Ta Phin Village: A Hidden Gem in Sapa’s Mountains
Ta Phin is a village in Sapa inhabited mainly by the Red Dao ethnic minority. Its main attractions are medicinal herbal baths, rice terraces, strawberry picking, an abandoned monastery, and local crafts.
The village of Ta Phin is situated 1,500 meters above sea level, about 17 km from Sapa. It is less touristy than Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Cat Cat, as there are fewer roads leading there.
Watch our Vietnam videos on YouTube. And check out all our articles on Vietnam.
1. MEDICINAL BATHS OF TA PHIN’S RED DAO
Ta Phin is home to 90% of the Red Dao ethnic minority in Vietnam. They are well-known for their knowledge of plants and herbs and for preparing medicinal baths.
For preparing the herbal bath, the Red Dao use between 10 and 120 types of leaves and herbs they collect. These herbs infuse in large tanks for about half a day to a full day. The process is highly detailed, from gathering the herbs to choosing the correct infusion and watching over the entire process in front of the tanks.
At the Red Dao Community Cooperative, you can see the entire process and even take a bath or buy the infusion. Locals come here for the bath, as the same treatment is offered in Hanoi spas at much higher prices.
Rooms with tubs and mountain views are available for tourists who wish to bathe right there. The medicinal bath of Ta Phin is believed to reduce pain, relax the body, and bring physical and mental well-being.
The herbal bath costs 150,000 VND (April/2023). After the bath, it’s recommended not to shower for the next 24 hours.
Read more: What to Do in Sapa: 10 Main Attractions | Hiking in Sapa: Lao Chai and Ta Van, Vietnam
2. SHOPPING FOR HANDICRAFTS AND SILVER JEWELRY
The Red Dao’s handicrafts include weaving and embroidery, often featuring designs of flowers, plants, and birds on bags, table runners, and other items. Even the colors they use differ somewhat from those of other villages.
Ta Phin is also known for its silver. You can buy unique silver jewelry, such as bracelets, rings, or necklaces. Ask your guide where to shop and for help with bargaining. Prices aren’t the lowest, but the pieces are truly distinctive and unique.
3. VISIT TA PHIN CAVE
Ta Phin Cave is located at the base of Hoang Lien Son mountain, 1 km from the center of the village. It is 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide. Inside, you can see various stalactites in curious shapes, including human-like forms, and animal footprint-like marks on the rocks. Go with a guide.
Representation of the Ta Phin Cave in Sapa, Vietnam
4. STRAWBERRY PICKING
In Ta Phin, there’s a strawberry farm located next to a beautiful peach orchard, with trees planted in the ground and bonsai pots. Strawberry-picking season is from January to February. If you’re in Sapa during this time, you can experience picking strawberries to take home. Important tip: the best strawberries aren’t shiny but rather have a matte red color.
5. VISIT THE RUINS OF TA PHIN MONASTERY
The Ta Phin Monastery was built in 1942 by the French in the village of Ta Phin. It was intended for Christian nuns but was abandoned in 1945 when they relocated to Hanoi due to safety concerns in Sapa at that time.
The place attracts visitors for its architectural features: three floors, solid stone walls covered in moss, a basement, and dome-shaped windows inspired by Roman architecture. These ruins of an abandoned place that was never completed are a popular photo spot, especially on foggy days when it has a mysterious atmosphere. A 10-minute stop is enough.
HOW TO VISIT TA PHIN VILLAGE IN SAPA
In a Sapa itinerary, you can combine a visit to Ta Phin with the villages of Ma Tra and Suoi Ho on the same day, always starting from Sapa. We did this on an easy guided hike covering 8 km in about 3 hours. The path is scenic, passing through villages and seeing the different crops on terraces, not just rice. You hike there, and return by car.
Another way to visit Ta Phin is to do as the locals do and go directly to the village for the medicinal bath, without exploring the area. You can do this by taxi or motorbike taxi, but remember to arrange for your return as it’s about a 30-minute drive.
You can check out these and more tours here on Get Your Guide.
GOING ON A TRIP? THEN BOOK HERE!
Did you know that when you make a booking using the blog’s link, we receive a small commission? You don’t pay anything extra, you get discounts, and you help the Eduardo and Mônica blog produce complete and quality articles.
Help the blog that helps you!
• Accommodation: Booking.com
• Tours and Tickets: Get Your Guide
• Transport: 12go (Asia, Brazil, Europe, and Australia)
"This post is a translated version of the original content from our website www.eduardo-monica.com"
Veja também nosso site em Português: www.eduardo-monica.com
