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Lao Chai Village

Lao Chai Village Sapa: A tranquil retreat amidst rice terraces

26/01/2024 492 views

Embraced by towering mountains and breathtaking terraces, Lao Chai Village is known as one of the most picturesque and charming villages in Northern Vietnam.

Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages are the two largest villages in Sapa

Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages are the two largest villages in Sapa (Source: Collected)

Traveling to Sapa, it is essential for tourists to seize the chance to appreciate the unspoiled charm of Lao Chai Village. A visit to this location offers the opportunity to behold stunning landscapes, savor delicious specialties, partake in cultural events, and gain a deeper understanding of the local crafts.

1. Where is Lao Chai Village Vietnam? How to get there?

Lao Chai Village is situated approximately 7-12 kilometers away from the center of Sapa. Positioned between Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Ham Rong Mountain, the village is home to diverse ethnic minorities such as the Black H’Mong, Red Dao, and Giay. In contrast to the bustling town of Sapa, Lao Chai Village boasts a tranquil beauty.

As there is no airport in Sapa, visitors from faraway provinces can opt for a flight to Hanoi then take a bus to reach Sapa. From the center of Sapa, pass by the Stone Church, proceed towards Cau May, then make a turn to Muong Hoa. Upon reaching Muong Hoa Valley, a short journey of a few hundred meters leads to Lao Chai Village. You can go by motorbike or car, with the former being the more practical choice. 

2. Highlights of Lao Chai Village throughout the year

2.1. Mesmerizing rice terraces

The charming rice terraces of Lao Chai Village

The charming rice terraces of Lao Chai Village (Source: Collected)

Lao Chai Village charms visitors with its stunning Sapa rice terraces that cover the hillsides. If you pay your visit in September, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of golden rice fields, as this is the lively harvest season. The sweet scent of rice hangs in the air, inviting tourists to experience mountain life. In May and June when the summer rains begin, the local farmers head to the fields to prepare for new crops. During this time, the dry terraces transform, filled with water. The changing beauty of the village reflects the natural rhythms of the seasons and the agricultural traditions of the highland community.

2.2. Exciting ethnic festivals

The dynamic atmosphere at a festival in Lao Chai Village

The dynamic atmosphere at a festival in Lao Chai Village (Source: Collected)

In this Sapa village, there are awesome ethnic festivals, especially around the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. These local spring festivals might not be huge, but they are super lively. There are fun folk games like tug of war, wrestling, cooking contests, etc. Apart from that, you can enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Evenings turn the village into a fun place with people gathering around big campfires, singing, and dancing after a hard day’s work. Furthermore, tourists will have an opportunity to see traditional worship rituals with ethnic performances, giving you a better feel for the simple mountain life here. 

2.3. Delicious culinary specialties

The delectable and colorful five-color sticky rice

The delectable and colorful five-color sticky rice (Source: Collected)

When you are in Lao Chai Village, you should not miss out on the opportunity to savor delicious local food. It is recommended to try specialties like Muong pork, dried buffalo meat, five-color sticky rice, corn wine, apple wine, and the unique red plum wine. It is through these tasty bites and drinks that you will really get to experience the heart and soul of the place.

2.4. Local crafts

Lao Chai Village has many handicrafts

Lao Chai Village has many handicrafts (Source: Collected)

Lao Chai Village is renowned as a popular community tourism destination, drawing in numerous visitors from both within the country and abroad. Beyond its appeal as a tourist spot, the locals engage in various crafts to enhance their livelihoods. They weave colorful brocade, offer homestays, and lately, they have been into stone carving. The art of stone carving not only serves as an economic boost for the people of the village but also leaves a lasting impression on every tourist who explores the area. It is not just about business; it adds a bit of art to the atmosphere and makes your visit to Lao Chai more memorable.

3. Helpful tips for your first trip to Lao Chai Village Sapa

3.1. Best time to visit Lao Chai Village

The best times to check out the village are from February to April and from September to October. In early spring, the hills light up with plum blossoms and white banyan flowers. You will also find markets with lots of tasty highland dishes. Moreover, there are many cool cultural festivals in the first days of the lunar year. From September to October, the whole village turns golden with ripe terraced fields. It is sunny and nice around this time, making it perfect for tourists to wander around and enjoy the beauty of Lao Chai.

Spring and autumn are ideal periods to visit Lao Chai Village

Spring and autumn are ideal periods to visit Lao Chai Village (Source: Collected)

3.2. Entrance fee to Lao Chai Village Sapa

As Lao Chai has become a tourist area, there will be a small entrance fee. Specifically, it is 75,000 VND per adult and 50,000 VND per child. Note that these numbers are for reference purposes only and may change over time. If you are planning to visit the village, it is recommended that you contact the management board for the most up-to-date information.

3.3. Famous tourist attractions near the village

  • Ta Van Village: Just 3 kilometers away from Lao Chai, Ta Van is where the Giay people and other ethnic groups live. Tourists often do a combo trip to Lao Chai and Ta Van over one or two days. Ta Van stretches across Muong Hoa Valley, giving you that chill mountain vibe. 
  • Sapa Ancient Stone Field: Discovered by V. Goloubew, a French-Russian archaeologist, in 1925, this relic site reveals ancient carvings on stones. Here, you will encounter numerous large and small rocks scattered across the landscape with smooth surfaces and curious carvings.
  • Cat Cat Village: This village attracts a multitude of visitors each year who come to experience the unique culture of the H’mong people. Here, you can rent some ethnic clothes and dress-up for a real cultural vibe during your Sapa village tour.
Cat Cat Village is one of the most well-known attractions in Sapa

Cat Cat Village is one of the most well-known attractions in Sapa (Source: Collected)

3.4. Important etiquettes that first-time visitors should keep in mind

The ethnic villages in Sapa are deeply traditional. There are some certain etiquettes that tourists should keep in mind when they explore these villages:

  • Seats at the head of the table are reserved for local elders, so guests should not occupy these seats.
  • Follow the homeowner’s instructions. Avoid sitting in the middle of the house.
  • Keep your voices down when walking around the village.
  • While interacting with little children, refrain from patting them on the head.
  • If you see a bunch of green leaves hung at the village entrance, there is likely a spiritual ceremony taking place. Avoid entering the village in this case.

3.5. Things to pack for a trip to Lao Chai Village Vietnam

When gearing up for your trip to Lao Chai, make sure you have got these essentials packed:

  • ID card, passport, driving license, or any other identification documents.
  • Appropriate clothing based on the season.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Cash or cards for expenses like accommodations and meals.
  • Basic medical supplies for common issues like stomach aches, headaches, motion sickness, and fever.
The ethnic minorities living at Lao Chai Village

The ethnic minorities living at Lao Chai Village (Source: Collected)

All in all, Lao Chai Village is a fantastic mix of stunning scenery, cool traditions, and friendly vibes. Here, tourists can admire mesmerizing rice terraces, engage in local festivals, or appreciate intricate stone carvings. After exploring Sapa, you can consider extending your Vietnam travel to other charming destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang. These cities are home to an abundance of captivating attractions that promise an enriching experience. 

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