Si Thau Chai is a Dao village in Ho Thau commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province, located at an altitude of 1,450 m above sea level. Here, Nguyen Duy shared that the first thing that impressed him was the friendliness and hospitality of the local people. “Everyone here treated me like a child returning home after a long time away, very warm and approachable,” he confided.
The paved road leading into the village
Poetic village in the clouds
Nestled in the poetic landscape of Tam Duong town, Si Thau Chai village with more than 60 Dao households is a must-see destination. From the village, visitors seem to be lost in a beautiful ink painting with majestic mountains and forests spreading out. The peaceful space, fresh air, colorful roses, orchids, and fruit-laden orchards have created a green and beautiful Si Thau Chai.
Let your heart float with the clouds
Peaceful morning
The road leading to the village is paved with stone, on both sides are stone walls carved with funny shapes of chickens, pigs, ducks... extremely adorable. The traditional wooden houses of the Dao people are simple but cozy, standing out with gates that bear the distinct cultural features of each family.
Simple life of Dao village
Coming to Si Thau Chai, visitors not only admire the natural beauty but also have the opportunity to explore the unique culture of the Dao people. The Cap Sac festival, the Fire Dance ceremony and the specialties of the people will bring you unforgettable experiences.
Walking in the mountain scenery with fresh air, visitors can sit on outdoor stone benches, light a campfire, or simply chat with the locals to feel the warmth and sincerity of the people here. Especially, in the golden rice season, visitors also have the opportunity to experience the feeling of adventure with paragliding, admiring the panoramic view of Tam Duong valley from above.
The people in Si Thau Chai have planned and built their village themselves without much outside intervention, keeping its wild and natural features intact.
The people of Si Thau Chai have planned and built their village themselves without much outside intervention, keeping its wild and natural features intact. This is what Nguyen Duy feels is the most different and special compared to other famous tourist destinations such as Sapa or Mu Cang Chai.
Nature captivates the hearts of distant travelers
Although he did not have much time here, Nguyen Duy had the opportunity to be led into the forest by local people, where he admired majestic waterfalls that few people know about. "As someone who loves to experience and explore places he has not been to and wants to learn about customs and traditions, when I heard about the waterfalls deep in the forest, I immediately agreed to go," Duy said with excitement.
The majestic waterfall that few people know about
Besides, the terraced fields in Ta Leng also made him amazed. The terraced fields here are not inferior to famous places like Y Ty or Mu Cang Chai. The landscape really overwhelmed the young man.
Si Thau Chai not only brings Duy wonderful moments of discovery but is also a place for him to experience the simplest, most authentic things. With the altitude of the village, the cool air and the natural scenery make this place like a beautiful picture every morning when the sea of clouds covers the foot of the mountain. "Waking up early in the morning, seeing the clouds drifting around the village, feels like living in heaven. In the afternoon, I get to watch the sunset, it's truly breathtakingly beautiful," he shared.
In the afternoon, watch the sunset dye the whole village yellow
At night, in a place that is not polluted by light like Si Thau Chai, the space becomes even more magical when Duy has the opportunity to see the Milky Way galaxy in the clear sky. "I have never seen such a clear and sparkling starry sky. This is one of the moments that I will remember forever," he said.
Impressed with the unique mikly way in the highlands
Impressions of community tourism
During this trip, Duy stayed at a cozy homestay, built entirely of wood and bamboo. The homestay offers two types of rooms: dormitory rooms and private rooms (for 3-5 people), both fully equipped with amenities to ensure the comfort of visitors.
Cozy homestay, built and managed by local people
One of the things that makes Si Thau Chai attractive is the cuisine. The meals at the homestay are always carefully prepared, with typical ethnic dishes. Although traveling alone, the meals at the homestay are extremely rich and enough for 2-3 people. What is even more surprising is that the prices are extremely affordable.
The homestays in Si Thau Chai are all owned by local people. Therefore, visitors will feel the warmth, friendliness and closeness of the people here. Nguyen Duy shared that the village still retains its wild and simple features with unique rammed earth houses, green terraced fields and red dirt roads. The fresh, quiet air will help visitors relax and enjoy peaceful moments.
During the golden rice season, visitors also have the opportunity to experience the feeling of adventure with paragliding, admiring the panoramic view of Tam Duong valley from above.
Si Thau Chai is truly an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, return to childhood with simple wooden houses, red fireplaces and traditional games. Visitors can participate in the activities of the indigenous people, explore nature, enjoy special cuisine and enjoy the slow, peaceful life.
