Cat Cat Village, Sapa

Cat Cat Village located in the Northwest of Vietnam is a stunning destination that attracts many tourists due to its captivating beauty. This charming village situated on the side of Sapa Town is highly recommended by trekking enthusiasts, particularly those exploring Northwestern Vietnam.

The village can be found in San Sa Ho Commune, Sa Pa District, Lao Cai Province and is open for visitors 24/7. The entrance fee for the village is 50,000 VND, while the parking fee for motorbikes is 10,000 VND. Don’t miss out on this picturesque location during your travels in Vietnam.

I. Overview of Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village was established by the local Mong ethnic group during the mid-19th century. In the early 20th century, this village was discovered by the French who transformed it into a favored vacation spot. The village is named after its stunning waterfall, which is known as CatScat in French. The name Cat Cat originated from this.

Cat Cat Village entices visitors with its pristine natural environment and the distinct cultural characteristics of the Mong people. Along with cultivating rice on terraced fields, the inhabitants of this village also uphold and develop traditional crafts. A visit to Cat Cat village provides an opportunity to explore the alluring nature, unique culture, and delectable delicacies of this destination.

II. Highlights of Cat Cat Village

Located just 2 kilometers away from Sapa Town, a renowned tourist destination situated 376 kilometers from Hanoi city center, is Cat Cat Village. This rustic village can be reached by motorbike or coach, with the former taking approximately 9 hours and the latter taking 5 hours to reach.

Cat Cat Village is situated along a stone road in the village center, comprised of nearly 80 households of the Mong ethnic group, with some scattered precariously on the mountain slope. The village is home to three streams named Tien Sa, Golden, and Silver, which converge into an impressive waterfall known as Cat Cat Fall. Tourists can also visit Si Bridge and A Lu Bridge, two chain bridges that cross the fall and provide an excellent vantage point for sightseeing and photography.

The houses of Mong people in Cat Cat Village are built against the mountainside, with each house only a few meters apart from one another. The typical house has three rooms with three horizontal trusses placed on stones, with walls and roofs made of wood. There are three doors in each house – the main door is located in the middle, while the other two are situated on either side. The main door is only opened during important occasions such as weddings, funerals, Tet, and holidays. Each house includes a shrine room, an attic floor for food storage, a kitchen, sleeping quarters, and a reception area for guests. One unique feature of the houses in Cat Cat Village is the mortars run by water power.

3. Handicraft

The Mong community in Cat Cat Village not only cultivates rice but also preserves their traditional crafts, such as weaving, knitting household items, carving silver, and forging agricultural tools. Visitors can explore the exhibition area to witness the exclusive and intricate products made by skilled craftsmen, confirming the culture’s conservation for generations.

Moreover, the locals maintain various unique cultural practices, among them the custom of abducting a wife. When a boy falls in love with a girl, he invites his friends to a party where they plan to abduct the girl and keep her for three days. If the girl agrees to marry, they will tie the knot; if not, they will remain friends.

Furthermore, visiting Cat Cat Village during the lunar new year offers tourists a chance to participate in Gau Tao festival, the largest event of the year for the Mong people. It reflects their ethnic cultural and spiritual life when they celebrate the beginning of a new year, praying for blessings and happiness.

III. What to Do in Cat Cat Village?

1. One of the most captivating experiences in Cat Cat Village is a visit to the awe-inspiring Cat Cat Fall. As water cascades down from Hoang Lien Son Mountain, it converges into three streams before forming a silky ribbon-like waterfall that can be heard from afar and welcomes visitors to the area. Taking a moment to stop at the bridges and admire the falls or even tiptoe along the stream banks can provide an unforgettable experience.

2. The giant bamboo water wheels in Cat Cat Village have been crafted to harness the power of water for pounding rice, but they also serve as an attraction for tourists to enjoy. Visitors should not miss the chance to witness these wheels in action and listen to the harmonious creaking and murmuring sounds that complement the natural surroundings and local ambiance.

3. A must-see in Cat Cat Village is the Mongs House, also known as the House Presentation. If travelers come across an intriguing house in the village, they should not hesitate to ask permission from the owners to enter. This will provide an opportunity to explore the unique architecture of the ethnic group and engage with locals to hear their compelling stories.

4. Discovering Local Cuisine

In order to truly experience a new destination, it is essential to indulge in the local specialties, and Cat Cat Village is no exception. One such specialty that should not be missed while visiting Northwest Vietnam, especially Cat Cat Village, is corn wine. With a unique recipe crafted by the locals, this wine encapsulates the essence of life and nature in the village, providing a delightful experience when enjoyed with friends and friendly locals around a fire while savoring mouth-watering dishes.

