Ta Van Village: Is It Worth Adding to Your Sapa Itinerary?
Nestled about 12 kilometers from Sapa town, Ta Van village was named by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post as one of the six most beautiful villages in Asia (July 2025). Ta Van is also home to the Giay and H’mong ethnic groups, with traditional stilt houses scattered across terraced rice fields, streams, waterfalls, and bamboo forests.
Sapa has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking authenticity, and Ta Van stands out as one of its most captivating corners: a serene village where the landscape and local life blend harmoniously, preserving a deep sense of cultural identity.
So, what makes Ta Van so alluring? Let’s find out together.
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)
Updated on Oct 18, 2025
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Oliver Phung is a specialist in cultural tourism and trekking in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, with over 7 years of hands-on experience. Born and raised amidst the sounds of the kèn (a traditional instrument) and the songs of the Mông, Thái, Tay, and Dao ethnic communities, Oliver does not just have a passion for their history and culture, he lives it. For him, sharing the beauty of these traditions is not just a job, it's a way of life.
Drawing from his experience on hundreds of trekking trips and guided tours across routes from Ha Giang, Lao Cai to Cao Bang, Oliver offers an authentic and in-depth perspective.
Before I ever set foot here, everything I knew about Sapa came from newspapers and TV: the golden rice terraces, the barefoot children running across the fields, the carefree smiles of the mountain girls. Those images painted a Sapa in my mind that was pure, peaceful, and full of life.
After so many years working as a travel guide in northern Vietnam, I’ve watched Sapa change: busier, louder, and more crowded than it once was. Yet every time I come back, I still find something deeply beautiful here in Ta Van and other villages of Sapa.
Tu Ly, a friend from my latest trip, is also a local guide in Ta Van.
If you go a little further down the Mường Hoa Valley, you’ll reach Ta Van Village, one of my favorite corners of Sapa. Life there moves slower; the sound of streams replaces the noise of traffic, and you can stay with local families in their wooden houses, surrounded by rice terraces and the scent of wood smoke at dusk.
Sapa town may have changed, but places like Tả Van remind me why I fell in love with the mountains in the first place because no matter how the world outside shifts, the heart of this place still feels the same.
Two kids who led me to the hidden corners of Ta Van.
Where is Ta Van?
The village of Ta Van village is approximately 12km away from the heart of Lao Cai province and is located in the Sapa territory. Although officially a commune, it is commonly known as Ta Van village, a name familiar to tourists visiting the area.
A scenic mountain pass toward Ta Van on Cau May Street offers breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range and the winding Muong Hoa stream.
As you enter, you will be accompanied by the calm of the Northwest highlands, where the flowing waters sing lullabies to cradle the everyday lives of the Hmong, the Giay, and the Red Dao.
The Red Dao in Ta Van are quite good at English
The name "Ta Van," meaning "big arc" in the Hmong language, reflects the actual settlement pattern, as villagers settle in clusters at the foot of low hill ranges in graceful curves following the lay of the valley.
Best Time to Visit Ta Van
It must be said that nature and geography have favored Ta Van, Vietnam greatly, because this place can be visited all year round. Like Sapa, Ta Van has four distinct seasons:
Winter (Dec–Feb): If you enjoy calm, frigid landscapes, winter is perfect for you. It’s the ideal time for a peaceful escape.
Spring (Mar–May): If you love mild weather and blooming flowers, spring is your time to visit. Early May is especially beautiful as rice begins to grow.
Summer (Jun–Sep): For warm weather and lush greenery, summer is the best time. You’ll see the rice fields in their full green glory before they turn golden during harvest in late August–early September.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): If you prefer clear skies and cooler temperatures, autumn is perfect for hiking and visiting villages, even after the rice harvest.
What Makes Ta Van the Best Village to Visit in Sapa?
On the way to Ta Van village
There are many villages worth visiting in Sapa, so why do we mention Ta Van as the most worth visiting village? Here is a quick comparison table!
