Sapa is a mystical town with the perfect spiritual elements. These cultural Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery but also a one-on-one experience to discover the harmony between nature and people. But in the heart of Sapa, hidden in moss and beautiful landscapes, lies a mysterious relic of the past, the Ancient Ta Phin Monastery. Ideal for those seeking a spiritual journey, or for history hobnobbers or adventurers, this tour takes you off the beaten path, immersing you in the traditions of the Red Dao people and the almost overtop beauty of northern Vietnam. All from our Sapa Tours because the best stories have footnotes!
Deep in the misty highlands city of Sapa is the more than 120–year–old Ta Phin Monastery located 12km away from the center of Sapa town. This remote but fascinating location is located in Ta Phin settlement inhabited by the Red Dao, who contribute to the monastery’s rich culture. The cherry blossoms in Sapa are crowded while this one is a hidden gem that is away from the crowd, making it a place worth visiting if you want a spiritual change in the beautiful surroundings.
Constructed in 1942 by French colonizers, the monastery was an area of worship and residence for Catholic nuns. However, it was shelved in 1945, as a result of political changes, leaving only its hauntingly beautiful ruins. The European-style stone walls, archways mottled with moss, and hollow corridors remain today, telling the silent stories of worship and the passing of time. Not solely a historical site, Ta Phin Ancient Monastery symbolizes the deep spiritual and cultural fabric of the region and is thus one of the highlights of our Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery.
As soon as you enter the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery, it will feel like another world. The dilapidated building, enveloped in nature, is often covered in fog for most of the year, offering an eerie yet captivating spectacle. Thick moss and creeping vines cover its ancient walls, and a serene setting adds to the mystical energy of the monastery. Whether you visit for meditation, spiritual reflection or simply to check out its beauty, this place is an unrepeated experience in Sapa.
Photographers and history buffs: the best time for a visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the soft golden light imbues the monastery with an otherworldly beauty. Weekdays are great if you want peace and an uninterrupted spiritual trip without the crowd. Ta Phin Ancient Monastery as Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery which means not visiting only to sightsee it but also experiencing the silence and the spirituality of northern Vietnam.
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery (Sours: laocaitourism)
05:30 AM – Depart from Hanoi
Get up before the sun and get ready for an amazing adventure! Our first stop: A luxury van or train rides up to Sapa, the land of clouds and cultural experiences. As the sun rises over the meandering roads of the north: terraced rice fields, winding rivers, and traditional stilt houses. We stop for fresh air and our lunch before continuing along the path into Sapa town.
12:30 PM – Arrive in Sapa & Check-in
Welcome to Sapa! You will be immediately enchanted by the fresh mountain air and stunning surroundings. We check in at one of three touching-the-stars mark hotels of the town — BB Sapa Hotel, Pao’s Sapa Leisure Hotel, or Silk Path Grand Resort allow you to refresh before our exploration starts for the afternoon
02:00 PM – Visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery
Now, let’s go to the best part of our tour the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery. After a brief 30-minute drive, we arrive at Ta Phin village home of the Red Dao people over the centuries. As you get closer, the imposing remains of this French-constructed monastery from 1942 will appear before you, a ghostlike yet beautiful reminder of days gone by. The silence is absolute here: We walk through ivy-covered arches and into moss-covered stone walls, our voices drowned out by the wind and faraway birds.
And even as I do that, I can’t help but picture the Catholic nuns who used to live and pray in these very halls, their voices a memory now faded into history. Wander, take photos, or just sit in silence and soak in the spiritual energy of this place. Though dozens of people stroll through the ruins, most come away feeling a sense of profound peace, lost in the Webb family’s grandeur.
03:30 PM – Cultural Immersion in Ta Phin Village
We come out of the monastery, step into Ta Phin village, and fearlessly step into the heart of this community of the Red Do people. The Red Dao are known for their decorative embroidered clothing and their use of traditional healing methods, which they have maintained for centuries. We will then visit a local home, where our host will share about their customs, traditional medicine, and daily life.
04:30 PM – Traditional Red Dao Herbal Bath
Before returning, experience something truly unique—a Red Dao herbal bath! This ancient wellness practice consists of soaking in a large wooden tub with boiling water lathered with over 30 herbal medicines harvested from the nearby mountains. As you settle in to refresh with a bath, you’ll feel your muscles relax, your mind clear, body energizing — an ideal way to unwind after a day of adventure.
06:00 PM – Return to Sapa Town & Dinner
After an epic afternoon, we head back to Sapa town for a hearty local dinner in a traditional restaurant. From grilled mountain pork to stir-fried vegetables to the iconic thang co (horse stew), you are going to experience the real flavors of the place.
08:00 PM – Explore Sapa’s Night Market
Explore the bustling Sapa night market before calling it a night. Scan handwoven textiles, artisanal silver jewelry, and locally grown tea — great souvenirs to take with you. If you’re feeling it, have a cup of warm herbal tea in hand and watch the town come to life under soft lantern light.
Silk Path Grand Resort (Sours: silkpathhotel)
05:00 AM – Sunrise at Ham Rong Mountain (Optional)
An optional trek to Ham Rong Mountain is open for early risers. Feeling like we’re in a hallucination, the misty mountains start to give us a view of Sapa town in golden sunlight as we summit. If hiking isn’t your thing, just soak up the morning from your hotel balcony.
07:00 AM – Breakfast at the Hotel
A filling breakfast is served, including pho, fruits from the mountain, and Vietnamese coffee. Get ready for a fun day!
08:00 AM – Conquer the Roof of Indochina: Fansipan Peak (Optional)
For the adventurous spirit, we provide a cable car trip to Fansipan Peak — the highest mountain in Indochina, measuring 3,143 meters above sea level. The 15-minute journey provides stunning sky-high sight of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the clouds swaying below. At the summit, you’ll find the Great Buddha statue, ancient pagodas, and 360-degree views that stretch for miles.
