Cat Cat village

Cat Cat village

Cat Cat village
3.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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  • shaishavv
    Mumbai, India1,205 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good for experiencing Vietnamese village & souvenier shopping
    Cat Cat Village as the name suggests is a village which is created mainly for the tourists to experience Vietnam village life. Lot of walking is involved. Going down & then going up which is exhausting. One can use the bike service on payment basis to avoid this exhausing climb up. The village is very beautiful with lot of natural beauty, traditional performances & lots of shops to buy locally hand
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 March 2024
  • Lauren S
    Perth, Australia206 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cat cat village walk. Sapa.
    This was a unique experience. The village they have built down there is amazing and beautiful and would be an instagrammers dream. They have set up so many different beautiful locations/scenes and themes to take gorgeous photos if that is what you are after. The waterfall was lovely. The walk down there are many small stalls selling local products, and many different small bars and cafes to stop into. We had a beautiful clear and warm day here away from the usual foggy and colder Sapa weather so could see the gorgeous views. There are A LOT of stairs involved, so maybe don’t head down there if you are not good with stairs. Otherwise. Highly recommend you take a look at this individual and quaint little village in sapa.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 March 2024
  • Maja Huss
    21 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good day with pretty views but felt like it was just made for tourists
    Cute village but touristy. Took a walk there from Sapa town and the views were stunning. Cost 150.000 for a ticket to go inside and they had shops and restaurants in the village. I ended up spending about an hour there including a stop at one of the restaurants overlooking the village. The waterfall was pretty as well, but nothing extraordinary - it all felt like it had been built up just for tourists to visit. Took a motorbike to go back to the town and I paid 70.000. It was a good day but don’t think I would go back.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 10 April 2024
  • meilin l
    Macquarie Park, Australia970 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just a visit
    Not bad - the waterfall and scenery are not bad. Just that the entire place do give me that it is man made. For the r first time visitors it is ok to go and visit as it offers nice scenery. It is good for people who can walk but elderly are best to avoid as there are many steps and i doubt the elderly can walk.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 May 2024
  • LET GO LEASH • Alecia
    287 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes it's touristy, but that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting...
    I think people need to understand it is literally called "Cat Cat Tourist Area". I don't know what this village was before I visited, but yes, it is a tourist area. We spent the day hiking down the stairs, enjoying strange art at multiple view points, having a cup of coffee or tea, and playing cards. By the time were got down to the bottom (the main area) we had some food, played with the kids, and learned about their local music by watching the performances. You can tell they have done work on the village. They have built bridges and there are beautiful flowers all around. It may not be the most authentic, but I think they did a beautiful job. And at the end of the day, I am a tourist. I'm not upset that this location is free for locals to visit, and not for me. I think that is an absurd and ignorant argument to make. I thought it was a gorgeous little town, and had it been a place back home, everyone would love the changes they had made to it. So, I think take this trip with a grain of salt. Is it a very authentic small 'village' in the mountains, no. Is it a beautiful and interesting place to visit, absolutely. The weird thing I couldn't put my finger on that my travel mate and I were discussing all day were the people that were fully dressed in traditional garb for photo shoots. They appeared to almost all be individuals of asian decent, I am assuming Vietnamese. It sparked a very interested conversation about appropriation within a culture's own dynamics that I have no idea the answer to. All I know is as a tourist I would never have rented one of the outfits. Just something I noticed...
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 June 2024
  • tinkle_24
    Northampton, United Kingdom1,822 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pleasant setting
    Sadly this black Hmong village is now only a tourist attraction. You can just about imagine what life was like with the river flowing by and the ethnic group engaged in their typical activities. Of course life is no long as it was..poor and harsh.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 June 2024
  • Handi Suyadi
    Bandung, Indonesia645 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Need Much Energies
    (Visit on April 12, 2024) Recently Cat Cat Tourism Village began popular, accelerated with the increasing popularity of Sapa. Many tourists that go to Sapa also visit Cat Cat Tourism Village. Unfortunately, Cat Cat Tourism Village is not for everyone. Tourist need to down the stairs just to visit Cat Cat Tourism Village, because the area was located at area with lower height than Sapa. The stairs itself have hundred steps. Too challenging for everyone whose have difficulty on using stairs. At some area, the stairs were very steep. Through the stairs, there are plenty shop selling souvenir (mostly locally made), craft, food and drink. Thankfully, tourist can return to above by using electric bus. At the location, visitor can see a beautiful waterfall and watch locals showcasing traditional culture. Well, it's really look neat, but need much effort to visit there.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 August 2024
  • Barbs25
    Staffordshire, United Kingdom3,973 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty village
    Yes it’s a touristy place but it didn’t make it unenjoyable for us anyway. It’s popular for a reason cus it’s pretty so the locals have made money from it and why not. You can easily walk to the start of the village from sapa town, not too far down the bank. Easy to find following the main road out. You buy at ticket at the kiosk just off the road then it’s quite a steep downhill trial but it’s steps all the way and way enough. Took us about 30 minutes maybe. Shops and sellers along the way but didn’t find them pushy at all. When you make it down to the village it’s so pretty, wooden bridges, paths and flowers all around it’s so picturesque. Deep in the valley with green hills all around and the river running though it’s a lovely place. Lots of local tourists having photoshoots in costumes. Busy but easy to find some more peaceful spots. We walked back up which is steep but easy enough taking your time. There are also bikes and taxis that intersect the path in parts of you prefer a lift up. Really enjoyable morning spent here, glad we ignored the negative reviews.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 October 2024
  • Jonathan Phan
    384 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun Experience at Cat Cat village
    During our family’s unforgettable journey to Sa Pa in June 2024, we had the pleasure of crossing the iconic Cầu treo Cát Cát. The panoramic views from the viewpoint were breathtaking; lush terraced fields unfolded before us. Visiting Cat Cat viewpoint in Sa Pa during the third week of June 2024 was an unforgettable experience. The weather was perfect, with just enough sunshine peeking through the clouds to illuminate the verdant rice terraces that Sa Pa is renowned for. The bamboo structure at the viewpoint provided a unique frame to view and capture photos of the stunning mountainous landscape. It’s a serene spot that invites reflection and appreciation for nature’s beauty. As my journey in Sa Pa came to a close, I found myself at this very spot, soaking in every last detail—the cool breeze and tranquility. It was more than just a visual treat; it was a moment that engaged all senses and left me with a profound sense of peace.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 October 2024
  • Norhashimah R
    9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth all the steps!
    It is worth to pay a visit/tour to this place if you like culture and nature Suggest to go early in the morning (8-8.30am should be okay) to avoid the crowd Don't take the bike down the hill from the entrance The waterfalls are pretty Souvenirs are cheaper at the Cat Cat Village compared to outside but bargain game here is strong U need to buy something(like souvenir or drink) in order to take pictures at certain spots U can stroll by yourself or take a tour (we did DIY tour) There are few taxis waiting at the exit
    Visited October 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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3.5 of 5 bubbles1,055 reviews
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Eliana Maria
Jakarta, Indonesia527 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Friends
This place was great for picture taking, not for nature lovers. Most people who came here rented the Hmong traditional clothes and even rent a photographer. Many spots here are instagram-able. If you come here not for picture taking, be prepared to be disappointed.

