Could you provide tips on how to best experience the Tet celebrations in Vietnam?
Leaning against the mountain, reflected in the bottom of Ba Be Lake, the pretty houses on stilts of Pac Ngoi village represent the cultural beauty of the Tay ethnic minority. They are an interesting stop for tourists on the Northeastern Vietnam journey.
Three tributaries of the Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng rivers form three gigantic basins between limestone mountains and verdant forests. Ba Be is peaceful amidst the mountains and forests, beautiful, and tells us interesting legends. Ba Be Lake was once a private lake for the Tay ethnic minority. They worked, ate, drank and frolicked at the lakeshore. Today, it is an essential part of Ba Be National Park. From the administrative center of Ba Be National Park, drive about 5 km along the lakeshore to reach Pac Ngoi village.
The cultural tourist village of Pac Ngoi, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district is a village full of stilt houses of the Tay ethnic group on the shore of the Leng River next to Ba Be Lake. More than 70 houses built in traditional Tay ethnic stilt houses are leaning against the cliff, forming a fascinating picture. Pac Ngoi Village is one of the few villages that still retain the customs and traditions imbued with Tay ethnic identity.
Visiting Pac Ngoi Village, tourists can not only immerse yourselves in the beautiful natural scenery but also discover and experience the interesting daily life of the local community. A few ancient houses on stilts ranging in age from several tens to hundreds of years are still preserved and beautifully adorn the Tay people's culture pattern.
The houses of the Tay ethnic group are built on four to seven rows of columns, forming two distinct areas. The upper part of the house is used as a living room, kitchen and sleeping quarters, while the lower part is used for storing agricultural tools and raising livestock. Traditionally, the stilt house has a two- or four-roof structure made of thatch and palm leaves, stilt houses with tiled roofs are also very popular in Ba Be.
The simple structure of the stilt house
Inside the house, the natives gather around the flickering fire, telling stories of daily activities. Visitors can even sit by the cozy red fire to listen to Ba Be legend translated by a tour guide and enjoy the unique cuisine of the region such as grilled goat meat eaten with sticky rice, grilled fish or prawns, etc.
The main kitchen of the stilt residence
The sticky rice in the colors of the Tay
After sampling the Pac Ngoi dishes, there is time to relax and soak in the soft melodies of the Then singing imbued with the traditional cultural identity of the Tay ethnicity. This experience is sure to lure tourists.
The Then singing
During this excursion, travelers also get to know the objects that clearly show the daily life of the Tay people such as fishing nets, bamboo and rattan items, indigo textiles, and popular musical instruments including the lute.
Some agricultural tools of the Tay people
After a day excursion, visitors can stay overnight with a host family to enjoy the open space, feel the warmth of humans and most importantly, learn about the authentic and rich ethnic culture. More and more tourists have been attracted to visit Pac Ngoi village in particular and Ba Be Lake in general recently. The beautiful natural landscape together with the special traditional culture of the Tay ethnic group have helped Pac Ngoi become an interesting cultural tourist destination.
See more about the Northeast region of Vietnam:
>> Excursion to Ba Be in 02 Days
>> Discover Bac Son - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake in 06 Days
