Hanoi > Hàm Yên > Thon Tha village in Phương Độ

On the highest floor of the hotel, buffet-style breakfast awaited the guests. Choose a table with a nice view to enhance your appetite.

The guide and driver arrived at the hotel ahead of the scheduled time, and thus, our adventure to the northern part of Vietnam began.

Ha Giang, 300km from Hanoi, has many breathtaking panoramic landscapes with mountains. This remote northern region has many ethnic minorities. Many still live in traditional houses, trying to preserve their culture and lifestyle.

The first stop of the day is at a green tea plantation. We walked around to stretch our legs after a 3-hour drive. Our guide, M, shares with us the picking procedure and crop plantation information.

Lunch at a home-styled restaurant that served local dishes. Over at the counter, the available dishes are display. So, just order from whatever is available. The lunch was simple and delicious.

We started our first hike at a village entrance. We walked past a house and saw some villagers digging the bee’s larva from the hive. Hike on the dirt path, across the paddy field, and stroll through the corn plantation.

Enjoy the cool dip as we walk across the river with our barefoot. Hike uphill before reaching the Ha Thanh waterfall. Enjoy and relax in one corner.

Continue the hike on the unpaved path across the woods. The guide leads us without using any navigation guide.

Finally, we reached the road to Thon Tha village. Stroll past many traditional houses. Every house farmed chickens, ducks, and water buffalos and grew their crops. Some even had fish ponds. In my view, every household is self-sustaining. To increase their income source further, some provide a homestay for tourists like us.

We reached our destination, Mr Thien Bungalow, for the day. The house had just completed an upgrade by the owner and all other villagers. Most of the villagers are from the Tay ethnic group.

The guide shows us a type of seasonal rice. Cốm is a kind of green rice that is only available in autumn. It is young rice kernels roasted over low heat and pounded flat. The chewy green rice is an ideal afternoon snack.

Mr & Mrs Thien prepared and cooked the dishes. Before the dinner starts, the host will offer their homemade rice wine to the guests. It is a way of showing their hospitality.

We had a yummylicious dinner and a happy time with the family.

Overnight at Mr Thien Traditional Bungalow