Northwest Vietnam travel - Pa Khom Bay in Pa Mu, Than Uyen district, Lai Chau province, is likened to "Ha Long Bay on land". It is increasingly attracting tourists who come to experience kayaking, hot spring bathing, and explore the unique culture of the indigenous ethnic groups in the far west of Vietnam.
Located more than 30 km southwest of Than Uyen town (Lai Chau province), along National Highway 279, is Pa Khom village in Pha Mu commune. This area is famous for Pa Khom Bay, often described as a miniature "Ha Long Bay" amidst the green plateau in the far west of Vietnam. Formed after the construction of the Ban Chat hydroelectric reservoir, Pa Khom Bay has become increasingly well-known to tourists from near and far.
Coming here visitors will be able to witness the pristine and majestic beauty, the breathtaking natural scenery of Pa Khom Bay. During this time of year, the dry season, the waters of Pa Khom Bay are calm, like a giant mirror reflecting the sky and clouds. Viewed from above, the bay resembles a basin nestled amidst primeval forests. The peaceful and rustic scenery offers a sense of relaxation, a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Besides hiking along the winding paths that encircle the mountain slopes with their rich vegetation, the first experience in Pa Khom is renting a motorboat to travel across the lake from Tham Phe fishing village (Muong Kim commune). While traveling on the water, visitors can admire the majestic mountains along the shore and the vast forests.
For those who love sports and water activities, there are unique experiences such as kayaking, swimming, ziplining on the water, or fishing, bathing in hot mineral springs in the middle of the bay...
When visiting Pa Khom, one of the must-do experiences is enjoying the local cuisine. After sightseeing and admiring the scenery of mountains, water, and sky on Pa Khom Bay, the final step is to savor the culinary culture at the floating restaurants.
The specialties of the Northwest region are prepared by the local people themselves, using ingredients they raise, catch, and process, such as grilled stream fish, grilled pig, sticky rice from mountain fields, dishes made from green-necked ducks raised in Pa Khom, and dishes made from wild vegetables, all prepared with fresh ingredients and bearing the distinctive flavors of the mountains and forests.
Potential for developing ecotourism
Possessing many advantages and potential for ecotourism development, Pha Mu is now attracting more and more visitors for sightseeing and relaxation. It is known that, to develop tourism here, the roads leading to Pa Khom Bay have been upgraded and expanded by Lai Chau province, making it easier for tourists to access.
The roads from the center of Than Uyen district to the areas around the bay have been repaired and paved to ensure safety and convenience for tourists.
In addition, tourism services in Pha Mu have been boosted. Accommodation options such as homestays have begun to appear in villages around Pa Khom Bay, allowing tourists to experience the lives of the local people.
Many households in Pha Mu have joined in providing homestay accommodations for tourists who wish to stay and experience the area. Restaurants and eateries have also expanded, offering traditional dishes of the Northwest region for tourists to enjoy.
Pha Mu is also home to many ethnic minority groups such as the Thai, H'mong, and Dao. Each ethnic group has its own unique culture and customs, creating a unique and authentic local cultural space. Tourists can visit the villages around Pa Khom Bay to learn about traditional culture through activities such as wearing ethnic costumes, participating in festivals, or experiencing making handicrafts themselves.
Each of the four seasons in Pa Khom Bay possesses its own unique beauty. Every season offers a new and exciting experience with its distinctive nature and culture, making Pa Khom Bay a truly special place to visit at any time of year.
Autumn in Pa Khom Bay boasts a mild and pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 18-25°C. This is the time when the terraced rice fields around Pa Khom Bay turn a brilliant golden color, signaling the harvest season. The golden rice paddies winding along the hillsides create a picturesque scene, especially in the morning when mist still hangs over the fields. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the ripening rice, take photos, and participate in the harvest festivals of the local people. This is also a good time to experience hiking and exploring the mountains and valleys around the Bay.
Winter offers a unique experience amidst the mystical natural landscape, shrouded in a blanket of white mist. Visitors can participate in camping trips, enjoy warm local specialties such as smoked buffalo meat and corn wine, and join the locals around campfires, sharing stories of their culture and traditions. In spring, visitors can admire the vibrant blossoms and immerse themselves in the distinctive festivals of the local ethnic communities.
If you're lucky enough to visit Pa Mu during the festival season, you can participate in traditional local festivals such as the New Rice Harvest Festival like the Com Tan Pom Festival... This will be an opportunity to experience a unique cultural space with traditional dances, songs, and folk games that are distinctly local.
