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| In Bản Tèn, children are taught to play the Hmong flute from kindergarten onwards, contributing to the preservation of their ethnic cultural identity. |
From nothing to something
Located about 30km north of Thai Nguyen province center, Ban Ten village lies peacefully nestled among the high mountains of Van Lang. The village currently has 157 households with nearly 800 inhabitants, all of whom are ethnic Mong people.
Many years ago, when people mentioned Bản Tèn, they often referred to it as the "five no's" village – no market, no roads, no electricity, no healthcare , and no communication. Back then, the only way to get to the village was a winding, rocky trail along the mountainside. Each trip to the market was a difficult journey. On rainy days, the ground was slippery, and people had to wait for the sun to come out before daring to go for fear of falling. Agricultural products were hard to sell, making life even more difficult.
Village head Vuong Van Chinh recalled: "In the past, the people suffered greatly. Transportation was difficult, there was no electricity, and at night the whole village was only dimly lit by oil lamps. But in recent years, thanks to the attention of the Party and the State, concrete roads have been built to the village, the power grid has been extended, and a school has been constructed in a modern style. The people are happy, and their lives have improved significantly."
Winding concrete roads have now replaced the old paths around the mountainside. Electric lights illuminate every house. A new school sits halfway up the mountain, its walls echoing with the sound of children reciting their lessons each morning.
From a village marked by poverty and "five lacks," Bản Tèn now boasts electricity, paved roads, and a modern school. The number of poor households has decreased to just over 90, with approximately 20 near-poor households – figures that, while still challenging, demonstrate the villagers' efforts to improve their lives.
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| The road to Bản Tèn has been widened and paved with concrete. |
The journey to Bản Tèn today is like a trip through pristine nature. The mountain road leads visitors through lush green hills, where white clouds descend so close that it feels like you could almost touch them.
The central valley of the village unfolds a peaceful scene. Terraced rice fields curve gracefully like silk ribbons. In the middle of the valley, ancient palm trees cast their shade over the simple wooden houses of the Hmong people. In late autumn, buckwheat flowers bloom profusely, covering the hillsides in a gentle pinkish-purple hue. Small paths lead through the flower gardens, along the rice paddies, and past houses hidden in the early morning mist.
Ms. Vuong Thi Chi, a villager, shared: "Now that we have roads and electricity, life is much less difficult. My family both farms and raises livestock, and we also do community tourism . Guests come to visit, stay for meals, and we earn extra income. The villagers are also united, working together to preserve the cultural identity of the Hmong people."
Preserving identity across generations
In recent years, community-based tourism has begun to emerge in Ban Ten. Some households have renovated their homes to create homestays, welcoming tourists to experience life in the highlands. Without the noise and commercialization, tourism in Ban Ten retains its rustic and authentic charm.
Tourist Le Thi Gam, from Quyet Thang ward, shared her feelings after the trip: "I was truly impressed with the natural scenery and the friendliness of the people here. In Ban Ten, I felt a very special sense of peace, not noisy, not chaotic, just mountains, forests and gentle smiles."
Besides its captivating natural scenery, Bản Tèn also impresses with the traditional culture of the Hmong people, which has been preserved almost intact. From vibrant brocade costumes, language, customs, and traditions to the melodies of the Hmong flute – all contribute to the unique identity of this highland village.
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| Village chief Vuong Van Chinh and the women of the village sing around the campfire, creating a sense of togetherness and joy. |
Since 2023, Van Lang commune has organized the Ethnic Culture and Sports Festival at the center of Ban Ten village. The event has been held annually and has gradually become a unique cultural meeting point in the highlands. During the festival, visitors can immerse themselves in many traditional activities such as art performances, ethnic costume shows, cooking competitions (thang co, men men), and folk games.
In particular, the Hmong flute dance is always a highlight of the festival. Amidst the vast mountain and forest landscape, the haunting sound of the flute resonates like a heartfelt conversation between heaven and earth. The rhythmic steps of the artists blend with the melodious sounds, creating a performance that is both powerful and profound.
Mr. Ly Mi De, a tourist from Dong Van (Ha Giang), said: "I am also a Hmong person, and coming here feels very familiar, similar to my homeland. The culture in Ban Ten is very well preserved. I especially like the Hmong flute dance and the traditional dishes. I hope that tourism will develop here while still preserving its unique identity."
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, Bản Tèn is like a gentle haven of tranquility. Here, one can clearly hear the wind blowing through the mountainside, the echoing sound of the bamboo flute, and the quietude of their own heart.
Visiting Bản Tèn is not just about sightseeing. It's also a journey to learn more about the people of the highlands, about the cultural values preserved through generations. And there, in the evening smoke from the kitchen fires, in the sound of the flute calling out to friends, in the rich flavor of men men (corn porridge) - peace is no longer a distant concept but is present in every moment.
Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202603/den-ban-ten-cham-vao-binh-yen-0d9624b/
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