During my visit in mid December, the road to this place was closed, so we had to walk 1 km downhill to reach the closest entrance. The river was located near the further entrance, so be prepared to go down hundreds of stairs. The only way to return to Sapa city centre without climbing the stairs back is to hail a motor bike (you have to bargain traditionally, Grab bike isn't available in Sapa). Their standard offer is VND 80,000/bike to return to Sapa centre. The road back is uphill, winding, and very foggy. I couldn't really see the road and had to trust the driver completely 😆 It was quite scary.
Written 24 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linz H
Manchester, UK12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Having read the reviews, we were wary whether to go to Cat Cat Village or give it a miss. I think what people are forgetting is that yes, there are people peddling their wares, but what do you expect from a touristic area ... And yes, there is an entry fee, like lots of places the world over. If you can get your head beyond that, then it's a pleasant day out. They were doing some construction work at the bottom near the waterfalls, and even that didn't detract from the visit. It is a steep hike down many steps to the waterfall and a killer coming back up, in my opinion. You will be mithered if you want to opt for a motorbike transfer back up to the top, rather than having a cardiac, but we politely declined every time (only because l wanted to prove to myself I am fitter than what I think).
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jānis S
Cesis, Latvia21 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
I got a little worried about the bad reviews but I’m glad that we went there. It’s a question of what you expect from the place. We visited village in a rainy day close to closing time and had a quiet and peaceful evening there with a great view. I definitely can’t agree with the one star reviews although if you’re searching for a authentic local experience you’re in for a bad time.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mmd
16 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Solo
To avoid ! Accessible on foot about 20 minutes walk from the city center depending on your hotel.
I arrived without knowing that there was a charge. I arrive at the top of a staircase, the entrance is manned by a guard, you have to pay 220 or 250D I don't remember well.
But don't go there! It's a total tourist trap. For me it's like going to a human zoo, I totally refuse to pay to see people in their place of residence and see them working etc.... And who does the money go to? The women of the villages harass you in the street to make us buy souvenirs but especially THE CHILDREN! if the money is not for the children and to help them avoid forced labor....where then does this money go?!?! Lots of children in the evening, especially under 10 years old, probably who carry babies on their backs and try to sell key rings while the mothers look on. Sometimes sitting around doing nothing or selling too. Total boycott of these places and boycott of sales by women in the street because they are the ones who make their children work.
Google
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Go30734466436
12 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
Unless you are interested in shopping or taking pictures in traditional clothing, its not really worth the entrance fee (150k p.P.). The village could be nice, but seems to suffer from overtourism. It was overcrowded (sunday) and you couldn't really enjoy it due to the amount of people, who all blocked paths to take pictures of themselves. It's just a big tourist town with people putting on a show to try and entertain. Left me feeling a bit sentimental about what this village may have been before.
Written 14 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aileen S
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Family
Beyond amazing! Cat Cat village was the closet to being in a real life fairy tale I’ve ever felt! The tree house as you come in was well worth the very small fee (10k). We have 2 small children (2 & 5) the steps where a bit much for our 2 year old but it was worth carrying him down to the waterfalls, the most magical scenery & a cultural show every hour we where there for 3 of the shows, my 5 year old wanted to watch them over & over & join in with the dancing at the end! We jumped on motorbikes for a very reasonable fee (100k each bike) back to Sapa town to save the kids walking back up all the steps (totally doable by ourselves but would have been too much for the kids). I’m really glad we didn’t read the trip advisor reviews before going to Cat Cat because maybe we wouldn’t have went and would have missed out on seeing one of the most beautiful parts of earth!
Written 25 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Footrip
48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Just go! If you're already planning a trip to Sa Pa, then make sure to stop at Cat Cat village. I was a little hesitant because of the negative reviews, but we enjoyed ourselves. I think we spent about three hours here.

