Giang Ta Chai Village in Sapa, located in Xín Sải, is a favorite among tourists for its breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, winding pathways, and the distinctive culture of the Dao people.
The Location of Giang Ta Chai Village
Giang Ta Chai Sapa is a picturesque village that attracts domestic and international visitors. It is part of Tả Phìn commune, Sapa district, approximately 13 km northwest of the town center. To reach this hidden gem, travelers follow the Muong Hoa Valley, pass through Tả Van village, and continue to the destination.
Giang Ta Chai Sapa may be relatively unknown, but it’s a must-visit destination when exploring the misty town of Sapa. The village is nestled in a vast, untouched forest that provides natural protection throughout the year. Here, you’ll enjoy stunning views and exciting activities and learn about the lives of the Dao people.
This area is home to the Red Dao people and other ethnic minorities who preserve their rich cultural traditions and develop agricultural and handicraft skills, such as weaving brocade, basket weaving, and silver inlaying, contributing to the community’s cultural diversity. These factors make the village unique and appealing to visitors.
The Breathtaking Beauty of Giang Ta Chai in Sapa
To fully appreciate the charm of Giang Ta Chai Village, visitors must immerse themselves in its natural surroundings. Situated at 1400 meters above sea level, the village is embraced by a 50-hectare primary forest and 30 hectares of regenerating forest, adding to the area’s beauty and grandeur.
Like other picturesque villages in Sapa, Giang Ta Chai welcomes visitors with a pleasant climate and comfortable weather. The locals cultivate many terraced rice fields stretching out infinitely, seemingly swallowing the small houses on the hillside. The rice fields are beautiful and impressive all year round.
Sapa is not only famous for the terraced rice fields of Cat Cat, Ta Van, and Ta Phin villages. Visitors can trek along the paths at Giang Ta Chai, admiring the lush rice fields. If you visit between September and October, you can enjoy the romantic sight of ripe rice fields. No matter where you go, there are picturesque moments of golden terraced rice fields to capture.
Walking around Giang Ta Chai Sapa, you’ll pass through verdant bamboo forests, conquer challenging trails, and look closer at the Red Dao people’s village life. Along the way, you’ll see locals in their traditional, brightly colored attire.
During your journey through Sapa, visit this village to learn more about the lives of the indigenous people. If you like taking souvenir photos, consider renting local attire. If you want to live like a Dao, you can learn their traditional handicrafts.
If you visit Sapa at the beginning of the year and stop by this village, you can participate in the Red Dao people’s Put Tong ceremony. This festival is held to cleanse ancestors and pray for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy new year. For the Red Dao people, this cultural event is highly revered.
Nowadays, Giang Ta Chai Sapa is also developing tourism. The locals have started offering homestay services and various dining options so that visitors can enjoy more delicious dishes when visiting this village. Some of the popular local dishes include Thang Co (horse meat stew), sour bamboo shoots, village pork, Tao Meo (apple wine), and salted pork. Each dish is delicious and enticing to travelers.
One of the specialties not to be missed when visiting Giang Ta Chai is the fermented rice wine. This wine has a distinctive, strong flavor, making it perfect for enjoying the delicious local dishes. It is also a valuable gift that you can buy for your loved ones and friends after your Sapa trip.
Tips for Exploring this Village
When is the best time to visit Giang Ta Chai? Autumn is ideal because it is the harvest season, with beautiful scenery and pleasant, cool weather. The weather is not too hot but not rainy either, making it convenient for travelers to explore the village and take beautiful photos.
Spring, from December to March, is also a great time to visit Giang Ta Chai. During this period, the village is adorned with blooming peach blossoms. The village is shrouded in mist in the early morning, creating a poetic and romantic atmosphere. Moreover, exploring the village in spring offers visitors the opportunity to participate in various festivals held there.
Nowadays, visitors can choose to stay right in the village or at homestays in nearby villages, depending on their preferences. A one or two-day journey is enough for memorable experiences. However, even one day is enough to explore this Dao village if you’re short on time.
Giang Ta Chai Sapa is a beautiful village with many interesting experiences for travelers, such as trekking through terraced rice fields, exploring the beauty of Dao culture, enjoying local specialties, and many other fascinating activities. So, if you want to find a slightly different destination in Sapa, this village is worth visiting.
