1. About Ta Van Village
Nestled peacefully at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Ta Van Village, belonging to Ta Van commune, Lao Cai province, is likened to the “green arc” of the Muong Hoa valley. In the Giay language, “Ta Van” means “large arc” – a name that is both clever and fitting for the village's unique terrain: its back leaning against the mountains, its face looking out towards the valley, with the gentle Muong Hoa stream winding alongside, creating a landscape that is both majestic and serene.
Ta Van Village - the "green arc" of Muong Hoa Valley. (Source: collected)
About 12 km from the center of Sapa, Ta Van still retains the pristine, rustic beauty of the northwestern highlands. This is home to the Giay, Mong, and Red Dao people, ethnic communities who have been connected for generations with terraced fields and traditional farming.
Ta Van captivates visitors with its blend of nature and culture. Throughout the four seasons, the terraced fields constantly change their attire: vibrant green during the rice planting season, golden yellow during harvest, and shimmering with water in early summer. The Muong Hoa stream remains clear and babbling year-round, like background music to the mountainous scenery.
The year-round cool climate, along with the orientation towards sustainable community-based tourism development, has made Ta Van a favorite destination for international tourists. Many homestays in the village still retain their traditional architecture, offering a true "living with the locals" experience – both friendly and rich in highland culture.
It is this interaction without assimilation, this tradition that remains vibrant, that has made Ta Van Village one of the rare places where visitors can both enjoy the beauty of nature and touch the cultural depth of the Northwest.
2. How to get to Ta Van Village
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa
The journey to Ta Van Village is convenient thanks to many diverse transportation options. Sleeper buses are a popular choice, taking only about 5 hours, departing from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations, suitable for those prioritizing reasonable cost.
Night trains also offer a different experience, allowing you to rest on the train, arrive at Lao Cai station, and then continue your journey by bus or taxi to Sapa. For those who prefer comfort, limousine car services also offer a 5-hour journey with spacious interiors and convenient amenities.
2.2. From Sapa center to Ta Van Village
From the center of Sapa town, travel along Cau May street for about 3 km to the south, then turn into Muong Hoa street, continuing along provincial road 152. The final part is a small road leading into Ta Van Village, with peaceful terraced fields appearing on both sides.
The entire route is about 12 km, with winding mountainous terrain; you can choose to rent a motorbike for easy stops at beautiful spots or take a taxi or motorbike taxi served by locals. If you enjoy physical activity, trekking a portion is also a worthwhile experience, allowing you to take photos and immerse yourself in the majestic nature.
3. Unique Cultural Experiences in Ta Van Village
3.1. Immerse yourself in the life of the Giay people: the cultural soul of Ta Van Village
The Giay people are the oldest and most populous community in Ta Van Village, playing a central role in the cultural life here. Along the Muong Hoa Valley, visitors can see sturdy wooden stilt houses with yin-yang tiled roofs and large, solid pillars, appearing simple yet warm – places that preserve the traditional way of life through generations.
The Giay people still maintain their own language in daily communication and during folk festivals, ensuring their identity is preserved naturally. Life here still revolves around terraced fields, animal husbandry, weaving, and handicrafts. Visitors to Ta Van can directly participate in weaving, cooking, chatting with the locals, or listening to stories about the origins of ancient customs. Every moment brings a feeling of closeness and warmth, as if you are living a part of the Northwest.
3.2. A place of cultural intersection for many ethnic groups
Ta Van Village is a colorful tapestry of Sapa's culture, where the Giay, Red Dao, and Mong people live together harmoniously. Although each ethnic group has its own customs and traditional crafts, they still interact and learn from each other, creating a rich community life that is rare elsewhere.
The Red Dao people are distinguished by their vibrant costumes and intricately embroidered headscarves. Meanwhile, the Mong people impress with their linen weaving and batik art – using beeswax to draw patterns on fabric, creating unique designs on traditional clothing. Thus, in just one trip, you can experience three different cultures harmoniously blending, creating the distinctive soul of Ta Van.
3.3. Notable Folk Festivals and Traditional Customs
To fully experience the cultural atmosphere of Ta Van, visit during the festival season at the beginning of the year. The XUONG DONG Festival – the village's biggest event – takes place during the planting season, expressing wishes for abundant harvests and prosperous villages. The space is filled with the sounds of gongs, dances, and call-and-response singing alongside solemn rituals, creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and joyful. Visitors can participate in folk games such as stilt walking and love duet singing, immersing themselves in the villagers' joy.
Lively atmosphere at the Xuang Dong festival of the residents of Ta Van village. (Source: Collected)
Another unmissable festival is Roong Poc – a ritual unique to the Giay people, held at the beginning of the lunar year to ward off evil spirits and pray for peace for the village. This is an occasion for people to wear traditional costumes, dance and sing around the bamboo pole, symbolizing fertility and good fortune. Additionally, there are exciting activities such as clay buffalo fighting, embroidery contests, and ethnic musical instrument performances, creating a lively atmosphere that still retains its original cultural essence.
