Ta Van Village
Location
Located in Muong Hoa valley, Ta Van Commune is a favorite destination for those who are interested in homestay, community-based tourism and experiencing cozy atmosphere at houses of ethnic people.
Photo : vietnammoi.vn
The small village is home to various communities of ethnic people, including Hmong(nearly 45%), Giay (35%) and Dao people (20%). Also, the magnificent landscape with ancient rock fields, springs and terrace fields is another reason to attract huge numbers of travelers visiting this place annually.
How to get there
To reach the village, visitors have to cross the suspension bridge over Muong Hoa spring. The first impression when coming here is the housing architecture, which reflects both courtesy and coziness. The houses are constructed with wood including three compartments: the middle one is used to place altar and to welcome guests, the right-side one is for the owners and the left one is kitchen with a garret to store food. In the middle of door, there is red amulet with yellow paper and a sentence in ancient Vietnamese script to prevent devil spirits.
Photo : Luca Zizioli
A great example for community based tourism
Under the direction of local authorities via community-based tourism project, various spacious guesthouses were built to serve only travelers. However, not many people desire to stay here since the guesthouses are supposed not to be hospitable and friendly as at people’s houses.
Photo : luhanhvietnam.com.vn
It can be said that Ta Van village is a prime example of how community-based tourism should be. Not only the accommodation but other parts of the villages are developed and modified to become a professional place for tourism purposes. In order to serve travelers who are interested in traditional arts of ethnic group here, the village has organized a team of about 30 local artists to perform special dances, singing or playing instruments.Traditional craft is another great example here, where travelers are able to witness how tools or handicrafts are made with introduction of local craftsmen. Meanwhile traditional festivals are resurrected and preserved, which provide travelers with opportunities to understand the diverse culture of minor communities here, particularly Giay people.
Photo by @Phương Vy
Not only travelers are beneficial from this project, the local people are too. Now more people in Ta Van village have jobs with sustainable income, and their lives are significantly improved day by day, with higher education, better living standard and more labor-saving infrastructures at their villages.
Useful Information
- Location: Ta Van, Lao Cai
- Best for: All visitors
- Entrance: N/A
- Hours: Day time visit is recommended
- Distance to city center: 10.8km (6.7 mi)
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