Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Tuyen Quang province, the Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve emerges as a precious gem, a convergence of unspoiled natural beauty and the unique cultural identity of ethnic minorities. With its diverse ecosystem, magnificent landscapes, and captivating ecotourism experiences, this reserve promises to be an ideal destination for those seeking to explore and immerse themselves in the splendor of nature.
Introduction to Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve
The Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve stretches across the districts of Na Hang and Lam Binh in Tuyen Quang province, embraced by the banks of the poetic Gam and Nang rivers. This land is generously endowed by nature with a rich ecosystem, from lush primeval forests to rare flora and fauna, numerous fascinating caves, and majestic waterfalls. It holds immense ecological value and serves as the cultural cradle of the Tay, Dao, Mong, and Pa Then communities, with their distinctive customs, traditions, and festivals.
The reserve is distributed across several communes in the two districts, including Lang Can, Khuan Ha, Thuong Lam, Phuc Yen (Lam Binh), and Nang Kha, Thanh Tuong, Son Phu, Hong Thai, Thuong Nong, Thuong Giap, Yen Hoa, Con Lon, Sinh Long, Khau Tinh, Na Hang town (Na Hang). The diversity of terrain and ecology creates a vibrant natural tapestry, attracting visitors to explore and experience. The primary goal of the reserve is to protect and sustainably develop its ecosystem while promoting ecotourism and contributing to improving the livelihoods of local communities.
Unique Ecotourism Experiences in Na Hang – Lam Binh
Visiting the Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve offers tourists the opportunity to engage in various unique and exciting ecotourism activities, immerse themselves in nature, and discover the local culture.
Boat Trip on Na Hang – Lam Binh Lake
One of the unmissable experiences when visiting the reserve is a boat trip on the Na Hang – Lam Binh ecological lake. With a vast water surface area of over 8,000 hectares, the lake stretches from Na Hang and Lam Binh districts to Bac Me district (Ha Giang), creating an expansive and open space. Aboard the boat, visitors will be immersed in magnificent natural scenery, with towering mountains reflected in the blue water, dense primeval forests, and fresh, cool air.
The boat journey takes visitors to explore famous landmarks on the lake such as Mo Waterfall, Khuoi Nhi Waterfall, and Khuoi Sung Waterfall, each with its own unique beauty, from the gentle, graceful Mo Waterfall to the majestic, fierce Khuoi Sung Waterfall. Visitors can also explore mysterious caves like Khuoi Pin Cave and Khau Quang Cave, home to unique stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
Foreign tourists enjoying sightseeing and taking photos at Na Hang – Lam Binh ecological lake
Exploring Community Culture in Na Tong Village
Na Tong cultural tourism village, Thuong Lam commune (Lam Binh), is an attractive destination for tourists who want to learn about the culture and life of the Tay ethnic people. Nestled against a range of limestone mountains, next to Na Hang – Lam Binh ecological lake, Na Tong exudes peaceful and poetic beauty. Traditional stilt houses of the Tay people are built along the mountainside, creating a harmonious and unique rural landscape.
In Na Tong, visitors can choose to stay at homestays managed by local people. The homestays here are designed in a traditional style, using natural materials, bringing a sense of closeness and warmth. Homestay owner Tai Ngao Hoang Van Minh shared that every detail in the homestay is meticulously cared for, from the cups to the bamboo coat hooks, all imbued with the local people’s traditional features.
Na Tong homestay is not only a place to rest but also a cultural bridge, helping visitors immerse themselves in community life. Visitors can participate in experiential activities such as making “banh day” (round sticky rice cake), playing folk games (danh pam, danh yen), cultural exchanges, campfires, bamboo dancing, listening to Then singing, cycling to visit the village, and enjoying Tay ethnic cuisine. Each month, Na Tong welcomes thousands of visitors to stay and relax, demonstrating the appeal of community tourism here.
Other Tourist Activities
Besides boat trips and community culture exploration, Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve offers many other tourist activities for visitors to experience:
- Trekking, Mountain Climbing: The reserve has many trekking and mountain climbing routes with varying difficulty levels, suitable for many types of tourists. Visitors can explore primeval forests, conquer high peaks, and admire panoramic views of the reserve from above.