12:00 PM – Lunch & Free Time in Sapa
After Fansipan, have lunch in Sapa town, and free your leisure to do some sightseeing or shopping.
02:00 PM – Departure for Hanoi
Our wonderful experience in Sapa comes to an end and we head back to Hanoi, arriving in the City at around 8:00 PM. As we return, let’s take a look at the places we’ve been to, the heartfelt connections we’ve established, and the sweet spots we’ve created when joining one of our Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery.
Fansipan Peak (Sours: asiapacifictravel)
For more intrepid travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, we offer an extended homestay in Ta Phin village.
08:00 AM – Trekking to Ta Phin Cave
After a drive of about 30 minutes, we will start with a beautiful trek on rolling hills and terraced rice fields of Ta Phin about 7-10km. In between, we stop at Ta Phin Cave, a lesser-known natural wonder that’s home to subterranean passageways and enigmatic rock formations.
12:00 PM – Lunch with a Local Family
Enjoy lunch – a home-cooked meal with fresh, local ingredients prepared by a Red Dao family. It gives you a chance to connect with your hosts and learn about their traditions and you can even have a go at traditional Red Dao embroidery.
03:00 PM – Return to Sapa & Depart for Hanoi
A final relaxation and cultural exchange, before we return to Sapa and depart for Hanoi, and end one of the most memorable, unique, and rewarding trips ever.
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Trekking in Ta Phin Village (Sours: asialegend)
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery’s majestic is on the other hand a place that you can go into for relaxation and away from the crowd. The best times to visit are from September to November and March to May when the weather is cool, dry , and ideal for exploring. These seasons typically have clear blue skies, with views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. Crisp air creates a mystical aura over the monastery, it is a magical time perfect for photography, meditation or simply taking in the environment.
If you try to visit between June and August, be careful — the rainy season can make the trails to the monastery slippery and hard to navigate. Fog at this time of year can also obscure the gorgeous vistas. To have the best Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery, you should visit during the drier seasons, so you can enjoy the best of your trip.
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery is a historical and spiritual site so dress appropriately and be ready for the changing mountain weather. Trekking shoes and preferably comfortable ones at that are a must as the paths to the monastery are uneven and often covered in moss, making them slippery in wet weather. If you intend to visit the local Ta Phin Village or hike deeper into the hills with your trek, wearing proper shoes will help you travel safely and comfortably.
Modest dress is also suggested out of respect for the spiritual space of the monastery and the local Red Dao population. Although there is no strict dress code, wearing long pants and covering shoulders is a good way to show cultural appreciation. Pack a light jacket or warm layer to ensure comfort for the day, as the temperatures in Sapa can fall abruptly, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.
Seeing Ta Phin Ancient Monastery isn’t just about visiting old stones— it’s also about recognizing and honoring the culture of the Red Dao people living nearby. They have a deeply rooted connection to the land and strong cultural and spiritual beliefs. Also, always ask first before taking photos of local people, their homes, or ceremonies, to ensure a meaningful experience. A welcoming smile and a polite request can help convey the respect you have.
Also while there, do not touch or remove artifacts, stones, or plants in the monastery. The ruins are delicate, and protecting them enables future generations to understand their historic importance. As a way to support the local community, buy handmade crafts, embroidered textile goods, or products made from local herbal medicine, which all help sustain traditional craftsmanship and local livelihoods.
For over 10 years now at Impress Travel, we have arranged Sapa Tours for travelers who want authenticity and immersion. Our experience rooted in Red Dao communities offers a unique perspective on their traditions and ancient healing practices and takes you on an exciting journey into the history of Ta Phin Ancient Monastery. Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery that are accompanied by experienced guides, who will brief you about the compelling stories behind this process with effortless navigation during your trip.
All travel at no additional cost thanks to transparent pricing with no hidden costs, because you can book with confidence. Our tours are completely customized according to your desires and if you come here in search of a spiritual retreat, a cultural experience, or perhaps a trekking adventure, we tailor-make your itinerary for an unforgettable experience. Staying stress-free in our journey from Hanoi to Sapa and beyond, our customer support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help.
Being strong supporters of sustainable and community-based tourism, we partner with the Red Dao families to provide responsible homestay, while helping local artisans and businesses. Sustainable travel is a part of our tours. Keep the natural and cultural heritage of Sapa for future generations. If you come on our Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery, and help you find a tour that will take you on a truly unforgettable experience deep into northern Vietnam.
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In the center of Sapa, the Ta Phin Ancient Monastery is home to spirituality, history, and culture. From mystical ruination to the rites of the Red Dao people, this trek is an indelible mix of contemplation, exploration, and immersion in the local culture. We created our Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery for lonely travelers (not visitors who prefer luxury or comfort) who are looking for adventure and stunning views.
But are you ready for a journey that will change your life? Impress Travel is at your service for Sapa tours visit Ta Phin Ancient Monastery; let’s unwrap Vietnam with us!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
An amazing sapa tour to admire the dramatic scenery of Sapa Hill Station in the northwest of Vietnam such as imposing rice terraces, stunning green valleys, hills row on hills, mountains of mountains.
Three days of Sapa easy trekking to explore the most iconic attractiveness of Sapa such as rice terraces, lush-green valleys, imposing mountains rows of mountains, the cultural diversity.
To do the athletic activities as easy trekking to visit the rustic hill tribe villages via the stunning rice terraces, to meet at the friendly communication with local ethnic people, enjoy local foods.
The tour bring you to Sapa easy trekking tour to ethnic villages & O Quy Ho Glass bridge where travelers floating experience by the imposing scenery around and the deep smoking bottom.
