Table of Content
- Table of Content
- Overview of Tha Village
- Tha Village Community
- Tha Village’s Natural Landscape
- Responsible Tourism in Tha Village
- Conclusion
Hidden in the serene landscapes of Ha Giang, Tha Village is a haven for travelers seeking a deep cultural connection to Vietnam. Beyond its picturesque scenery, Tha Village offers immersive experiences that allow visitors to engage with local life, from staying in stilt houses to learning traditional crafts. A journey to Tha Village is not just about sightseeing but about becoming part of a Ha Giang’s legacy.
Overview of Tha Village
- Address: Phuong Do District, Ha Giang 310000, Vietnam
Tha Village (also known as Thon Tha) is a hidden gem that offers visitors an authentic Ha Giang culture like nowhere else. Located just 5 kilometers from Ha Giang City, on the way to the Thanh Thuy International Border Gate, Tha Village is home to the Tay ethnic group and is known for its stilt houses, lush rice fields, and commitment to responsible tourism.
Why Should You Visit Tha Village?
- Authentic cultural experience: Since August 2024, Tha Village has been recognized as a Cultural Tourism Village by the People’s Committee of Ha Giang Province. In Tha Village, visitors can experience the daily lives of the Tay ethnic group and witness their traditions firsthand.
- Breathtaking natural scenery: Tha Village is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including lush rice fields, towering mountains, and serene waterways, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
- Responsible tourism: Visiting Thon Tha, visitors can stay in traditional homestays, where their contributions directly support the local community. By choosing responsible tourism, travelers help preserve the village’s cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
- Adventure opportunities: Tha Village offers exciting outdoor activities such as trekking through scenic trails and biking along quiet village paths. Travelers can also engage with friendly locals, gaining deeper insights into their way of life.
Tha Village Community
Tha Village is primarily home to the Tay ethnic group, one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic communities, known for their warm hospitality and strong cultural traditions. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the village has a long history that dates back as long as 800 years, with around 135 families and 600 Tay people currently residing. The village is relatively small, fostering a close-knit community where families have lived for generations. The main sources of livelihood for the locals are rice farming, weaving, fishing, and most recently, community-based tourism.
Traditional Stilt Houses in Tha Village
One of the most valuable cultural heritages of Tha Village is the Tay traditional stilt houses. Made from wood and bamboo, these houses are built on stilts to protect people against flooding and provide ventilation. Coming to Thon Tha, visitors staying in local homestays will have the chance to experience daily life in these unique houses, as well as contributing to preserving them.
Linen Weaving Art in Tha Village
A must-see art – linen weaving is a traditional art of the Tay women, used to create garments and household items in the community. This meticulous craft involves cultivating flax plants, extracting fibers, and weaving them into durable linen fabrics. The textiles are then dyed, often with natural indigo, and crafted into garments. Visitors to Thon Tha can observe artisans at work, gaining insight into the skill and dedication required for this generational craft.
Then Singing in Tha Village
In terms of music, Tay people are known for Then singing. Then singing is a form of folk music that integrates melody, poetry, and dance, creating a profound cultural experience. It is often accompanied by a đàn tính (a traditional string instrument) and is an important part of local rituals and celebrations. Performed by skilled practitioners known as “Then” singers, these rituals often involve journeys to the “upper world” to seek blessings for the community. In 2019, UNESCO inscribed Then singing practice on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Festivals in Tha Village
Like many other Tay communities, Tha Village celebrates traditional Tay festivals, including the Long Tong Festival (a spring festival to pray for good harvests), the Lau Then Bjooc Ma Festival (to seek blessings for health and prosperity), and the Lau Then Com Festival (to celebrate the new rice harvest). These festivals not only preserve Tay traditions but also enrich the community’s spiritual and social life.
Tha Village’s Natural Landscape
Surrounded by lush green rice paddies, rolling mountains, and freshwater streams, Tha Village is a picturesque representation of northern Vietnam’s rural beauty:
Rice Fields in Tha Village
The rice fields of Tha Village are a highlight for travelers, showcasing the traditional agricultural practices of the Tay people. The rice fields change color with the seasons – from vibrant green in spring and summer to golden hues in autumn – bringing unique experiences to each period of the year. For most travelers, the harvest season (September to November) is considered to be the most beautiful, when the fields turn a golden yellow, creating a spectacular landscape.
Green Mountains Near Tha Village
Tha village is surrounded by rolling mountains, part of the larger Ha Giang mountainous terrain. These mountains provide excellent trekking routes for those looking to explore nature up close. If you book a tour with the local tour guides, there will be a lot more off-the-beaten track for you to explore Ha Giang to the fullest.
Diverse Ecosystem in Tha Village
The region surrounding Thon Tha is home to diverse plant and animal life, with bamboo groves, ancient trees, and various medicinal plants used by the locals. In March, you will have the chance to watch the peach blossoms in full bloom all across Ha Giang. And during December, buckwheat flowers blooming across the mountains will make your trip unforgettable. Birdwatching enthusiasts may also spot native species such as the oriental magpie-robin and white-rumped shama visiting here.
Responsible Tourism in Tha Village
Tha Village is a model for responsible community-based tourism in Vietnam, ensuring that tourism activities directly benefit the local community and minimize the negative impact on the region. Since 2015, Thon Tha has also cooperated with YESD Social Enterprise in order to support the community and bring more chances to the local people.
Authentic Experiences Only in Tha Village
Visitors to Tha Village can immerse themselves in the daily lives of the Tay people through a variety of hands-on experiences. Staying in traditional stilt houses run by local families provides a unique opportunity to enjoy warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations. Guests can also savor home-cooked meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including grilled fish, bamboo shoots, and sticky rice.
Beyond food and lodging, visitors can also join in some cultural activities such as traditional crafts, listen to Then singing performances, and learn about Tay customs, making their journey truly memorable.
Community Development Projects in Tha Village
YESD Travel, a responsible tourism operator, has been collaborating with Tha Village to foster sustainable tourism and improve the local community. A portion of tourism revenue is allocated to education support, funding local schools and educational programs for children.
Additionally, a community fund was set up to help develop infrastructure, improve healthcare services, and support local businesses. By training residents as tour guides, homestay hosts, and artisans, YESD ensures that tourism directly benefits the village, creating meaningful employment opportunities for the Tay people.
By choosing responsible tourism with YESD Travel in Tha Village, travelers will contribute to the preservation of local culture and economic development, making their journey more meaningful.
Book a tour with YESD Travel here.
Conclusion
Tha Village is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore the authentic beauty of Ha Giang while supporting responsible tourism. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and strong community values, Tha Village offers an experience that goes beyond sightseeing – it is an opportunity to connect with local people and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s traditional way of life. Whether you’re trekking through rice fields, enjoying a homestay, or learning about Tay customs, Tha Village promises a journey filled with unforgettable moments.
Ha giang responsible tourism 