The Community-Based Tourism Village Festival of the 8 Northwest Provinces to be held at Lac Village in Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province for November 17 to 19, 2023. This three-day extravaganza promises to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the region and provide a platform for both local and international visitors to delve into the essence of community tourism.
1. A Vibrant Tapestry of Activities
The festival brings together a diverse array of activities that celebrate the distinctiveness of the eight Northwest provinces. Visitors can look forward to:
- Explanation and Introduction Contest: Engage in a lively contest where you can learn about the unique features of community tourism villages in the region.
- Performing Arts and National Costumes: Be enthralled by captivating performances and vibrant traditional costumes that represent the rich heritage of the Northwest.
- Community Tourism Culinary Competition: Savor the flavors of the region with a culinary competition that showcases local gastronomic delights.
- Booth Display Competition: Immerse yourself in cultural and tourism products, souvenirs, and typical OCOP (One Commune One Product) items that represent the area.
- Demonstrations of Traditional Crafts and Folk Games: Witness the craftsmanship of the locals and join in the fun with traditional games.
- Beautiful Tourism Photo Exhibitions: Admire the stunning beauty of the expanded Northwest provinces through captivating photography.
With 22 booths, including seven from community tourism villages in the Northwest provinces, five typical tourist booths representing the province, and ten booths featuring culture, tourism, and OCOP products from various districts and cities, there’s something for everyone at this festival.
2. Discovering Lac Village in Mai Chau
Mai Chau Valley ‘s allure extends far beyond the festival grounds, as it beckons those in search of natural beauty and a deeper connection with the culture of its mountainous ethnic communities. Lac Village, situated just 140km from Hanoi, is the epitome of this allure.
This idyllic hamlet, hidden in a valley amidst rolling mountains and veiled in mist, boasts a history spanning over 700 years. It has evolved into a symbol of the cultural identity of the White Thai people, casting a spell on both domestic and international travelers.
Originally, Lac Village in Mai Chau was untouched by tourism, inhabited by the five clans of the Thai ethnic group: Ha, Vi, Mac, Loc, and Lo. Their primary livelihoods included rice farming, upland agriculture, animal husbandry, and brocade weaving.
As word of Lac Mai Chau’s enchanting beauty spread, tourists flocked to the village. The locals adapted, offering stilt houses for overnight stays, food services, clothing rentals, and transportation, transforming their way of life. Stilt houses, characterized by their elevation of about 2 meters and thatched roofs of bamboo or rattan leaves, remain an integral part of the village’s charm, even as they receive modern upgrades.
The village’s roads are kept clean and spacious, while the surrounding landscape is maintained with pristine beauty. Lush rice fields, clear streams, and rolling mountains make this destination a must-visit in one’s lifetime.
The hospitality of the local people is noteworthy, as they provide friendly and professional services. Performance teams entertain and educate visitors about their cultural heritage, ensuring that tradition and tourism coexist harmoniously. Traditional activities like rice farming, upland agriculture, and brocade weaving continue to thrive, preserving the village’s authentic character.
Lac Village in Mai Chau stands as a testament to the symbiosis of tradition and tourism, inviting all who venture here to experience the genuine beauty of this timeless destination. If you join to the Community-Based Tourism Village Festival during 17 – 19 November 2023, it is also the opportunity to discover Mai Chau Valley especially Lac Village.
