Nestled in a beautiful valley about three kilometers from Sapa Town, Cat Cat- the old village of ethnic groups- attracts tourists from all over the world for its distinctive customs and practices which have been lost in almost ethnic villages. The village is within easy walking distance from any hotel in downtown Sapa.
Overview
Cat Cat cultural village was formed in 19th century by the gathering of some families belonging to some ethnic groups living in mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, especially Black H’Mong .They lived next to each other along the mountain side and cultivated surrounding their home. Rice and corn were grown in terraced fields, while traditional handicrafts such as twisting flax and weaving fabric have been well-kept. Through times, Cat Cat Village has transferred to one appealing feature of Sapa’s tourism.
Cat Cat cultural village was formed in 19th century by the gathering of some families belonging to some ethnic groups living in mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, especially Black H’Mong .They lived next to each other along the mountain side and cultivated surrounding their home. Rice and corn were grown in terraced fields, while traditional handicrafts such as twisting flax and weaving fabric have been well-kept. Through times, Cat Cat Village has transferred to one appealing feature of Sapa’s tourism.
From Sapa town center fo Cat Cat is only 2 kilometers. It is the oldest of the Mong which preserves traditional handicrafts such as growing cotton, linen and textile and crafted jewelry. Especially, this place remains its unique traditions that other regions have no or no original existence.
Through the looms, the Mong create colorful brocades and patterns that simulate trees, leaves, flowers, animals… In the Cat Cat, crafted silver jewelry has longstanding that creates sophisticated products with several stages. Carving silver products in Cat Cat are plentiful such as: necklaces, bracelets, ring…
The thing attracts tourists to Cat Cat is the unique tradition such as: “Keo vo”. When the man love one women, he will invite friends and sets plan to “pull” her to his home in an unexpected way. He will keep her within 3 days. After that, if she agrees to get married with him, they will hold weding. If the woman disagrees, they will drink wine together and all things return to normal without anything happening. The Mong weddings in Cat Cat are usully held from 2 to 7 days.
Architecture of Cat Cat village has many features with po-mu wood roof. The frame of house has three columns horizontal truss. The columns are listed on the round or square stones. Walls are roofed with timber with three doors: the main door in the nave, two doors on either sides of the house. The main door is always closed, it opens only when having wedding, holidays. The house has the worship space, reserved food floor, sleeping, kitchen and a reception desk. Cat Cat village is formed from the mid-19 century, the residence of households based on slopes and gathered together. They grow rice on terraced fields; grow corn on the mountain by crafted cultivation methods. Most houses are simple with a desk, bed and cooking stove…
What to see?
Visiting Cat Cat, tourists will be impressed by the peacefully picturesque sceneries. People can easily catch sight of women sitting in front of the loom with colorful pieces of brocade, while children playing around with pets or even livestock. From the plain brocade, then women can carefully dye them with special leaves and embroider beautiful patterns of flower and animal on them. Moreover, many residents of Cat Cat Village are also skillful at manipulating sophisticated gold and silver jewelry.
Visiting Cat Cat, tourists will be impressed by the peacefully picturesque sceneries. People can easily catch sight of women sitting in front of the loom with colorful pieces of brocade, while children playing around with pets or even livestock. From the plain brocade, then women can carefully dye them with special leaves and embroider beautiful patterns of flower and animal on them. Moreover, many residents of Cat Cat Village are also skillful at manipulating sophisticated gold and silver jewelry.
The original architect of H’Mong people is interesting as well. Their house typically contains three rooms with three doors and po mu wood roof, while the walls’ material is sawn timber. There are other indispensable parts of the house such as altar, kitchen, places for keeping food and sleeping, etc.
What to do?
Cat Cat Village gives tourists a chance to have a glimpse into the daily life of local ethnic people, as well as take part in traditional activities such as weaving fabric. It is also a good opportunity to purchase some traditional souvenirs and handicrafts right from the craftsmen. People can also try some local food selling the way upcoming to the hill.
Cat Cat Village gives tourists a chance to have a glimpse into the daily life of local ethnic people, as well as take part in traditional activities such as weaving fabric. It is also a good opportunity to purchase some traditional souvenirs and handicrafts right from the craftsmen. People can also try some local food selling the way upcoming to the hill.
In addition, the road leading to Cat Cat Village is an easy and interesting route for trekking. The spot is only within 20-30m minutes walking from Sapa center; and the hike through mountains will offer tourists the wonderful picture of rice paddies, water fall, or even water buffaloes grazing leisurely.