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What To Do In Sapa? Trekking To Ma Tra And Ta Phin Ethnic Villages

Trekking to ethnic villages of Ma Tra and Ta Phin in Sapa Vietnam

Start your discovery of the Sapa’s wild beauty in northern Vietnam by visiting the Ma Tra and Ta Phin ethnic villages – 2 must-see sites located northeast of the town. While trekking through Ma Tra Valley and Ta Phin Valley, you can admire the beautiful Ho Stream and meet the ethnic minorities of northern Vietnam. It will also be an opportunity to learn about the daily life and fascinating customs of the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups. If you are wondering what makes the Ma Tra and Ta Phin villages so popular with travelers, don't miss this blog!

I. General introduction of Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village
- 1. Ma Tra Village
- 2. Ta Phin Village
II. What to do in Ma Tra and Ta Phin Villages?
III. Ma Tra Ta Phin travel itinerary in Sapa

I. General introduction of Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village

1. Ma Tra Village

Vietnamese name: Bản Má Tra
Address: Ham Rong Ward, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Entrance fee: 30,000 VND per ticket
Opening hours: 6 AM - 9 PM

Ma Tra Village, one of the most famous ethnic villages in Sapa, stands out for its picturesque and captivating natural scenery. Visitors will be enchanted by the lush green rice terraces and the simple, rustic thatched roofs. It is also an opportunity to meet the Hmong community living in Ma Tra Village and to gain a deeper understanding of their unique customs and culture.

Moreover, Ma Tra Valley is known for its strawberry gardens. If you visit the village during the strawberry season (from January to March), you can pick and enjoy fresh strawberries right from the garden. In addition to strawberries, Ma Tra Valley also hosts many other fruit trees such as pear trees, peach trees, and plum trees, among others.

Ma Tra Village in Sapa, Northern Vietnam

2. Ta Phin Village

Vietnamese name: Bản Tả Phìn
Address: Ta Phin Commune, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Entrance fee: Adults 40,000 VND/ticket and children 20,000 VND/ticket
Opening hours: All day

Located about 15 km from the Sapa downtown, Ta Phin Village is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those interested in colorful ethnic culture. With its poetic natural landscape, the peaceful Ta Phin Valley is surrounded by majestic high mountains, giving the impression of a hidden land. Additionally, Ta Phin Valley is home to many natural caves at the foot of magnificent cliffs.

When visiting Ta Phin Village, you will meet the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups living in traditional stilt houses, offering a sense of simplicity and closeness. It is an exceptional opportunity to experience the locals’ daily life in Sapa, Vietnam.

Dao Ethnic Group in Ta Phin Village Sapa

II. What to do in Ma Tra and Ta Phin Villages?

1. Trekking to Ma Tra and Ta Phin villages

Trekking to Ma Tra and Ta Phin ethnic villages is one of the must-do experiences in Sapa. From Sapa Town, you can start a 10 km hike to the east to explore these charming ethnic villages. Along the way, you will be amazed by the stunning natural landscapes of the Ma Tra and Ta Phin valleys.

The first stop is Ma Tra Village, where you will meet the Hmong ethnic community, known for their warm hospitality and welcoming smiles. The terraced rice fields here reflect the hard work and craftsmanship of farmers passed down through generations.

Continuing your adventure, Ta Phin Village welcomes you with the distinctive presence of the Red Dao ethnic group. You can easily recognize them by their colorful traditional costumes and exquisite handmade products. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the culture and customs of these two communities while taking home unique souvenirs.

Trekking to Ma Tra and Ta Phin ethnic villages

2. Dao ethnic herbal bath

After a trek to Ta Phin Village, you should take a moment to relax with a traditional herbal bath of the Dao ethnic group. Immersing yourself in a Po Mu wooden tub filled with valuable medicinal plants from the Hoang Lien forest provides an extremely revitalizing experience. Moreover, this bath offers numerous health benefits, such as reducing joint pain, restoring energy, and treating skin conditions.

The herbal bath service in Ta Phin Village is available for around 100,000 VND per session (approximately 4 USD).