It has a little bit of a fake Disneyland feel/parody vibe of a real culture(s) but just enjoy it for what it is. A couple of us paid extra for the photo opportunity thing where you climb treehouse like stuff. It was cute and affordable. Plus admission includes a water bottle.

We never dined at a restaurant here but we did stop for drinks and fresh coconut at one point. It was kind of hot and dusty that day, and we dipped our feet in the cool river at the bottom and it was very nice.

I bought a real leather card holder that I thought was affordable.

If you have the time, then maybe it would be fun to rent traditional outfits and get photos taken?

Lots of stone stairs fyi! I don't know how accessible it is for the elderly or people in wheelchairs :(
Written 6 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bobbi S
Lido Beach, NY5,616 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Everything we read said that Cat Cat Village is very touristy, not authentic, crowded & not worth going to. We say: none of the above is true & we are so glad that we went! If you imagine that his created village is more than just that then you, too, will enjoy it. Yes, you have to first walk through a long line of small scale vendors who sell everything from buffalo jerky (it was quite good!), to silver jewelry, woven bags, belts, blankets, food, drinks, you name it. Once in the valley area, you will see TONS of people, mostly Vietnamese tourists who rent traditional clothes to have their pictures taken alongside one of the waterfalls, on horses, next to one of the many water wheels, near the river...it's all so colorful. We happened to walk into one of the small theaters in time to see dancers practicing their routines as their leader beat out the rhythms & perfected their movements. Suddenly, a local vendor came in with baskets of greens & all the dancers stopped their practice so that they could buy some herbs & veggies for their families. We saw beautiful waterfalls, huge birdhouses, gardens of flowers & fruits trees, people coming & going everywhere, taking in all of the sights. We enjoyed the rural feeling, the stone stairways, trees hugging the hillside, the slow-moving river, & we, too, took one of the best pictures here. A good memory.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Monica S
4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
This place is a tourist trap. To get to this place, you have to go down a long narrow street full of street vendors and dogs. Be prepared to get exhausted to say "No" and refuse people that try to sell you stuff and stop you. The village itself is not an authentic village, it's a fake one, made for tourists, and it's full with tourists only dressed up in traditional clothes that came there to take photos. Go on a hike in the rice fields instead, this place is a tourist trap and the few hours it takes to get there and see it are just not worth it.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Herling w
7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Couples
We tried to find a bit of info on cat cat but could find much. Being in Sapa Cat Cat being close by we decided to go and visit it. First of all the walk begins along a busy road. After 1 km we found a short cut and ended up in a parking lot were we had to buy a entrance fee ticket. I live in Bali so nothing new here we have the same kind of villages. Then the walk to the village is surrounded by sellers from top to bottom. The whole way its steps with on flat area its down all the way. Ones arriving at the village its hard to distinguish were is the village. Has its a few dirty huts turned into souvenirs shops. The waterfall are not impressive and the place has sillions of tourist you could hardly walk. Imagine being stuck on steep step in a subway kind of crowd in a hot environment. And after all this effort finding yourself surrounded by shop on the bottom of a ravine. Thanks god after getting back up we hired 2 bikes for us to be brought back into Sapa. The bike ride was the best thing from the whole trip that got us as far away from there has possible.
Written 19 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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