Sa Pa, a dream destination for travel enthusiasts, is not only famous for its majestic Fansipan peak or the romantic misty town but also harbors pristine villages, among which Ta Van village is a must-mention. Here, visitors can not only admire the untouched natural scenery but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the simple life and rich cultural identity of ethnic minorities. Let’s explore the exciting things awaiting you in Ta Van village, Sa Pa, with “Du lịch khắp thế gian”!
Poetic and peaceful Ta Van village in Sa Pa, nestled amidst the mountains of Northwest Vietnam
Where is Ta Van Village and What Makes it Special?
Ta Van village, also known as Ta Van commune, nestles in the heart of Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province. Despite being called a highland commune, travelers often refer to it as Ta Van village, a name that sounds both intimate and familiar. From the center of Sa Pa town, you only need to travel about 12km along the Cau May street towards the pass to reach beautiful Ta Van. The road to Ta Van is not only easy to navigate but also a picturesque natural landscape, with winding curves opening up panoramic views of majestic mountains.
Location of Ta Van village on Sa Pa tourist map, approximately 12km from the town center
Ta Van is blessed by nature with a stunning “self-reliance, water-facing” terrain. Backed by the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range and fronted by the gentle Muong Hoa stream, Ta Van possesses a rare poetic and lyrical beauty. Coming here, visitors will feel peace and relaxation as they immerse themselves in the pristine mountain space, listen to the murmuring stream, and enjoy the fresh, cool air.
Local people and water buffaloes leisurely walking on a village road in Ta Van
Ta Van is not only captivating for its natural scenery but also a convergence of the unique cultures of various ethnic groups such as Mong, Red Dao, and Giay. In the Mong language, Ta Van means “large arc,” reflecting the terrain and living arrangement of the people here. Small, charming villages nestled at the foot of hills, follow the arc of the valley along the river, surrounded by terraced fields stretching like ladders to heaven.
Ta Van Village Travel Costs
To fully explore the beauty of Ta Van village, visitors need to prepare a certain budget. However, the cost of traveling to Ta Van is quite reasonable, suitable for many types of travelers.
Ta Van Village Entrance Fee
Currently, Ta Van village applies an entrance fee for visitors from Monday to Sunday. The listed price is VND 75,000/adult and VND 50,000/child (children under 1m tall are free of charge).
Note:
- The above prices are updated as of April 2024 and may change over time.
- The entrance fee does not include other services such as costume rental, vehicle rental, dining… and there are no surcharges during holidays, Tet, or peak tourist season.
Tourists happily explore the beauty of Ta Van village and capture memorable moments
Other Expenses
In addition to the entrance fee, you may incur some other costs depending on your experience needs:
- Ethnic costume rental: To transform into highland boys and girls and have shimmering “virtual living” photos, you can rent traditional costumes of the Mong, Red Dao, or Giay people for about VND 50,000 – 100,000/set (including accessories).
- Motorbike rental: If you want to freely explore Ta Van village and surrounding areas, you can rent a motorbike for VND 100,000 – 150,000/bike/day.
- Eating and drinking, coffee: In Ta Van village, there are many eateries and cafes with prices ranging from VND 30,000 – 200,000/dish, depending on the location and type of service.
Female tourist gracefully wearing traditional clothing of ethnic minorities in Northwest Vietnam
Directions to Ta Van Village
The road to Ta Van village is quite easy, mainly pass roads but has been upgraded, quite spacious and not too steep. You can choose from many different means of transportation depending on your preferences and abilities:
- Motorbike: If you are an experienced backpacker and love the feeling of conquering mountain passes, a motorbike is an ideal choice. You can be proactive about time, schedule, and stop to admire the scenery at any time.
- Taxi: If you are not used to driving on mountain passes or want to travel comfortably and safely, a taxi is a suitable option. However, taxi costs will be higher than motorbikes.
- Tourist car rental: If traveling in a large group, you can rent a private tourist car to ensure convenience and comfort throughout the journey.
- Tour package: If you want to save time and don’t want to plan on your own, you can book a Ta Van village tour package.
Tourists experience riding a motorbike on the road to Ta Van village
From Sa Pa Stone Church, go in the direction of Cau May street, then continue along Muong Hoa street. Follow the Muong Hoa stream for about 12km, you will reach the Ta Van village toll station. From here, go another 1km and pay attention to the signposts to Ta Van village, you will see a red iron bridge spanning the Muong Hoa stream. That is the bridge to Ta Van village.
Small advice: If you are not confident in your driving skills or have no experience driving on mountain roads, consider hiring a tour guide or going in a small group to have support and ensure safety!
Ideal Time to Visit Ta Van Village
Each season, Ta Van village puts on a unique, captivating beauty. Depending on your preferences and desired experiences, you can choose the most suitable time to travel to Ta Van:
- Cloud hunting season (September – April of the following year): This is when Ta Van is immersed in a sea of fluffy, white clouds. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for clouds, creating a magical, romantic scene.
