Lao Chai – Ta Van in Sapa: Discovering The Beautiful Villages
Visiting the ethnic villages in Sapa is a must-do activity for any traveler exploring this region. Among the most notable villages are Lao Chai and Ta Van, which stand out as prime examples of Sapa’s rich cultural tapestry. The following details will provide you with a deeper understanding of these two picturesque villages.
Explore Another Very Famous Village in Sapa, see: Explore Cat Cat Village in Sapa
Introduction to Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages
Lao Chai and Ta Van are two small villages nestled within the Muong Hoa Valley, approximately 7-12 kilometers from Sapa town center. These villages are among the most beautiful in Sapa, renowned for their stunning terraced rice fields, majestic mountains, and the unique cultural heritage of the ethnic minority groups living there.
The villages of Lao Chai – Ta Van in Sapa are surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Ham Rong Mountain. The area’s distinct charm lies in its rugged, yet poetic landscape. When you visit, you’ll have the chance to marvel at hundreds of terraced fields and expansive hillsides stretching far and wide. Due to its high-altitude location, the weather here is typically cool during the day, with a slight chill in the air at night.
A visit to Lao Chai – Ta Van offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural life of the local ethnic groups, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Giay people. Most of the houses in the villages are built close to one another and made of wood, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. The locals in Lao Chai – Ta Van are particularly known for their hospitality and warmth. You can even stay overnight in their homes and enjoy intimate meals with the families. In the early mornings, you may join the villagers as they head to the fields, where you can witness the beauty of the terraced rice fields up close.
Best Time to Visit Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages
The best times to visit Lao Chai – Ta Van are from February to April and from September to October.
During the early spring months, from February to April, the hills and mountains are blanketed with blooming plum and white bauhinia flowers. This is also when the locals hold their traditional Tet markets, offering various regional specialties. Additionally, the villages host several culturally rich festivals, such as the Roóng Poọc Festival (a field plowing festival) of the Giay people, which takes place at the beginning of the year.
From September to October, the entire village landscape is covered in a golden hue as the terraced rice fields reach their peak ripeness. The weather during this period is usually sunny, with warm and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of Lao Chai.
Read more: Ha Giang, Vietnam: Top 9 Places to Visit
How to Get to Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages
Lao Chai Village is located 7 kilometers from Sapa town, making it an easy and convenient destination to reach. If you’re traveling on your own, you can follow this route: Start from the Stone Church and head towards Cau May. Continue along Muong Hoa Street towards the valley. After a few hundred meters, you’ll see a wooden stilt house. From there, it’s just a few more minutes’ walk to Lao Chai Village. To reach Ta Van Village, you’ll need to travel further, as it is about 12 kilometers from Sapa town, but still within the Muong Hoa Valley. For accurate directions, you can use Google Maps, but it’s advisable to download an offline version to avoid losing 4G signal.
Transportation Options from Sapa Town to Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages
Motorbike
Many visitors opt for motorbikes to reach the villages, as it allows them to take in the beautiful and serene scenery along the way. You can stop whenever you like to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the refreshing scent of the green rice fields. However, this option is recommended only for those with good health and strong driving skills, as the road can be challenging, with many curves and rocky sections.
Motorbikes are typically available for rent at hotels or homestays for around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. You just need to leave a deposit, usually a form of ID, to complete the rental process.
To learn about the train schedule from Hanoi to Sapa, see: How to travel from Hanoi to Sapa by train?
Bicycle
If you enjoy physical activity and want to explore the majestic natural surroundings, renting a bicycle is a great option. You can rent one in the town center for about 50,000 VND per day. This mode of transportation has become increasingly popular with international tourists in recent years. Cycling allows you to exercise, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and admire the expansive terraced rice fields and the tranquil village landscapes.
Car
For larger groups or families, traveling by car or taxi is often the most convenient option for visiting Lao Chai – Ta Van. You can choose from reliable taxi companies or car rental services in Sapa, such as Mai Linh Taxi. The cost for a one-way trip from Sapa town to Lao Chai – Ta Van is typically around 100,000 to 120,000 VND.
Trekking
Trekking is a popular choice among foreign tourists and young, active travelers. All you need is a backpack and a map to guide you along the path. This method is budget-friendly and offers an immersive experience, but it is best suited for those with good endurance and a love for walking.
Things to Do When Visiting Lao Chai – Ta Van
Admire the Terraced Fields and Capture Stunning Photos
The terraced fields are one of the most iconic features of these two villages. From September to October, the rice fields burst into bloom, turning the entire village into a brilliant golden landscape. This is the perfect opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery and capture beautiful photos to remember your trip.
Explore the Local Highland Markets
The highland markets are a major draw for tourists, offering a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences. Here, you can interact with the local people and savor the distinctive dishes that are only found in Lao Chai – Ta Van.
The market also features a wide range of handmade textiles, crafts, and artisanal products, all in vibrant colors. These make for wonderful souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. Moreover, the prices at the highland markets are very reasonable, allowing you to enjoy the local cuisine and shop without spending too much.
Stay Overnight in a Village Homestay
Visiting Lao Chai – Ta Van offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the cultural beauty and daily life of the local ethnic minorities. If you have the time and want to experience life in the village firsthand, consider spending a night at a homestay. This will give you an intimate look at the villagers’ daily activities, such as farming, weaving, and animal husbandry. The locals are always friendly and welcoming to visitors, allowing you to experience the simplicity and warmth of their way of life.
Visit Ta Van Giay – The Oldest Village in Ta Van
Don’t forget to visit the oldest village in the area, Ta Van Giay. This village is located within the Hoang Lien National Park and is home to the Giay ethnic minority. Here, you can immerse yourself in the most pristine beauty, surrounded by peaceful villages and lush green landscapes.
Participate in Local Festivals
If you visit Lao Chai – Ta Van, especially during the spring season, you’ll find yourself amidst the vibrant atmosphere of local festivals. Engaging in traditional games, enjoying lively singing performances, or gathering around the fire for dancing are unforgettable experiences that will make your visit truly special.
Entrance Fees for Visiting Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages
Before entering the villages, you need to purchase a ticket at the entrance gate, which includes both the entrance fee and the fee for visiting the ancient stone field in Lao Chai.
Entrance Fee for Lao Chai Village:
- Adults: 75,000 VND
- Children: 50,000 VND
- Children under 1 meter: Free
Entrance Fee for Ta Van Village:
- Adults: 75,000 VND
- Children: 30,000 VND
- Children under 1 meter: Free
Conclusion
Lao Chai – Ta Van are two villages in Sapa that are beloved by many visitors, especially international tourists. These villages have preserved much of the unique culture of the ethnic minorities, with traditional crafts such as brocade weaving and rice farming on terraced fields. With all the interesting aspects of Lao Chai – Ta Van, we hope you have a joyful trip filled with memorable experiences.
