EcoHost, a community-based eco-tourism model of high quality, has launched a unique tour titled "Khám Phá Bản Sắc Ba Vì" (Discover Ba Vi's Identity), offering a variety of unique experiences centered around the rich cultural heritage of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups.
Located approximately 50 kilometers from Hanoi, Ba Vi is a picturesque district known for its lush mountains, clear air, and distinctive local culture. The tour begins at Điện Cô Tứ, where visitors can engage in traditional Muong practices such as using hunting and gathering tools, enjoying local delicacies like banh que, and witnessing a vibrant Muong gong performance.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe a Muong worship ritual, a significant aspect of their cultural identity. As part of this experience, they will participate in the ritual led by Co Đồng Tứ and local residents, reflecting the community's hopes for a prosperous year filled with successful harvests and harmony.
Bùi Thị Tứ, a cultural artisan and deputy head of the Muong Cultural Heritage Preservation Committee in Vân Hòa, emphasized the uniqueness of the Muong people's spiritual practices, which are deeply intertwined with their historical development. She noted that the Muong culture encompasses both tangible elements, such as traditional houses and clothing, and intangible aspects like language, music, and rituals.
The tour proceeds to the Long Việt Cultural and Spiritual Tourist Area, known for its ancient architecture and rich historical significance. Here, guests can delve into the legend of Tản Viên Sơn Thánh, one of the Four Immortals of Vietnamese mythology. The site is home to thousands of artifacts that vividly portray the cultural and daily life of ancient Vietnamese people, along with guidance on the proper conduct of traditional rituals.
After a day filled with cultural immersion, visitors can unwind at Thảo Mộc Riverside or Ami Village, where they can savor Muong cuisine or ostrich dishes, relax with Dao herbal baths, or even try their hand at painting on ostrich eggs.
Nguyễn Minh Hoàng, an artist guiding guests in ostrich egg painting, stated, "Compared to traditional pottery painting, creating art on ostrich eggs demands a higher level of creativity. This is a fascinating artistic experience that allows visitors to unleash their imagination while creating a personal masterpiece and enjoying precious relaxation time during their Ba Vi adventure."
Ba Vi is home to over 200 households raising ostriches, primarily in the communes of Tản Lĩnh, Ba Trại, and Vân Hòa. This thriving industry not only provides economic benefits but also contributes to the local food supply.
On the second day of the tour, guests will participate in meditation and yoga sessions led by experts before embarking on a trekking expedition through Ba Vi's primeval forest, particularly the Tản Viên mountain area. This trek allows visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes.
Later, they will visit Bản Miền, where more than 98% of the population belongs to the Dao Quần Chẹt community, renowned for their expertise in traditional medicine. Here, guests can explore the Dao's herbal medicine production facility and enjoy a relaxing herbal bath to rejuvenate their body and mind.
Bùi Thị Nhàn, CEO of EcoHost, highlighted that visitors don't need to travel far to experience the richness of nature and culture. "Just 40 kilometers from Hanoi, participating in the 'Khám Phá Bản Sắc Ba Vì' tour allows guests to immerse themselves in nature, conquer mountains, and explore the unique cultures of the Dao and Muong ethnic groups. They can enjoy the unique herbal therapy without traveling hundreds of kilometers," she noted.
The tour package is currently priced at approximately 2,450,000 VND per guest. The Ba Vi district government has implemented various strategies to preserve and promote the traditional cultures of the Dao and Muong people. The local government has collaborated with the Hanoi Department of Tourism and travel businesses like EcoHost to develop a pilot community tourism model that emphasizes real-life experiences in traditional villages.
Local authorities are optimistic that the "Khám Phá Bản Sắc Ba Vì" tour will serve as a model for sustainable community tourism development, enhancing the area's appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
Ba Vi, a suburban district of Hanoi, is located in a semi-mountainous region bordering Hoa Binh, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc provinces. Known for its diverse topography featuring mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, Ba Vi is also a vital area for preserving and developing the cultural values of the Muong people.
The Muong people have a rich tradition of using gongs to communicate and transmit information, a practice that dates back centuries due to the challenging terrain. Gong performances are integral to community gatherings, allowing residents to stay informed about local events.
As part of the tour experience, visitors can enjoy a gong performance conducted by local Muong women dressed in traditional attire, showcasing their vibrant cultural heritage. Bùi Thị Nhàn, CEO of EcoHost, mentioned that the cost of a gong performance tour starts at 5 million VND and lasts for 25 minutes, with performances beginning in March 2025.
The house of Co Đồng Tứ in Vân Hòa commune serves as a venue for gong performances and offers insights into the daily lives of the Muong people. Here, tourists can learn about traditional handicrafts such as weaving and rice pounding, as well as customs related to weddings and ancestor worship.
Visitors can also witness a 'hầu đồng' ritual performed by Co Đồng Tứ, a practice recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This ritual, which involves worshiping the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms, attracts many tourists eager to learn about this unique aspect of Vietnamese spirituality.
In addition to cultural exploration, tourists can indulge in traditional Muong cuisine, sampling dishes like ant egg cake, glutinous rice cake, and various local specialties.
