Cat Cat Village is a famous tourist spot in Sapa, celebrated for its unique and cinematic beauty. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscapes and experience the rich culture of Sapa’s ethnic minorities.

Overview of Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat village is located in Hoang Lien commune, just a short 2 kilometers journey from Sapa Town. Tucked away at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Cat Cat Village is home to a large population of Mong ethnic people in Sapa.

Panorama of Cat Cat Village. — Cat Cat Village.

With its poetic hillsides and the soothing rush of waterfalls cascading past traditional stilt houses, Cat Cat is known as one of the most beautiful villages in Vietnam’s Northwest mountains, drawing in countless visitors from around the world.

Overview of Cat Cat Village terraced rice fields. — Terraced fields in Cat Cat.

History of Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village, founded in the mid-19th century, represents a long-standing settlement of the Mong people in Sapa. People here mainly live on farming, raising livestock, and weaving linen and brocade.

When the French first arrived here in the early 20th century, they were immediately captivated by the village’s wild, romantic beauty. Particularly impressed by the grand waterfalls, they named the area “cascade” (the French word for waterfall). This name was later Vietnamese-ized into the familiar “Cat Cat” we know today.

Center of Cat Cat Village in Sapa. — The center of Cat Cat Village in Sapa.

Another theory suggests the name “Cat Cat” was inspired by the Mong language, meaning “under the market”, referring to the village’s location at the foot of the rolling mountains.

What makes Cat Cat Village special?

Beyond its stunning highland scenery, Cat Cat Village captivates visitors with its vibrant indigenous culture. As you explore, you’ll be surprised by how deeply the Mong people’s traditional values are woven into their daily lives, from their local specialties and festival customs to their traditional crafts and unique house architecture.

Walking around Cat Cat Village in a traditional costume is a fascinating way that visitors can connect with the village’s culture.

Sapa visitors in Cat Cat Village. — Visitors in Cat Cat Village.

Location & How to get to Cat Cat Village

Located only 2 kilometers from Sapa Town, the road to Cat Cat Village is quite convenient and easy to find on map apps. However, once inside the village, the narrow, winding mountain paths can be a bit challenging to navigate for some visitors.

Because Cat Cat isn’t as large as Lao Chai or Ta Van Villages, and many of its beautiful spots are located on steep hillsides or reached via suspension bridges, visitors often opt to walk instead of ride motorbikes. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural scenery and observe local life up close.

Sapa guest in front of Cat Cat Village. — Guest in Cat Cat Village.

For an easy and convenient trip to Cat Cat Village, consider booking your Sapa adventure with Fola Travel. Our packages include convenient shuttle service between Hanoi and Sapa, comfortable accommodation in Sapa Town, and delicious meals. With a team of experienced staff and tour guides, we promise you a comfortable and life-enriching experience in this highland region.

See more: Best Sapa tours for your 2025 adventures.

Best time to visit Cat Cat Village

Thanks to its unique mix of tropical and temperate influences, Cat Cat Village enjoys a consistently cool and comfortable climate throughout the year, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation in Vietnam.

The best time of year for Cat Cat:

April to October: This period is Cat Cat’s peak tourist season, offering pleasant weather with minimal rain, perfect for outdoor activities like trekking or cycling through the village. It’s also when many vibrant Mong folk festivals occur, including the captivating Long Tong and Gau Tao celebrations.
November to March: This quieter time offers a chance for visitors to enjoy crisp, fresh air and serene mountain views. You might even witness stunning phenomena like a sea of clouds spilling into the valley, or delicate snow and frost dusting stilt roofs and tree canopies.

When to visit Cat Cat:

Mornings in Cat Cat: The gentle, warm sunlight of the morning is perfect for photography and outdoor activities like exploring the village. Just keep in mind that mornings are often the busiest time in the village.
Afternoons in Cat Cat: As the day progresses, the sunlight becomes a bit harsher, but the air remains pleasantly cool thanks to the surrounding primeval forest. Expect a chance of light rain later in the day, but it usually doesn’t impact your sightseeing.

Sapa guest on Cat Cat Village waterfall. — Guest photos in Cat Cat.

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Trek around terraced fields

The landscape around Cat Cat Village is defined by its stunning terraced fields, appearing like gentle, sculpted waves across the hills. During the rice harvest season, from September to October, these fields paint the entire village in a radiant, honey-yellow glow, captivating visitors’ hearts.

Cat Cat village center

As you arrive at the center of Cat Cat Village, you’ll find three-story wooden houses nestled close together. Right in the middle is a large waterfall, accompanied by three impressive water mills and rustic bamboo bridges. This blend of simplicity and poetic beauty makes it the perfect spot for your memory photos.

Water mills in Cat Cat Village. — Water mills in Cat Cat.

