Ngoi Tu Village

The Northwestern region of Vietnam is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its authentic villages that boast a rich and diverse culture. Among these, Ngoi Tu Village has gained prominence, playing a vital role in promoting Yen Bai and serving as a cornerstone for community-based tourism in the area.

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Location

Nestled approximately 200 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, Ngoi Tu Village is located on the shores of Thac Ba Lake, within Vu Linh Commune, Yen Binh District, in Yen Bai Province.

What is Special About Ngoi Tu Village

Ngoi Tu has established itself as a cultural and tourism village for over two decades. It is home to a variety of ethnic minorities, including the Dao, Nung, and Cao Lan, with the Dao Quan Trang (the Dao people known for their distinctive white pants) being the predominant group.

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Currently, around 130 households make up the village, where the rich cultural heritage has been carefully preserved over the years. Visitors can observe this through various aspects of daily life, including the traditional three-story wooden stilt houses, artisanal crafts, traditional folk songs, local cuisine, folk games, and seasonal festivals.

Best Time to Visit

Ngoi Tu Village experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The ideal time to visit is from April to October. However, since the landscape showcases distinct beauty throughout the year, visitors can explore Ngoi Tu at their convenience.

Things to Do in Ngoi Tu Village

Visit Traditional Stilt Houses of Ethnic Minorities

Stilt houses have long been the traditional residences in the Northwestern mountainous region, serving not only as homes but also as protection against wildlife. Constructed from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan, these elevated homes provide shelter from the sun and rain, keeping interiors cool during the summer. A visit to a local stilt house, accompanied by stories of the village's history shared by an elder, certainly adds to the experience.

Try Making Your Own Handicrafts

Ngoi Tu Village offers an opportunity to engage with traditional handicrafts, including jewelry carving, flower embroidery, and fabric waxing. Visitors can marvel at the adept skills of local artisans and even receive guidance to create their own crafts, making for a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Biking Tour Around the Village

Renting a bicycle to explore Ngoi Tu Village is highly recommended. You can discover winding paths, admire the unique homes of various ethnic groups, connect with friendly locals, and even engage in folk games with local children. A trip to Thac Ba Lake provides a serene backdrop and fresh air, making it a perfect stop.

Trek to Yen and Cao Bien Mountains

For adventure enthusiasts, trekking to Yen and Cao Bien Mountains is an absolute must during your visit to Ngoi Tu Village. Adjacent to Thac Ba Lake in Phuc An Commune, Cao Bien Mountain is the tallest in the region, offering breathtaking vistas of the lake and village below.

Photo: vietnamnet.vn

If your visit coincides with the festive season, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture through various well-preserved traditions. Notable festivals include the Cap Sac ceremony, which is a vital ritual in Dao men's lives, as well as the fire-jumping festival, wedding ceremonies, and the “Com Moi” (New Rice) festival.

How to Get There

From Hanoi

By car or motorbike: Take Highway 32, then Highway 2 towards Tuyen Quang, continue on Highway 37 for about 100 km, and follow Street 170 to reach Vu Linh Commune and Ngoi Tu Village (approximately 150 km total).

From Yen Binh District, Yen Bai

By car or motorbike: Start from Yen Binh center, take Highway 37 or 70 towards Hanoi direction, proceed to Thac Ba town, then follow Street 170 to Vu Linh Commune and Ngoi Tu Village.

By motorboat: From Yen Binh center, take Highway 37 or 70 to Huong Ly Port (on Thac Ba Lake), then enjoy a scenic 50-minute boat ride directly to the port in Ngoi Tu Village.

Useful Information