Diverse ethnic groups (Hmong, Giay, Red Dao), authentic experience
Commercialized, cultural performances
Similar to Ta Van
Authentic, few tourists
Natural Landscape
Muong Hoa Valley, terraced fields, stream
Small waterfall, limited terraced fields
Beautiful terraced fields, valley
Untouched nature, mountainous terrain
Trekking Opportunities
Moderate trekking, connected with Lao Chai
No long trekking routes
Popular trekking route, connected with Ta Van
Challenging trekking, requires good fitness
Homestay Options
Many traditional homestays, reasonable prices
Few homestays, mostly day trips
Has homestays but busier than Ta Van
Very few homestays
Best Season to Visit
Year-Round: May - July (lush green rice fields), August - October (golden rice fields), December - February (misty landscape)
Crowded all year round
May - Oct
Winter (trekking, cloud hunting)
Tourism Impact
Low, still retains its rustic charm
High, very touristy
Moderate, more tourists than Ta Van
Very low, still pristine
How to Get There?
To get to the valley, you should first reach the town of Sapa. From Hanoi, there are several means of transportation available to get to Sapa. The bus and train are the most popular, taking approximately 5-6 hours to travel.
Tourists can reach Ta Van Village, which is about 12 kilometers from Sapa town center, either by car or by motorbike.
If you truly want to be one with nature in Sapa, it would be beautiful to ride on the motorbike, winding along paths and looking out at the grandiose mountains and deep valleys by the roadside.
>>> Worth Knowing: Keep your taxi driver or bus details handy, once you’re in Ta Van, taxis are scarce. If you need to travel elsewhere, you’ll have to call a taxi from Sapa to pick you up!
Where to hire a motorbike?
Most hotels provide motorbikes for rent in Sapa town ($5-10 per day). Ask your hotel for recommendations on trustworthy rental shops. Some hotels even provide guided motorbike tours in case you are unsure about riding solo. Alternatively, you can hire a motorbike with a driver if you do not feel confident riding on mountain roads.
Trekking through bamboo forests and rice fields in Ta Van
If you're looking for something truly special, I highly recommend trekking through the terraced fields in Ta Van. The air smells of rice, and the views change with the seasons. It’s an atmosphere that feels unique, and you won’t find anything like it in your hometown.
Trekking in Ta Van with the local
Make sure to visit the bamboo forests in Ta Van too. There’s a beautiful 1km trail where the bamboo grows tall and weaves together to create a natural dome.
If you’re up for a little adventure, head to the bamboo forest between Giang Ta Chai and Ta Van
You’ll see farmers working in the fields, hear the laughter of kids playing. It’s a peaceful, unforgettable experience.
Trekking details:
Distance: ~8-10 km
Time needed: 4-5 hours (depending on pace and weather conditions)
Difficulty level: Moderate – suitable for beginners with basic fitness
Best time to trek: September - October (golden rice fields) & March - May (green rice season)
💡 Tip: Hire a local guide (~$10-15) for a richer cultural experience and to avoid getting lost.
One of the most distinctive spots in Ta Van Village is Cau May, or the Rattan Bridge.
It’s a simple bamboo bridge built over 20 years ago, and crossing it can feel like a small adventure, especially in the rainy season when it gets slippery. If you want to see the real Ta Van, you have to come here.
Cau May is a bridge associated with the people in Ta Van village
Alongside Cau May is the tranquil Muong Hoa Stream, part of the Muong Hoa Valley.
Muong Hoa Valley is often known as Sapa’s “great granary.” Its charm lies not only in the stunning rice terraces tracing the winding Muong Hoa Stream, but also in the presence of four ethnic groups. For more information, please read: Muong Hoa Valley with a Sapa local.
I plunge into the chilly waters of Muong Hoa stream
Experience ethnic life through homestays
Staying in a homestay in Ta Van means living like the locals. The Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay families here are warm and welcoming, always ready to open their homes to travelers. You’ll share meals, stories, and laughter, it feels like being part of the family, even for a short while.
Staying in a homestay in Ta Van means living like the locals
In the morning, you might wake up to a soft mist drifting over the rice terraces. Step outside and you’ll see farmers starting their day, carrying baskets of fresh rice. If you like, you can join them in the fields to feel the cool mud on your hands as you help plant the seedlings or dry the rice after harvest. It’s simple, peaceful, and deeply real.
Customers at Kampá Tour are experiencing tea picking activities
Another impression of Ta Van Village is the ancient houses located close to the roadside. The houses are made of wood and have existed for nearly 100 years. The structure of the houses is typical of the construction of the Giay, Hmong, and Dao ethnic groups.
