Cat Cat Sapa is one of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors every year with its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and adventurous activities. However, if you want to experience a more authentic and traditional side of Sapa, you should visit Cat Cat Village, a charming village that preserves the culture and lifestyle of the Hmong ethnic group.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the reasons why you should visit Cat Cat Village, some of the best things to do and see there, and some of the tips to know before you go. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a cultural immersion, or a nature exploration, Cat Cat Village will not disappoint you.
Why You Should Visit Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village is located about 3 kilometers from Sapa town, at the foot of Fansipan Mountain. It is one of the oldest villages in Sapa, dating back to the 19th century. It is also one of the most visited villages in Sapa, as it is easily accessible by foot or by motorbike.
There are many reasons why you should visit Cat Cat Village, but here are some of the main ones:
Culture
Cat Cat Village is a great place to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Hmong ethnic group, one of the largest and most distinctive groups in Vietnam. The Hmong people have lived in Sapa for centuries, maintaining their traditions and customs despite the changes and challenges of modern life. You can visit their houses, which are made of wood and bamboo and decorated with colorful fabrics and handicrafts. You can also interact with them, observe their daily activities, such as farming, weaving, or cooking, and join their festivals and ceremonies, such as the Gau Tao festival or the wedding ceremony.
Scenery
Cat Cat Village is also famous for its scenery, especially its terraced rice fields that are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. Depending on the season, you can see different colors and patterns of the rice fields, from green in spring and summer, to yellow in autumn, to brown in winter. You can also admire the majestic mountains, the lush forests, the sparkling streams, and the charming waterfalls that surround the village.
Handicrafts
Cat Cat Village is also a great place to buy some souvenirs and gifts for yourself or your loved ones. The village is known for its handicrafts, such as brocade products, silver jewelry, or musical instruments. You can see how they are made by the skilled artisans using traditional techniques and materials. You can also buy them at reasonable prices from the local shops or stalls.
What to Do and See in Cat Cat Village
There are many things to do and see in Cat Cat Village, but here are some of the best ones:
Walking
Walking is one of the most popular activities in Cat Cat Village, as it allows you to explore its natural beauty and cultural diversity at your own pace. You can choose from different routes and levels of difficulty, depending on your preferences and abilities. You can also hire a local guide or join a tour group for a more convenient and informative experience. Some of the most popular walking routes include:
- Sapa – Cat Cat – Sin Chai: This is an easy walk that takes about 2-3 hours, covering about 6 kilometers. You will start from Sapa town, where you can see some colonial buildings and churches. You will then descend to Cat Cat village, where you can see some terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and Hmong houses. You will then continue to Sin Chai village, where you can see some corn fields and orchards.
- Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Ban Ho – Nam Toong – Nam Cang: This is a challenging walk that takes about 2-3 days, covering about 35 kilometers. You will start from Sapa town, where you can see some colonial buildings and churches. You will then pass through several villages of different ethnic groups, such as Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay. You will also see some stunning scenery along the way, such as mountains, forests, streams, and waterfalls.
Photography
Photography is another enjoyable activity in Cat Cat Village, as it allows you to capture its attractions and landmarks at your leisure. You can take photos of the village, the people, the rice fields, the waterfalls, and the mountains. You can also take photos of yourself or your friends wearing the traditional costumes of the Hmong people, which are available for rent at some shops or stalls. You can also join a photography tour or hire a local photographer for a more professional and creative experience.
Shopping
Shopping is another fun activity in Cat Cat Village, as it allows you to buy some souvenirs and gifts for yourself or your loved ones. The village is known for its handicrafts, such as brocade products, silver jewelry, or musical instruments. You can see how they are made by the skilled artisans using traditional techniques and materials. You can also buy them at reasonable prices from the local shops or stalls.
Tips to Know Before You Go to Cat Cat Village
Before you go to Cat Cat Village, there are some tips to know to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some of them:
- Entrance fee: There is an entrance fee of 40,000 VND per person to enter Cat Cat Village1. You may also need to pay extra fees for some attractions or activities, such as the waterfall, the musical show, or the costume rental.
- Weather: The weather in Cat Cat Village varies depending on the season and altitude. Generally speaking, the best time to visit is from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is dry, sunny, and cool. The worst time to visit is from June to August or from December to February, when the weather is wet, foggy, and cold.
- Clothing: You should dress appropriately for the weather and the activities you plan to do in Cat Cat Village. You should also dress respectfully when visiting religious sites or rural areas. You should wear comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You should also bring raincoats, umbrellas, jackets, gloves, and scarves if needed.
- Food: You should try some of the local food in Cat Cat Village, as it is delicious, fresh, and cheap. You can find many restaurants, cafes, stalls, or homestays that serve various dishes, such as thang co (horse meat soup), com lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes), ruou ngo (corn wine), or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls). You can also buy some fruits, vegetables, or snacks from the local markets or vendors.
- Accommodation: You should stay in a homestay or a guesthouse in Cat Cat Village, as it is a great way to experience the local culture and hospitality. You can find many options in different parts of the village, such as near the entrance, near the waterfall, or near the rice fields. You can also find some hotels or resorts in Sapa town if you prefer more comfort and convenience.
- Transportation: You should walk or rent a motorbike to get around Cat Cat Village, as it is the most convenient and fun way to explore its scenery and attractions. You can rent a motorbike from Sapa town or from some homestays or guesthouses in the village. You can also take a car, a bus, or a taxi if you want more safety and comfort.
- Communication: You should learn some basic words and phrases in Vietnamese or in the local language of the Hmong people. You can use them to greet, thank, apologize, or bargain with the local people. You can also use gestures, pictures, or translation apps to communicate if needed.
- Respect: You should respect the culture and customs of the local people in Cat Cat Village, as they are very friendly and hospitable. You should ask for permission before taking photos of them or their houses. You should also avoid giving money or candy to children, as it may encourage begging or spoil their teeth. You should also follow some etiquette rules when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
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Conclusion
Cat Cat Village is a charming village in Sapa that preserves the culture and lifestyle of the Hmong ethnic group. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the diversity of culture, and the adventure of activities. It is also a place where you can relax, learn, and have fun.
I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration for your Cat Cat Village trip. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
