Ta Van village – reasons to stay here instead of Sapa

As Sapa becomes more famous, travelers seeking a local guide experience look for alternatives. Luckily, you don’t have to go far. Just 12 km from Sapa, Ta Van village offers a charming, authentic experience. Nestled between rice fields, it remains unspoiled and peaceful.

Key Takeaways

Ta Van offers authentic, peaceful village life, unlike busier Sapa town.
Staying in Ta Van keeps you close to scenic rice fields.
Ta Van has diverse homestays, combining local culture with modern comforts.
It’s a great base for trekking, with direct transfers from Hanoi.

Regarding Ta Van village

Ta Van is a small village in the Muong Hoa valley of Sapa town. It is home to about 1,000 people, mainly from the HMong, Dao, and Giay ethnic groups. In Ta Van, you will see traditional stilt houses and simple wooden homes.

Despite some families running tourism activities or homestays, village life remains normal and authentic. Most villagers work in the fields. They also make musical instruments and engrave silver.

This charming village offers a glimpse into the daily lives of its hardworking people and their rich cultural traditi

**terraced fields in Nam Cang village near Sapa**

How to reach there

You can take a direct and comfortable limousine bus from Hanoi to Sapa. This means no need to transfer to a taxi in Tavan Village. Another option is to take a night bus to Sapa or a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. These options save you half a day of travel time. However, for both, you still need a car or taxi for the final part to Ta Van village.

Sapa to Ta Van village

Visiting Ta Van Village

Ta Van village is 12 km from Sapa town. The easiest way to get there is by taxi. You can also rent a motorbike for about 100,000 VND per day and drive yourself. The road to the village is beautiful, with rice fields on both sides.

You can leave your main luggage in town and trek to the village on smaller paths through the rice fields. There are also local trekking tours available that pass through Ta Van, and some even offer an overnight stay.

Reasons why you should stay in villages

Right Between the Rice Fields

When staying in Sapa, many accommodations are far from the rice fields, especially if you’re in the center or near the lake. The Sapa rice fields are a major attraction. However, in Ta Van village, you are always close to the beautiful fields, never more than a minute’s walk away. Many places to stay in Ta Van offer direct views of the rice fields, making your visit truly special.

Experience Authentic Peace in Ta Van Village

Ta Van village is the best choice for a stay outside Sapa. Unlike the busy main town, Ta Van is calm and quiet. If you want peace, this is the place to be. Plus, Ta Van feels more real and less commercialized than Sapa. It’s a true taste of the sapa local life.

Great Options for Accommodation

Ta Van village is a real minority village, much smaller than Sapa. Most places to stay in Ta Van are homestays. Some homestays are owned by ethnic minorities and are very simple. It’s a great place to learn about local cultures. Don’t expect fancy hotels. However, some homestays are more modern, with AC, beautiful rice field views, modern bedrooms, private bathrooms, and other comforts. So, you get the best of both worlds: an authentic experience with western comforts.

Check out some recommended accommodations in Ta Van village.

Great Sapa local Trekking Base

Ta Van village is a fantastic starting point for local trekking in Sapa. From here, you can explore nearby villages by walking on small paths through beautiful rice paddies. It’s a good idea to have a guide with you to ensure safety and help you find the best routes. Don’t worry if you haven’t planned a tour beforehand; you can easily arrange Sapa local trekking tours once you arrive.

Sapa is just 12 km from Ta Van village. Though the town has changed a bit, it still offers some great local experiences. You can ride the mountain train and cable car to Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain. There’s also a charming stone church, Ham Rong mountain, and a lively local market to explore. Plus, if you’re heading to Tram Ton Pass, Vietnam’s highest mountain pass, you’ll pass through Sapa. Don’t miss the beautiful waterfalls nearby too.

Ta Van is the only village near Sapa with direct transfers from Hanoi. You can take comfortable limousine buses straight from Hanoi to Tavan village. This means you don’t have to go to Sapa first and then arrange another transfer to your village. It’s a convenient way to get there directly.

Places to stay in Ta Van village

Here are some great places to stay in Ta Van village, offering a range of options from basic local homestays to stylish bungalows with beautiful views:

Luckydaisy Buffalo House – A modern and comfortable homestay with extra features like heated mattresses. It’s a top choice for comfort.
Eco Hills Homestay – Simple and not very traditional, but the bungalow-style rooms offer stunning views of the rice fields and mountains.
Zmonghomestay – Located among rice fields and run by a friendly family, this homestay is beautifully situated.
Indigo Snail Hmong Homestay – A great homestay with a helpful and welcoming local black Hmong family.
Sapa Eco Bungalows & Spa – Offers bungalow-style rooms and even a swimming pool with a view of the rice fields.

Best time to visit

Sapa is a lovely place to visit all year round. However, the best time to go is from May to September. In May, the rice fields start getting watered, turning into huge, shimmering mirrors. In the following months, the fields show different stages of growth. By September and early October, it’s harvest time, and the fields glow with golden and yellow hues.

=> Read more about the Best time to visit Sapa Here!

Other villages you can stay

Ta Van isn’t the only place to stay in a real local homestay. The village of Ta Phin is smaller and has fewer places to stay, but it is very genuine. You can also find some of the best local homestays in the nearby villages of Sapa Vietnam like Lao Chai, Y Linh Ho, and Sin Chai. Each of these villages offers a unique experience and a chance to enjoy authentic local life

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