Village homestay tourism is increasingly favored by those yearning to immerse themselves in nature and explore indigenous cultures. Nestled within Ba Be National Park, the villages of Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu emerge as precious gems, captivating visitors with their pristine beauty, rich Tay ethnic identity, and unforgettable homestay experiences. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) to discover a unique village homestay journey in Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu, where natural beauty harmonizes with traditional culture, creating cherished memories for every traveler.
Pac Ngoi – Village by Ba Be Lake and the Journey to Discover Tay Culture
Following a winding path, verdant with lush trees, just about 5km from the center of Ba Be National Park, Pac Ngoi village unfolds before visitors like a peaceful painting. Situated amidst sprawling green cornfields, leaning against majestic limestone mountains, Pac Ngoi not only boasts a prime location, convenient for exploring Ba Be Lake, but is also a place that preserves the unique traditional cultural values of the Tay ethnic group.
Traditional stilt houses with distinctive yin and yang tiled roofs are a unique architectural feature of Pac Ngoi. Standing on the porch, gazing into the distance, visitors will feel the wonderful harmony between the picturesque natural landscape and the culturally rich space imbued with local identity. More than 80 Tay households living in Pac Ngoi still maintain a simple lifestyle, mainly relying on rice and corn farming, and fishing for shrimp and fish on Ba Be Lake. This simple life and the preserved traditional cultural values have created a special attraction for homestay tourism in Pac Ngoi.
International tourists enjoy homestay experience in Pac Ngoi, immersing themselves in the unique culture and nature of the village
Experiencing a homestay in Pac Ngoi is not just about staying in traditional stilt houses, but also an opportunity for visitors to deeply explore the culture and life of the local people. By eating, living, and participating in daily activities with the host family, visitors will feel the sincerity, hospitality, and unique cultural features in the customs and habits of the Tay people. From enjoying cozy family meals with local dishes, participating in daily activities such as weaving cloth and making corn wine, to listening to stories about the history and culture of the village, every moment at a Pac Ngoi homestay is a precious experience.
A special aspect of Pac Ngoi homestay tourism is the respect and integration of culture. Visitors are encouraged to “when in Rome, do as the Romans do,” learning about and adhering to the household rules of the host family, while respecting their privacy and traditional lifestyle. This two-way cultural interaction not only provides a meaningful travel experience for visitors but also contributes to preserving and promoting the beautiful cultural values of the village.
Pac Ngoi cuisine is also an indispensable part of the village homestay experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to savor local specialties imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests, such as grilled stream fish with fragrant charcoal, flavorful smoked pork, smoked sausages, grilled Ba Be Lake shrimp, steamed chicken with lemon leaves, grilled pork, and more. Forest vegetables such as bo khai, dớn, ngót rừng, wild banana flowers also enrich the meal and bring a fresh, unique flavor. In particular, sipping a glass of fragrant, strong local rice wine, imbued with Tay identity, at a warm meal will be an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors.
Discovering the traditional stilt house architecture of the Tay people in Pac Ngoi, a cultural beauty preserved through many generations
In addition to homestay and culinary experiences, Pac Ngoi is also an ideal starting point for exploring Ba Be Lake. Visitors can easily rent a boat at Pac Ngoi wharf to visit famous scenic spots such as the majestic Puong Cave, the magnificent Dau Dang Waterfall, the poetic Fairy Pond (Ao Tien), or the sacred An Ma Temple. Evenings in Pac Ngoi are also interesting with community cultural activities such as watching hát then, hát sli, lượn singing, đàn tính performances, and múa khèn dances performed by local art troupes. These traditional folk songs and dances not only bring a unique cultural and artistic space but also help visitors understand more about the rich spiritual life of the people of Pac Ngoi.
Bo Lu – Diverse Homestay Options and Ba Be Lake Exploration
Along with Pac Ngoi, Bo Lu is also one of the famous homestay tourism villages in Ba Be. If Pac Ngoi offers traditional beauty and rich culture, Bo Lu is more diverse in terms of homestay types, catering to the needs of various types of visitors.
In Bo Lu, visitors can choose to stay in traditional stilt houses imbued with Tay architectural features or in more modern, self-contained homestays. This diversity helps Bo Lu attract more visitors, especially families or groups of young friends who desire privacy and comfort.
Enjoying grilled fish and grilled pork specialties, a unique culinary experience at Pac Ngoi homestay
Bo Lu is also a convenient starting point to explore Ba Be Lake. Visitors can easily rent a motorboat to visit the lake, explore famous tourist attractions such as Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, Fairy Pond, An Ma Temple, etc. In particular, experiencing kayaking on Ba Be Lake, weaving through mysterious caves and admiring the pristine natural scenery is also a popular activity for many visitors when coming to Bo Lu.
Not only that, Bo Lu also attracts visitors with the friendliness and hospitality of the local people. Visitors to Bo Lu not only experience homestay tourism but also have the opportunity to interact, learn about the life and culture of the local people, participate in daily activities, and enjoy local specialties prepared by the locals themselves.
Tips and Experiences for Ba Be Village Homestay Tourism
To have a complete and meaningful Ba Be village homestay tourism experience, “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) would like to share some helpful tips and experiences:
- Ideal Time to Visit: Spring (February – April) and Autumn (September – November) are the best times to visit Ba Be. The weather is cool and pleasant, very suitable for sightseeing, exploring nature, and experiencing homestay tourism.
- Packing Essentials: You should bring comfortable clothes suitable for the weather and outdoor activities. Walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, and personal medications are also necessary items.
- Respect Local Culture: When visiting village homestays, tourists should learn about the customs and habits of the local people in advance and respect their traditional cultural features.
- Book in Advance: To ensure accommodation, especially during peak tourist season, visitors should book homestays in advance through online channels or contact homestays in Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu directly.
- Explore Experience Activities: In addition to staying at homestays and visiting Ba Be Lake, visitors should explore other experiential activities such as long treks in the national forest, cycling to explore the villages, participating in local cooking classes, or cultural exchanges with local people.
Traditional stilt houses nestled on the mountainside in Pac Ngoi, creating a peaceful and nature-friendly resort space
Conclusion
Experiencing village homestay tourism in Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu is not just a trip, but also a journey to discover culture, immerse yourself in nature, and rediscover beautiful traditional values. With the pristine beauty of Ba Be’s mountains and forests, the uniqueness of Tay ethnic culture, and the hospitality of the local people, Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu promise to bring visitors unforgettable homestay experiences and cherished memories in their journey to explore beautiful Vietnam. Are you ready for a unique village homestay experience in Ba Be?