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Lai Chau, a border region in Northwest Vietnam, has long attracted tourists with its pristine, majestic beauty and peaceful villages nestled amidst the mountains and forests. Seeking tranquility and an authentic local culture, 23-year-old Nguyen Do Binh An from Hanoi embarked on a journey to explore this land, leaving her with many profound impressions.
A trip to Lai Chau is not only about exploring nature but also about experiencing the local culture.
From the very first days she set foot in Lai Chau, Binh An felt the warmth of the local people. She shared: "I was impressed by how friendly the people here are." The sincerity and hospitality of the locals made her feel close, like she was returning home after a long time away.
The first stop on Binh An's journey was Si Thau Chai village, a small village located in Tam Duong district. Despite its small size and underdeveloped tourism services, Si Thau Chai offered her a sense of peace amidst nature. Traditional houses, dotted with a few plum trees, created a rustic and simple rural scene.
Lai Chau – the pristine beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests, a destination for those who love exploration.
Continuing their journey, Binh An arrived at Sin Suoi Ho village, in Phong Tho district. Located at an altitude of nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, at the foot of Son Bac May mountain, Sin Suoi Ho is known as an attractive community tourism destination. The village is famous for its spacious, clean environment and its green, sustainable tourism practices. The roads in the village are covered with flowers and green trees, creating the feeling of being lost in a vast natural garden. Binh An remarked: "Sin Suoi Ho is very peaceful, gentle, and poetic."
This time of year, Lai Châu is also in the plum blossom season.
The people of Sin Suoi Ho, primarily the Mong ethnic group, have joined hands to build their village into a civilized and friendly destination. They not only focus on maintaining environmental hygiene but also preserve and promote traditional cultural features. Visitors can experience the daily life of the locals, participating in activities such as weaving linen, beeswax painting, or making sticky rice cakes. In particular, the weekly Saturday morning market is where visitors can learn about and purchase local products, from cardamom and orchids to exquisite brocade fabrics.
A corner of a Lai Chau highland market, where cultural colors blend into the rhythm of daily life.
One of Binh An's most memorable experiences in Lai Chau was climbing Son Bac May mountain. With the guidance of a local resident, she had the opportunity to conquer this peak. From the height, she gazed into the distance, admiring the panoramic view of the villages and the majestic mountain ranges. The feeling of standing amidst the clouds, breathing in the fresh air, and gazing at the magnificent nature left an indelible impression on her.
After spending several days in Lai Chau, Binh An realized that it's not only a place to explore nature and culture, but also an ideal place to "heal" the soul. She shared: "Tourists can come to Lai Chau to heal, to escape worries for days because it's very peaceful, quiet, and not crowded." The tranquility of the mountains and forests, along with the hospitality of the people, helped her find balance and peace in her life.
Visitors can also experience dressing up as a "local girl" in colorful traditional costumes.
To make your trip even more fulfilling, consider the best time to visit, transportation options, accommodation, and unique experiences in Lai Chau. The climate here is cool year-round, but the best time is from September to November, when the weather is dry and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. From Hanoi, you can choose to travel by bus or private car along National Highway 32 or National Highway 6, a distance of approximately 400 km.
When visiting villages like Sin Suoi Ho, homestays are an ideal choice to immerse yourself in the local life. Currently, the village has more than 20 families involved in community tourism, offering authentic and heartwarming experiences. Beyond exploring the scenery, visitors can also participate in traditional cultural and artistic activities, conquer mountain climbing routes, chase clouds, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere amidst the Northwestern mountains and forests.
Wildflowers bloom profusely along the roads leading to the villages, adding to the beauty of Lai Chau.
For those seeking a destination for "healing" and experiencing local culture, Lai Chau is definitely a choice not to be missed.
Binh An's trip to Lai Chau was not only a journey to explore a new land, but also an opportunity for her to find peace of mind. For those seeking a destination for "healing" and experiencing local culture, Lai Chau is definitely a choice not to be missed.
