Mysterious land of mist and clouds
Amidst this spring landscape, Mu Cang Chai stands out as a special highlight. The magnificent terraced rice fields, after the harvest, "rest quietly," draped in the deep brown of the soil, interspersed with the vibrant green of wildflowers and the brilliant yellow of mustard fields. Hmong villages nestle on the mountainside, glimpses of colorful traditional clothing at the New Year's market, and the sound of the Hmong flute calling out to friends echoing through the majestic mountain scenery. Spring in Mu Cang Chai is beautiful not only because of its natural beauty but also because of the warmth and sincerity of the local people.
The Hmong people consider Tet (Lunar New Year) the most important occasion of the year. Guests visiting during the spring festival are a great joy. People offer each other cups of corn wine and bowls of sticky rice, and hearing the sound of the Hmong flute signifies that the new year has truly begun.
Not far from Mu Cang Chai, Suoi Giang is also a popular destination for tourists on their spring trip to Lao Cai. At an altitude of nearly 1,400 meters above sea level, Suoi Giang is shrouded in fluffy white clouds in the early days of the year. Amidst the highland chill, sitting by a warm cup of tea, enjoying the first cups of the year, many believe it's not just about tea appreciation, but also a way to feel the purity of nature and express wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Spring in Suoi Giang therefore becomes an ideal stop for those who want to "escape" the hustle and bustle of life and return to pristine nature.
My family chose Suoi Giang to celebrate the New Year because we wanted to find a peaceful place. Here, when you open the door in the morning, you see the clouds and mountains, the air is fresh, and the people are friendly. It feels very pleasant, like being recharged for the whole new year.
Spring isn't just found in Mu Cang Chai or Suoi Giang; it also stretches across the tranquil surface of Thac Ba Lake, through the stilt houses of Nghia Lo, and along the winding mountain passes leading to Tram Tau and Van Chan. Each place holds its own unique culture, yet they all share a sense of peace and simplicity—something many tourists seek in the early days of the year.
A spiritual meeting point on the border
If nature is a refreshing spring painting, then spiritual tourism is gradually becoming a highlight in the spring travel itineraries of many families. For a long time, the Upper Temple and the Mother Temple in Lao Cai ward have not only been sacred cultural and historical sites at the confluence of three rivers in the border region, but have also become popular spring travel destinations for many families. The Upper Temple and the Mother Temple have become more frequently mentioned destinations, not only because of their special location at the border river confluence, but also because of the sense of peace that the sacred space brings.
Spiritual tourism is no longer limited to the elderly. Many young groups and couples are now actively choosing sacred destinations for their spring trips at the beginning of the year. They come to pray for peace, health, and success in their work, but at the same time, they also want to "touch" the cultural and historical depth of the land they visit. At Thuong Temple, the festive atmosphere and historical significance create a special attraction: It offers both the solemnity of rituals and a sense of pride in standing before a monument connected to the tradition of defending the nation.
At the Mother Goddess Temple – located near the Lao Cai International Border Gate, beside the Nam Thi River and the border marker – the experience is even more unique: Visitors not only go to worship, but also clearly feel the pulse of the border region – where trade and cultural exchange take place every day.
Every spring, my family and I often travel to Lao Cai to visit and worship at the Upper Temple and the Mother Temple. The sacred atmosphere, ancient scenery, and unique culture always bring me a sense of peace. Besides worshipping, I also get to explore and learn more about the history and cultural values of our nation through these spiritual sites.
A peaceful place, rich in local character.
In recent years, Nghia Do commune has also become an ideal spring destination for those who want to experience the cultural space of the Tay ethnic group. The stilt houses, nestled behind bamboo groves, palm gardens, beside rice fields and streams, create a peaceful atmosphere.
The entire commune currently has over 1,000 stilt houses, with Nặm Cằm village being a model example, preserving 66 out of 76 stilt houses according to traditional architecture.
The experience in Nghia Do begins with daily life: Stay in homestays in traditional stilt houses, learn weaving with the locals – a traditional craft recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage; listen to Then singing, participate in cultural activities, and then enjoy typical local dishes such as grilled fish, duck stew, and herbal rice wine...
Nghia Do aims to build a community tourism village according to ASEAN standards (10 groups of criteria, 171 indicators); focusing on standardizing community management, skills training, improving service quality, ensuring environmental safety, and simultaneously improving infrastructure, signage, and digital promotion... Therefore, a spring trip to Nghia Do is not just a sightseeing trip, but also an opportunity to experience how the villages preserve the soul of the Tay ethnic group to develop sustainable tourism.
Each region and destination within Lao Cai province will offer exciting and attractive experiences for tourists during the Lunar New Year season.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/diem-hen-mua-xuan-post894297.html
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