- Level of Difficulty: EASY/ MODERATE
- Time: 09.30 to midday
- Trekking: sealed road; local paths
- Ethnic Minorities: Black H’mong
Cat Cat Village is home to the Black H‘mong ethic minority. While walking through the village, look out for the tubs of indigo dye which are used to colour the hemp cloth used in the traditional H‘mong dress. Ask your guide if you would like to go inside and look around a traditional H‘mong home. At the bottom of the valley is Cat Cat Waterfall where, in summer, you can go for a swim.
We start walking from the hotel and descend along a sealed road out of town. The road meanders down hill and the views, on a clear day, are wonderful. We continue down hill to the steps which descend steeply towards Cat Cat Village and to the river and small waterfall below. In warm weather it’s possible to go for a swim in the river. From here there are three possible options:
Option A (MODERATE): From near the waterfall, we follow a path up steep steps. It is a short but fairly strenuous climb. The path circles the valley giving great views of the mountains and local H’mong homes before de – scending towards a bridge. We cross the bridge and rejoin the original sealed road. If you don’t feel like retracing your steps up the steep road back to the hotel, then motorbikes (at additional cost) are available.
Option B (EASY): From the waterfall, we head along the river. It’s then a short climb up steep steps and through a rice terrace before reaching the same bridge as in Option A. [The rest of the walk follows the itinerary of Option A]
Option C (MODERATE): From behind the old French power station, we follow a path that takes us into the forest. It’s a pleasant walk following the path of the river. In the summer months, take your swimming costume, as there are some good spots to take a dip. The path finishes at a river crossing. We turn around and retrace our path back to Cat Cat Waterfall and follow either Option A or B itinerary.