Nghe An, a land in Central Vietnam filled with sunshine and wind, is not only famous for its long beaches and heroic historical sites but also hides the unique cultural beauty of ethnic minorities. In recent years, community tourism has become a popular trend for many travelers seeking experiences close to nature and local culture. If you are planning a community tourism trip to Nghe An, Thai Minh village, located in Tien Ky commune, Tan Ky district, is definitely a destination not to be missed. This place captivates visitors not only with its pristine natural scenery but also with its unique traditional culture, especially the long-standing brocade weaving craft and flavorful cuisine imbued with the taste of the mountains and forests.
Thai Minh Village – A Highlight of Community Tourism in Nghe An
Thai Minh Village, also known as Phay Thai Minh village, is a village inhabited by 100% Thai ethnic people. Located about 27km from the center of Tan Ky town, Thai Minh village appears like a peaceful painting with traditional stilt houses nestled under green trees, surrounded by vast rice fields and majestic mountains. In 2015, Phay Thai Minh village was honored to be recognized by the People’s Committee of Nghe An province as a brocade weaving village, marking an important turning point in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, and opening up a direction for potential community tourism development.
Recognizing the benefits of community tourism, the Tien Ky commune authorities have advocated for promoting this type of tourism, considering it a breakthrough direction in local economic development. Thai Minh village, with its advantages in culture, scenery, and the hospitality of the local people, has quickly become an attractive destination for tourists from inside and outside the province. Coming to Thai Minh village, visitors will not only immerse themselves in the rich cultural space of the Thai ethnic group but also experience interesting activities and discover the unique beauty in the daily life of the people here.
Explore the Traditional Brocade Weaving Village
Brocade weaving is one of the most distinctive cultural features of the Thai ethnic people in Thai Minh village. Visiting any stilt house in the village, visitors can easily see images of looms placed solemnly, alongside the image of Thai women diligently weaving colorful brocade fabrics.
Vi Thi Dinh, a Thai woman, introduces traditional brocade weaving in Thai Minh village, Nghe An, Vietnam.
The brocade weaving craft in Thai Minh village is not only a traditional handicraft but also an indispensable part of the spiritual and cultural life of the people. Since ancient times, brocade products have been associated with the daily life of the Thai people, from costumes and blankets to household decorations. Today, brocade products from Thai Minh village not only serve family needs but have also become valuable commercial goods, contributing to increasing income for people and promoting local culture.
Ms. Vi Thi Dinh, a native of Thai Minh village who has been involved in brocade weaving for many years, shared: “Since I was little, I have seen my mother and grandmother weaving, so I learned by myself. Thanks to brocade weaving, my family has additional income, and this job also helps me have more time to take care of my family. Brocade weaving requires perseverance, skill, and creativity, but when I see that the products I make are loved by everyone, I feel very happy and proud.“
Coming to Thai Minh village, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional brocade weaving process, from selecting materials and natural dyeing to the meticulous and elaborate stages of weaving. Visitors can also try their hand at the loom under the guidance of skilled artisans, and choose unique souvenirs imbued with Thai culture.
Enjoy the Unique Cuisine of Thai Minh Village
Besides brocade weaving, Thai Minh village’s cuisine is also an attractive element for visitors. The traditional dishes of the Thai people here are imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests, prepared from fresh, natural ingredients, bringing unforgettable culinary experiences.
One of the most typical dishes of Thai Minh village that visitors cannot miss is “com lam” (bamboo-tube rice). Com lam is made from upland sticky rice, a specialty of the Nghe An mountains, combined with fresh bamboo tubes and wild banana leaves. The sticky rice is washed, soaked in water, then put into bamboo tubes with a little water, sealed with banana leaves, and grilled over a fire.
Fresh ingredients for Com Lam, bamboo-tube rice, a specialty dish of Thai Minh village, Nghe An, Vietnam.
Ms. Vi Thi Thuy, a local with many years of experience in preparing com lam, shared the secret: “To make delicious com lam, the most important thing is to choose good, sticky upland rice. Bamboo tubes must also be fresh, not too old and not too young. When grilling com lam, the bamboo tubes must be turned regularly so that the rice is cooked evenly and not burnt. Com lam grilled in bamboo tubes has a distinctive aroma, the natural sweetness of sticky rice combined with the aroma of bamboo, it is very delicious and sticky.“
Thai Minh women preparing ingredients for Com Lam, a traditional dish for tourists in Nghe An, Vietnam.
Sticky rice being carefully placed into bamboo tubes for Com Lam cooking in Thai Minh village, Nghe An, Vietnam.
Com lam is often enjoyed with grilled dishes such as grilled chicken, grilled fish, or grilled pork. In addition, the Thai people’s meal in Thai Minh village also includes many other attractive dishes such as “canh boi” (a type of soup), bitter bamboo shoots, and especially “cheo cham xoi” (a dipping sauce for sticky rice) with the characteristic flavor of the mountains and forests.
Delicious grilled meat, a key part of a traditional meal for guests in Thai Minh village, Nghe An, Vietnam.
A table of flavorful mountain cuisine of the Thai ethnic people in Phay Thai Minh village, Nghe An, Vietnam.
Coming to Thai Minh village, visitors not only enjoy delicious food but also experience a cozy and intimate culinary space in traditional stilt houses, chatting and interacting with the friendly and hospitable locals.
Experience Unique Culture and Festivals
In addition to brocade weaving and cuisine, Thai Minh village has many other unique cultural features waiting for visitors to discover. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beautiful natural space, visit the green rice fields, murmuring streams, or explore the majestic mountains surrounding the village.
The people of Thai Minh village also pay great attention to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. Visitors here can participate in traditional festivals of the Thai people, such as the Buon Xao festival, held on August 19th and 20th of the lunar calendar every year. The Buon Xao festival is an opportunity for people to commemorate and express gratitude for the merits of the Lam Son insurgents and predecessors who contributed to protecting their homeland and country.
A panoramic view of Thai Minh village in Nghe An, Vietnam, a popular destination for community-based tourism.
During the festival, visitors will witness solemn traditional rituals, enjoy unique cultural performances imbued with Thai cultural identity, and participate in community entertainment activities.
Thai ethnic villagers offer ceremonial items during the traditional Buon Xao festival in Nghe An, Vietnam.
Mr. Truong Cong Thach, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tien Ky commune, said: “Tien Ky commune has always identified community tourism as an important direction in local economic development. We have been implementing many activities to support people in developing community tourism, such as organizing training classes on tourism, cuisine, and cultural behavior, while promoting tourism promotion to attract visitors to Thai Minh village and other community tourism destinations in the commune.“
A re-enactment of a traditional festival in Phay Thai Minh village, Nghe An, Vietnam, drawing tourists.
With its available potential and advantages, Thai Minh village is gradually affirming its position as an attractive community tourism destination on the Nghe An tourism map. If you want to find a travel experience close to nature, culture, and people, Thai Minh village is definitely a great choice. Come and feel the simple and hospitable beauty of this village to have memorable memories on your journey to explore Nghe An.