Peaceful Sa Ren

In August, Muong Lo is hot and sunny, but Sa Ren welcomes visitors with rows of green bamboo rustling along the road along the gentle Nam Thia river, the sun seems to also soften, more gentle. The green rows of bamboo are like a natural curtain pushing behind the noise of the city, bringing visitors to the peace of Sa Ren. Sa Ren people say that the bamboo has been here for a long time, to shield the village when the Thia stream suddenly floods, providing shade on hot summer days. Over the years, bamboo has become familiar and close to Sa Ren people, and has become a highlight, an indispensable part of the peacefulness of Sa Ren.

Peaceful green bamboo-lined streets in Sa Ren.

The peacefulness of Sa Ren begins with the bamboo grove at the beginning of the village, then gently spreads over the stilt houses nestled under the shade of the bamboo. The stilt houses of the Thai people are spacious, still retaining their traditional appearance from the architecture to the decoration. From the simple square doors of the stilt houses, the view stretches out to the fields, the rice is in full bloom, green, as if to soothe the tranquility here.

Green spaces around homestays in Sa Ren.

Sa Ren attracts tourists by its rusticity and simplicity. Sa Ren people also do community tourism very naturally, from the simple, familiar things of their village. Loan Khang Homestay was the earliest established in Sa Ren.

Ms. Hoang Thi Loan, owner of Loan Khang homestay, confided: "We want visitors to Sa Ren to find the peace of the Thai Muong Lo village, from accommodation, cuisine to very simple, everyday experiences here."

Therefore, Ms. Hoang Thi Loan trimmed the bamboo grove in front of the gate; built a small hut near the pond next to the house; renovated the stilt house but kept the traditional architecture; decorated the resting space with Thai ethnic brocade; created a full menu of local dishes and welcomed visitors with the friendliness and hospitality of the Muong Lo people.

Homestay in Sa Ren with strong Thai Muong Lo identity.

Talking about the cuisine of the Thai people of Muong Lo, Ms. Hoang Thi Loan, owner of Loan Khang homestay shared: “Among the culinary specialties here, grilled fish, called Pa pinh top in Thai, is a dish that you should definitely try when coming here. The fish is marinated with enough spices and especially the aroma of mac khen seeds. The best grilled fish is stream fish, with the sweetness of fish in the natural environment mixed with rich spices, making it difficult for diners to find anywhere else”. Enjoy grilled fish, then dried meat, moss, five-color sticky rice, wild bamboo shoots, etc., sipping a glass of yeast wine, visitors will definitely bring back unforgettable flavors of Muong Lo.

Tourists enjoy cuisine at homestay in Sa Ren.

At the rustic, green, clean, beautiful homestays of Sa Ren, visitors have many experiences.
indigenous people's life

A peaceful and unique Sa Ren is what visitors can feel and experience in a day, full of peaceful emotions. Early in the morning, from the door of the stilt house, let your eyes fall on the peaceful rice fields near and far.

In the afternoon, leisurely cycle along the Thia stream, exploring every corner of the village. In the evening, immerse yourself in the xoe dance and scarf dance performed by the Thai Sa Ren girls, graceful and supple in their com shirts and black skirts.

Under the stilt houses, in the flickering firelight, tourists hand in hand with the locals to the flower-spreading dance, softly singing the song "Mai xa roi, trang Muong Lo anh mang ve troi". It is not only a travel experience but also a feeling of the culture and life of the Thai people of Muong Lo.'

Many tourists come to Sa Ren on their travel itinerary.

Now, despite being called a “residential group” under the new administrative unit, Sa Ren still retains the identity of a traditional Thai village. The simplicity, peace, and rusticity create the uniqueness and appeal of Sa Ren.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thanh-binh-sa-ren-post879879.html