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Travel GuideTa Phin Ancient Monastery: Uncover History and Spiritual Calm
Many people go to Sapa for nature and fresh air. But they miss one quiet and special place – Ta Phin Ancient Monastery. This old place is full of stories, but not many know about it. If you feel tired of crowds and want something calm and real, this is for you. What makes it so special? Why do people say it feels like time stops here? Let’s find out more in this post!
Overview of Ta Phin Ancient Monastery
A long time ago, 12 Catholic nuns were expelled from Japan and somehow made their way to this quiet mountain village in northern Vietnam. They didn’t come just to hide or pray. Instead, they began sharing knowledge about farming, especially how to grow temperate crops that worked perfectly with Sa Pa’s cool climate. Thanks to them, locals learned to plant things like mustard greens, sweet potatoes, black vegetables, and even fruits like grapes, apples, peaches, and melons. It’s amazing how much they gave to the community.
In May 1942, the French began building the monastery while Vietnam was still under colonial rule. It was a huge project, closely watched over by a French military unit. The plan was to create a grand religious center, big enough for over 100 people, with a main hall, prayer rooms, guest houses, even farms and livestock areas. It was going to be something truly special – a peaceful home, a place of worship, and a community hub.
By 1947, the political situation had become unstable. The nuns had to leave and move to Hanoi, and sadly, the monastery was left behind – and over time, it was badly damaged.
Now, the ruins of Ta Phin Monastery still stand quietly among the hills. The walls may be broken, but they whisper stories of faith, courage, and a dream that was never fully finished. And when you walk through, you can almost imagine what it was meant to be.
The Layout: More Than Just Ruins
When you first look at Ta Phin Monastery, it might seem like just an old, crumbling structure. But once you step closer, you’ll notice it was actually built with quite a bit of care. The monastery originally had three floors, including an underground basement, and a long, west-facing main building with five chambers and a staircase.
On the right side, there’s a vertical wing attached to the main house – this part used to be where they stored food, furniture, and had the kitchen. These details might sound simple, but for a building in the middle of the mountains, it’s pretty impressive!
Material: Stone, Brick, and a Touch of Roman Style
The monastery was built mostly from stone, with a bit of brick here and there. One thing you’ll notice right away is how thick the walls are. They were designed to keep the place warm in winter and cool in summer – perfect for Sa Pa’s mountain weather.
Look closely and you’ll see the dome-shaped windows, inspired by Roman architecture. And up front, the pillars on the porch were carved from solid stone, joined together with a special kind of mix – lime and molasses, according to some locals. Pretty cool, right?
What’s Left Today
Over the years, time and weather have taken their toll. The roof is long gone, and what’s left are the mossy, weathered stone walls that still stand strong – a quiet reminder of the past. In front of the monastery, there’s a wide corridor that once must’ve looked majestic, but now it’s partly broken and incomplete. Even so, there’s a certain charm to it – like walking through a forgotten movie set.
How To Get To Ta Phin Ancient Monastery?
Address: About 12 km away from Sapa town (Lao Cai) to the East, on the way to Ta Phin tourist village.
Getting to Ta Phin Ancient Monastery from Hanoi is quite easy and makes for a beautiful trip. First, you’ll need to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, which is about 5–6 hours by bus, train, or limousine car. Here are some reliable brands to consider for your journey.
Once you arrive in Sapa town, the monastery is just around 12 kilometers to the east, on the way to Ta Phin tourist village. You can rent a motorbike, take a taxi, or join a local tour to get there. The ride offers scenic views of mountains and villages – perfect for a peaceful little adventure!
Conclusion
Ta Phin Ancient Monastery is a quiet and special place. It is not big or new, but it feels calm and full of old stories. If you come to Sapa, take some time to visit. You can walk, take photos, and enjoy the peace. It is a nice break from the busy town. This place will give you a new feeling. Come and see it for yourself. You may not want to leave.