The houses of the Mong people in Pa Co commune (Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh Province) lie peacefully in the valley, hidden in the clouds. Surrounding the houses are plum gardens, peach gardens, and chayote gardens full of fruits, creating a beautiful landscape painting as if lost in a fairyland, captivating visitors.

Tourists hunting clouds in Pa Co

Anyone who comes to Pa Co village is impressed by the natural scenery here. The Mong people grow peaches along the stone fence, creating a unique feature in the rocky highlands. Peach trees love the wind and cold, can withstand the year-round cold weather, and the clouds cover them like the Mong people who are resilient in keeping their village, determined to build a prosperous life.

The chayote trellis (Su su fruit in Vietnamese) is full of fruit, the colorful flowers bloom, leading visitors to the lovely homestays of the Mong village such as A Pao homestay, Y Sao homestay, A Tien homestay, etc. With a distinctly Mong architectural style, attentive and professional service style. Homestay owners are the companions, leading tourists to new exploration and experience activities such as cloud hunting in the early morning, watching the sunrise on windy hilltops, amazing primeval forests, visiting ancient Shan Tuyet tea gardens, picking plums, wax painting, making Do paper, weaving brocade. When night falls, tourists will enjoy special dance and panpipe performances performed by the homestay's art troupe to serve tourists.

International Visitors Painting Beeswax Art in Pa Co village

Especially, if you visit Pa Co on a weekend, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural exchange night market of the Mong people. This unique market takes place every Saturday evening from 6 P.M to midnight in Cha Day village, Pa Co commune. Among the 11 market regulations, some notable rules posted at the entrance include “Mong children must wear traditional attire when attending the market. Pa Co farmers participating in the night market activities and homestay experiences must also wear traditional Mong clothing, and individuals who are intoxicated, unable to control themselves, or suffering from infectious diseases, mental illness, or homelessness are not allowed to enter”. At the night market, visitors can soak in the rich atmosphere of a highland market, enjoy traditional Mong dances and music performed by talented Mong boys and girls on the main stage, and participate in cultural exchanges and performances from various regions. There are also opportunities to explore and shop at traditional agricultural stalls. The market space includes areas for experiencing traditional games, entertainment, and savoring Mong cuisine, etc.

On Sunday morning, visitors can explore the Pa Co weekly market, which only takes place once a week. This market is a hub of vibrant sounds and the cultural essence of the Mong people. To fully experience the market, many visitors spend the entire morning there. Key highlights include the exchange and sale of self-produced agricultural goods and the display of traditional products at the back of the market. Here, you will find meticulously handcrafted items such as skirts, shirts, hats, and scarves made from woven fibers, raw linen, and beeswax-dyed fabrics. 

Thu Thuy