The story
In Ta Phin, a commune outside Sa Pa town, about 40 Red Dao households offer their traditional herbal bath (dia zao xin in Dao). It began as postpartum care. Each batch uses 10 to 120 kinds of forest leaves and stems, boiled until the water turns deep wine-red, then poured into wooden po mu tubs at about 37–40°C. Soaks last about 15–30 minutes, and locals use the bath for joint and muscle aches, colds and itchy skin.
The herbs and bath recipes are part of Red Dao traditional knowledge. Look for a specific household or co-op rather than a reseller.
A Red Dao remedy that grew out of postpartum care. Harvesters take only enough branches from the forest and leave the roots to regrow.
Don’t miss
Red Dao herbal bath
Wooden-tub soak in wine-red herbal water at 37–40°C
Herbal foot soak
Lighter alternative to a full bath
Local tips
Soak 15–30 minutes and get out when you are sweating heavily or your heart is pounding.
About 40 households offer baths in Ta Phin; the Community Tourism Cooperative (director Ly Ta May) is one way to connect with Red Dao operators.
A foot soak is available if you do not want a full bath.
Say it in Vietnamese
“Em chụp ảnh được không ạ?”
May I take a photo?Plan your visit
Opening hours
Afternoon to evening
When to go
Afternoon or evening
Spring is the preferred herb-gathering season.
Getting there
Ta Phin is reachable from Sa Pa town by car, taxi or motorbike. Reported distances vary (about 3–15 km), so check your route.
Open in Google Maps →Good to know
If you have sensitive skin, ask what is in the bath first.
Where this comes from
History and details come from named press or official sources. Hours and prices can change — travelers help keep them current.
- Dân tộc & Tôn giáo (Công Thương) · Press · 2022 · dantoctongiao.congthuong.vn
- Báo Lào Cai · Press · 2023 · baolaocai.vn
- Sapa 24h · Traveler reviews · sapa24h.com
- Vietnamese press (research report) · Research · 2025
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism · Official