1. Where is Ta Phin Ancient Monastery? How to get to the Monastery
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery is located in Ta Phin village, about 12 km northeast of the center of Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province. Surrounded by a majestic natural landscape, it's an ideal destination for travelers seeking the pristine and mysterious beauty of the Northwest mountains.
To reach the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery, visitors can choose from two popular modes of transportation. If you enjoy freedom and adventurous journeys, renting a motorbike is the optimal choice, costing around 100,000 – 130,000 VND/day. Conversely, if you prioritize comfort and safety, you can opt for private car or taxi transportation, costing 150,000 – 250,000 VND/one way.
The road to the monastery, while featuring many sharp turns and steep slopes, offers a memorable experience. Along the journey, you'll admire the idyllic natural scenery with lush green terraced rice fields, overlapping mountain ranges, and the rustic beauty of the Sa Pa highland villages.
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery located in Ta Phin village (Image: Collected)
2. The historical journey of Ta Phin Ancient Monastery since 1942
The story of the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery began in 1942, when 12 nuns of the Saint Paul de Chartres Order were expelled from Japan due to World War II. Of these, 8 chose Sa Pa – the peaceful land of Lao Cai – as their refuge to continue their missionary work and serve the community.
In March 1942, the then French authorities granted land and provided materials for the nuns to build the monastery. The structure was designed in a classic French architectural style, harmoniously blending with the Northwest mountain scenery, creating a building with a strong religious and cultural imprint.
However, the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery only existed for a short time. By 1945, due to political upheaval and escalating warfare, the nuns were forced to leave Sa Pa. Since then, the monastery has been abandoned, becoming a nostalgic ruin amidst the mountains. Even with only moss-covered stone walls remaining, it stands as a historical witness, recalling the people who silently sacrificed for their ideals and faith.
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery designed in classic French architectural style (Image: Collected)
3. Unique honeycombed stone architecture – The soul of Ta Phin Monastery
One of the most prominent highlights of the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery is its honeycombed stone architecture, combined with sophisticated construction techniques introduced during the French colonial period. Natural stones were quarried from the Sa Pa mountains, carefully processed, and precisely stacked to create thick, sturdy walls. Thanks to this structure, the monastery is well-equipped to withstand the harsh climate of the Northwest highlands.
Despite existing for over 80 years and enduring many historical events, most of the structure retains its original appearance. The moss-covered walls and classic arched doorways, strongly bearing the imprint of French architecture, create an ancient, mysterious beauty. Visitors are often captivated by the time-stopping atmosphere – where each stone seems to recount the stories of the past.
More than just an aesthetically pleasing structure, the honeycombed stone architecture of Ta Phin Monastery also reflects the ingenuity in utilizing local materials. The harmonious combination of refined craftsmanship and indigenous nature has transformed this place into an architectural masterpiece that endures through time.
Unique honeycombed stone architecture at Ta Phin Ancient Monastery (Image: Collected)
4. Stunning check-in spots when visiting the monastery
4.1 Ancient arched doorways opening to another world
At Ta Phin ancient monastery, the large arched doorway on the main facade is the most popular check-in spot for tourists. The distinctive arched design of French architecture not only possesses a classic beauty but also creates a perfect frame for admiring the majestic scenery of the Sa Pa mountains in the distance.
At certain times of the day, such as early morning or sunset, natural light filters through the doorway, creating artistic patches of light and shadow. This unique light effect makes photos taken here possess a dreamy, mysterious beauty, as if stepping out of an old film.
Not only a place that preserves architectural imprints, the arched doorway is also a symbol of the timeless beauty of Ta Phin ancient monastery- an unmissable destination for those who love photography, architecture, and the natural beauty of the highlands.
4.2 The lush green path covered with young grass of Ta Phin ancient monastery
The path leading to Ta Phin ancient monasteryis like a green carpet meticulously woven by nature. The path is covered with soft young grass; each step brings a gentle, peaceful feeling, as if entering a fairy-tale world in the Northwest mountains.
On both sides of the road, ancient trees stretch out their shade, creating a cool and quiet space. When the sun shines through the leaves, the light falls on the ground, forming streaks of golden sunlight, adding to the romantic beauty of the scenery. All of this makes the journey to the monastery not only an exploration but also a relaxing experience, blending into the pristine and peaceful nature.
4.3 The moss-covered wall that bears witness to time
The ancient honeycombed stone walls at Ta Phin monastery are not only the remnants of an ancient architectural structure but also witnesses to time. The green moss covering the stone surface over the years does not obscure the beauty of the structure, but on the contrary, it enhances the ancient, pristine, and mysterious features.
The contrast between the deep gray of the stone and the lush green of the moss creates a harmonious natural painting full of depth. It is a beauty that is not embellished, not ostentatious, but is enough to make every tourist stop to admire and record a memorable moment.
