Situated within the heart of Sa Pa Valley, Ta Phin is home to about 700 Red Dao, named for the elaborate redhead dresses worn by the women of this ancient hill tribe. The Dao began migrating to Vietnam during the 13th century, fleeing drought and famine in China, and eventually settled in the lush hills of Northern Vietnam, a perfect place to grow rice. Thought to be descendants of the King Vuong, this is one of the stories you might hear in the small village of Ta Phin:

 

“Sons, you are all wise and strong, but only one of you can rule this precious Vietnam,” the legendary King Hung Voung said to his three beloved sons. Determined to find a true king in his children, King Voung asked each of his boys to forage for the ingredients of one perfect dish for the last feast of the New Year. 

One son traveled to Southern China, where he brought back a tender white fish with sweet chili sauce and locust seeds. His brother journeyed to the Khmer Mountains, and returned home with a wild boar cooked in rare mushrooms and fern sauce. The third son stayed at home, meditating on the challenge, and then finally settling on a simple, and perfect rice cake. “Rice is the most precious and valuable of all food found in this kingdom,” the wise son said, “I have prepared a dish that represents my love for you and our beautiful Vietnam.”