaurant

The restaurant stands out with its spacious, airy ambiance, offering views of the majestic mountains. The design is simple yet cozy, providing a comfortable feeling for diners while enjoying their meal.

• Serving time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Address: Ta Van Village, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Reference price: 100,000 - 300,000 VND/dish
• The menu is rich, especially the sturgeon hot pot with fresh fish combined with wild vegetables and mushrooms, creating a refreshing and attractive flavor.

6.2.3. La Dao Spa & Coffee House

This is a famous cafe combined with a spa in Ta Van, loved for its rustic, cozy space with wooden furniture and ethnic brocade cushions, blending with the beautiful mountain scenery.

Lá Dao Spa & Coffee House restaurant with a majestic view that tourists should not miss. (Source: Collected)

• Service time: 7:00 - 22:00
• Address: Ta Van Village, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Reference price: 50,000 - 200,000 VND
• Diners can also enjoy signature dishes such as grilled chicken, sticky rice in bamboo tubes, chicken platter, local pork, stir-fried chayote, sturgeon hot pot, or salmon, all prepared from fresh ingredients, preserving the flavors of the Northwestern mountains.

7. Suggested itinerary for visiting Ta Van village 2 days 1 night

• Day 1: Immerse yourself in the village life of Ta Van

Start the day with a warm breakfast of black chicken pho – soft, fragrant, and chewy noodles, made from local mountain rice. After that, you can leisurely stroll around the village, visiting famous check-in spots like the Ta Van suspension bridge, the clear Muong Hoa stream, and the mysterious ancient stone field.

In the afternoon, visitors can participate in cultural experience workshops such as learning to weave brocade, or making traditional cakes with local people. If you love exploring, you can choose a gentle trekking tour up the terraced fields, breathing in the fresh air while admiring the lush green rice fields and the poetic Muong Hoa stream.

To end an active day of visiting Ta Van village, enjoy dinner specialties at homestays or restaurants in the village, from sticky rice in bamboo tubes, grilled chicken to sturgeon hot pot. After dinner, you can relax, listen to traditional music, or participate in some festival activities, feeling the cultural rhythm of the ethnic community in the Northwestern mountains.

• Day 2: Conquer Fansipan peak and experience Sun World Fansipan Legend

Early in the morning, you leave Ta Van village and move to Sapa center to begin the journey to explore Sun World Fansipan Legend – where the "essence of heaven and earth" converges amidst the Northwestern mountains.

You begin the journey to conquer Hoang Lien Son peak by the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car route. From the cabin, you will feel like gliding through the clouds, looking at the vast Muong Hoa valley and the winding terraced fields, interspersed with lush green forests and mountains, creating a vivid and unforgettable natural picture.

Modern 3-wire cable car of Sun World Fansipan Legend. (Source: Suu tam)

When the cable car arrives, you will visit the spiritual complex on the top of Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Dong Duong”. Here, unique architectural works blend with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below, offering beautiful photo opportunities and memorable experiences. During your visit, don't forget to stop at the viewpoints along the cable car route to capture breathtaking moments of Sa Pa from above.

At noon, you can enjoy local specialties at Van Sam and Do Quyen restaurants within the tourist area of Sun World Fansipan Legend or return to the center of Sa Pa. This is also an opportunity to explore the local market, and buy unique souvenirs such as tho cam, mat ong rung, thit gac bep…

In the afternoon, after finishing the tour, you return to Ta Van village, pack your luggage, and prepare to check out, concluding your complete journey in the majestic Tay Bac region.

8. Ta Van Village Travel Experience

A complete, lightweight suitcase will make the trip more fulfilling. (Source: Collected)

8.1. Packing and Clothing Preparation

When arriving at Ta Van village, tourists should prepare neat luggage suitable for the mountainous terrain. Bring comfortable clothes and suitable footwear for easy walking or trekking on winding paths. In summer, you should bring a light jacket, sun protection clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect your body from UV rays.

Meanwhile, autumn and winter require warm clothing, gloves, and scarves to keep warm. Additionally, don't forget to prepare basic personal items, medicine, drinking water, and a camera or phone to capture memorable moments. As Ta Van is located far from the center of Sa Pa town, thorough preparation of personal items will help you be more proactive in potential emergency situations.

8.2. Local Culture and Customs

When visiting Ta Van village, tourists should show respect for the beliefs and customs of the Giay, H'Mong, and Red Dao ethnic groups. If you wish to visit local homes, always ask for permission from the homeowner beforehand and avoid touching sacred objects. During traditional festivals or ceremonies, you should observe, learn, and integrate naturally, avoiding disruption or affecting the solemn atmosphere of the event.

Ta Van village not only captivates tourists with its majestic natural beauty but also with cultural values preserved through generations. Each house, each terraced field tells a story of the connection between people and the mountains. The journey to Ta Van village is an opportunity for you to 'slow down and feel,' to find peace in every moment, and to preserve unforgettable memories in the vast Northwest.

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