Ta Van village hidden in a sea of clouds during cloud hunting season
- Golden rice season (September or April): In the rice harvest season, Ta Van seems to be wearing a golden, brilliant coat. The weather at this time is also very beautiful, the sky is clear, little rain, favorable for sightseeing, admiring the scenery, and taking photos.
Golden rice terraces in Ta Van during harvest season
- Water pouring season (May – June): The water pouring season in Ta Van is quite short, but it brings a very special beauty. The flooded terraced fields are like giant mirrors reflecting sunlight, creating a shimmering, magical scene.
The beauty of the water pouring season on Ta Van's terraced rice fields
- Plum blossom season (mid-February): Ta Van plum blossoms often bloom later than other regions, but when in full bloom, they bring a pure, romantic beauty. The white plum forest is like a poetic picture, very suitable for those who love gentleness and sophistication.
Pure white plum blossoms blooming throughout Ta Van village
Top 7 Must-Try Experiences in Ta Van Village
Coming to Ta Van village, you will have countless interesting and memorable experiences. Here are 7 suggestions that “Du lịch khắp thế gian” recommends you should not miss:
Admire the Terraced Rice Fields in Harvest Season
Terraced fields are a typical symbol of the Northwest highlands, and Ta Van’s terraced fields have a very unique beauty, very simple and pristine. In the harvest season, the whole village seems to light up with the golden color of the fields stretching across the hillsides and mountainsides. Standing in the vast space, admiring the immense golden rice fields, inhaling the fragrant aroma of rice, you will feel your soul relaxed and surprisingly peaceful.
Ta Van's rice terraces in harvest season, as beautiful as a painting
Small notes:
- You should choose comfortable, light clothing and wear suitable shoes to easily move on the fields.
- Harvest season is the peak tourist season in Ta Van, you should proactively book cars, dining, and homestays in advance to avoid running out of space or having to wait long.
Tourists sharing their feelings about the beauty of Ta Van's rice terraces during harvest season
Check-in at Ta Van Cloud Bridge
Ta Van Cloud Bridge is a famous check-in point that no visitor to this place can miss. The bridge is made entirely by hand from rattan ropes, planks, and natural bamboo, spanning the poetic Muong Hoa stream. Standing on the bridge, you can look out over the entire peaceful, green Ta Van village and capture unique and impressive moments.
Ta Van's Cloud Bridge with rustic beauty, imbued with the spirit of the mountains and forests
Small tip:
- The ideal time to check-in at Cloud Bridge is in the early morning (7-9 am), when the light is beautiful, the weather is cool and not too crowded.
- To have “million-view” photos, you can choose a wide-angle shot, stand at a position about 1/3 of the bridge’s length (from the beginning of the bridge) and face the old tree on the other side of the bridge.
Tourist reviews about their check-in experience at Ta Van Cloud Bridge
Explore the House Architecture of Ethnic Minorities
Ta Van village is home to many ethnic minorities, each with its own unique culture and house architecture. Walking around the village, you will easily encounter traditional stilt houses of the Giay people, trình tường houses of the Mong people, or thatched houses of the Red Dao people. Please ask local people for permission to visit and learn about the architecture, lifestyle, and interesting cultural stories of them.
Traditional house architecture of ethnic minorities in Ta Van
You can visit ancient houses that are hundreds of years old of families such as Mr. Hoang Din, Lo A Muc… to admire the unique architectural beauty and hear historical and cultural stories associated with the house.
Note:
- Always respect the culture and customs of local people.
- Ask for permission before taking photos or visiting people’s homes.
- Maintain general hygiene and do not affect the private life of local people.
Tourist comments on their experience exploring Ta Van's house architecture
Visit Ta Van Giay Village
Ta Van Giay village is considered the oldest village in Ta Van, with a history of nearly 300 years. To this day, the village still retains the unique traditional culture of the Giay people. The space of Ta Van Giay village is imbued with the peaceful and fresh beauty of the mountainous countryside. The people here are famous for their sophisticated handmade silver jewelry and meticulously embroidered, unique traditional costumes.
Peaceful and poetic scenery of Ta Van Giay village
Note: The road to Ta Van Giay village is quite small and has many trails, you should move carefully and ask local people for directions to avoid getting lost.
Tourist reviews about their experience visiting Ta Van Giay village
Participate in Ta Van Highland Market
Ta Van market is a unique cultural feature of the Northwest highlands, usually held on weekends. Coming to the market, you will immerse yourself in the bustling, vibrant atmosphere, explore unique local products, enjoy attractive street food, and shop for meaningful souvenirs.
Bustling and colorful Ta Van highland market
Ta Van market sells a variety of items, from brocade, souvenirs, handmade jewelry to agricultural products and fresh food. This is a great opportunity for you to explore the indigenous culture, interact with local people, and experience the unique atmosphere of the highland market.
