As far as 450 kilometres from the
capital, there locates a highland in northwest Vietnam, namely Lai
Chau (Province). This complex of plateaus is situated at the altitude of 1,500m
above sea level, comprising high mountains, pure streams and rivers. It
shares borderline with Yun Nan province (China
Tourists coming to Lai Chau may choose between following the main road,
the national 12th highway (from Dien Bien Phu town to Ma Lu Thang border gate
in Lai Chau), or the 4D road (from Sapa to Lai Chau).
Natural beauty & sight-seeing
Lai Chau is said to be the land
of Ban Vietnam ’s highest
mountain range (Himalaya ) - with Sapa (in Lao
Cai). With the height of 3,143m, Fansipan is not only the highest in Vietnam but also in the Indochina peninsula,
being considered “the roof of Indochina ”.
Among others, some plateaus such as Sin Ho, Ta Phinh, Dao San, etc. are even
higher than 1,500m, thus being covered in cloud, fog, and purely cool
atmosphere all the time.
Apart from high mountains, Lai Chau is also rich in narrow valleys,
beautiful rivers and springs. The longest and largest river in the province is
Da River. These together with others, such as Nam Na, Nam Mu flowing between
the ranges, make several roaring and white frothy waterfalls in the quiet
forests. One amongst the most popular waterfalls is Tac Tinh, which is higher
than 50m with 2 classes, and frequently full of water flows, bringing a magnificent
picture of natural beauty. Taking a boat along Da River, no visitor could help
keeping eyes on the very fine landscapes, namely the roofs made of black
stones, and mountains in clouds. The fanciful villages of ethnic minorities on
the banks of the River are gathering in picturesque scenery. For those fond of
health-care elements, there are some hot and mineral water springs scattering
in the province, for examples, Van Bo (in Phong Tho District), Na Dong, Na Don
(Tam Duong), and some other hydroelectricity lakes.
Can you imagine that the caves and grottoes in the mountain ranges in
the area still remain their original states, such as Binh Lu and Tien Son
grottoes, which are no doubt the magic beauties of nature! Moreover, there
exists a thousands-of-hectare forest, in the 6 km southwest of Lai Chau town,
consisting of more than ten original caves. All of those are truly beautiful
with sparking brightness and varied shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Thanks
to this gifted scenery, the area is called “Phong Nha Grotto of the Northwest”.
Historical relics
People take interest in Lai Chau not only because of its natural beauty,
but also of its historical relics. One amongst them is Deo Van Long’s Palace
located in Sin Ho District, which the palace of Thai
People & Custom
The natural landscape is the accommodation of more than 20 ethnic
minorities. Most of them are Thai people (33.5%), H’mong people (23.6%), Dao
(14.4%) and Viet or Kinh people (11.2%), Ha Nhi people (5.6%) and some others.
And there are two groups, who only live in Lai Chau, that is, Mang and La Hu
people. Lots of ethnic people still keep their unique original tradition and
custom, making the local culture diversified and worth a study.
What makes Lai Chau worth remembering is its various customs of each
tribe, which has its own culture of funeral, wedding, worshipping, and so
forth. The mentioned market is the most significant activity in life, which
take place in the Thursday and Sunday morning. People from many tribes get
together here in colourful clothes early in the foggy morning. Seen from above,
the market looks like a flower with thousands of colours. The goods to be
transacted are the local specialties, such as chickens, pork, honey, rice, tea,
etc. Somebody says: “If you would like to figure out the unique local market,
you must join one, which reveals the ethnic minority and mountainous life
culture in clarity and details.
Festivals
Festivals are one among the most activities of Lai Chau in particular
and mountainous regions’ in general. The most popular one in Lai Chau is “Hoa
Ban festival”, which reflects the cultural and spiritual life of Thai people.
In the second lunar month of the year, when it gets warmer and “hoa ban” (the
significant kind of flower in the Northwest area), blossoms, “Hoa Ban festival”
is celeberated. This is time for boys and girls to meet and get to know each
other. The boy picks up the most beautiful flower and put it in his
girlfriend’s hair. The girl hides under the fresh leaves. This is not only the
time for love but also for Thai people to pray for good crops, happiness,
expressing their gratitude to ancestors. The festival is always full of songs
and prays.
Another famous festival is “Han khuong festival”, which takes place in
spring. Once again, this is an opportunity for boys and girls to get to know
each other by singing and dancing. “Han” means stage, “Khuong” means yard. When
the festival starts, young, beautiful and unmarried girls sing love songs on
the stage. Then, the boys sing songs for response. At the same time, they can
look for a person who can share their feelings and then come, sit together and
talk. After that, they date, and wait for the next appointment. And can you
guess? After the festival, many couples get married. For old people, that is
the time for memories.
“Gau Tao festival” – “spring travelling”, a festival of H’mong people,
is held every spring. After Lunar New Year festival, couples go to the market
just for spending time together. The boys play “Khen”, a kind of musical
instrument for one another.
Lai Chau is exactly a captivating and typical mountainous land,
absorbing huge numbers of tourists widespread. If you are interested in ethnic
minority culture, you should really take part in a market or festival of Lai
Chau, which unveils the mountainous culture in the way of a “love-blossoming”
land!
