Northern Vietnam is home to rolling green hills and cascading Rice Terraces. The town of SaPa is a trekkers paradise in Vietnam. While there are plenty of overnight treks in SaPa to choose from, there are options for day treks from SaPa as well. Below is everything you need to know on visiting CatCat Village, SaPa.

If you’re searching for a day trek in SaPa, Cat Cat Village is a perfect place to learn about culture, history and the friendly minorities that call SaPa and its surroundings home.

However, if you’re searching for a remote trek near SaPa, one where you see no tourists or souvenirs – this hike isn’t what you’re after. It is visited by many tourists and unless you get there early in the morning, it can be much harder to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Having said that, I think the walk to Cat Cat Village is worth it if you know what to expect.

So, let’s get into why you should visit Cat Cat Village in SaPa, Vietnam. Whether you’re looking for a family hike in SaPa, or going it alone, or you just want to learn about the history of the people and their culture that’s lasted to this day – come trekking in SaPa, Vietnam.

Before you ask, no, Cat Cat Village isn’t full of cats. I only saw two during my day trek in CatCat.

Please note: Some links below are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I make a small commission if you make a purchase. Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

What is the history of Cat Cat Village in SaPa?

What is known as the Cat Cat Cultural Village was formed in the 19^th century, mainly by the Black H’mong and Dzao minorities.

To get by, residents of Cat Cat would grow rice and corn on the fertile green hills around SaPa. Traditional crafts such as fabric weaving, gold and silver jewelry, and as you walk through Cat Cat Village, many of these crafts exist today.

While the sheer number of visitors make the beauty and culture of the area more difficult to immerse yourself in, there is a reason why it is so popular.

 

Where is Cat Cat Village?

Surrounded by rice terraces and rolling green hills, Cat Cat Village is located just outside of the northern Vietnamese town of SaPa.

By following the “Cat Cat Trail” from SaPa for around 3km (1.8 miles), you will weave your way down to the bottom of Muong Hoa Valley, where the village of Cat Cat sits.

Cat Cat Village is prone to tourists and locals have found it profitable to accommodate travelers and teach them about the cultural points of interest of Cat Cat and SaPa.

You’ll also be treated to splendid lush green vistas of rolling mountains and rice terraces around this small village.

 

What is there to see in CatCat Village in Vietnam?

Even though the village is quite small, there are quite a few things to see in Cat Cat. Varying from beautiful scenic vistas of the area around SaPa, learning about the cultural history of Cat Cat or buying some locally made handicrafts – there’s something for everyone at CatCat Village.

• Descending the steep Cat Cat Trail (and yes, it is quite steep), you’ll be greeted to beautiful views over the small spillage and the mountains surrounding SaPa. There are plenty of lookouts over the lush green scenery.
• As you descend, there’s a small flower garden. During my visit, there were plenty of butterflies flying around for pollen.
• Cat Cat Suspension bridge sits just outside the town limits. Walking over this narrow suspension bridge into Cat Cat made from bamboo gets you into the town itself.
• Cat Cat Waterfall is one of the first Major sites you will encounter once you enter the village. Cat Cat Waterfall is large and powerful and sends a fine cooling mist throughout the village. You can’t really miss the falls as you can hear it from quite a distance away. You can cool off your feet in the river through Cat Cat Village as well, there are plenty little rocky ledges leading into the chilled water.

• Along the river, you will see many locals making use of the fast-flowing waters. There are giant water wheels that spin and pound the rice. These water wheels of Cat Cat Village make for a picturesque photo op!
• Traditional arts are common throughout the village of CatCat, and consist of anything from colorful brocade stitching to dance performances.
• As you walk around Cat Cat, you’ll notice many local homes that are open for display. You can find different crafts being created from locals weaving in front of a loom and using different fabrics from cotton, hemp, linen, and silk.

 

Is Cat Cat Village touristy?

Yes, Cat Cat Village attracts many tourists wanting beautiful views and to learn more about the history of the area. The locals around the streets know tourists often pay for souvenirs and asking if you would like “shopping?” is very common. If you say no, be prepared for a follow-up question “maybe later?”. It does get a little bit tedious at times, but it’s a small price to pay.

To visit Cat Cat Village without hopping around tourists constantly, I suggest leaving early. While the shops tend to open around 9 to 930 am. So if you get there earlier, the chances of running it into tourists are much lower and will be more peaceful. You won’t be able to escape them all day but will get a quieter beginning to your hike from SaPa.

