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Situated near Sapa town is a village called Cat Cat village that looks like a beautiful storybook that comes to life. With its winding stone paths and gentle waterfalls, every corner of the town is a treat to the eyes. Walking through the narrow trails, you hear the soft hum of weaving looms and see smiling locals dressed in vibrant traditional clothes. It is a place you feel deep in your soul. If you are planning to visit Vietnam, make sure to have Cat Cat Village in your itinerary for an experience that is unique to this place.
About
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Home to the Black H’mong people, Cat Cat Village has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Back then, the village was inhabited by Mong people. Later, during the early 20th century, the village was discovered by the French, who used it as a retreat. It was the French who named the village CatScat, but after they left in 1954, the name was changed to Cat Cat Village.
Location
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels
Located in the northern mountains of Vietnam, Cat Cat Village is about 2 km from Sapa town, in Lao Cai Province. Surrounded by green hills and rice terraces, Cat Cat Village sits at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and is home to the Hmong ethnic people, who have been living there for many generations.
How To Reach
Photo: Lucas Tran / Pexels / Image For Representation
Cat Cat Village is located near Sapa. To get there, you can use the following transportation modes.
By Air: To get there by air, you can fly to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. After landing, you can continue your journey by road or rail to Sapa, to Cat Cat Village.
By Road: If you choose to travel by road, book a bus or a private car from Hanoi to Sapa, and it will take you about 5 to 6 hours to cover the distance. Once you reach Sapa, you can either walk or hire a taxi to the village.
By Rail: When travelling by rail, you can take an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai Station. Once you reach Lao Cai, book a taxi to Sapa and from there you can easily reach the village.
Top Places To Visit In Cat Cat Village
When it comes to Cat Cat Village tourist attractions, you have many beautiful places in and around the village that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Tien Sa Waterfall
Photo: Phạm Thắng KX / Wikimedia Commons
A hidden gem near Cat Cat Village, Tien Sa Waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and colourful flowers that make it look right out of a fairytale. The serene environment near the waterfall is perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature. After exploring the village, you can come to the waterfall and take a break. On your way to the waterfall, you will pass through small bridges, bamboo forests, and traditional H’mong houses that are worth the experience.
Location: 4 km north of Sapa town, Lao Cai province, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: 70,000 VND Per Person / ₹ 230 Per Person
2. Ta Phin Village
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
In the list of Cat Cat Village places to visit, you simply cannot miss Ta Phin Village, the place where you experience the real culture of the Red Dao and Black H’mong people. Located just a short drive from Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin is famous for its colourful traditional clothes and handmade crafts. When visiting the village, you can walk through green rice fields, explore old houses, and even join a herbal bath experience. Besides that, you can enjoy the lovely views of the mountains surrounding the village, creating a perfect spot for taking pictures.
Location: At the base of Hoang Lien Son Mountain in Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: 40,000 VND per adult; 20,000 VND per child / ₹230 Per Adult, ₹130 Per Child
3. Fansipan Mountain
The Cat Cat Village’s top tourist attraction, Fansipan Mountain, is sure to leave you mesmerised with its natural beauty. As the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan Mountain is a dream spot for adventure lovers. Besides the beautiful views, you can go hiking on the mountain and follow the trails to reach the top. However, if that sounds too much, you can ride the cable car that takes you straight to the summit. There, you will find a giant Buddha statue, beautiful temples, and views that stretch beyond the horizon.
Location: Lào Cai province
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
4. Muong Hoa Valley
Photo: Alberto Capparelli / Pexels / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful valleys near Cat Cat Village, Muong Hoa Valley is famous for its wide, green rice terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see. The best time to visit this place is in Spring when the valley blooms with colourful flowers. The valley is also home to many ethnic minority villages like the H’mong, Dao, and Tay people, which gives you the chance to learn about their culture and lifestyle. A special thing about Muong Hoa Valley is that the ancient stone carvings are scattered across the land, adding a magical feeling to the place.
Location: 8V7G+MJC, Lao Chải, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
5. Thac Bac Waterfall
Photo: Lori_NY / Wikimedia Commons
Thac Bac Waterfall, also called Silver Waterfall, is a breathtaking sight you cannot miss in Cat Cat Village. From a distance, the water looks like a silver thread falling from the mountain, which is why it is named so. About 200 metres high, the waterfall is surrounded by fresh pine forests and misty mountains, allowing you to enjoy cool and clean air. For a better experience, you can climb the stairs to get closer to the waterfall and feel the mist on your face. There are also small shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs and snacks.
Location: San Sả Hồ, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Stay
Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels
Staying in Cat Cat Village, Vietnam, is like stepping into nature’s lap. Here, you will find cosy homestays and hotels that provide all the basic amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Some popular places you can book are Cat Cat View Hotel, Hotel Cat Cat Galerie d’Art, and CatCatHills Resort & Spa. Staying at any of these places lets you be close to nature and wake up to beautiful scenery.
Where To Eat
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels
Eating in Cat Cat Village is an adventure full of delicious surprises, where you will find many small family-owned restaurants serving homemade dishes that taste like pure love. During your stay in the village, you can try the famous local foods like grilled pork, bamboo sticky rice, and smoked buffalo meat. Some of the top-rated places to eat include Aliana Sapa Restaurant & Bar, Sapa Centre Cafe – Restaurant, and Sapa Sky View Restaurant & Bar.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Cat Cat Village is from March to May or September to November. During these months, the weather is gentle and the landscapes are magical, so you can have a great time exploring the area. Visiting Cat Cat Village in spring allows you to witness beautiful mountains that come to life with blooming flowers and green rice terraces. But a trip in autumn treats you with the most breathtaking sight you will never forget. During this time, the air is cool and fresh and perfect for exploring the narrow stone paths, waterfalls, and wooden houses.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: goosmurf / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of Trip
Visiting Cat Cat Village can be an affordable trip if you budget it right. On average, a round-trip flight to Hanoi costs between ₹18,000- ₹30,000. From Hanoi, you take a bus or train ride to Sapa, which is likely to cost around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000. As for accommodation, homestays in the village usually cost ₹800 to ₹2,000 per night, which is quite reasonable. For food and local travel, expect to spend around ₹500 to ₹1,000 a day. You can plan a comfortable 5-day trip to Cat Cat Village for around ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 per person.
Tips For Travellers
A trip to Cat Cat Village, make sure you enjoy every moment of it. Here are some tips that you may find helpful.
- The village has lots of stone paths and steps, so don’t forget to pack a pair of good walking shoes.
- Many small shops and cafes in Cat Cat Village don’t accept cards, hence it is essential to carry enough cash wherever you go.
- Bring a light jacket even during summer, because the weather can get chilly quickly.
- While you are in the village, be respectful to the villagers and their customs.
- Buy handmade crafts directly from the villagers, you can support their community and get yourself something special.
Whether chasing waterfalls, admiring handmade crafts, or breathing in the fresh air, Cat Cat Village leaves a mark on your heart. Take your time here, soak it all in, and carry the magic of Cat Cat with you long after you leave. For a smooth travel experience, Book with TripXl, as your trusted travel partner for an experience that leaves a mark on you.
Cover Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels
