Cat Cat Village Sapa Vietnam: A Complete Guide

Located at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Cat Cat village is one of the top names on the list of Sapa attractions.

This article covers all you need to know about Cat Cat village Sapa, from how to get there, things to do, ticket prices, and more.

What is Cat Cat village?

Cat Cat village is an ethnic village of the Hmong people.

This village was formed in the middle of the 19th century, and it still preserves important traditional crafts such as planting flax, growing cotton, weaving cloth, casting copper, etc.

How far is Cat Cat village from Sapa?

Cat Cat village is located approximately 2 km from the Sapa center.

On your way to Cat Cat village from Sapa, you will be able to spot many lovely cafes with breathtaking mountain views.

How to get to Cat Cat village Sapa?

a) How to get to Sapa

You can get from Hanoi to Sapa easily by train or bus.

Vietnam Railways offers daily trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai, and the price starts at $20 for a cabin bed. As the train stops at Lao Cai station, you will need to take a bus transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa afterward.

On the other hand, the bus from Hanoi to Sapa will drop you at a bus stop or your hotel location, and the price for a bus seat starts at $10.

Please read Hanoi to Sapa transportation guide for more information.

b) How to get from Sapa to Cat Cat village

After arriving at Sapa and leaving your luggage, you should have breakfast before starting your trip to Cat Cat village.

a) Walk to Cat Cat village from Sapa

The road to Cat Cat village is not too difficult, and you will need about 20~30 minutes to reach the place. The roadside scenery is quite poetic, so wander and delve into the majestic mountains!

b) Taxi to Cat Cat village

The price for a taxi from Sapa town to Cat Cat Village and vice versa is 100,000 VND (~$4.3), but I’d recommend walking there to enjoy the view.

c) Bike to Cat Cat village

Motorcycles are often parked at the beginning of the end areas of Cat Cat village. The price for motorbike drivers is about 20,000 VND / person.

On our way to Cat Cat village, many bike drivers asked us to get on the bike instead of walking. It was quite tempting because some parts of the roads were dirty.

However, I think it’s still better to walk downhill and enjoy the view. You can take a taxi/ bike when you return to Sapa from the village.

Cat Cat village entrance fee

Visitors must purchase tickets to enter Cat Cat village. The ticket prices are shown below:

• Adults: 70,000 VND/ person
• Children: 30,000 VND/ child

Tips: Remember to ask for the Cat Cat village map when purchasing the ticket. It will be handy for your trip.

After purchasing the ticket, you can continue walking down the stone steps to Cat Cat center.

How long does it take to visit Cat Cat village Sapa?

It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to trek Cat Cat village and explores the surrounding.

Cat Cat village tour

Taking a trekking tour is one of the most popular things to do in Sapa.

The 1-day Cat Cat trekking tour combines with other attractions, such as Lao Chai Ta Van trekking. There are many local agencies that you can choose from if you’re interested in taking one.

Besides taking an organized tour, you can find many local villagers who work as tour guides. I was surprised by how well they could speak English.

Cat Cat village accommodation

Where to stay in Cat Cat village, Sapa?

If you’d like to wake up with fresh air and a beautiful mountain view, I recommend staying near Cat Cat village.

Fansipan Terrace Cafe and Homestay is an excellent choice for those who love nature and comfortability. The location is ideal as it’s close to both the village and town, and the rooms offer beautiful views.

Another great place to stay near Cat Cat village is KK Hotel. This dreamy hotel offers comfortable rooms with beautiful views overlooking the valley. It’s located in the quiet part of the town, so you can enjoy a peaceful and cozy time while staying here.

What are the best things to do in Cat Cat village?

View the beautiful terraced fields

Those who visit Sapa cannot miss the stunning view of terraced fields in Cat Cat village.

The field change colors in each season. While the fields are covered in lush green from April to the end of May, it changes into bright yellow in September.

Unlike ordinary rice fields, the terraced fields lay layers like steps to heaven, creating breathtaking scenery.

Try H’mong ethnic clothes

Another exciting thing to do in Cat Cat village is to try the costumes of the H’Mong people.

Many local stores rent out beautiful ethnic costumes in the Cat Cat village area. The costumes’ types are quite diverse, and visitors are spoiled for choosing the clothes they love.

Tips

Rental price per set ranges from 50,000 – 100,000 VND per set.

Before renting, you should remember to check the clothes carefully. You should inform the rental immediately if there is any damage. Renting clothes is also one way to support the local life.

Visit Cat Cat rose garden

See H’mong traditional crafts

In the display area of the center, you can see how H’mong people make traditional handicraft products.

There are costumes and handbags from brocade, silver, and bronze jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.

Watch the traditional dance

Cat Cat village attracts visitors with its natural landscape and the unique and diverse traditional culture of H’Mong ethnic people.

You’ll get an excellent opportunity to experience, discover the people’s customs and religious beliefs, and immerse in the gentle dances.

There’s free performance frequently at the center house, so don’t forget to check it out.

Relax at Cat Cat village waterfalls

Tien Sa waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in Cat Cat village. Standing near the falls, you can hear the water pouring down while watching the romantic natural scenery.

Explore the center of Cat Cat village

There are many things that you can do at the center of Cat Cat village.

While some visitors choose to get coffee and enjoy the view, others love wandering around and taking pictures at the steam.

You can also take a look inside the traditional house of H’mong people or sit down and relax at some benches and hammocks nearby.

How to get back?

Crossing the bridge from the right side, you can find the instruction to go back to the second gate. On the map, the exit way will lead to Cat Cat bridge first, then checking gate number 2.

Note: You should not go back to the same path (back to the main gate) because it’s tiring. Going to Gate 2 is easier, and you will get a chance to explore different scenery.

What to pack for Cat Cat village?

The temperature in a day in Sapa can change dramatically. It has cold weather like spring in the morning, a warm afternoon like summer, a chilly afternoon like autumn, and a cold evening like winter.

With such weather, visitors must be flexible in choosing outfits when traveling here.

You should prepare for winter and summer outfits to make changes accordingly. Remember to bring a scarf and gloves to keep your body warm in the evening.

Is Cat Cat village worth visiting?

Yes and No.

Cat Cat village may not be your cup of tea if you’re not into touristy areas. As this village is close to Sapa town, it’s a must-stop for many travelers, especially the domestic ones.

Most things are catered to tourists, so it may feel like going shopping or visiting a park rather than exploring a sacred place.

However, if you have time and enjoy trekking, this village is suitable for half a day exploring.

My sister did not like it much because there were so many steps, but if you’re in shape and love trekking, I’d recommend going to Cat Cat village.