Cat Cat Village is well-known in the northeast region which you should not miss. This is an old town on the outside of Sapa Town. 

The H'mong ethnic community has lived in Cat Cat Village for many years. It is tucked away in a valley encircled by verdant mountains. 

When you visit, you may marvel at the breathtaking environment, see the historic stilt dwellings, and learn about the local way of life. This village's charm will undoubtedly leave you with memorable moments. 

Where is Cat Cat Village?

• Address: Cat Cat Village, San Sa Ho Commune, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
• Entrance fee: 150,000 VND

Cat Cat Village is located approximately 2 km away from Sapa Town, which is a well-known tourist destination, and is located 376 km away from the Hanoi city center. 

Nearly 80 families belonging to the Mong ethnic group can be found in Cat Cat, which is situated along the stone road in the middle of the hamlet. 

This settlement is the point where three winding streams meet, and they are constantly whispering during the day and night Tien Sa, Golden, and Silver all make their way into a magnificent cascade that is known as Cat Cat Fall. 

The Si Bridge and the A Lu Bridge are two chain bridges that intersect the fall. They also serve as a halting spot for travelers who wish to go sightseeing and take photographs of breathtaking beauty.

In the early 20th century, the French discovered the beauty of this location and picked it as a holiday area for high-ranking officials. They call this location the name "Cat Cat", following a stunning waterfall in the area, CatScat.

Because of its location at the base of Hoang Lien Son Mountain, Cat Cat Village is shielded from the elements by the protection of nature. The entirety of the village is comprised of verdant fields and hills, and there are many tiny dwellings dispersed throughout. 

Cat Cat Village is a popular tourist destination not only due to the pristine natural beauty of the villagers, but also due to the distinctive cultural characteristics of the Mong people. 

In addition to producing rice on the terraced fields, the people who live in this community continue to conserve and develop traditional crafts. 

By traveling to Cat Cat Village, you will get the opportunity to learn about the alluring natural surroundings, the distinctive culture, and the delicious dishes here. 

Best time to visit Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is located in the high mountainous region of the Northwest, has a climate that is chilly throughout the entire year. At the same time, each season has its own unique beauty and features. 

Pink cherry blossoms and apricot blooms cover the scenery of the town throughout the springtime, which brings the village to buzzing life. 

During the summer, the hamlet is adorned with mustard flowers that are bright yellow in color, and during the autumn, the surrounding area is painted with golden rice fields that are ripe. 

Winter arrives, bringing with it snow and clouds that are covered in mist. The village is always a sight to behold, regardless of whether you go there in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter as your vacation destination.

However, the best time to visit Sapa is from March to May and September to November. The weather during this time is stable, not quite hot and cold, with dry sunny days, and cold nights. 

So, you can enjoy many things to do in Sapa such as picnics, trekking, exploring tour attractions, and Sapa cuisine... 

How to get to Cat Cat Village?

The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is about 315km. It is estimated around 5 hours and 30 minutes to transfer to Sapa from Hanoi. You can choose many transformations such as taxi, bus, private car, motorbike. 

The best way is to transfer from Hanoi to Sapa by private car with a driver. The trip will be comfortable, safe, and convenient. You have free time to talk with friends and family. 

When traveling to Sapa, you can take a motorbike, private car/taxi, or walk around. Because the distance from Sapa to Cat Cat Village is short, Cat Cat Village is a short trek from Sapa, only about 2.5 km. It’s a downhill walk through the rice fields with quite a few steps. 

From Sapa town center you need to follow the Fansipan Road out of town to start the walk to Cat Cat Village. The walkout of Sapa Town to the checkpoint to start the walk itself is 1.7 km, but it's downhill with fantastic views of the mountains and the surrounding valleys.

You can walk to Cat Cat Village. On the way, you will explore the rice fields and watch the beauty of Sapa. 

If you do not want to walk down the villages, rent a taxi/private car to get to Cat Cat Village. Car rental to Cat Cat Village is about 100.000 VND to 250.000 VND. And the ticket for renting a motorbike is 100.000 VND/day. 

What to do in Cat Cat Village?

Walk around Cat Cat Village

You should take a stroll along the roads in Cat Cat Village and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty in here from lovely rice terraces to lush green woodlands.

You will enter Cat Cat town by walking on a road that is paved with stone after you have gained access to the town by passing through the entrance gate. You will come across charming wooden cottages as you make your way through the hamlet. These residences are surrounded by vibrant gardens and orchards throughout the village.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness the lives of the villagers and the traditional activities that they engage in, such as weaving, dying, and the production of handicrafts. You will also have the opportunity to observe the everyday activities of the water buffaloes, cows, and other domestic animals, all of which are an essential component of life in the village.

When you come here, it is highly advised that you take advantage of the breathtaking views of the valley and the mountains that surround it. These views are especially breathtaking when you see them at sunrise or sunset.

Go shopping at Cat Cat Village

Shopping at Cat Cat Village is the best thing to do in Sapa. You can buy many handmade items such as embroidery, brocade, and clothing made.  

Handmade needlework, brocade, and garments made from natural materials like hemp and flax are among the most popular types of handicrafts that can be found in the region where they are produced. 

The Hmong people are known for their ingenuity and artistic ability, which is displayed in the beautiful craftsmanship of these objects, which have intricate designs and brilliant colors.

Other local souvenirs, like jewelry and wooden sculptures, can be found in addition to the available traditional handicrafts. 

All of these handcrafted objects are available for purchase, either directly from the local people or from one of the many souvenir stores that are located within the town. 

Watching Giant Water Wheels

Nature lovers should make it a point to stop by Cat Cat Waterfall, which is widely considered among the most breathtaking natural monuments in Sapa. As you get closer to the waterfall, you will be met with the soothing sound of the water rushing past and the invigorating scent of the forest that is all about you.

The Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range is the source of the water flow that flows down the waterfall, which is surrounded by verdant flora of a lush green condition. Visitors can take in the natural splendor of the waterfall from a variety of vantage points and rest spots that are located around Cat Cat Village. 

Discover H'mong culture

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the distinctive culture and architecture of the H'mong people, who have lived in this area for hundreds of years. 

There are traditional H'mong homes scattered throughout the town. These homes are constructed out of stone and wood and have a special architectural appeal. There are three doors in these dwellings, with the main door located in the middle and two more doors located on either side of the main door. 

Typically, the main entrance is only opened for big events like weddings, funerals, and holidays. Other possible occasions include holidays. A shrine chamber, an attic for storing food, a kitchen, sleeping rooms, and a guest reception area are typically included in the interior of the building.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about H'mong customs and practices, in addition to the traditional architecture. These include the H'mong's colorful clothes and embroidery, traditional cuisine and drink, as well as traditional music and dance. Every one of these experiences provides a one-of-a-kind perspective on the H'mong people who call Cat Cat Village their home and the wide cultural legacy that they possess.

Visitors to Sapa must stop in Cat Cat Village to experience the authentic mountain lifestyle. Visitors are guaranteed to leave with a memorable impression because to the village's spectacular natural beauty, historic rituals, and contemporary way of life, all of which are flawlessly blended. 

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