Ta Van Village

Ta Van Village, Sapa.

Ta Van village, which can be found in the Muong Hoa valley, is a popular location for visitors who are interested in homestays, community-based tourism, and experiencing the warm and welcoming ambiance of dwellings inhabited by ethnic people.

The little village is home to a number of distinct ethnic groupings, the most populous of which are Hmong (almost 45%), Giay (35%) and Dao (20%) people. In addition, the gorgeous scenery, which has old rock fields, springs, and terrace fields, is another reason that vast numbers of tourists visit this location on a yearly basis.

The directions to get there

In order for tourists to get to Ta Van village, they have to walk across the suspension bridge that goes over the Muong Hoa river. The house architecture, which expresses both respect and warmth, is the first thing that visitors notice when they come to this area. The homes are made of wood and are divided into three sections: the section in the centre is where the altar is kept and where visitors are greeted; the section on the right side is where the owners live; and the section on the left contains the kitchen and a garret for storing food. There is a crimson charm with yellow paper and a statement written in an archaic kind of Vietnamese writing in the centre of the door to ward off evil spirits.

A wonderful illustration of the potential of community-based tourism

The local authorities oversaw the development of a community-based tourism initiative, which resulted in the construction of a number of roomy guesthouses exclusively for the use of tourists. However, due to the perception that the guesthouses do not provide the same level of warmth and friendliness that is found in people’s homes, not many people choose to stay here.

Ta Van village is often regarded as a model of what community-based tourism should look like in its purest form. Not only the lodging facilities, but also other portions of the villages, are being expanded and improved in order to become a professional location for tourism-related activities. The hamlet has assembled a group of around 30 local artists to put on traditional dances, sing traditional songs, and play traditional instruments in order to cater to tourists who are interested in the traditional arts of the ethnic minority that resides here. The traditional craft industry is another excellent illustration of what can be found in this area. Visitors may watch as local artisans make tools or handicrafts as they are given a demonstration. During this time, traditional festivals have been revived and are being carefully maintained. These festivals provide visitors the chance to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area’s minority communities, notably the Giay people.

This initiative is useful not only to tourists, but also to the people who live in the community. Their lives are dramatically improving day by day as a result of increased education, improved living standards, and an increase in the number of labor-saving facilities in their communities. Currently, more people in the village of Ta Van have occupations that provide a sustainable income.

An excellent trekking base

If you want to do trekking in Sapa, there are a few paths that you may follow that begin near Ta Van village. It is possible to reach the neighboring villages on foot by traveling down the narrow roads that run beside the rice paddies. On the other hand, it is strongly suggested that you always follow the guide.

The best time to visit

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit; this location never fails to impress. However, the months of May through September are considered Sapa and the surrounding villages’ peak tourist season. They begin by watering the rice fields in May, turning them into a massive mirror in the process. Following that month, you will be able to see the rice fields in their many forms. Then, in September and the beginning of October, comes the season for the harvest, which is characterized by the golden and yellow colors of the fields. If you are a photography enthusiast, you should not miss the opportunity to visit this place during the harvest season.