Tien Sa Waterfall

Tien Sa Waterfall, located at the very end of Cat Cat Village, is truly impressive with its powerful beauty. Water crashes down from a tall cliff onto massive rocks below, churning into white foam.

During the festivals in Cat Cat Village, the scene here becomes even more special: Mong girls, dressed in gorgeous floral outfits, dance and sing around the waterfall. It’s a magnificent site that leaves tourists speechless.

Si Bridge

In Cat Cat Village, you’ll find numerous small bridges connecting the two sides of the stream. Among them, Si Bridge stands out as the most beautiful. Built from wooden planks, bamboo sticks, and tightly woven ropes, its slightly swaying steps offer visitors an exciting feeling as they cross the bridge.

Waterfall in Cat Cat Village. — Si Bridge.

Cat Cat Suspension Bridge

On your way into Cat Cat Village from ticket gate number 2, you’ll encounter the Cat Cat Suspension Bridge. This small bridge, made of thin wooden planks and held by weathered cables, offers a unique experience as though you’re floating in the air.

Cat Cat Theater

Located opposite the beautiful Tien Sa Waterfall, Cat Cat Theater is where ethnic people perform traditional arts. Dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, they bring to life the daily customs and practices of the highlands, including scenes of going to the fields, spinning linen, weaving, and even weddings.

The wonderful performances are enhanced by ethnic musical instruments like Mong leaf panpipes and bamboo flutes, along with graceful dances, truly captivating visitors.

Traditional game in Cat Cat Village festival. — Traditional game in the Cat Cat Festival.

Explore traditional craft villages

Cat Cat Village is dedicated to preserving its traditional handicrafts, many of which are at risk of fading away. These include linen weaving, forging agricultural tools, and carving silver jewelry. Here, you can witness firsthand the intricate steps involved in creating a brocade fabric or a silver necklace. This not only highlights the artisans’ talent but also showcases the rich culture passed down through generations.

Colorful brocade stall in Bac Ha Market. — Colorful brocade products.

Brocade products in Cat Cat are popular souvenirs chosen by many tourists to keep memories of this poetic village.

Participate in the Gau Tao festival

The Gau Tao festival is an important event for the Mong community in Cat Cat Village, typically held from the 1st to the 15th day of the first lunar month. This festival is a time to pray for good weather, successful harvests, and prosperity for all families in the new year.

Visitors to the festival can join in exciting games like crossbow shooting, “pao” throwing, or watch martial arts displays. It’s also a chance to enjoy delicious local dishes and witness special competitions among the villagers.

Rent ethnic costumes & take photos

Most reputable ethnic costume rental shops in Sapa are located right in Cat Cat, as more and more tourists want to capture photos amidst this stunning village.

Wearing colorful brocade fabrics and sparkling silver jewelry allows you to transform into a local. It’s a fun way to engage with the culture and helps support the preservation of this region’s unique heritage.

Guest taking cinametic photos at Cat Cat Village waterfall. — Cinematic photos at Cat Cat waterfall.

Sapa Town

Sapa Town is the ideal place to stay, where you can further explore the unique ethnic villages and stunning mountain landscapes of Vietnam’s Northwest highlands.

Overview of houses on Sapa mountains. — Sapa shrouded in clouds.

Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages

Lao Chai and Ta Van are Sapa’s largest villages, where you can experience the stunning beauty of golden terraced rice fields, picturesque valleys, and traditional stilt houses. You can also enjoy fun local activities and learn about the unique culture.

A Sapa village in the middle of the rice from above. — Golden terraced fields in Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages.

Nam Cang Village

Nam Cang Village, tucked away in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, offers a serene nature exploration. Coming to this village, visitors can admire the terraced fields stretching far and wide, embracing the small wooden roofs.

Hoang Lien National Park

Known for its rich plant and animal life, Hoang Lien National Park covers four charming Sapa villages: Ban Ho, Ta Van, Lao Chai, and San Xa Ho. It’s a top destination for exploring the natural beauty of Vietnam’s Northwest mountains.

Fansipan Summit

Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain, is a legendary peak many dream of conquering. Reaching the top rewards you with an incredible, sweeping view of Sapa’s magnificent mountains and forests, along with the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a fee to visit Cat Cat Village?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to Cat Cat Village. Currently, it’s US$6 for adults and US$4 for children. Children under 1 meter tall can enter for free. Besides the entrance fee, you might pay extra if you rent ethnic costumes, eat, or stay overnight in the village.

If you book a Sapa tour with Fola Travel, the sightseeing costs, including the entrance fee to Cat Cat Village, are already part of your tour price. This makes your visit convenient and worry-free!

2. What time does Cat Cat Village close?

The shops in Cat Cat Village generally open around 5 AM and close by 10 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to explore. If you wish to stay longer, there are hotels and homestays right in the village for an overnight stay. Alternatively, you can always choose to return to Sapa Town for your accommodation.