Weekend fair at Chieng Di 2 hamlet in Van Ho district (photo: VOV)

On weekends, Chieng Di 2 hamlet in Van Ho district is crowded with people going to the fair. The stalls are small rustic bamboo shacks, set up in the middle of a large plum orchard. The villagers sell typical Mong products – smoked buffalo meat, pickled bamboo shoots, dried bamboo shoots, fresh vegetables, fruits, farm tools, brocade products, and traditional costumes.

Song A Nha, an administrative officer of Chieng Di 2 village said: “Everything is made or grown by the local Mong people. The authorities have instructed them to grow seasonal plants to sell at the weekend fair.”

Weekend market goers play folk games, watch Mong men play the khen panpipe, and try their hand at pounding rice with the villagers. Le Thi Le, a tourist from Vinh Phuc province, said: “The mountain market is very interesting. We woke up early to come to the market. The local people are sincere and honest. We are very happy to be here.”

More tourists have been coming to Van Ho recently, which has boosted the income of the villagers and promoted the indigenous culture. 

Nang Tien (Fairy) waterfall in Chieng Khoa commune, Van Ho district, Son La province (photo: VOV)

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the majestic, primitive, and poetic nature of the northwestern mountains. Far from the noisy fair is the peace of the Nang Tien (Fairy) waterfall in Chieng Khoa commune.

The 3-level waterfall is surrounded by plants, ferns, and moss growing from the rocks. Nguyen Thi Huyen, a tourist from Hanoi, said: “This is the first time I’ve visited the Fairy waterfall. It is worth travelling two hours to see. The scenery is beautiful.”

Located in the Moc Chau National Tourist Area, Van Ho district is known for having many unique attractions. In the spring Van Ho is blanketed with white plum blossoms and pink wild peach flowers. When summer comes, it attracts tourists to the cool waters of the Nang Tien and Tạt Nàng waterfalls.

Van Ho is known as “the misty land" because, at any season of the year, visitors can see clouds suddenly blossoming in a clear sky.

The district has many historical and cultural relics, including the Tạng Mè Tomb cave, the Hang Miếng temple, the Bang Muong Lady temple, and the Mộc Hạ revolutionary base. Other popular venues are the community tourism villages of the Mong in Hua Tạt, the Dao in Nà Bai, and the Thai in Phu Mau.

Nguyen Thi Lu, Head of the Culture and Information Office of Van Ho district, said: “We have allowed organizations and individuals to invest in relic sites and scenic spots for tourism. We’ll work with the villagers to promote traditions and re-enact festivals, folk games, and folk arts.”

Beautiful nature, cultural diversity, and ethnic lifestyles have made Van Ho a highlight of northwestern tourism.