Approximately 100km from Hanoi, Mai Chau appears as an immense nature strongly appealing to tourists. Completely differing from the hustling and bustling urban life, the living here is truly calm and tranquil, as ink-wash paintings are created by talented natural artists. The tourist destination is an ideal place to visit for those who love nature, have a simple and honest life, and would like to explore the daily life of the locals.
In Mai Chau Valley, Thai ethnic people mainly concentrate on their stilt houses in Lac Village, Pom Coong Village, and Van Village... Mai Chau stilt houses today still preserve traditional features from ancient times to make the cultural quintessence, which is a predominant characteristic of an attractive communal community. Converging the cultural essence of numerous other ethnic groups who used to live for a long time here, including Muong, and Dao ethnic people..., the Thai ethnic minority is now creating a particular identity for Thai people in Mai Chau.
Cultural significance of Mai Chau stilt house
Beyond their practical design, Thai stilt houses are imbued with cultural significance. They are not just dwellings but are integral to the social and cultural fabric of the Thai community. The houses are often adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that reflect the artistic sensibilities of the Thai people. These designs are not merely ornamental but also carry symbolic meanings, representing various aspects of life, nature, and spirituality.
The construction of a stilt house is a communal activity, bringing together families and neighbors in a display of unity and cooperation. It is a tradition passed down through generations, with each house embodying the collective skills and knowledge of the community.
Characteristics of stilt houses in Mai Chau
In Mai Chau, Lac Village, and Pom Coong Village,… of Thai people with their stilt houses attract not only domestic but also foreign tourists. Pom Coong Village has retained 64 stilt houses welcoming tourists. At the foot of these houses, Thai girls ply beside their looms to weave and sew souvenir products such as "pieu" scarf, skirts, brocade purses, etc. Meanwhile, the number in Lac Village is 25 serving tourists These stilt houses have become an attractive tourist product because they give completely different experiences compared to daily life in urban areas. Tourists spending their vacation in these stilt houses not only save accommodation costs but also soak up the airy and simple space and enjoy the peace along with the honest locals as such in their own homes.
The stilt houses in Mai Chau have maintained simple architecture with airy and rustic space but bore a peaceful and natural feeling, conserving a unique historical value. The houses are made of rattan, bamboo, cork, or wood panels, which are extremely solidly designed. The roof was thatched with palm leaves or grass leaves plaited together. The floor covering 30 to 40 people with well-prepared amenities of clean blankets, pillows, and cushions satisfies tourists' trips. In particular, taking part in Mai Chau stilt houses, tourists have a chance to experience the diverse and unique culinary culture of the upland. The regional specialties such as "can" wine (a kind of traditional wine in the ethnic minority), glutinous rice, grilled hill chicken, boiled bamboo shoots with sesame, and steamed spring fish... have become unforgettable dishes for tourists once staying in Mai Chau.
Experiencing Mai Chau's Stilt Houses
Mai Chau's travel without living in the stilt houses of Thai people will be imperfect. Tourists will not feel the real life of the locals here. Though their lives have changed, the Thais' cultural identity, lifestyle, and especially their stilt houses remain the characteristics of the past. The locals still use manually traditional "brocade weaving" as their livelihood to cater to tourists. In addition, rice cultivation and livestock... are indispensable trades in each household.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Thai stilt houses is by staying in a homestay in villages such as Lac, Pom Coong, etc. These homestays offer visitors a chance to live like locals, sleeping in traditional stilt houses and participating in daily activities.
During your stay, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals made from locally sourced ingredients, learn traditional crafts such as weaving, and take part in cultural performances featuring folk songs and dances. The hospitality of the Thai people is warm and welcoming, making your stay a memorable cultural immersion.
Fully converging the attractiveness of nature and the lifestyle of the Thai ethnic minority, from the amazing dishes and the experiences of the stilt houses to subtle and luxury spaces, Mai Chau has become one of the 10 most attractive tourist destinations in Asia. It deserves to be one of the bright spots and the most appealing tourist destination in Vietnam.
