Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, we visited Hang Tau area, in Ta So village, Chieng Hac commune, Moc Chau district, a place described by tourists as a "primitive village," to experience the wild, peaceful, and captivating beauty of this land.
Hang Tau is located in a valley in Ta So village, about 20 km from the center of Moc Chau. It stands out with its lush green meadows and wooden houses of the Mong ethnic people, forming an isolated area surrounded by vast forests. Hang Tau has no electricity, no mobile phone signal, no internet, and remains very pristine, resembling a miniature grassland amidst the mountains of Northwest Vietnam.
Hang Tau cave viewed from above.
Mr. Mua A Lu, the Secretary of the Party Cell and Village Head of Ta So, said: 'Hang Tau, which means 'basin' or 'flatland' in the Mong language, used to be a grazing ground for the villagers. In recent years, as Ta So has become a community tourism destination, Hang Tau, with its pristine and poetic landscape, has attracted many tourists seeking fresh air and beautiful photos with the mountains and the Mong ethnic people.
Tourists "check in" before entering Tau Cave.
Many families choose Hang Tau as a weekend getaway destination.
From Ta So village to Hang Tau cave, you have to travel about 5km along a steep, rocky, and rugged road. The route to Hang Tau is most beautiful in spring, with mountains on one side and green fields on the other, winding through valleys with vibrant patches of white plum blossoms and yellow mustard flowers under a deep blue sky...
Hang Tau is considered a "primitive village".
Down in the valley, Hang Tau appears peaceful and picturesque, with its vast grasslands and traditional houses of the Mong ethnic people. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, feel the fresh, cool air of the steppe, and listen to the sounds of the mountains and forests. Besides taking photos of the scenery and people, visitors can also experience the daily life of the Mong people, such as participating in farming, animal husbandry, digging bamboo shoots, learning embroidery; playing traditional Mong games like tu lu and pao throwing; or enjoying hot grilled sticky rice cakes and sipping on strong corn wine...
Tourists experience traditional games at Hang Tau.
Tourists frolic on the grass at Hang Tau.
To develop sustainable tourism, with the support of Moc Chau district, the Hang Tau Tourism Cooperative was established in August 2023. This is the first tourism service model developed by the Mong ethnic minority in Moc Chau district. Mr. Mua A Cho, Director of the Hang Tau Tourism Cooperative, said: The cooperative currently has 20 member households, all residing in Hang Tau. The cooperative members provide transportation for tourists visiting and experiencing the Hang Tau area, and collaborate with families running homestays in Ta So village, providing food and accommodation upon request. We are determined to preserve the pristine natural landscape and traditional cultural features to develop tourism and promote it to domestic and international tourists.
Hang Tau is home to 100% of the Mong ethnic minority.
Despite being relatively new, the Hang Tau Tourism Cooperative, with its attractive natural landscapes and unique culture and cuisine, has been operating effectively. The cooperative welcomes an average of 3,000 visitors per month, generating an average revenue of approximately 100 million VND per month.
Enthralled by her exploration and capturing beautiful moments at Hang Tau, Ms. Nguyen Thuy Lan, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "Everything here is very pristine, the air is fresh and cool; the friendly locals give us a feeling of peace, dispelling all stress and fatigue. I will definitely come back with my friends to explore this place."
Hang Tau is a popular choice for many tourists visiting Moc Chau.
With its pristine and romantic beauty, Tau Cave is becoming an attractive destination for tourists exploring Moc Chau - a leading natural destination in Asia and the world.
Viet Anh - Duy Tung