Sapa has always been an attractive destination for tourists from many places. It is a mountainous district of Lao Cai province, a land of modest, quietness, but it hides many wonders of the natural scene. Sapa’s natural landscape is combined with human creativity, along with the topography of hills, green of forests like a painting arranged in a harmonious layout which creates a region with many romantic and appealing scenes. During the trips to Hanoi, tourists should not ignore this exciting destination, and one of the most fantastic attractions in Sapa is Ta Phin Village, the residence of many Yao ethnic group.
The road to Ta Phin village has a valley on one side and hills on the other side. Under the valley, there is a stream with clear water flowing through the foot of green rice terraces. Roadside peach and plum trees bloom brightly in the cold of the highland are like a warm welcome to the guests. Two roadsides are houses interspersed with the green rice fields. Far away on the slopes of the hills, a lots rows of corns appears with a lush green bringing the feeling of peace and freshness.
Since arriving Ta Phin, visitors will be surprised to see many women with their hair covered red wimples picking clients. These Yao women at all ages have the characteristic clothes with a variety of patterns on the dress or skirt. Look closely, tourists will find the Yao women have shaved the hair on the forehead and eyebrow part. It is one of the traditions of the Red Dao, they are the second largest ethnic minorities after H’Mong ethnic group in the northern mountainous region. From the entrance of Ta Phin village, Yao community has shown their hospitality with smiles and greetings, and an invitation to visit. In the cold season, visitors can see the fire being burned on the porch to warm women, somewhat dispel the cold air in the highland. Yao girls in red dress sit to embroider towels, brocade coat skillfully and they are willing to guide the visitors who curious about how to mix colors and weaving.
Ta Phin village is notorious for weaving with all sorts of shapes and eye-catching colors. These products are completely made by the skillful hands of Yao and Hmong women with lines and patterns reflected by motifs of flowers, birds, and forests that carrying the shades of wildlife and mountains associated with their long-standing life.
Villages of the Red Yao are often placed on the halfway of high mountains. Because the life is associated with wild jungle, Yao people are very good at physic. For a long time, many generations of Yao people have transmitted together a marvelous traditional bathroom medicine from herbs for healing and wellness. In wooden houses, it is easy to catch rattan baskets with full of forest leaves used to make drugs selling to tourists. Red Yao is also famous for a remedy for back pain, and the most special thing is the soaked and bathed drugs curing for tiredness. Visit Ta Phin, you can also shower the leaves of medicines of Yao people at their home. You will enjoy a pleasant sensation while relaxing in a bathtub filled with hot water and the natural scent of forest leaves
Keeping following a trail that leads to the end of Ta Phin village and walking about 1km, visitors will go to a high mountain, the foot of the mountain is a great and deep Ta Phin Cave. You will suddenly be lost in the magical realm, admire passionately the stalactites with many strange and interesting shapes which are traditionally believed to be the shelter of Yao ancestors. The area of the cave is also home to the origin of Ta Chai stream winding through primeval wild forests forming a charming picture.
Besides, in the central area of the village is the communal house of Ta Phin built recently. Following the unique architectural style inspired by traditional scarves of Yao women with the red color standing out among the mountains, the communal house becomes the ideal public place for people of Ta Phin and visitors. Or, at the entrance of the village, there is an ancient monastery of Ta Phin with stone walls. It will be a place for you to compose the distinctive photo frames.
Visit Ta Phin village, visitors will have the opportunity to understand more about the daily life and culture of the highland ethnic minorities. You not only can admire the beautiful natural scenery that nowhere has but also have the opportunity to experience the daily life of the people here. Take time to visit the village is going to be a memorable experience for travelers in the journey of traveling and exploring.