A stay with the local people is something worth cherishing. You and your hosts will gather around a traditional wood stove, cooking a local dish as the tantalizing aroma of steamed rice and mountain herbs permeates the air. As dusk approaches, sip on locally brewed corn wine and listen to folktales, ancient stories passed down for generations, while the sound of Muong Hoa Stream lulls you to sleep.
Homestay in Ta Van village
💡 Practical Tips:
Homestay price range: $15 - $30 per night (including meals).
Who should try this? Solo travelers, couples, and anyone seeking cultural immersion.
Booking tip: It’s best to book directly through local hosts or travel agencies to support the community like Kampá Tour
Waking up to the sound of roosters crowing, I stepped out of my homestay to see mist rolling over the golden rice terraces. An old Giay woman waved at me, inviting me to try her homemade corn wine. That was my first morning in Ta Van, and I knew I had found something special.
Personally, I’d rate it a 10/10 as one of the top things to do in Ta Van Village.
The unique and colorful clothes of the ethnic minorities here are worth your try. You can rent these outfits at any shop, then take gorgeous photos with your friends in the middle of terraced fields, on the bank of a stream, or by a perched bridge crossing the river. It is an experience that you should not miss when coming to Ta Van Village.
In addition, to get the best deals, avoid buying batik clothes in town, as they are often pricier due to many shops not being local or having multiple branches. Instead, head to Ta Van Village, use Google Translate if needed, and discover beautiful, locally made garments or even materials to create indigo fabric items such as clothes, hats, bags, and dresses. You can ask any local for directions, as it’s very close to both Sapa town and Cat Cat.
Enjoy an Herbal Bath
The Red Dao ethnic group in Sa Pa, particularly in Ta Van village, harvests medicinal leaves from the forest at the end of each year to prepare herbal baths for cleansing and healing purposes, promoting health and well-being.
The special bathing tradition has been diligently maintained by women in the community. As for the varied herbal bathing practices the Dao people observe year-round, over 120 different herbs are processed individually, from drying to fresh preparation.
Relax with Herbal Bath
Some notes while enjoying Red Dao herbal baths:
Each bath is priced at around 80,000 ($3) to 200,000 VND ($8) (depending on the place and bath view).
One should avoid bathing with herbal leaves if one is too hungry or too full, as that may induce intoxication or nausea. It is best to eat light food 30 minutes before bathing.
Pregnant women are discouraged from herbal bathing for safety reasons.
People suffering from atopic dermatitis, skin sensitivity, infections, or those with large open wounds should avoid herbal baths.
The Ta Van Highland Market (a weekly one) is a recommended location for travelers who wish to explore authentic ethnic culture and the hustle and bustle of an authentic market. Unlike more commercialized markets in Sapa town, the Ta Van market still retains its original local charm; villagers from surrounding ethnic communities come here to trade handmade goods, fresh produce, and traditional fare.
Ta Van Weekly Markets
As you wander around the market, your attention is caught by the vivid colors of brocade fabric, finely crafted silver jewelry, and handmade wooden goods. The aroma of grilled meat, freshly steamed sticky rice, and herbal teas fills the air, tantalizing your taste buds to experience the real Highland flavors. Among the farm-fresh products that visitors seek are mountain rice, wild honey, and rare medicinal herbs.
💡 Best time to visit:
Held every weekend, from early morning until 1:00 PM.
Arrive early to soak in the liveliest atmosphere, capture stunning photos, and get the best selection of handmade crafts before they sell out!
Tip: Bring cash, as most stalls do not accept card payments.
Try Traditional Cuisine
Truly, the gastronomic panorama at Ta Van is certainly incredible, and the highlights must surely be the wholesome and heart-pumping Thang Co, the aromatic Cap-Nach Pork, the nutrient-filled Salmon and Sturgeon Hotpot, and the colorful grilled specialties.
From left to right: thang co, cap-nach pork, salmon and sturgeon hotpot.
Final Thoughts
Ta Van village is not just a tourist destination; it’s a place to lose yourself in nature, embrace rich culture, indulge in local cuisine, and connect with the warm-hearted people of Vietnam. If you ever visit Sapa, don’t miss the chance to explore this charming village and create unforgettable memories with Kampá Tour!
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- Personalized advice from a local agency with 15 years of expertise
- Time savings: save 25 to 40 hours on research and planning
- Peace of mind: avoid surprises from preparation to the realization of your trip
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