Thai Hai Village: An authentic journey into Tay ethnic culture and heritage

Imagine a place where time seems to have paused because it has chosen to preserve what truly matters. Nestled in the rolling hills of Thai Nguyen province, just a short drive from Hanoi, lies the Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Village.

As a recipient of the prestigious UNWTO Best Tourism Village award, Thai Hai is much more than a destination. It is a living museum where over 50 families of the Tay ethnic group live and work while preserving their ancestral traditions in perfect harmony with nature.

What makes Thai Hai Village truly unique

Thai Hai Village is a rare example of a community where over 50 families live without private property, sharing all aspects of daily life from meals and finances to the collective responsibility of raising children.

Unlike any other village in Vietnam, this community functions as a unified family under a completely self-sufficient ecosystem. Here are the core pillars that define its uniqueness:

• No private property: Individual families within the village do not own private assets. All resources are managed collectively to ensure the well-being of the entire community.
• Shared daily life: Residents share their meals, use a common fund for expenses, and work together to care for and educate their children.
• Self-sufficient production: All production activities are internal. The village produces its own food, livestock and even traditional herbal medicines.
• Collective distribution: Products created by each member are gathered and redistributed to meet the specific needs of every individual and the village community as a whole.
• Community Tourism: Every member participates in tourism activities as a collective effort, ensuring that the benefits are used to preserve their traditional Tay heritage and maintain their way of life.

The village is set within more than 25 hectares of forest and natural landscapes, featuring serene lakes and a peaceful, airy environment that promotes a lifestyle in harmony with nature.

Recognized as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" by the UNWTO in 2022, Thai Hai stands out as a destination where culture, nature, and humanity intertwine.

Best things to do in Thai Hai Village

As a village recognized by the UNWTO, Thai Hai offers a rare chance to step into the daily lives of the Tay people. Below are the top experiences you should not miss.

Stay overnight in an authentic stilt house

Unlike standard hotels, staying here means living in one of the 30 ancient stilt houses preserved for decades. You will fall asleep to the sounds of the forest and wake up to the gentle rhythm of village life. It is the ultimate way to experience the "living museum" atmosphere.

Learn "Then" singing and the Tinh Lute

Experience the UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage firsthand. You can join the villagers as they perform "Then" singing, a spiritual and social art form, accompanied by the Tinh lute.

Many visitors enjoy trying to pluck the strings of this traditional handmade instrument themselves.

For international travelers seeking more than just a photo opportunity, Thai Hai offers deep cultural immersion through hands on activities.

Experience traditional craft workshops

At Thai Hai Village, visitors do not simply watch local traditions. They take part in them with their own hands. Traditional craft workshops allow travelers to understand the Tay people’s way of life through meaningful and creative experiences.

Under the guidance of village artisans, guests can learn time honored skills that have been passed down for generations. These activities are deeply connected to the forest and daily life of the community.

Visitors can experience bamboo and rattan weaving to create baskets, household tools and fishing traps. They can try traditional embroidery with colorful patterns that reflect Tay beliefs about harmony and good fortune.

These workshops are not tourist shows. They are part of everyday village life. Each handmade product becomes a meaningful souvenir and a memory of cultural connection.

Explore the 25-hectare green landscape

Take a slow walk or a guided tour through the sprawling forest and lakes. The environment is incredibly peaceful, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

You can see how the 150 residents live in harmony with the natural ecosystem.

Participate in seasonal festivals

If you visit during the Lunar New Year or the "Long Tong" (Going to the Field) festival, you can participate in folk games like "Con" throwing, tug of war, and traditional dances, which showcase the vibrant spirit of the Tay community.

What to eat in Thai Hai Village

The food in Thai Hai Village is defined by its closed loop organic philosophy. Every ingredient is raised and harvested within the village eco system, offering flavors that are both rustic and sophisticated.