Additionally, shopping at Cat Cat Market is a must-do activity. The market caters to local demands, ensuring fair prices for a diverse range of goods such as food, clothing, agricultural tools, as well as striking handicrafts and souvenirs. Acquiring some of these handicraft items will serve as a beautiful reminder of the unforgettable journey to Cat Cat Village.

6. Spending a night in Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village is an alluring destination that offers visitors numerous night-time activities to explore. From watching the spectacular sunset over the magnificent mountains to spending time with friends until midnight, enjoying the refreshing mountain breeze and indulging in the delectable food available at local food stalls. The hospitable Mong people extend a warm welcome to tourists and are always ready to accommodate them overnight.

IV. Where to Stay in Cat Cat Village?

For those traveling on a budget or solo, staying with locals in Cat Cat Village is recommended. However, for those touring with groups, it’s preferable to choose a nearby homestay. There are several homestays and hotels available in the area, providing convenient services that allow for a comfortable stay in the mountainous region.

Here’s a list of nearby homestays and hotels you can consider:

• Cat Cat Garden Hotel
  • Location: 79 Fansipan, San Sa Ho Commune, Lao Cai (0.4km from Cat Cat Village)
  • Price: starting from 700,000 VND per night
• Sapa Vista Hotel
  • Location: 70 Fansipan, Sapa Town, Lao Cai (0.7km from Cat Cat Village)
  • Price: starting from 400,000 VND per night
• Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel Spa
  • Location: 30 Hoang Lien Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai (0.8km from Cat Cat Village)
  • Price: starting from 1,000,000 VND per night
• Sapa Green Hotel Spa
  • Location: Hoang Lien Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai (1km from Cat Cat Village)
  • Price: starting from 520,000 VND per night
• Chau Long II Hotel
  • Location: 24 Dong Loi Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai (1km from Cat Cat Village)
  • Price: starting from 630,000 VND per night
• Sapa Relax Hotel Spa
  • Location: 19A Dong Loi Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai (1km from Cat Cat Village)
  • Price: starting from 670,000 VND per night.

V. What and Where to Eat in Cat Cat Village?

1. What to Eat?

Here are some popular dishes that you should try if you visit the mountainous area in Northwestern Vietnam, especially Sapa:

1. Thang Co: This meat soup is made of horse meat (or sometimes beef, pork, and goat meat) with broth made from stewed horse bones, vegetables, and unique spices found only in the region. While it used to be a dish made only for special occasions, now you can find it in many local food stalls and restaurants.

2. Khang Gai Steamed Meat: In Cat Cat Village, lean meat from buffalo, pig, horse, or goat is mixed with spices, smoked in the kitchen without preservatives, and kept for years while still maintaining its original taste. The steamed meat can be grilled or cooked with vegetables or bamboo sprout.

3. Chicken Blood (Tiết Canh Gà): A specialty of the Mong community in Cat Cat Village and Sapa, chicken blood is believed to be lucky and is usually reserved for honored guests. It is made in the same way as other types of raw blood and has a unique, delicious taste.

4. Grilled Stream Fish: Fish in Sapa is different because it lives in streams at nearly 2000 meters. The small fish are often fried or grilled to retain their full flavor. They are splinted with bamboo staff and grilled over charcoal fire until they turn yellow. Grilled stream fish in Cat Cat Village is served with raw vegetables and a special sauce.

5. Frog Cooked with Bamboo Sprouts: Fresh frog meat and bamboo sprouts are boiled together with spices and other vegetables. This is a popular dish among the Mong people and is a must-try specialty for travelers visiting Cat Cat Village.

2. Where to Eat?

Here are some recommended restaurants in and around Cat Cat Village, San Sa Ho, Sapa, Lao Cai:

1. Cat Cat Riverside – offers local specialties, barbecue, street food, fast food, and coffee.
2. Gem Valley – serves up local specialties, Vietnamese cuisine, and Asian dishes.
3. Aira Restaurant Bar – located 0.8 km from Cat Cat Village in Aira Boutique Hotel, offering Vietnamese cuisine and Asian dishes.
4. Good Morning Vietnam – situated 0.8 km from Cat Cat Village on 63B Fansipan Street, serving Vietnamese cuisine, French food, and Asian dishes.

Cat Cat Village is a must-visit destination for both domestic and foreign tourists when visiting Sapa Town due to its unique features of a northwest highland village. The village offers captivating nature, traditional customs, and a blend of modern life that creates an unforgettable experience for all visitors.