The moss-covered stone architecture not only helps shape the characteristic beauty of Ta Phin ancient monastery, but also makes it an ideal place for those who love nostalgia and want to discover the intact historical values in the Northwest mountains.
4.4 A weathered peach tree reaching for the sky
Amidst the tranquil, solemn atmosphere of the ancient Ta Phin Monastery, an old, weathered peach tree stands proudly, a living testament to the tenacious life force of nature in the highlands. Having weathered countless seasons of wind and rain, the peach tree remains firmly rooted in this sacred land, a symbol of resilience amidst the ruins of history.
The presence of the peach tree creates a unique focal point, blending both wildness and serenity. The green of its leaves, the vibrant color of its blossoms (in spring), and the sturdy form of its trunk contrast sharply with the solemn, ancient appearance of the moss-covered stone walls, creating a scene that is both poetic and profound.
More than just a landscape feature, the ancient peach tree at Ta Phin Monastery also holds spiritual significance, symbolizing rebirth, perseverance, and connection to the land of Sa Pa – where nature and architectural heritage blend beautifully.
Check-in when visiting the monastery (Image: Collected)
5. The best time to enjoy the beauty of the ancient Ta Phin Monastery
The ancient Ta Phin Monastery offers unique beauty in every season, but spring and autumn are considered the most ideal times for visitors to experience and capture memorable moments.
From March to May, when spring arrives, the monastery seems to don a new coat with flowers blooming in vibrant colors, fresh air, and pleasant weather – not as cold as winter, nor as hot as summer. This is when nature harmonizes with ancient architecture, creating a stunning backdrop for poetic photos in Ta Phin.
In autumn (September to November), it enchants visitors with warm golden sunlight filtering through the moss-covered arched windows. The soft light, dry air, and clear blue sky are factors that make professional photographers choose this time to "hunt for artistic photos".
In addition, the golden hours of the day, such as early morning (6am-8am) and late afternoon (4pm-6pm), will help you easily capture the most beautiful natural light, creating a magical effect without needing too much editing. This is also when the monastery exudes its most mysterious and romantic charm, making it extremely suitable for virtual check-ins in Sa Pa.
Tu vien co Ta Phin moi mua se mang mot ve dep rieng (Anh: Suu tam)
6. Suggestions for destinations near the monastery to make your journey more complete
6.1 Sun World Fansipan Legend - The world's longest three-rope cable car system
Only about 15km away from the ancient Ta Phin monastery, the famous Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area is an indispensable destination on your journey to explore the Sa Pa mountains. It boasts the world's longest three-rope cable car system, allowing visitors to easily reach the summit of Fansipan - the roof of Indochina at 3,143m - in just about 20 minutes.
Combining the sacred, ancient atmosphere of the Ta Phin monastery with the majestic, breathtaking scenery atop Fansipan will provide a multi-layered experience - from spiritual depth to physical and emotional challenges. This is an ideal choice for those who want to fully enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture of Northwest Vietnam.
The current Fansipan cable car ticket price ranges from 800,000 to 850,000 VND/person for a round trip. For convenient travel and schedule management, visitors should book tickets in advance.
Sun World Fansipan Legend (Anh: Suu tam)
6.2 Ta Phin Village - Experiencing the unique lifestyle of the Red Dao people
Right at the foot of the ancient Ta Phin Monastery is Ta Phin village, home to the Red Dao ethnic community with its unique and rich traditional culture. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the process of handcrafted brocade weaving, a long-standing traditional craft of the Red Dao people. In addition, you can enjoy the specialties of the mountainous region such as delicious pork, fragrant corn wine, and experience a simple life by staying overnight in traditional stilt houses managed by local people.
Combining a visit to the ancient Ta Phin Monastery with a journey to explore the village will not only help you better understand its long history but also vividly experience the diverse culture of Sa Pa. The cost of experiencing a homestay here ranges from about 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND/person/night, including dinner and breakfast, very suitable for those who want to immerse themselves in authentic local life.
6.3 Sa Pa Market – A convergence of brocade, specialties and mountain flavors
About 12km from the ancient Ta Phin Monastery, the central Sa Pa market is the ideal final stop on a journey to explore the Northwest region. The Sa Pa market is held every Sunday. Here, visitors can easily find a myriad of unique traditional brocade products of the ethnic minorities living around the region, from indigo-dyed clothes of the Hmong people to the headgear of the Red Dao people.
Not only famous for its exquisite handicrafts, the food area at Sa Pa market is also a paradise for those who want to explore the original flavors of the Northwest mountains. Typical dishes such as thang co, salmon, five-color sticky rice, lam rice, grilled corn, apple wine… all have very reasonable prices, from 15,000 to 100,000 VND/serving, suitable for all types of tourists.
Ancient Ta Phin Monastery is not only a destination for those who love ancient architecture and history, but also a place for the soul to find peace amidst the majestic mountain scenery. Spend a whole day exploring this enchanting beauty and the unique experiences around!