- Bird Watching: With its diverse ecosystem, the reserve is home to many rare bird species. Nature enthusiasts can participate in bird watching activities and explore the rich animal world here.
- Kayaking, Canoeing: Na Hang – Lam Binh Lake is an ideal location for kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can freely explore the lake, weave through small rivers and streams, and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil space.
- Visiting Local Markets: When visiting Na Hang – Lam Binh, don’t forget to visit the local market to learn about the daily life of the people, shop for local products, and enjoy street food.
Tips and Experiences for Visiting Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve
To have a complete and meaningful trip to Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve, visitors should note some tips and experiences below:
- Ideal Time to Visit: Spring (February – April) and autumn (September – November) are the best times to visit Na Hang – Lam Binh. The weather is cool and pleasant, suitable for sightseeing and exploration activities.
- Transportation: Visitors can travel to Na Hang – Lam Binh by bus or motorbike from Hanoi or neighboring provinces. The roads are quite convenient; however, if traveling by motorbike, visitors should pay attention to safety and prepare their vehicles carefully.
- Accommodation: The reserve has many accommodation options, from homestays in community cultural villages to guesthouses and hotels in Na Hang or Lam Binh towns. Visitors should book rooms in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Cuisine: Na Hang – Lam Binh has many attractive specialties such as grilled hemibagrus fish, grilled chicken, five-color sticky rice, ant egg cake, shrimp paste,… Visitors should enjoy local cuisine at restaurants, eateries, or homestays.
- Packing Essentials: Visitors should prepare comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and sightseeing activities. It is advisable to bring sports shoes or hiking shoes, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and necessary personal items.
- Conservation and Cultural Awareness: When visiting the reserve, visitors need to comply with environmental protection regulations, not litter, not make noise, and not infringe upon natural resources. At the same time, respect the culture, customs, and traditions of the local people, and behave in a civilized and polite manner.
Sustainable Tourism Development in Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve
Local authorities and communities in Na Hang – Lam Binh are making efforts to develop tourism sustainably, harmonizing nature conservation with socio-economic development. Community-based cultural tourism villages are being built and developed, creating opportunities for local people to participate in tourism activities, increase income, and preserve traditional culture.
Lam Binh district has focused on mobilizing resources to invest in tourism infrastructure, constructing transportation infrastructure, wharves, cultural tourism villages, check-in points, and rest stops. Simultaneously, it connects with travel companies, proactively links and cooperates to promote tourism development into an important and sustainable economic sector.
Foreign tourists enjoying sightseeing and taking photos at Na Hang – Lam Binh ecological lake
In communes with community cultural tourism villages, ethnic clubs and art troupes regularly practice folk art performances, reenact traditional rituals and folk games to serve tourists. Ms. Dang Thi Ha, owner of Hoang Ha homestay (Na Hang), has utilized the brocade weaving products of the Dao Tien ethnic group to decorate the homestay and introduce them to tourists. Many tourists are interested and actively seek to buy handicrafts and local food as souvenirs.
According to Mr. To Viet Hiep, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Na Hang district, the district will continue to implement Resolution No. 35 of the District Party Committee Standing Committee on developing tourism into an important economic sector of the district in the 2021-2025 period. The district will organize promotional activities, invite consultants to develop methodical and sustainable tourism, effectively exploit the National Special Relic Site of Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve, taking natural ecotourism as the center to develop chains of resort tourism products, experiences, forest ecotourism, spiritual tourism, and community tourism associated with preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of ethnic groups. The goal is to build Na Hang – Lam Binh into a center of ecotourism, community tourism, and exploration tourism with a brand name on the tourism map of Vietnam by 2025.
Conclusion
Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve is an attractive ecotourism destination where visitors can discover the unspoiled beauty of nature, experience the unique culture of ethnic minorities, and immerse themselves in a peaceful and fresh atmosphere. With efforts to develop sustainable tourism, Na Hang – Lam Binh promises to become a leading destination on the ecotourism map of Vietnam, bringing memorable experiences to visitors and contributing to the conservation and promotion of the natural and cultural values of this land. Come and explore Na Hang – Lam Binh to feel the beauty and charm of this special nature reserve.