Things not to do in Sapa tribal villages|Forbidden things

If you have traveled Sapa, how many of you know about “things not to do in Sapa”? I guess very few people know that. You can find thousands of articles tell you “Top things to do in Sa Pa”, “25 Best Things to Do in Sapa” or “16 Fun Things to See and Do in Sapa” or “Best 11 Things to do in Sapa Viet Nam”… but there are very few mentions about “things not to do in Sapa”? Today, Hatvacation will tell you about that matter and tell you why you need to keep it in mind. Don’t want locals to get mad, you must remember these things when visiting or do Sapa trekking.

First, Hatvacation wants you to know that there is a community of 6 ethnic groups living together in Sapa: H’mong, Dao red, Tay, Giay, Xa Pho, Thai. Each group has its own unique culture and like all other communities, they have their own religion and beliefs. Although the ethnic minorities in Sapa are very hospitable, there are some things that you absolutely must not do when visiting their villages.

Things not to do in Sapa when visiting their home

When visiting tribal villages in Sapa such as Lao Chai – Ta Van, Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho, Ta Phin … home of the Black H’Mong, Dzao, you absolutely should not sit in the middle of the house, you should visit their house under the host instructions. The chair is placed in the center of the table for parents (if the parents are gone, no one can sit there).
H’mong people’s houses have big pillars buried deep in the ground, reaching to the roof, and other columns smaller. In their beliefs the highest pillar where the ghost resides, visitors do not hang clothes or sit leaning against “the pillar of the soul”.

Don’t arbitrarily attend the worshiping ceremony and exorcism

When visiting Lao Chai village – Ta Van, Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho, Ta Phin … if you see the Black Hmong or Red Dao is doing a worshiping ceremony or the exorcism, you are not allowed to attend by yourself because they do not want strange people to participate. The characteristics to recognize when the ritual is taking place is that before a village gate there is usually a bunch of green leaves hanging on a high pillar. So that everyone can see it and avoid entering.

Don’t arbitrarily to approach the sacred place of worship.

In the village, there is usually a sacred worship area as a forbidden forest, a very big old tree, a big stone worshiping the gods. It is usually a clean and cool place, but you should not go there to stop and rest, eat and drink, lying down. The most taboo thing is not to whistle when walking around watching the village. Locals think the whistling sound is called the devil come to the village.

Don’t do these things when talking to native people

When drinking, exchanging and chatting with the Hmong host, guests should not point your fingers forward. Mong people think that the behavior is to express the attitude of dissatisfaction or disregard for the person who talks to.

Things not to do during meals

For many ethnic groups, seats have certain meanings. Giay and Dao people set a row of chairs near the altar reserved for the oldest and most honorary guests. Meanwhile, Mong people conceived empty tables and chairs near the altar for their late parents. Thai, Tay and Muong people place two cups near the window so that the ancestors’ souls can receive guests, guests must not sit in that position.
Before the start of the meal, you should wait for the host to conduct the ancestor invitations, bless the good things. Guests should not pour wine first, do not pick up food first. And at the end of the meal absolutely do not turn the cup or bowl down because only the shaman can do so to evict evil.

Above are “things not to do in Sapa tribal villages” you need to know when visiting the ethnic community living in Sapa, hoping you find the article helpful. And our advice is that you should find a local guide. Because the guides here are mostly local people so they know everything about Sapa. If this post is helpful for you, give Hatvacation a thumb up, comments, subscribe us or send us your questions.
And if you have trouble with finding a local guide or planning your trip to Sapa, check these out:

The Sapa’s Panorama 2 days
Sapa medium trek and Bac Ha Sunday market 3 days – The hidden Sapa and colorful tribal market
Sapa trek 3 days – a wonderful adventure and homestay
Off to Y Ty terraces 3 days – Sapa off the beaten trek

Our Sapa trekking tours is everything you need. Leave everything else to us, you just experience and have the best memories in Vietnam.