Thai women weave brocade in Pom Coong village. (Photo: Trong Dat/VNA)
Amidst the increasingly hectic pace of modern life, many tourists flock to Mai Chau not only to admire the mountains and forests but also to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the villages nestled at the foot of the mountains.
Among them, Pom Coong village is considered one of the typical community tourism destinations, where the cultural life of the Thai ethnic group is still preserved quite intact.
Pom Coong village is located in the center of Mai Chau commune, Phu Tho province. The name "Pom Coong" in the Thai language means "village of hills on a large drum," implying vast fields nestled among mountains and hills.
Currently, the village has over 70 households with more than 300 inhabitants, mostly Thai people who have lived there for generations.
What first attracts tourists to Pom Coong is its distinctive northern mountainous landscape. Traditional stilt houses nestled among rice paddies, rows of betel trees, and small paths create a rare sense of tranquility. In the distance, green mountain ranges surround the Mai Chau valley, creating a scene that many visitors describe as a picturesque mountain landscape.
The stilt houses in Pom Coọng are mainly constructed from bamboo, wood, or rattan, elevated about 2 meters above the ground by sturdy wooden posts. The roofs used to be thatched with rattan or straw, but many families have now renovated them with newer materials while still maintaining the traditional architecture of the Thai people.
The stilt houses in Pom Coong village are typically made of bamboo or rattan and are elevated about 2 meters above the ground on sturdy wooden posts, built in clusters and following traditional architectural styles. (Photo: Trong Dat/TTXVN)
Besides its natural landscapes, Pom Coọng is also attractive because of its well-preserved community culture. Many families in the village still maintain the traditional craft of weaving brocade. Underneath the stilt houses, looms are often set up, where Thai women weave scarves, bags, skirts, and other handicrafts for daily life as well as for sale to tourists.
One of the most popular experiences for tourists visiting Pom Coong is staying in a stilt house homestay. Unlike modern resorts, the homestays here maintain a close connection with the local people's lifestyle. Tourists can sleep in stilt houses, enjoy traditional dishes, and participate in cultural activities with the locals.
Evenings in Pom Coọng often feature cultural exchange programs with traditional dances such as xòe dance, sạp dance, and performances of traditional musical instruments. Many foreign tourists particularly enjoy the experience of "eating, staying, and living together" with the local people in Pom Coọng.
Cuisine is also a highlight of community tourism here. Dishes such as bamboo-cooked rice, grilled meat, stream fish, sticky rice, and rice wine, all with the distinctive flavors of the highlands, are often prepared by families to serve guests. Many tourists believe that the most attractive aspect lies not only in the food but also in the cozy atmosphere around the fireplace in a stilt house amidst the tranquil mountain scenery.
The peaceful little alleys of Pom Coong village. (Photo: Trong Dat/VNA)
Pom Coọng is beautiful all year round, but each season has its own unique charm. Late May and early June is when the rice fields in Mai Châu valley begin to turn golden. Around September and October, the cool weather and the golden color of the rice paddies create a scene that many photographers love.
In recent years, along with the development of community tourism, Pom Coong has gradually become a familiar stop for many domestic and international tourist groups, yet the village still retains a relatively peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
Many believe that tourism development in Pom Coong needs to be linked to the preservation of local culture to avoid excessive commercialization. The values that make this village attractive lie not only in its natural beauty but also in the lifestyle, architecture, and community life of the Thai people, which have been preserved for generations.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ban-pom-coong-net-binh-yen-giua-thung-lung-mai-chau-post1109077.vnp
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