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Si Thau Chai is a Dao ethnic minority village located in Ho Thau commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province, at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level. 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 long-lost son returning home; they were very warm and approachable,” he confided.
The stone-paved road leads into the village.
A picturesque village nestled in the clouds.
Nestled in the picturesque setting of Tam Duong town, Si Thau Chai village, home to over 60 Dao ethnic minority households, is a must-visit destination. From the village, visitors feel as if they have stepped into a stunning watercolor painting, with majestic mountains and forests stretching out before them. The peaceful atmosphere, fresh air, blooming roses and orchids, and orchards laden with fruit create a lush, beautiful Si Thau Chai.
Let yourself drift along with the clouds.
Peaceful morning
The road leading into the village is paved with stones, flanked by stone walls carved with whimsical figures of chickens, pigs, ducks, and other adorable creatures. The traditional wooden houses of the Dao people are simple yet cozy, distinguished by gates that reflect the unique cultural characteristics of each family.
The simple life of the Dao ethnic village.
Visiting Si Thau Chai, tourists not only get to admire the beautiful natural scenery but also have the opportunity to explore the unique culture of the Dao people. The Coming-of-Age Ceremony, the Fire Dance ceremony, and the local specialties will give you unforgettable experiences.
Strolling through the mountain scenery and enjoying the fresh air, visitors can relax on outdoor stone benches, light a campfire, or simply chat with the locals to feel the warmth and sincerity of the people here. Especially during the golden rice harvest season, visitors also have the opportunity to experience the adventurous thrill of paragliding, admiring the panoramic view of the Tam Duong valley from above.
The people of Sì Thâu Chải have planned and built their village themselves, with little outside interference, preserving its pristine and natural beauty.
The people of Sì Thâu Chải have personally planned and built their village without much outside interference, preserving its pristine and natural beauty. This is what Nguyễn Duy finds most different and special compared to other famous tourist destinations like Sapa or Mù Cang Chải.
Nature captivates the heart of the traveler from afar.
Although he didn't have much time there, Nguyen Duy had the opportunity to be guided into the forest by locals, where he was able to admire majestic, little-known waterfalls. "As someone who loves experiencing and exploring places I haven't been to and wants to learn about local customs, when I heard about these waterfalls deep in the forest, I immediately agreed to go," Duy recounted with delight.
A magnificent waterfall that few people know about.
Besides that, the terraced rice fields in Ta Leng also amazed him. The terraced rice fields here are no less impressive than those in famous places like Y Ty or Mu Cang Chai. The scenery truly overwhelmed the young man.
Sì Thâu Chải not only offered Duy amazing moments of discovery but also allowed him to experience the simplest, most authentic things. With its high altitude, cool air, and natural scenery, the village resembles a beautiful painting every morning when the sea of clouds blankets the foothills. “Waking up early in the morning and seeing the clouds drifting lazily around the village feels like living in paradise. And in the evening, I get to watch the sunset, which is truly breathtaking,” he shared.
In the evening, we watched the sunset paint the entire village golden.
In the evening, in a place untouched by light pollution like Si Thau Chai, the atmosphere becomes even more magical as Duy has the opportunity to admire the Milky Way in the clear sky. "I've never seen a starry sky so clear and sparkling. This is one of the moments I will remember forever," he said.
Impressed by the unique mikly way in the highlands.
Impressions of community-based tourism
During this trip, Duy stayed at a cozy homestay built entirely of wood and bamboo. The homestay offers two types of rooms: dorm rooms (shared bedrooms) and private rooms (for 3-5 people), both fully equipped to ensure guests' comfort.
A cozy homestay, built and managed by local people.
One of the things that makes Sì Thâu Chải so appealing is its cuisine. The meals at the homestay are always thoughtfully prepared, featuring characteristic ethnic dishes. Even though I was traveling alone, the meals at the homestay were incredibly plentiful and enough for 2-3 people. Even more surprisingly, the prices were very reasonable.
The homestays in Si Thau Chai are all owned by local people. Therefore, visitors will experience the warmth, friendliness, and closeness of the locals. Nguyen Duy shared that the village still retains its pristine, simple charm with unique rammed-earth houses, lush green terraced fields, and red dirt roads. The fresh, quiet atmosphere will help visitors relax and enjoy peaceful moments.
During the rice harvest season, visitors also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of paragliding, enjoying panoramic views of the Tam Duong valley from above.
Si Thau Chai is truly an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, to return to childhood with its simple wooden houses, warm fireplaces, and traditional games. Visitors can participate in the activities of the local people, explore nature, enjoy local specialties, and experience a slow, peaceful life.
