HILL TRIBE VILLAGES
Cat Cat village
Cat Cat is a short walk from Sapa town. It is a Hmong village with a few great photo opportunities with locals, a picturesque waterfall, and scenic backdrops. Not taking more that a half day, this village can be done independently or with a local Hmong guide organized with a responsible tour operator.
Taphin
Taphin is a 20 minute drive or a 4 hour trek from Sapa. Predominantly a Red Dao village, there is a small commune of Black H’mong on the west side of the valley. Incredibly scenic and alive with an infamous moving market of Dao street sellers. Taphin has been primarily offered as a half-day trip, however, the increased zealousness of the street-sellers has made it somewhat unattractive to tour operators.
Taphin village is not to missed. The most sustainable option recommended by CBT Vietnam is a trek from Sapa and an overnight in one of the homestays. Definitely, ask your concierge or tour operator to set you up a customized tour if the option is not listed! Here is a website about Taphin for more information.
Lao Chai
Lao Chai is a Hmong village in the descending valley southwest of Sapa. Easily accessed by a number of trekking routes, this hill tribe village can be reached in three hours by the average trekker. Most of the local Black Hmong trekking and tour guides are from this village and many are currently working with their families and the CBT Vietnam team to set up homestays. We definitely recommend doing the minimally challenging trek from Sapa to Lao Chai, via Cat Cat Village and Y Linh Ho, and spending an afternoon learning traditional batik in the village of Lao Chai. Follow this up with a night one of the great homestays already established for an amazing and authentic Hmong experience.
Tavan
Tavan has become the most popular trekking destination in all of Sapa. The Giay (Day) ethnic minority has truly been entrepreneurial and industrious in retrofitting their homes to offer a place for trekkers to spend the night. It is not uncommon for Tavan to have 25 or more homestays being occupied with groups as large as 10 tourists.
The village of Tavan is in a stage of rapid development. The tourism industry there is flourishing and the impacts are clearly visible. With tourist numbers always increasing the future of this area as a destination might be in hands of the tourist.
GIANG TA CHAI
Gian Ta Chai is a popular meeting point for half-day walkers and trekkers that sits at the base of a large waterfall that is at times just a trickle compared to the thundering water flow during rainy season. It can be reached with a short trek, continuing down the value between Tavan and Ban Ho.