Immerse yourself in the peaceful tranquility of Hoa Binh's mountains and forests.

Starting out as a master's graduate in energy science, Nguyen Manh Hien decided to leave his office job to return to the forest, hoping to create a space with a strong sense of local identity. He and his design team created Mu Wilderness Lodge, a space deeply rooted in the spirit and character of the local people. Located in the heart of the Ngoc Son - Ngo Luong nature reserve, Mu Wilderness Lodge is designed and built amidst nature with a spirit of respect for and maximum preservation of the natural environment.

Building accommodation in a nature reserve is certainly not easy. Sharing with Travellive, Mr. Manh Hien said: "First, we have to strictly adhere to forest regulations. Located in a remote area, construction is very difficult. For example, during construction, if we lacked even a small nail, we had to travel dozens of kilometers to buy one. In return, we were able to build a space that blends with nature, but minimizes the impact on nature by making the most of locally available materials. It also creates job opportunities for local people working in tourism."

PARTICULARLY FROM THE NAMES

Mu Wilderness Lodge only opened in August 2023, but it was conceived and construction began five years ago. Mu consists of five uniquely named rooms: Chu Dong, Cai Mui, Pong Thi, Pong Khim, and Pong Buoi.

The name "Chu Dong" originates from a Muong legend. This tree, with its copper-colored fruit, tin-colored leaves, and golden-silver branches, is not only a symbol of wealth but also of the spirit of unity in conquering nature. The Muong epic tells the story of the hero Tam Tach leading his people to cut down Chu Dong trees to build houses and establish villages.

In the Muong language, "cai mui" means palm. This tree is indispensable in the lives of the Muong people, its leaves used to roof traditional stilt houses, and its trunk used to make household items. The patterns of palm thorns are also skillfully and meticulously recreated by the Muong people through weaving them onto clothing (waistbands) and decorative brocade fabrics. The name "Cai Mui" (meaning "Palm") was born from this idea.

Also closely associated with the life of the Muong people, the persimmon tree has witnessed the ups and downs of the village over the years. The Muong people admire the persimmon tree because, despite enduring the harsh weather and changes, it blooms with pure white flowers around July, then bears fragrant, juicy fruit, adding vitality to life. This is also the meaning behind the name of the next room, "Pong Thi".

The name of the next room, "Pong Kim," is inspired by the characteristic summer flower, the sim flower (khim). Around May and June, sim flowers bloom profusely on the hills, surrounding the Muong village in a very romantic color. Muong girls find sim flowers beautiful, so they weave them into the waistbands of their skirts to keep the flowers with them all year round.

"Pong Buoi" also originates from the flower with its pure white color and delicate fragrance, which is a symbol of the Muong woman. The pomelo flower motif is often woven or embroidered by women onto the waistbands of traditional skirts, or used by men as a decorative element on the surface of boats.

DESIGN CONCEPT IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

The stilt house, built in a long, narrow style, connects the cultures of the Kinh and Muong people, nestled peacefully under the trees, overlooking the famous Mu Waterfall national scenic spot. From the open spatial design to the minimalist interior, the materials used are designed to bring people closer to nature.

Speaking further about the project, Tung Le, the architect of Mu Wilderness Lodge, said that the building's highlight is "bringing nature indoors." "The transparent roof of the second-floor courtyard covers the courtyard and part of the thatched roof. A special feature of this area is the sound of the stream being channeled directly to the roof. Those meditating in the courtyard can hear the sound of the waterfall flowing directly into their ears," Tung Le shared.

Mu Wilderness Lodge features areas dedicated to outdoor activities, yoga, meditation, and healing. Although the area has access to the national power grid, Mu utilizes some of the energy from a water turbine in the stream in front of the property to protect the environment.

There is also a kitchen area here, serving meals with clean water and organic food that is self-supplied right on the Mu premises, providing healthy meals.

Bi Le