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Cat Cat Village Sapa
Location: Cat Cat Village, San Sa Ho Commune, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province
Opening Hours: Open 6:00 – 20:00
Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND
Parking Fee: 10,000 VND/motorbike
- Introduction to Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village, established in the mid-19th century by the Mong ethnic group, is one of the oldest cultural villages in Sapa. In the early 20th century, French colonists discovered the village and transformed it into a vacation resort. The village’s name, “Cat Cat,” originates from “CatScat,” the French name for a majestic waterfall located here.
Today, Cat Cat Village is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique blend of unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. Besides rice farming on terraced fields, the local Mong people continue to practice their traditional crafts, preserving their unique heritage.
- Why Visit Cat Cat Village?
2.1. Convenient Location
Cat Cat Village is located just 2 km from Sapa Town, which is approximately 376 km from Hanoi. Visitors can reach the village by motorbike or coach. A coach ride takes about 5 hours, while a motorbike journey may take around 9 hours.
The village consists of nearly 80 Mong households situated along picturesque stone-paved paths, with some homes perched on the mountainside. The village is home to three winding streams—Tien Sa, Golden, and Silver—that merge into the breathtaking Cat Cat Waterfall. Visitors can cross the Si Bridge and A Lu Bridge, perfect spots for sightseeing and photography.
2.2. Traditional Mong House Architecture
The houses in Cat Cat Village are built on mountainsides, closely spaced but offering a warm sense of community. A typical Mong house consists of three rooms, wooden walls, and a sloped roof. The main entrance is only opened on special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and Tet (Lunar New Year). Inside, the house features an altar, a food storage attic, a kitchen, and a reception area. A fascinating feature of these homes is the use of water-powered mortars to pound rice.
2.3. Traditional Handicrafts
Apart from agriculture, the Mong people in Cat Cat Village excel in handicrafts such as weaving, knitting, silver carving, and blacksmithing. Tourists can visit workshops to see skilled artisans at work and purchase unique handmade souvenirs.
2.4. Unique Cultural Practices
One of the village’s most intriguing customs is the traditional “wife-abducting” ritual. When a Mong boy falls in love, he may “kidnap” his chosen girl and keep her for three days. If she agrees to marry him, the couple proceeds with a wedding ceremony.
Another cultural highlight is the Gau Tao Festival, held on the first day of the Lunar New Year. This is the most significant celebration of the year for the Mong people, where they pray for happiness and prosperity.
- Must-See Attractions in Cat Cat Village
3.1. Cat Cat Waterfall
The village’s most famous attraction is Cat Cat Waterfall, where water from Hoang Lien Son Mountain flows through three streams before cascading down, creating a mesmerizing scene. Visitors can admire the falls from nearby bridges or walk along the stream banks for an unforgettable experience.
3.2. Giant Water Wheels
These impressive bamboo water wheels are a testament to the ingenuity of the Mong people. Originally built to harness water power for rice processing, they now serve as a fascinating cultural landmark.
3.3. Visiting a Traditional Mong House
Visitors can enter local homes, where they will be warmly welcomed and given insights into the Mong people’s daily life and architectural traditions.
3.4. Exploring Local Cuisine
A trip to Cat Cat Village Sapa wouldn’t be complete without trying local specialties. One of the most famous dishes is corn wine, a locally brewed alcoholic beverage made using traditional techniques. Enjoying a sip of corn wine by the fire while chatting with locals is an unforgettable experience.
3.5. Shopping at Cat Cat Market
Cat Cat Market is the perfect place to buy handmade souvenirs, from woven textiles to silver jewelry. Prices are fair, making it a great place to purchase authentic keepsakes.
- Local Delicacies to Try
4.1. Thang Co (Meat Soup)
This traditional dish is made from horse meat (or beef, pork, and goat) stewed with bones, vegetables, and local spices. Originally reserved for special occasions, Thang Co is now widely available in local restaurants.
4.2. Smoked Meat (Khang Gai)
Buffalo, pork, horse, or goat meat is marinated with spices and preserved by smoke drying. This flavorful delicacy is often grilled or cooked with bamboo shoots.
4.3. Grilled Stream Fish
These small fish, caught in high-altitude streams, are grilled over charcoal until golden brown and served with fresh herbs and a special dipping sauce.
4.4. Frog Cooked with Bamboo Shoots
A local favorite, this dish combines fresh frog meat with bamboo shoots and fragrant spices, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal.
- Conclusion
Cat Cat Village is a must-visit destination in Sapa, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re admiring the stunning waterfall, exploring traditional crafts, or tasting local delicacies, a trip to Cat Cat Village promises memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique charm of this historic Mong village!
Book Cat Cat village Sapa tour
To Book Cat Cat village Sapa tour from Hai Phong, we provide some convenient options as following:
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