Note: Ta Van market usually meets in the morning and closes in the early afternoon, you should go to the market early to have more time to explore and shop.
Tourist feelings about Ta Van highland market
Shop for Brocade Products
Ta Van brocade is famous for its sophisticated patterns, vibrant colors, and is completely handmade by the skillful hands of ethnic women. You can find brocade items such as scarves, bags, wallets, clothes, decorations… at souvenir shops, markets, or directly from handicraft households. These will be meaningful gifts for you to give to relatives and friends after the trip.
Ta Van brocade with diverse designs and colors
Advice: You should ask for the price before buying and bargain gently to buy the desired product at the best price. At the same time, prioritize buying goods at reputable stores or directly from local people to support local handicrafts.
Sharing shopping experiences for Ta Van brocade
Red Dao Herbal Bath
Taking a Red Dao herbal bath is a unique and interesting experience that you should not miss when coming to Ta Van. The Red Dao’s herbal bath remedy is prepared from dozens of precious herbs, which have the effect of relaxing muscles and bones, reducing pain, improving health, and beautifying the skin. After a long day exploring Ta Van, soaking in a tub of warm herbal bath water, you will feel your body restored with energy, your spirit refreshed and relaxed.
Tourists relaxing in a Red Dao herbal bath
Note:
- You should not take a herbal bath when you are too hungry or too full.
- Pregnant women and people with open wounds or skin diseases should consult a doctor before bathing.
- You should choose reputable spas and homestays to ensure service quality and health safety.
Tourist reviews about their Red Dao herbal bath experience
Enjoy Ta Van Village Cuisine
Ta Van cuisine is imbued with the flavors of the Northwest mountains and forests, with rustic, delicious, and unique dishes. Here are 4 suggestions for delicious dining spots that you can refer to:
Ta Van Village Market
The market is not only a shopping place but also a street food paradise of Ta Van village. Here, you can enjoy local specialties such as ngũ sắc sticky rice, corn cakes, gù cakes, thắng cố, cơm lam, grilled dishes… at very affordable prices.
Com lam (bamboo rice), a specialty of Ta Van cuisine
Toan Man Restaurant
Toan Man Restaurant is a famous eatery in Ta Van, loved by many tourists for its diverse and rich menu, from local dishes to European and Asian dishes. The restaurant has a cozy, clean space, and enthusiastic, attentive staff. Highly rated dishes at Toan Man are sturgeon hotpot, grilled chicken, wild boar, fried rice…
Delicious dishes at Toan Man Restaurant
Ta Van Restaurant
Ta Van Restaurant is another option for those who want to enjoy Ta Van cuisine in a spacious, airy space with beautiful views. The restaurant specializes in serving grilled dishes, hotpots, especially sturgeon hotpot and local specialties.
Spacious and airy ambiance of Ta Van Restaurant
La Dao Spa & Coffee House
La Dao Spa & Coffee House is not only a coffee shop and spa but also an ideal dining spot in Ta Van. The restaurant has a beautifully decorated, cozy space, imbued with Northwest style. The restaurant’s menu is diverse with European, Asian dishes, local specialties, and attractive drinks.
Cozy and romantic atmosphere of La Dao Spa & Coffee House
Suggested 5 Accommodations in Ta Van Village
To fully enjoy the beauty and experiences of Ta Van village, you can choose to stay overnight at one of the following lovely, cozy homestays:
| Accommodation | Information to Know |
|---|---|
| Tavan View Homestay | – Address: Ta Van Giay, Sa Pa, Lao Cai – Price: VND 400,000 – 2,000,000/room/night – Hotline: 091 459 14 24 – Rating: 4/5 |
| Cơmlam Eco House | – Address: Lao Chai, Ta Van, Sa Pa, Lao Cai – Price: VND 450,000 – 550,000/room/night – Hotline: 086 659 9588 – Rating: 4/5 |
| H’nee House Ta Van | – Address: Ta Van Giay, Sa Pa, Lao Cai – Price: VND 720,000 – 900,000/room/night – Hotline: 0385 339 093 – Rating: 4.2/5 |
| Sành Homestay Ta Van | – Address: Thon Ta Van Day 2, Ta Van Commune, Sa Pa, Lao Cai – Price: VND 200,000 – 1,800,000/room/night – Hotline: 098 593 98 85 – Rating: 4/5 |
| Plum Eco House | – Address: Thon Ta Van Day 1, Ta Van Commune, Sa Pa, Lao Cai – Price: VND 650,000 – 1,200,000/room/night – Hotline: 096 650 71 11 – Rating: 4.5/5 |
Ta Van village is not just a simple tourist destination but also a place for you to return to nature, explore culture, and enjoy inner peace. If you have the opportunity to come to Sa Pa, don’t forget to take the time to visit Ta Van village and experience the wonderful things that this place has to offer!