The unique Thai bathing custom of the people of Tú Lệ

Traditional lifestyle of the Thai ethnic group

Nestled at the foot of Khau Pha Pass, Tu Le Valley appears fertile and peaceful, with vast terraced rice fields stretching from the edge of National Highway 32 to the border with Nam Co, a region known for its cardamom plantations. Blessed with a clean climate, the area is also famous for its year-round hot springs, associated with the unique bathing culture of the Thai people. No one remembers exactly when this tradition began, but the hot springs flowing through the valley have been a place where the Thai people have immersed themselves for hundreds of years. Every afternoon, generations of locals gather at the springs to bathe as a way to relax and rejuvenate after a hard day's work in the fields.

Although bathing in the same stream, men and women always proactively maintain distance, dividing their areas. Women are usually given priority in the headwaters, which are clearer and cleaner. For them, bathing is also an art taught by their mothers and sisters from a young age. The black dress they wear every day becomes a discreet mobile bathroom, lifted up as they bathe. Amidst the mountains and forests, the sound of joyful laughter echoes in the hazy natural landscape, like a fairyland on earth. Legend has it that the hot spring is where fairies bathed when they descended from the Gate of Heaven (Khau Pha) to visit the mortal world. The "fairy scent" lingering in the water has given the Thai girls their fair skin and famous beauty, immortalized in songs and rhymes: "Tu Le, with its white rice and clear water, whoever goes there will not want to leave."

For centuries, bathing in the hot springs has become an indispensable part of the local people's lives. Located beside golden rice paddies, the natural hot springs are now enclosed by locals into two pools: a hot tub and a warm tub, depending on individual preference. From the elderly to young children, everyone comes to bathe in the springs. It's a place to nourish health, a space for meeting, chatting, dispelling worries, and sharing joys in life.

A unique vacation experience for travelers.

Preserving many cultural values, bathing in hot springs has become a unique attraction drawing people from all over to explore this land. Instead of being located on the banks of the springs, mineral bathing areas have been developed and upgraded in tourist areas. Immerse yourself in the 45-degree hot mineral springs.^oBathwater is not only a relaxing experience but also offers numerous health and beauty benefits, such as killing bacteria, eliminating toxins, improving blood circulation for better sleep, and giving you brighter, smoother skin. In addition, the beneficial minerals in the water stimulate the body's immune system, promote physical and mental relaxation, and aid in the treatment of certain skin conditions.

To fully enjoy this experience, visitors can choose one of the newly developed luxury resorts in Yen Bai such as Le Champ. Located right in the heart of Tu Le, it boasts a very characteristic landscape of the Northwest highlands with rooms built in the style of Thai stilt houses, harmoniously combined with high-end amenities such as hot mineral baths, infinity pools, and spas for moments of relaxation. Exploring this land of legends, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the diverse colors of various cultures but also enjoy world-class resort services. Soaking in hot springs amidst pristine and majestic nature, listening to ancient legends, is certainly an experience not to be missed when visiting Tu Le.

PV