 

How much does it cost to visit Cat Cat Village?

Cat Cat Village is not free to enter. A lot of I formation I’ve read, the cost of entering CatCat Village is quoted different prices much of the time.

I was asked to pay 50,000 VND ($2 USD) during my visit, which I think is a fair price, seeing as it goes to helping the community of Cat Cat Village.

You will walk right into the little pay booth before entering the village. After paying, you will be given a map of Cat Cat Village to help you navigate your way around.

 

How do I get to Cat Cat Village from SaPa?

Getting to the village of Cat Cat from SaPa by yourself is very easy. From SaPa town, follow the Cat Cat Trail. It’s around 3km from Sa Pa to Cat Cat Village. You will find the payment booth to enter CatCat  Village on this road, as well as a number of local vendors selling a number of handicrafts.

Be warned, CatCat Trail itself is quite steep and exhausting, even though it is a paved road.

If the sun is out, there is no cover from the unrelenting rays. If it has been raining, Cat Cat Trail can be muddy and very slippery. Make sure you dress for the conditions.

There are a couple of alternative ways to visit Cat Cat Village:

• Hire a taxi to either drop you off at the bottom of Cat Cat Trail, you can get a return taxi back or walk the steep road.
• Many tours from SaPa and even Hanoi incorporate a visit to Cat Cat Village. Check out some of the tours to Cat Cat Village.

 

What to expect from the day hike from SaPa to CatCat Village

To give a bit more detail into what to expect from the day hike to Cat Cat Village below is a rundown of my experience.

• After the overnight bus to Sa Pa from Hanoi arrived around 6 am, my partner and I checked in to our hotel and set off around 9:30 am towards Cat Cat along the paved trail.
• There are a number of shops and viewpoints on the way down, take your time to soak in the beautiful scenery around Cat Cat Village.
• We encountered Mimi, a local lady who has lived around SaPa her whole life. She would often stare off into the distance green mountains. She vanished just as quick as she appeared and didn’t ask for any money. She just wanted to say hello.
• By the time we reached the entrance to Cat Cat there were tourists everywhere. We paid the 50,000 VND entrance fee per person, got our map and set off into Cat Cat Village.
• It’s time to cross the bamboo suspension bridge of Cat Cat. It’s pretty sturdy, so you should be fine if you take your time and watch your footing.
• After getting into Cat Cat itself, we saw Cat Cat Waterfall. Relaxing around the surging water is a great way to soak in the beautiful surroundings.
• Once in the village itself, we saw houses offering educational experiences on how local handicrafts are made. There were also kids playing on the stone-paved alleyways and buffalos grazing on the green hills throughout the village.
• By the time we had made it back to SaPa, the sun had zapped all my energy and I was out of water. It was an exhausting uphill hike back so be prepared.
• While I spent around half a day in Cat Cat, you could easily make a day out of it by exploring everything this village near SaPa has to offer.

 

So, is visiting Cat Cat Village worth the visit??

Honestly, it depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for a super quiet day hike from SaPa, with no interaction from other people, let alone tourists, then this probably isn’t what you’re looking for. You will meet tourists and most likely plenty of them.

But if you’re looking for a day trip from SaPa, or a warm-up to an overnight hike through the rural outskirts of SaPa, and learn much about the cultural history of SaPa and it’s people, CatCat Village is a great family day trip from SaPa.

How else can I prepare for my trip to Vietnam?

There are a couple of other things you can do to make your travels throughout Vietnam run smoother and easier.

• Buying the right travel insurance is so important. World Nomads is who I use and I love them for their great plans and fast customer service. Book your travel insurance here!
• Guide books aren’t dead – especially those who cover a destination so well. Lonely Planet will give you plenty of tips and recommendations. Book your guide to Vietnam here!

 

Have you visited CatCat Village? What did you think of it? Too touristic? Let me know what you think in the comments below, along with any questions or comments!

Did you enjoy this post? Well here’s what you should do next!

• Share the adventure to Cat Cat Village to social media! Just use the buttons to the left of your screen (down the bottom if you’re on mobile)
• Signed up to Horizon Unknowns Newsletter – you’ll get plenty of tips and tricks on how to travel better. You’ll also get a free 8-page travel checklist!
• Read more about traveling Vietnam below!

 

Want more about traveling in Vietnam?

• Here’s the perfect itinerary of Hanoi!
• The best overnight adventure on Lan Ha Bay
• Trekking in Phong Nha – along the Ho Chi Minh Trail

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown