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- Nghia Do: Preserving the Unique Cultural Identity of the Tay Ethnic Group in Northwestern Vietnam, an Attractive Ecotourism Destination
Nghia Do: Preserving the Unique Cultural Identity of the Tay Ethnic Group in Northwestern Vietnam, an Attractive Ecotourism Destination
Nghia Do is a commune located in the eastern part of Bao Yen District, home to over 98% of the Tay ethnic minority. Throughout centuries of living, laboring, and producing in this land, the people have accumulated a rich treasure of cultural heritage unique to the Tay in Nghia Do.
With its natural advantages, distinctive cultural spaces, and the tourism development plans of Lao Cai Province, Bao Yen District aspires for Nghia Do to become a center for preserving the cultural ecosystem of the Tay ethnic group in Northwestern Vietnam—a “livable” rural area and an attractive ecotourism destination in Lao Cai Province and the Northwestern region.
traditional stilt house
This land has an abundance of natural factors and people, including five natural springs and headwaters; it features ecosystems and biodiversity that remain largely untouched by external influences. Additionally, the high mountain ranges surrounding the Nghia Do basin provide a cool and fresh atmosphere. Nghia Do is home to majestic, pristine waterfalls such as Ba Hoc, Phạ Phan, Pac Bo; and Vang Kheo, which are significant water sources that sustainably support the livelihoods and production activities of the Tay community in Nghia Do.
traditional banh chung making
With a long history of settlement, the Tay ethnic community in Nghia Do has formed a diverse and rich cultural space, which is an invaluable asset. Notably, there are over 1,000 stilt houses, representing the living spaces of many generations of Tay families, whose architecture has preserved dozens of years of history. The stilt houses of the Tay in Nghia Do are distinct and prominent; over 93% of the residents live in stilt houses, and these dwellings have been maintained almost entirely intact in terms of both architecture and landscape.
Alongside the traditional stilt houses, Nghia Do Commune also features two provincial level historical sites: the historic site of the Nghia Do Victory and the Nghia Do Temple. The ruins of the ancient Bầu fortress on the Khau Cấn mountain pass are currently under survey, with proposals underway for recognition as a provincial historical and cultural site.
Training about community tourism skills
In terms of traditional culture, beliefs, folk arts, handicrafts, and festivals, the local people constantly preserve, practice, and pass down their customs. Local folk songs and dances are being actively revived, and the commune has established a folk culture club and a Then singing and đàn tính club, with artistic teams from the villages regularly performing effectively for visitors. Traditional crafts like brocade weaving and basket weaving are maintained, with products not only serving the daily needs of local residents but also being sold at local markets and night markets. Among these, many products have been enhanced aesthetically to become souvenirs for tourists.
Wicker products of the Tay people in Nghia Do
The traditional costumes of the Tay people in Nghia Do are notably distinct, representing a creative synthesis and evolution between the clothing styles of the Tay in the northeastern and northwestern regions. This is a precious cultural asset being preserved and passed down through generations. Nowadays, the people of Nghia Do, including officials, youth, and students, wear their traditional ethnic attire daily, especially on the first day of the week or during festivals and holidays. The cuisine of Nghia Do land is also rich and diverse; dishes are not only intricate in preparation and ingredients, but also captivating due to the unique blend of many spices characteristic of Northwestern Vietnam.
Tourists experience the traditional games
The Nghia Do Homestay cluster has proudly emerged as one of the two community tourism spots in Vietnam awarded the ASEAN Homestay Award, marking a significant milestone for establishing and affirming the community tourism brand in Nghia Do. Bao Yen District hopes and believes that, in the near future, Nghia Do will become a center for preserving the cultural ecosystem of the Tay ethnic group in Northwestern Vietnam, turning into a “livable” rural area and an attractive ecotourism destination for Lao Cai Province, the Northwestern region, and the entire country.
Thanh Tuan
About the Author Sapa Tourism Office
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