Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the ethnic villages that fringe the magnificent Ba Be Lake. Witness a rich cultural diversity and guardians of ancestral traditions, these villages are an irresistible invitation to immerse yourself in the unique lifestyles of each ethnic group.
Prepare for an enriching educational and sensory experience as you meet the main local communities living around Ba Be Lake!
The Tay:
Guardians of Lakeside Tradition
Among the ethnic groups present in the Ba Be Lake region, the Tay occupy a prominent place. Their traditional way of life is intimately linked to the waters of the lake.
For generations, the Tay have developed unique expertise in navigation and fishing. Their ancestral know-how in this field is passed down from father to son, perpetuating proven and respectful techniques for this aquatic environment.
The typical Tay habitat is characterized by wooden stilt houses, perfectly adapted to the lakeside environment. This vernacular architecture reflects a harmonious integration of their way of life with the surrounding nature.
Visiting a Tay village means discovering their rich craftsmanship, blending traditional know-how and contemporary creativity. Vibrantly patterned weavings and the manufacture of typical musical instruments are among the local specialties not to be missed.
Several Tay villages dot the shores of Ba Be Lake, offering you multiple gateways to their culture:
- Bo Lu, one of the main villages on the west bank, is home to magnificent wooden stilt houses. The dwellings are oriented towards the lake, with the mountain range at their rear. Among these are modern, raised houses, interspersed with older ones. Despite these changes, locals continue to fish in the lake, using this practice as a foundation for their tourism industry.
- Pac Ngoi, nestled by the southeastern edge of Ba Be Lake, is a large village. The stilt houses harmoniously merge with the lush green forest backdrop, creating a picturesque sight. The villagers toil away throughout the day and later gather in the evening to enjoy homemade meals and share stories.
- Coc Toc village is nestled in a serene forest, showcasing the dwellings of various ethnic minorities. The peaceful ambiance of this place is undeniable, with fishing as the primary livelihood. The locals lead modest, hospitable lives and welcome guests with delectable food made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s a place where one can embrace nature and live an authentic experience.
► Discover more about the Tay – Thai Ethnic Group
The Dao:
Masters of the Mountain
The Dao are another ethnic group present in the Ba Be Lake region, recognizable by their finely embroidered clothing and elaborate hairstyles, true works of art. Their villages are located in the mountainous heights surrounding the lake.
For the Dao, agriculture and the collection of medicinal plants are at the heart of their age-old way of life. Their daily lives are punctuated by field work and the perpetuation of traditional practices closely linked to the surrounding nature.
During your visit to the Dao villages, you will be warmly welcomed with benevolent smiles. This hospitality will allow you to taste their typical gastronomy rich in flavors, or even to benefit from the relaxing effects of a bath in aromatic and medicinal herbs.
Around Ba Be Lake, several Dao villages stand out for their preserved beauty and authenticity:
- Na Nghe, a small village known for the warm welcome of its inhabitants, is also well worth a visit once you’ve ventured into the forests. You’ll be enveloped by the sounds of nature and the breathtaking images of the valley below the village. Na Nghe village consists of conventional Dzao wooden structures where families live, sleep and eat, when they’re not busy sorting freshly harvested medicinal herbs.
- Him Dam, immersed in its rural setting.
The Nung:
Artisans of the Earth
Another important ethnic group around Ba Be Lake is the Nung. They stand out for their ancestral mastery of terraced farming, offering cultivated landscapes of striking beauty. The Nung are seasoned farmers, mainly cultivating rice, corn and vegetables on these cleverly landscaped artificial plots.
But the Nung’s talents don’t stop there. They also excel in craftsmanship, perpetuating centuries-old know-how in forging and pottery. During your visit to their villages, you will be able to admire and acquire unique pieces, entirely hand-fashioned with passion by these exceptional artisans.
Around Ba Be Lake, the renowned Nung villages are named:
- Tham Hai, a typical village offering an authentic insight into the traditional way of life of ethnic minorities in this mountainous region of northern Vietnam.
- Khuon Khut, a fishing village where the local economy is historically based on fishing in the lake and its tributaries
► Read also this article : Ethnicity | Ba Be National Park
The Hmong:
Guardians of the High Mountains
In the most remote and mountainous areas surrounding Ba Be Lake, live the Hmong, a people with a rich cultural heritage, often considered the guardians of age-old traditions.
Their culture has a very rich artisanal and musical dimension. The Hmong are indeed talented weavers and goldsmiths, creating unique clothes and jewelry that tell their story and ancestral beliefs. Their famous polyphonic chants and traditional music also enliven village festivities.
Proud of their roots, the Hmong also stand out for their legendary sense of hospitality. Visiting one of their villages is an authentic immersion into the heart of a way of life that has been preserved for generations.
Around Ba Be Lake, you can discover:
- Khau Qua, offers an idyllic glimpse of traditional Hmong housing amidst wild landscapes.
- Nam Dai, located on the banks of the Nang River, in an environment of dense forests and karst mountains. The village’s economy is based mainly on terraced farming on the hillsides.
► Learn more about the H’mong Ethnic Group
An Invitation to Adventure
Exploring the ethnic villages around Ba Be Lake is more than just a trip, it’s a true immersion into the heart of ancestral cultures of unsuspected richness. This region is home to a mosaic of peoples with age-old traditions, harmoniously combining traditional lifestyles with respect for the surrounding nature.
At Ba Be Jungle House, we are committed to helping you discover all the facets of this exceptional destination through tailor-made and unforgettable experiences. We invite you to step into the heart of the Ba Be region and discover its hidden treasures. Our experienced guides will lead you through the villages, introduce you to the locals, and share with you the secrets of their traditions.
► Learn more about the ethnic minorities of Ba Be National Park
► Learn more about the Minority Groups in Vietnam
