The tranquil Lo Lo Chai region nestled amidst the rocky plateau of Ha Giang.

In early 2022, Lo Lo Chai was recognized as a Cultural Tourism Village. Over the past two years, the government and local people have collaborated to develop tourism in a more professional and systematic way, resulting in an increasing number of visitors to the village. For those seeking a place to escape the smoggy city, Lo Lo Chai is an ideal destination to include in your travel guide.

Lo Lo Chai village (located in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district) is situated near the northernmost point of Vietnam, about 1.5 km from the Lung Cu flagpole. It has been home to both the Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups for decades. This place preserves countless cultural values ​​of the ethnic groups on the Dong Van karst plateau. The village is likened to a fairytale world because of its peaceful and beautiful traditional houses.

A beautiful village, like something out of a fairy tale.

Having visited Lo Lo Chai three times, Tuan Dao, a photographer from Hanoi, reminisces about his first visit: “My first time in Lo Lo Chai was about 9-10 years ago. At that time, the village was still a relatively unfamiliar place, bordering the frontier and quite poor. I still remember the villagers running out to the gate to invite me into their homes for Tet (Lunar New Year). It was my first time sitting at a table with the elders in the village, drinking corn wine and eating local pork.”

Returning this time, Tuan Dao was amazed by the positive transformation of Lo Lo Chai. "I really couldn't believe how completely Lo Lo Chai has changed. I could see the pride of the locals when they told me: 'Come visit the village. It's so different now. It's beautiful,'" the photographer confided.

Today, the Lo Lo Chai village still preserves the cultural, material, and spiritual values ​​of the highland ethnic groups. Taking a stroll around Lo Lo Chai, visitors can admire the characteristic rammed-earth house architecture commonly seen in the Ha Giang rocky plateau. The tiled roofs of the houses, nestled close together, create a serene and peaceful scene.

The traditional houses of the Lo Lo people, with their brown earthen walls, are subtly visible behind stone fences. They not only possess the beauty of the highlands but also showcase the simple yet sturdy construction techniques of the local people. The houses here are primarily built with clay and loam, and the fences are constructed of stone.

“The traditional houses with earthen walls are still there, beautifully decorated and renovated. The stone walls have been removed to lower the space between the houses, creating an open area. The concrete walls have also been dismantled. Everything is decorated in a friendly and harmonious way. The 'giraffe' gate has also been renovated to match. Strolling leisurely around the village in the late afternoon, past houses with peach trees jutting out onto the road, the sunset is absolutely stunning. I thought to myself, if it were the flowering season, this place would be incredibly poetic,” Tuan Dao shared.

Not developing in a concrete-filled way, Lo Lo Chai retains its rare and peaceful beauty. The homestays, restaurants, and cafes here have become favorite destinations for those who appreciate the unique culture of the highland ethnic groups. As a result, tourism in Lo Lo Chai is developing and becoming more widely known, providing income that helps the local people improve their lives.

"I've met groups of foreigners numbering in the tens of thousands, meaning that many Vietnamese people helped with driving, that many motorbikes were rented, that many meals were provided… supporting tourism and the local people quite a bit," the photographer said.

Rich in the cultural identity of the highlands.

Moreover, Lo Lo Chai preserves many famous traditional crafts such as woodworking and embroidery, along with renowned festivals like the Forest God Worship Ceremony, the Rice Harvest Festival, and the New House Celebration… Here, visitors can encounter young girls and middle-aged women wearing traditional ethnic costumes. You can also try on the vibrant and unique traditional attire of Ha Giang and capture these memorable moments.

In addition, visitors can try playing traditional musical instruments such as drums and horns. Especially, those curious about ancient bronze drums can explore them to their heart's content in Lo Lo Chai – believed to be the only place in the world where ancient bronze drums are still used in daily life.

Nestled amidst the windswept plateau, the Lo Lo Chai village is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. An adventure to this fairytale village not only offers moments of relaxation but also adds a unique and captivating touch to your travel experience.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai