In early 2022, Lo Lo Chai was recognized as a Cultural Tourism Village. Over the past two years, the government and people have worked together to make tourism more professional and systematic, and the number of tourists coming to the village is increasing. For those who are looking for a place to temporarily escape from the dusty city, Lo Lo Chai will be an ideal destination that you can save in your travel guide.
Lo Lo Chai village (Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district) is located near the northernmost point of Vietnam, about 1.5 km from Lung Cu flagpole. This is the place where the Mong and Lo Lo people have lived for decades. This place preserves many cultural values of the ethnic groups on the Dong Van stone plateau. The village is likened to a fairy tale world because it possesses peaceful and beautiful houses.
Lo Lo Chai village (Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district) is located near the northernmost point of Vietnam, about 1.5 km from Lung Cu flagpole.
This is the home of both Mong and Lo Lo people throughout the decades.
Beautiful village like a fairy tale
Having visited Lo Lo Chai three times, Tuan Dao, a photographer in Hanoi, recalled the memory of his first visit: “The first time I came to Lo Lo Chai was about 9-10 years ago. At that time, the village was still a rather unfamiliar place, bordering the border and still poor. I still remember the memory of the villagers running to the gate to call me into their house to celebrate Tet. The first time I sat at the table of the village elders, drank a cup of corn wine and ate local pork.”
This time coming back, Tuan Dao could not help but be surprised by the positive transformation of Lo Lo Chai. “I really could not believe that Lo Lo Chai had completely transformed. I could see the pride of the locals when they told me: Come visit the village. It is very different now. It is very beautiful,” the photographer confided.
In early 2022, Lo Lo Chai was recognized as a Cultural Tourism Village.
Today, Lo Lo Chai village still preserves the cultural, material and spiritual values of the ethnic groups in the highlands. Walking around Lo Lo Chai, visitors can admire the typical architecture of the rammed earth houses often found in the Ha Giang stone plateau. The tiled roofs are located close together, creating a peaceful and idyllic scene.
The Lo Lo people’s rammed earth houses have brown earthen walls hidden behind stone fences. They not only have the beauty of the highlands but also demonstrate the simple yet sturdy house-building techniques of the people. Houses here are mainly built with clay and loam, and the fences are built with stone.
The rammed earth houses of the Lo Lo people
“The rammed earth houses are still there, decorated and renovated very poetically. The stone wall has been removed to lower the middle of the houses to create an open space. The concrete wall has been dismantled. Everything is decorated very friendly and harmoniously. The 'giraffe' gate has also been repaired to match. Walking slowly in the afternoon around the village, past houses with peach trees protruding onto the street, the sunset is beautiful. I think to myself if it was flower season, this place would be very poetic,” Tuan Dao shared.
Lo Lo Chai still retains its peaceful beauty that is rarely found anywhere else.
Not developed in the form of concrete, Lo Lo Chai still retains its peaceful beauty that is rarely found anywhere else. Homestays, restaurants and cafes here have become favorite destinations for those who are passionate about the cultural identity of ethnic minorities in the highlands. Since then, Lo Lo Chai tourism has grown and become more well-known, bringing in income to help people improve their lives.
“I met foreign groups of up to 50 or 70 people, which means that many Vietnamese people helped drive, that many rented motorbikes, that many meals… supporting the tourism and people here is not small,” said the photographer.
Lo Lo Chai tourism is growing.
Rich in highland cultural identity
Not only that, Lo Lo Chai also preserves many famous traditional craft villages such as carpentry, embroidery and famous festivals such as the Forest God Worshiping Ceremony, Rice Celebration, New House Celebration... Coming here, visitors can see young girls and middle-aged women wearing traditional costumes. You can also wear the most unique and colorful traditional costumes in Ha Giang and record these memorable moments.
Lo Lo Chai still preserves many famous traditional craft villages.
Besides, visitors can try playing traditional musical instruments such as drums, trumpets... In particular, those who are curious about ancient bronze drums can also freely explore in Lo Lo Chai - considered the only place in the world that still uses ancient bronze drums in daily life.
Lo Lo Chai village nestled in the middle of the windy plateau is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing place to rest. The adventure to the fairy tale village not only helps you have relaxing moments but also adds a unique highlight to your journey.
Lo Lo Chai village nestles in the middle of a windy plateau.
