Embark on an eco-tour to Vietnam and discover renowned ancient villages. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and sustainable practices of these historic destinations.
The stunning landscape, old houses and its architecture, locals in their traditional costumes and yummy street food, all of this will make your trip unforgettable. Experience the essence of Vietnam’s heritage while contributing to its preservation through eco travel.
1. Sin Suoi Ho village – Lai Chau. northern Vietnam
Appearing first in the list of villages in Vietnam, Sin Suoi Ho is located about 30 km from city centre of Lai Chau and approximately 400 km northwest of Hanoi. It takes around 7 hours to travel there by car. Situated at an altitude of nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, this village is nestled at the foot of the Son Bac May mountain range.
Sin Suoi Ho – pristine and peaceful tourist village in Vietnam
In 2015, Sin Suoi Ho village was recognized as a community tourism destination, attracting a considerable number of visitors. Over the years 2022 and 2023, it welcomed approximately 30,000 tourists, including many international visitors from countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
Primarily inhabited by the Mong ethnic minority, Sin Suoi Ho village boasts a pristine environment, with tree-lined paths and blooming flowers. Perched atop a high position, the village offers breathtaking views of the sea of clouds in the morning. The local cuisine is diverse, featuring dishes made from pork, fish, and various vegetables grown within the village
When is the best time to visit Sin Suoi Ho village?
The best time to visit Sin Suoi Ho village in Lai Chau is from September to November. Particularly in early November, the hillsides are adorned with the golden hue of tithonia (a type of sunflowers). By the end of November, the landscape is at its most vibrant, with tithonia painting the entire village in shades of bright yellow.
2. Lolo Chai village – Ha Giang, northern Vietnam
When traveling to Northern Vietnam, you should visit one of the most ancient villages in Vietnam, Lolo Chai village in Ha Giang. Located at the foot of Dragon Mountain, this village is situated near the northernmost point of Vietnam, approximately 1.5 km from the Lung Cu flag tower. At the beginning of 2022, Lo Lo Chai was recognized as a Cultural Tourism Village.
Lolo’s house in Ha Giang, Vietnam
Lolo Chai village is home to both the Mong and Lolo ethnic groups throughout the decades. Despite lacking high-rise buildings or modern bustling commercial areas, Lolo Chai village preserves many communal cultural values of the ethnic groups in the beautiful Dong Van stone plateau.
A distinctive feature of traveling to Lolo Chai village is experiencing the authentic side of northern Vietnam. Visitors stay in homestays built according to local architectural standards: clean and well-maintained rooms with adequate amenities arranged by the locals. Tourists stay with the locals, observing the peaceful life here.
Discover : Ha Giang Extraordinary Panorama in 4 days
When is the best time to visit Lolo Chai village?
Lolo Chai village in Ha Giang is suitable for year-round tourism. Most tourists visit in August and September to admire the golden Ha Giang adorned with ripe terraced rice fields. The flower season in Ha Giang is in October, November, or December. During this time, tourists can marvel at the hills and mountains covered in the white blossoms of buckwheat flowers, as well as participate in the famous annual Buckwheat Flower Festival.
Visit Ha Giang at the end of the year to see buckwheat flower fields on the rocky plateau
3. Tan Hoa village – Quang Binh, central Vietnam
Not only is Tan Hoa one of the most beautiful villages in Vietnam, but it was also honored in the list of “Best Tourism Villages 2023” by UNWTO – The United Nations World Tourism Organization. This place often faces significant floods, so since 2012, the locals have innovatively built floating houses, enabling them to maintain normal life during floods. By 2023, Tan Hoa village had 620 floating houses constructed.
Tan Hoa village seen from above
Tan Hoa village is located in Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province, in central Vietnam. Since tourism development, Tan Hoa has undergone numerous changes, improving the lives of local residents and enhancing the beauty of the village. Tan Hoa is renowned for its majestic mountainous scenery. Vast grassy fields surrounded by limestone mountains, intersected by the emerald green Rao Nan River, paint a picturesque landscape.
The locals are Nguon people, belonging to the Muong ethnic group. They are typically engaged in farming, fishing, hunting, and beekeeping. Thanks to the preservation and promotion of the Nguon language since ancient times, they possess a rich treasure trove of folklore and traditional culture, attracting many tourists to explore.
When is the best time to visit Tan Hoa village?
The ideal time to visit Tan Hoa village in Quang Binh is during the dry season, from April to August. Tourists will also have the opportunity to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, located just about 70 km from the village, and experience exciting activities in Phong Nha.
Tourists visit Tan Hoa village
4. Cat Cat village – Sapa, northern Vietnam
Suitable for family vacations in Vietnam, Cat Cat village is nestled right at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain, in Sapa town, Lao Cai province. It’s quite close to the center of Sapa town, just about 2km away, and the roads are easy to navigate. Cat Cat is one of the most beautiful villages in Vietnam.
Although it’s a small village, it’s surrounded by the lush greenery of the mountain forests, intertwined with the simplicity of the wooden houses amidst terraced fields. When visiting Cat Cat village, tourists can explore famous attractions such as the water wheel, waterfall, terraced fields, and Hoa stream. One of the must-try experiences is renting traditional costumes to immerse oneself in the local culture, adorned with vibrant patterns.
Discover: Sapa Adventure: Discover colorful ethnic minorities 3 days
When is the best time to visit Cat Cat village?
Additionally, tourists often enjoy visiting traditional houses to learn about the kitchen and daily life of the villagers. Cat Cat village enjoys cool air all year round. Each season has its own beauty: spring is adorned with cherry blossoms and apricot blossoms, summer with vibrant yellow mustard flowers, and autumn with golden ripe rice fields. Among these, the most ideal times chosen by tourists are autumn (from September to November) and spring (from February to May).
Tourists can explore the culture of the Mong people at Cat Cat village
Exploring the ancient villages in Vietnam is a fascinating experience filled with history, culture, and tradition. These villages are like living museums, keeping alive centuries-old customs and amazing architecture. If you’re thinking about having a Vietnam tour, make sure to include a trip to these destinations in your plans. They offer a window into Vietnam’s rich heritage and provide an opportunity to connect with the country’s rural life and its people.
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