4. Nature and Landscape of Ta Van Village
4.1. Terraced Fields in the Water-Pouring Season and Ripe Rice Season
Ta Van village's terraced fields change their vibrant appearance with each season. From May to June, during the water-pouring season, each plot of land is covered with a layer of crystal-clear water reflecting the sunlight, sparkling like thousands of mirrors reflecting onto the mountainside.
Ta Van village terraced fields - soft beauty amidst clouds and sky. (Source: Collected)
When September and October arrive, it is the time when Ta Van enters the ripe rice season, and the entire village seems to put on a shimmering golden robe. Looking out at the valley, waves of lush gold gently sway in the wind. Tourists can walk on the rice terraces, join the locals in harvesting to fully experience the breath of highland life.
4.2. Muong Hoa Stream and notable check-in spots
Muong Hoa stream is like a gentle green silk ribbon winding through the heart of the village, adding vibrancy to the space. Especially, along the stream banks, there are many ancient rock formations with mysterious carvings, considered relics of ancient culture, contributing to the region's unique character.
Muong Hoa Stream - the muse of the Northwest mountains. (Source: Collected)
In the early morning or when evening falls, the sunlight reflecting on the water further highlights the natural beauty of the stream. The bamboo bridges and suspension bridges crossing the stream are where tourists often take photos with a wide view of the terraced fields. The stream's confluence area becomes an ideal check-in spot to admire the entire Ta Van valley from above. Many young tourists have captured beautiful moments in ethnic costumes against the majestic mountain scenery.
4.3. Seo My Ti Lake
Hidden deep within Ta Van commune, Seo My Ti Lake stands out with its pristine beauty, like a blue gem amidst the vast wilderness. The trekking journey to the lake is an opportunity to explore primeval forests, admire small villages, and experience the feeling of conquering nature.
Cloudy lake of the Northwest. (Source: Collected)
The clear blue lake water reflects the high mountain peaks perpetually covered in clouds, creating a gentle yet very captivating scene. The lakeside is an ideal spot for camping, listening to the wind in the forest, and stargazing at night. As early morning appears, the thin mist on the lake surface brings a mystical feeling like fairy tales, especially for those passionate about exploring deep into Ban Ta Van.
5. Cuisine and community homestays in Ban Ta Van
5.1. Signature dishes of Ban Ta Van
The cuisine of Ban Ta Van preserves the essence of natural ingredients combined with traditional processing techniques of the ethnic people. Thang co, a dish cooked from horse or beef, combined with many characteristic spices, offers a flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. Those who try it for the first time often remember its unique, rich flavor.
Grilled stream fish at Muong Hoa stream is delicious and attractive. (Source: collected)
Grilled stream fish is a must-try dish, caught fresh from the Muong Hoa stream, seasoned with mac khen leaves and salt roasted in the highland style. Five-colored sticky rice with vibrant colors from forest leaves is a testament to the skill and creativity of the local people. Corn wine of the Giay people, fermented with traditional leaf yeast, has a mild taste, often used during festivals and to welcome distinguished guests.
5.2. Experience homestay with local people
Homestay in Ban Ta Van village brings a sense of closeness, helping tourists immerse themselves in the local way of life. Families like Tavan Family Homestay and Tavan Ecologic Homestay stand out with their friendliness and attentive services. The accommodation space is a traditional stilt house with full amenities, offering an experience that is both modern and preserves traditional beauty.
Tourists will join the host in cooking, learning to weave, and visiting the village, or take the opportunity to participate in festivals and trekking tours led by locals. The friendliness, hospitality, and family affection in Ta Van make many people want to return or stay longer to continue their experience.
6. Suggested 3-day, 2-night itinerary to explore Ban Ta Van village
On the first day, depart from Hanoi early in the morning, arrive in Sa Pa in the afternoon and check into your homestay in Ban Ta Van. Afterwards, take time to immerse yourself in the fresh air, walk around the village and have dinner with specialties like thang co and grilled fish, marking the beginning of a complete highland experience.
The second day focuses on trekking activities to explore the terraced fields, Muong Hoa stream, and ancient stone field in the morning, while also participating in weaving and cooking with the host. In the early afternoon, you can choose to visit Fansipan by the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car to take in the panoramic view from the prominent height of Indochina.
On the last day, visit nearby villages like Sin Chai and Ta Phin to gain more knowledge about the cultural diversity of Sa Pa, as well as shop for handicrafts, brocade fabrics, and local specialties as souvenirs before heading back to Hanoi in the late afternoon/evening.
Exploring Ban Ta Van, Sa Pa will be a journey full of experiences with majestic nature, diverse culture, and the hospitality of the local people. Prepare thoroughly and set off to explore this hidden gem amidst the mountains and forests of the Northwest!