• Khau nhuc: A traditional Tay dish featuring tenderized pork belly braised with a unique blend of forest herbs and indigenous spices
• Sturgeon hotpot (Lau Ca Tam): Fresh sturgeon raised in the village’s cool water ponds is served as a centerpiece. The broth is naturally sweetened with forest vegetables and pineapples, creating a refreshing and nutritious meal.

• Five color sticky rice: A vibrant dish colored entirely by natural forest leaves, representing the harmony of the five elements.

• Grilled organic pork with mac khen: Free range pork marinated with wild forest pepper and grilled over charcoal for a signature smoky aroma.

• Fresh forest vegetables: The menu changes with the seasons, featuring unique greens like Bo Khai, Diem He, or Seng vegetables. These wild greens are typically stir fried with garlic or served fresh with hotpots.

Essential travel tips for international visitors

To ensure a respectful and rewarding journey to Thai Hai Village, international travelers should keep the following practical advice in mind.

Transport and how to get there

Thai Hai Village is located approximately 80km north of Hanoi, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Travelers have several convenient options to reach this cultural sanctuary.

• Private car or taxi:
  • The most comfortable and popular way for international visitors is to hire a private car or use a taxi service from the center of Hanoi.
  • The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the Hanoi Thai Nguyen expressway. This option provides the flexibility to stop along the way and ensures a direct route to the village entrance.
• Shuttle bus or public coach: For those looking for a more local experience, you can take a high quality limousine bus or a traditional coach from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations in Hanoi to Thai Nguyen city. From the city center, Thai Hai Village is only a short 15 minute taxi ride away.
• Motorbike for adventurers:
  • If you are an experienced rider, traveling by motorbike offers a scenic and adventurous route through the suburban landscapes of Northern Vietnam.
  • However, please ensure you have a valid international driving permit and follow the safety regulations on the highway.

Best time to visit

Thai Hai Village welcomes visitors all year round, as each season offers a unique charm. The village remains relatively cool during the summer thanks to its dense 25-hectare forest cover.

In contrast, winters can be quite cold, so it is highly recommended to pack warm layers and a heavy jacket to stay comfortable in the stilt houses.

Alternatively, visiting in February allows you to witness traditional Spring festivals and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Tay New Year celebrations.

Respecting local etiquette

Thai Hai is a living community rather than a typical tourist site, so cultural respect is paramount.

You should always remove your shoes before entering a stilt house to show respect to the host and the ancestral space.

It is also polite to ask for permission before taking close up photographs of the elders or the interior of private living quarters.

Packing essentials

Since the village is located within a 25 hectare forest area, you should bring effective insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the trails.

The weather can be humid or chilly at night depending on the season, so packing light layers and a waterproof jacket is highly recommended.

Communication and connectivity

While many younger members of the community can communicate in basic English, the majority of the residents speak Vietnamese or the Tay dialect.

Carrying a translation app or traveling with a local guide will significantly enhance your ability to connect with the villagers.

Please note that while Wi-Fi is available in some areas, the village encourages a digital detox to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Currency and payments

It is advisable to carry some Vietnamese Dong in cash for small purchases like handmade crafts or extra drinks. While some major travel services can be arranged in advance, smaller transactions within the village are still primarily cash based.

Staying mindful of the environment

Thai Hai is a winner of the Best Tourism Village award for its commitment to sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to minimize plastic waste and respect the natural ecosystem by staying on designated paths and avoiding littering in the lakes or forest areas.

Thai Hai Village is a soulful sanctuary where history, nature, and community spirit live on. Only 80km from Hanoi, it offers a rare glimpse into the authentic Tay heritage that every traveler should experience once.

For those visiting Vietnam for dental tourism, Thai Hai is an ideal addition to your itinerary. After your dental procedures in the city, you can escape to this peaceful 25 hectare reserve to recover in a serene, green environment.

Combining your dental care with a cultural retreat at Thai Hai Village ensures your journey to Vietnam is both healthy and deeply inspiring.