Dao ethnic herbal bath in Ta Phin Village

3. Visiting the plum garden in Ma Tra Ta Phin

Every year in May and June, the plum gardens in Ma Tra and Ta Phin valleys are flooded with the white blossoms of plum trees, which later turn into ripe red fruits. Grown naturally, the plums here retain their sweet and slightly sour flavor, as well as the distinctive fragrance of Ma Tra and Ta Phin valleys in Sapa. You will have the chance to pick the ripe plums yourself and enjoy them directly in the orchard. A wonderful experience not to be missed!

Plum garden in Ma Tra Ta Phin valleys

4. Discovering Traditional Crafts in Ma Tra

While visiting Ma Tra Village, you will discover the unique traditional crafts of the Hmong ethnic group, from the indigo dyeing process and wax painting to colorful embroidery techniques. Each craft offers a fascinating experience. You can directly participate in workshops organized by local artisans, allowing you not only to gain a deeper understanding of their distinctive culture but also to create your own piece of art as a souvenir from Sapa.

Embroidery craftsmanship in Ma Tra Village

5. Meeting ethnic groups at the ethnic markets

The ethnic markets in Ma Tra and Ta Phin offer a unique opportunity to meet the diverse ethnic groups of Sapa. Due to transportation difficulties in this mountainous region, these markets are held only once a week. They are seen by the local populations as a major cultural event, where people wear their most beautiful traditional costumes and participate in the markets from the early hours of the morning. This creates a lively and colorful scene.

You will see women chatting while shopping, men toasting together in the food areas, and even couples meeting at the market. These ethnic markets in Ma Tra and Ta Phin are also the perfect place to buy unique brocade products or meet ethnic women selling their handmade goods, offering an unforgettable local experience.

Ta Phin Ethnic Market in Sapa

6. Tasting Ma Tra Ta Phin’s specialties

In the ethnic villages of Ma Tra and Ta Phin, don’t forget to taste the unique dishes of the Hmong and Dao people. These meals are made with locally sourced natural ingredients, combined with spices and herbs from the forest, creating unforgettable flavors. Local specialties not to be missed include: pork with crispy skin, stir-fried mountain chicken, grilled stream fish, and corn wine.

III. Ma Tra Ta Phin travel itinerary in Sapa

Here is a travel itinerary for Ma Tra and Ta Phin Villages in Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam, for your reference:

Itinerary 1:

Day 1: Sapa – Mong Sen Bridge – Trekking to Ta Phin Village (overnight with the locals)
Day 2: Ta Phin Village – Ban Khoang Village – Ta Giang Phinh Village – Silver Waterfall

Itinerary 2:

Day 1: Sapa – Mong Sen Bridge – Trekking to Ta Phin Village (overnight with the locals)
Day 2: Ta Phin Village – Trekking to Ma Tra Village – Ho Stream – Sapa

During your trip to Sapa, don't miss Ma Tra and Ta Phin Villages. From the picturesque paths to the warm-hearted locals, everything here will make your stay unforgettable. If you need assistance in organizing your itinerary in Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries, feel free to contact the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia for quick advice from our team!

You can refer to:

> Things to do Lao Cai

> Sapa travel guide

> North Vietnam tours

> 12 days in Northern Vietnam

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Allaa

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Can I stay overnight in Ma Tra or Ta Phin?

Yes, you can stay overnight in both Ma Tra and Ta Phin Villages. Local homestays are available, offering an authentic experience of village life. Staying with local families allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups, enjoy traditional meals, and witness daily life up close. It’s a great way to connect with the community and gain deeper insight into the customs and practices of these remote villages in Sapa.

Cortez

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Should I visit Y Linh ho Village in Sapa?

Yes, Y Linh Ho Village Sapa is a great destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Known for its stunning rice terraces, traditional Hmong houses, and scenic landscapes, the village offers a peaceful retreat. Trekking through Y Linh Ho provides an authentic glimpse of local life, with opportunities to interact with the Hmong community. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, photography, and experiencing Sapa’s beautiful rural culture away from the main tourist areas.

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