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Located just 2km from Ban Gioc Waterfall and on the way to explore Nguom Ngao Cave, Khuoi Ky Stone Village is gradually becoming a destination that tourists cannot miss when coming to Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province.
The ancient Khuoi Ky Stone Village is famous for its stone-stilt houses, which bear the unique ancient beauty of the Northeastern mountains and forests. It offers unique and fresh architecture surrounded by mountains and forests. When coming to Khuoi Ky Stone Village, visitors not only have the opportunity to explore ancient stone houses but also enjoy the peaceful, fresh air here. To make the most of your trip, follow IZITOUR to find out the article below.
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1. Overview of Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Nestled in the majestic natural landscape of Cao Bang, Khuoi Ky Stone Village stands out like a precious gem, possessing both ancient and unique beauty. Khuoi Ky Stone Village has existed for more than 400 years and is home to the Tay ethnic group, where the unique traditional cultural features of the local people are preserved. These stone stilt houses are believed to have existed from around 1594 - 1677, when the Mac Dynasty went to Cao Bang to build a citadel to protect the country.
In the Tay language, "Khuoi Ky" means "small stream", referring to the stream that runs right in front of the village, while behind the village is a rocky mountain. In an area of about 10,000 square meters, the houses in Khuoi Ky Stone Village are built close together, the rest is cultivated land.
One of the most captivating features of Khuoi Ky Stone Village is its unique stilt houses, meticulously constructed entirely from natural stone. Each house is built using solid stone slabs, expertly bonded with traditional mortar, ensuring both durability and aesthetic harmony. The roofs, adorned with yin-yang tiles, exude an ancient charm that seamlessly blends with the surrounding nature. These remarkable structures are more than just homes - they stand as a testament to the deep-rooted connection between the people and the land of Cao Bang, embodying both resilience and elegance.
Not only attracting tourists by its unique architecture, Khuoi Ky Stone Village also possesses a poetic natural landscape, surrounded by a fresh stream and majestic mountains.
2. Things to Do in Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Discover the Timeless Stone Stilt Houses
Stone is very present in daily life here - the Khuoi Ky village, from building houses with stone foundations, stone walls, stone walkways, and stone mortars.
To build a house with stone, people have to spend a lot of time from the time of coming up with ideas and preparing materials. The structure of stone stilt houses often has different sizes depending on the number of people living there, but the common feature is that there are usually 3 rooms with different functions. Stone walls can be up to 7-8m high, made from tightly stacking stones of different sizes, adding a binder made from sand mixed with limestone with a thickness of more than 30cm, and roofing with yin-yang tiles.
The stone houses here may have only one floor or may have many floors inside with wooden floors, pillars, and attics made of trees from the forest. The yin-yang tiled roofs have an ancient appearance, with many large windows around, and there may be many different rooms in the house with walls made of bamboo woven from bamboo trees. Inside the house, like most other people's houses, there is an altar with traditional charms, a stove, a place to store agricultural products after harvest, and seeds for the following seasons, which are preserved by hanging on wooden bars close to the roof.
Immerse Yourself in Tay Ethnic Culture
Not only can visitors admire the natural scenery and peace of the ancient Khuoi Ky Stone Village, they can also explore the history and cultural life of the local people. For the Tay people in Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, the stone stilt house has a very important meaning. The Tay people, who worship the stone, believe that: "Stone is the center of the universe. Humans are born from stone and when they die, they turn into stone. Stone is also the source of life". Because the daily life of people at that time in the border area often had robberies or wild animals capturing people, the construction of stone houses could come from all of the above characteristics, both from sacred beliefs and to ensure that members avoid risks when living in houses built of stone. The house is considered a sacred place where the characteristics of the material and spiritual life of the family and village are preserved and passed down through generations. In the Tay people's mind, mountain rocks represent the gods, so a house made of stone will have the power to shelter and protect the villagers.
