SCMP: Ta Van (Sapa) Is Best Destination to Escape the Crowd in Southeast Asia

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The destination is about 12km from the bustling town of Sapa (Northern Vietnam).

“Set in a verdant valley, this photogenic hamlet is home to the Giay and H’mong people, whose traditional stilt houses dot the landscape. Framed by rugged peaks, rice fields cling to the hillsides, their colors shifting with the seasons,” said the author.

Ta Van village offers a serene escape for travelers seeking a getaway vacation (Photo: SCMP).

Tranquil trails pass through whispering bamboo groves and past cascading waterfalls. To inspire the trip-takers, Tim Pile suggested staying with local families at places. It is because homestay means hearty home-cooked meals and genuine hospitality.

Unlike the busier, more commercialized Cat Cat village nearby, Ta Van moves at an unhurried pace. It is perfect for those looking to leave the crowds behind and immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich culture and scenery, he repeated. Another suggestion for explorers who like to go further afield is that motorbikes can be rented for about US $8 to US $12 per day.

This destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers, with Fan Si Pan, Vietnam's tallest mountain. On the other hand, Sa Pa's cultural richness comes from its seven prominent ethnic groups: Hmong, Dao, Tay, Kinh, Day, Xa Pho (Phu La), and Hoa. These communities, largely residing in 17 communes, thrive on farming, forestry, and ancestral crafts such as brocade, bamboo, and rattan weaving.

Besides Ta Van, SCMP also recommends a few other prominent destinations on the list, such as Mae Kampong (Thailand), Hundar (India), Ella (Sri Lanka), Huangling (China) and Shirakawa (Japan).

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