Overview of Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat village is the oldest village in the Northwest region located right at the foot of the majestic Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. The village belongs to San Sa Ho commune, Sapa district, Lao Cai province. Cat Cat village is located 1500 to 1800 meters above sea level, so the climate is cool all year round. This place is the home of the H’Mong ethnic people. Cat Cat village is located very close to Sapa town at a distance of 3 km. It is no coincidence that Cat Cat village is considered the most beautiful ancient village in the Northwest.
When you come here, you will witness the simple, rustic wooden roofs located along the clear streams covered by the green of the mountains and forests or discover firsthand the culture of the H’Mong ethnic group through daily living activities. Therefore, Cat Cat Village is a must see-stop when you plan your vacation in Sapa.
Entrance tickets:
- Adults: 150,000VND/person
- Children between 1 and 1.3 meters tall: 70,000VND/person
- Children under 1 meter tall: Free of charge
Upon purchasing the ticket, it is recommended to obtain a Cat Cat Village map at the ticket counter for easy navigation around the village. Cat Cat Village’s opening hours are from 6 am to 9 pm daily.
Where is Cat Cat Village? How to get to the village from Sapa Town?
Cat Cat Village is situated in San Sa Ho Commune, Sapa District, Lao Cai Province. To reach this picturesque village, simply follow the road towards Fansipan Mountain for approximately 3 kilometers from the center of Sapa Town. Compared to other villages like Ta Van and Ta Phin, Cat Cat is closer to Sapa, making it easily accessible and a popular stop for visitors during their Sapa trip.
The name “Cat Cat” was given by the French who discovered the beauty of this place in the early 20th century and chose it as a vacation spot for high-ranking officials. The French named the village after a beautiful waterfall in the area.
Perched at the foot of Hoang Lien Son Mountain, Cat Cat Village is protected by nature’s embrace. Green fields and hills cover the entire village, and small houses are scattered throughout. Together, they create a colorful and romantic painting of nature.
For travelers who want to visit the Cat Cat Village with private services, you can book a private tour from Vietnam Shore Excursions. Professional and knowledgeable tour guides will share profoundly many interesting stories about this place and Sapa, as well as the local life of local people during the tour. Here are some Sapa Tours which customers can find out and book for you and your group.
What to do in Cat Cat Village Sapa?
Stroll along the scenic roads in Cat Cat Village
One of the best things to do in Cat Cat Village is to take a peaceful walk and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds the village. The village is home to a plethora of stunning landscapes, from picturesque rice paddies to lush green forests.
After passing through the entrance gate to Cat Cat Village, you will walk on a stone-paved road to enter the village. As you wander through the village, you will come across quaint wooden houses, surrounded by colorful gardens and orchards.
You can also observe the daily life of the villagers and their traditional activities, such as weaving, dyeing, and making handicrafts. You can also witness the daily routines of the water buffalos, cows, and other domestic animals, which are an integral part of village life.
Coming here, it is recommended that you enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, which are particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
Go shopping for local handicrafts
Cat Cat Village is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, which are made by the local H’mong people. Visiting the village, you should not miss out on going shopping for these unique handicrafts.
Some of the most popular handicrafts here include handmade embroidery, brocade, and clothing made from natural materials such as hemp and flax. These items are all exquisitely made with intricate designs and vibrant colors that showcase creativity and artistry of the H’mong people.
In addition to traditional handicrafts, you can also find other local souvenirs such as jewelry and wooden carvings. You can purchase these handmade items directly from the local artisans or at one of the many souvenir shops in the village.
Not only does shopping for handicrafts support the local economy, it also allows visitors to bring home a unique piece of Cat Cat’s culture and heritage.
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Indulge in the pristine beauty of Cat Cat Waterfall
Cat Cat Waterfall is one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Sapa and a must-visit spot for nature lovers. As you approach the waterfall, you will be greeted by the peaceful sound of the rushing water and the fresh aroma of the surrounding forest.
The waterfall originates from the water flow of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and is surrounded by lush green vegetation. There are several viewpoints and rest areas for visitors to relax and take in the natural beauty of the waterfall.
The best time to visit Cat Cat Waterfall is during the rainy season, which runs from May to September, when the water flow is at its strongest. However, you can still enjoy the beauty of the waterfall during the dry season, although the water flow may be less intense.
Discover H’mong Culture & Architecture
Cat Cat Village provides visitors with an opportunity to discover the unique culture and architecture of the H’mong ethnic group, who have inhabited the region for centuries.
The village is dotted with traditional H’mong houses made of wood and stone that feature a distinctive architectural style. These houses have three doors, with the main door in the center and two other doors on either side. The main door is typically only opened for significant occasions such as weddings, funerals, and holidays. The interior usually includes a shrine room, an attic for food storage, a kitchen, sleeping quarters, and a guest reception area.
In addition to the traditional architecture, visitors can also learn about H’mong customs and practices, including their colorful clothing and embroidery, traditional food and drink, and traditional music and dance. All of these experiences offer a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of Cat Cat Village and the H’mong people who call it home.
Explore the local cuisine
Cat Cat Village not only enchants tourists with its peaceful and romantic scenery, it also offers a variety of delicious local dishes. During your visit to Sapa and Cat Cat Village, don’t miss the chance to try the following:
- Buffalo meat: This is one of the most famous and sought-after specialties in Cat Cat Village. The locals skillfully marinate fresh buffalo meat with spices and hang it in the kitchen for a long time to create a unique and extremely flavorful dish.
- Corn wine: Corn wine is brewed using the traditional methods and typical leaf yeast of the H’mong ethnic people, resulting in an irresistible aroma.
- Fruits: Cat Cat Village is known for growing many types of fruits throughout the year, including plum, peach, pear, and docynia indica, which are all delicious and attractive.
Additionally, there are other mouth-watering dishes that you should try such as grilled wild meat, five-color sticky rice, hotpot, hazelnut cake, sesame candy, and bamboo-tube rice. These are all dishes that have satisfied many diners from all over the world.
Apart from Cat Cat Village, there are many other beautiful places to visit in Sapa, such as Muong Hoa Valley, Ham Rong Mountain, Fansipan Mountain, Ta Phin Village, Thac Bac Waterfall. These destinations offer stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities that will enrich your trip to Sapa.
Map of Cat Cat Village
Best time to visit Cat Cat Village
Situated in the high mountainous region of the Northwest, Cat Cat Village enjoys a cool climate throughout the year, with each season exhibiting distinct beauty and characteristics.
Spring brings the village to life with pink cherry blossoms and apricot flowers adorning the landscape. Summer beautifies the village with bright yellow mustard flowers, while autumn paints the surroundings with ripe golden rice fields. Finally, winter covers the village with misty clouds and snow.
Whether you make your visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, the village is always a delight to behold.
Cat Cat Village, with its unique features of a highland village, is an unmissable attraction for any tourist visiting Sapa. The village seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty, traditional customs, and a modern way of life, promising visitors a lasting impression. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations!
