Giang Ta Chai Village: The natural paradise of Northwest Vietnam’s mountains

Located in the Ta Phin commune, Giang Ta Chai is regarded as one of Sapa’s most picturesque villages. Situated at 1,400 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by massive mountains and vast old forests. In addition to its amazing natural beauty, Giang Ta Chai enthralls tourists with the unique Red Dao community culture. Giang Ta Cha Villagei is a must-visit location for tourists looking for adventure and cultural immersion.

The best time to visit Giang Ta Chai Village

Giang Ta Chai welcomes visitors year-round with its pristine and majestic beauty of the mountains and forests of the Northwest. However, visitors should pick the ideal time to take in the beauty and have the most unforgettable experiences.

September through November is considered the best time of year to visit Giang Ta Chai. The terraced fields stretching far and wide turn a brilliant yellow during this season, presenting a breathtaking nature scene. Additionally, Sapa’s weather at this time of year is very pleasant—not too hot like in the summer, nor too cold like in the winter—making it ideal for travel and sightseeing. In addition to creating a lovely scene, the golden surroundings of the ripe rice season inspire striking check-in photographs.

Another fantastic time to visit Giang Ta Chai is in the spring, from February to April. The peach blossoms were in full bloom then, giving the entire village a vibrant pink hue that seemed to glow in the sky. The lyrical and enchanting scene draws in many tourists that the early morning mist creates. Additionally, the Red Dao people celebrate a number of their traditional festivals in the spring, such as the Put Tong festival, which offers guests a unique cultural experience and an in-depth look into their customs and traditions. neighborhood eatery.

How to Get There and Cost

Giang Ta Chai, a village located halfway up the mountains, about 10-13 km from Sapa town center. To get to this place, visitors can choose many different means of transportation, depending on personal preferences and conditions.

Travel from Hanoi to Sapa.

First, visitors must travel to Sapa town. There are numerous transportation options available from Hanoi to Sapa. Visitors can take either the train or the sleeper bus.

Train: This is a popular and secure option. Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai usually leave in the evening and arrive early the following morning. Train tickets cost between 300,000 and 800,000 VND, depending on the seat class and train type.
Sleeper bus: Several bus companies operate the Hanoi-Sapa route, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND. Passenger buses typically depart from My Dinh, Luong Yen, or Gia Lam bus stations and take approximately 6-7 hours to reach Sapa.

Move from Sapa Center to Giang Ta Chai Village:

From downtown Sapa, travelers have several options to get to Giang Ta Chai: by motorbike, car, or trekking.

Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a popular and flexible choice. Motorbike rental rates in Sapa vary from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. The road to Giang Ta Chai is a bit steep, but the scenery en route is stunning, making it ideal for adventurous explorers.
Car: Another option is to rent a car or use a taxi service to reach Giang Ta Chai. Car rental prices range from 500,000 to 700,000 VND per day. Opting for a taxi will be a bit pricier, costing around 200,000 to 300,000 VND for a one-way trip.
Trekking: For nature enthusiasts and those seeking an active experience, trekking is a fantastic choice. The trek from Sapa town to Giang Ta Chai takes approximately 4-5 hours, guiding hikers through trails, lush bamboo forests, and picturesque villages.

What to expect when you visit Giang Ta Chai?

Giang Ta Chai is well-known for its magnificent natural scenery, but it also draws visitors with its unique cultural features and exciting activities. You will be able to discover and experience a variety of new things here, including landscapes, people, and traditional activities.

Explore the stunning natural scenery.

Giang Ta Chai is at an elevation of 1,400 metres above sea level, surrounded by vast mountain ranges and pristine forests. The village’s highlight is the lush green terraced fields that stretch to the horizon. During the ripe rice season, which runs from September to October, the scenery here becomes brilliant with the shimmering golden colour of rice, resulting in a beautiful natural painting.

Experience the local culture.

Giang Ta Chai is home to the Red Dao people and a few other ethnic minorities. The locals here continue to preserve and promote traditional cultural values, including costumes and daily activities. Visitors can learn about traditional handicrafts such as brocade weaving, bamboo knitting, forging, and silver inlay, which have been passed down through generations.

Suppose you come here at the beginning of the year. In that case, you can take part in the Put Tong festival, which is a traditional ceremony where the Red Dao people bathe their ancestors and pray for a peaceful new year and a bountiful harvest.

Trekking and village exploration activities

Trekking is a must-do when visiting Giang Ta Chai. The winding trails through the hills, bamboo forests, and terraced fields will lead you on an exciting discovery journey. You can go hiking on your own or hire a local guide to learn more about the area. Throughout the journey, you will be able to admire the beautiful natural landscape while also meeting and chatting with locals.

Photography and check-in

Giang Ta Chai is a popular destination for those who enjoy photography. Tourists will have countless opportunities to photograph the pristine natural scenery and beautiful traditional houses. The shimmering golden rice fields, winding paths, and rustic wooden stilt houses will provide an ideal backdrop for your photographs. Do not miss out on visiting the Cloud Bridge, one of the most popular check-in spots near Giang Ta Chai.

What to Eat

When visiting Giang Ta Chai, tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy unique and flavorful specialties of the Northwest mountainous region.

Thắng cố: A traditional dish of the ethnic people in the mountainous region, thắng cố is a type of roasted whole pork or chicken over charcoal or stove ashes, served with herbs, raw vegetables, and rich spices.
Mountain stream fish: A popular dish in the mountainous region, cooked with fish sauce, chili, and other natural spices, bringing the distinctive flavor of the mountain stream.
Sour bamboo shoot: A traditional dish of the Northwest people, made from fresh bamboo shoots and unique spices, creating a pleasant and attractive sour taste.
Wild boar: A specialty dish of the Northwest mountainous region, wild boar is prepared in various ways such as grilling, stir-frying, boiling, or braising, offering unique and appealing flavors.
Apple cat wine: Apple cat wine is a specialty wine of the Northwest mountains, made from cat apple fruit and various other natural spices, bringing a unique and seductive flavor.

Useful Tips When Visiting Giang Ta Chai

Choose the right time: The weather in Giang Ta Chai can change quickly, so it is best to check the weather forecast before leaving and choose a time to explore when the weather is clear and least rainy.
Accommodation: In this area, there are available guesthouses, homestays, and ethnic-style resorts for tourists to choose from. However, it is advisable to book in advance to ensure accommodation during peak season.
Diverse terrain: Giang Ta Chai has diverse terrain with hills, waterfalls, and terraced fields, so make sure to prepare a comfortable pair of shoes for trekking and hiking activities.
Road conditions: The road from the center of Sapa town to Giang Ta Chai is steep and zigzag, so drive carefully and slowly. If you do not drive yourself, you can rent a car or use local bus services.
Use a tour guide service: If you want to explore more about the local culture and history, consider hiring a local tour guide. They will provide detailed information and help you enjoy a better travel experience.