Besides, visitors can join local artisans in weaving delicate textiles, learn the secrets of preparing traditional Tay dishes, and take part in daily farming activities. A highlight of any visit is the "Then" singing performance, where soulful melodies intertwine with the rhythmic sounds of the traditional lute. Enjoying a meal of grilled stream fish and sticky rice wrapped in fragrant banana leaves while listening to folk stories creates an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Marvel at the Stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall
A short journey from Khuoi Ky reveals the breathtaking beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest and most spectacular cascade in Vietnam. One of the beauties of Ban Gioc waterfall is that the main waterfall does not flow directly from above but is divided into many levels, creating impressive white patches interwoven with the colors of flowers and leaves. Ban Gioc Waterfall is over 60m high with the longest slope of 30m, divided into many successive limestone levels and spread out to hundreds of meters. In the middle of the waterfall is a large mound of land covered with many green trees, dividing the river into three different branches.
Adventurous travelers can embark on a bamboo raft ride, drifting close to the falls and feeling the exhilarating cool spray on their skin. Those who prefer a more tranquil experience can relax on the riverbanks, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and admiring the natural splendor. The area is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with its ever-changing interplay of light, water, and mist creating stunning visual compositions. Whether seeking adventure or a moment of peace, Ban Gioc Waterfall promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Venture into the Enchanting Nguom Ngao Cave
Deep beneath the rugged landscape near Khuoi Ky lies Nguom Ngao Cave, a hidden marvel of limestone formations. According to researchers, this limestone cave was formed about 400 million years ago. The stalactites in the cave have a different color from other caves due to the amount of calcium mixed with many impurities. It is overwhelming to step into the cave and see a large, majestic space with a system of stalactites of all shapes and sizes sparkling beautifully under the lights.
The cave has a total length of 2144 meters, including three main entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon. The deeper you go into the cave, the more sparkling and charming the beauty becomes. There are many nooks and crannies where only one person can pass, or there are stalactites from the cave ceiling that suddenly block the path, requiring you to bend down to get through. The unique feature that creates the highlight of Nguom Ngao is the terraced fields formed by limestone floors eroded and weathered over millions of years.
3. Best Time to Visit Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Choosing the right time to visit Khuoi Ky Stone Village can enhance your experience and allow you to fully appreciate its charm. The region experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season, each offering unique travel experiences.
Rainy Season (May - September)
During the rainy season, Khuoi Ky Stone Village turns into a lush green paradise, which is a breathtaking transformation. The average temperature in this season is from 25°C - 28°C. The surrounding mountains and forests flourish under the frequent rainfall, which is the reason why the landscape looks so picturesque. Rain showers bring a refreshing atmosphere, enhancing the beauty of the flowing streams and cascading waterfalls. However, travelers should be mindful of occasional heavy rains, which may cause temporary disruptions to travel plans and trekking routes.
In general, the rainy season offers an immersive and vibrant natural experience for those who are seeking adventure and stunning scenery.
Dry Season (October - December)
The dry season offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring Khuoi Ky Stone Village and its surroundings. With little rainfall, roads and pathways remain dry and accessible, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and cultural experiences. The weather is also pleasant, with the average temperature ranging from 14°C - 18°C. The cool and crisp air during this period is perfect for walking through the village, interacting with locals, and admiring the ancient stone houses. Additionally, the misty mornings in winter add a magical touch to the landscape, creating breathtaking views of the village and nearby limestone mountains.
No matter which season you choose to visit, Khuoi Ky Stone Village offers an unforgettable experience, each time of the year showcasing a different charm of this historical and cultural gem.
4. Practical Advice to Visit Khuoi Ky Stone Village
To have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Khuoi Ky Stone Village, you need to remember the following notes:
- During the visit to the ancient village, do not litter, this will avoid affecting the lives of the people and the surrounding environment.
- You should choose cool, neat clothes and wear sneakers to make the movement easier and more comfortable.
- In addition to personal items, you should bring medicines, medical supplies to avoid injuries during the tour or insect repellent, sunscreen.
Khuoi Ky Stone Village is a great destination for those who want to explore the pristine beauty and unique culture of Cao Bang. With ancient stone houses and a peaceful space in the middle of the mountains and forests, this is the ideal place for you to experience the life of the Tay ethnic group and learn about traditional stone carving art. If you are looking for memorable tours to Khuoi Ky Stone Village, feel free to leave a comment below or contact our travel experts via email: sm@izitour.vn or WhatsApp: +84 382 536 266 for instant support!
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