Ma Tra and Ta Phin Monastery Biking Excursion

Tour Code: SAP-20 Duration: Approx 5 Hours

Cycle down to the peaceful and lively village of Ma Tra and Ta Phin as you explore the mysterious Ta Phin monastery along the way.

Highlights:

• Travel Downhill Straight into the Spectacular Mountainous Landscape of Sapa Countryside on a Memorable Cycling trip Around the Vietnamese COuntryside
• Tour the Quiet and Peaceful Village of Ma Tra and Immerse Yourself in the Daily life of the Hmong and Dao Residing in the Village
• Stop by the Mystical looking Abbey Located in Ta Phin Village and Listen to the rich and Interesting Background Story of the Place

Tour Description:

Leave the bustling town of Sapa behind as you get your wheels dirty and head straight to Ma Tra Village. Before long, you will exit the asphalt of Sapa roads and enter the bumpy dirt tracks of the rural area. Your first checkpoint will be a wooden bridge where a primary school is located on the other side of said bridge. During the weekdays (and simultaneously school days), you will have the chance to take a closer look at the school and experience just how local education is conducted.

While it may not have the fanciest and contemporary amenities, the simple school setting is more than enough to educate the local children and allow them to mingle with one another. After getting back on the road, you will arrive at Ma Tra village just about 5 kilometres to the eastside of  Sapa. Stretching as wide as 12 kilometres, Ma Tra is home to the Hmong and Red Dao tribes where they sustain themselves by delving deep into the work of arts and crafts: weaving brocade or silk, carving farming tools and ensuring their daily needs are met time and again. However, as time passes and tourism grows, women have also learnt to capitalize on the growing regional enthusiasm and pick up on cloth decoration techniques for the visitors. 

Then, continue cycling as you make your way to Ta Phin Village. Another home to the Black Hmong and Red Dao, the union of the two in the same village still allows them to preserve the uniqueness of their culture and custom. For instance, while Hmong women wear a blue turban, Dao women wear red headgear as an alternative. Not just differences, they also share some commonalities within their cultural practices - both are well-known for their brocade weaving techniques and focus on tending to their fields to make a living. Once you are satisfied with finding out about the residents’ daily lives, head to Ta Phin monastery and lay witness to a piece of history.

The monastery used to be home to 12 religious Catholic sisters who were deported from Japan. It is said that the nuns were deeply involved with the agricultural activities of the village, introducing different species of plants to the locals. Later, however, the security of the region became too unstable and the nuns were forced to move away. The construction of the monastery was never completed and it had been abandoned since. Today, the towering landmark is surrounded by thick vegetation and red moss on the wall. While it may sound eerie, the view itself is actually a great attracting factor for tourists lurking around the area so be sure to ready your camera to snap one for the memory. Afterwards, you will finally conclude your tour and come on board the touring car which will bring you back home to Sapa.

Cancellation Policy:

Please refer to our refunds policy under Terms of Use section

Pick-Up Time:

• 7:00 am - 7:30 am

What's Included:

• Return transfers
• Bicycle
• Fruit (at the farms)
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• English-speaking Guide
• Entrance fee

What's Not Included:

• Any Items Not Mentioned

Additional Information:

• It is advisable to wear shorts, long pants, tights and t-shirts; strap sandals or shoes. No white clothing.
• Do take note that the locals peddling their items for sale is common in these areas
• There will be a supply car during the trip
• The tour takes about 2.5 hours of cycling, 30 minutes of walking, and 30 minutes of driving
• This tour is subject to availability. Please check with Adventoro Concierge (Call / Whatsapp +6010 468 8011) to inquire about the availability of this tour
• Prices shown are based on minimum of 2 pax. For solo travellers please check in with Adventoro Concierge
• Transfer duration above are estimated and subject to traffic and weather condition, and not inclusive of any sightseeing tours
• Please adhere to strict pick-up time punctuality. Tour operators may forfeit tours for travellers if no-show during stipulated time
• Registered name of the traveller must be corresponding with photograph documentation (Example: Passport). Tour operators reserve the right to reject if registered traveller fails to provide photographed documentation of their own

Pick-Up Location(s)

Refer to the map below to see a list of pick up location(s) that are available for you to choose from. You can select your desired pick up location when you book the tour.

List of Location(s):

Pick up is also available for other location(s) under the vicinity of Sa Pa. For more information, please contact Adventoro's concierge service.