Buoc hamlet is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and terraced rice fields circling the mountain sides. The local Thai live in ancient houses on stilts where they continue to preserve their intangible cultural heritage like age-old customs, and festivals.
Villager Ha Hien Nhien said, “In the late 13th century and early 14th century, Thai people settled down here. The first settler was Mr. Buoc, whose name was given to the village because of villagers’ respect and gratitude for him. Each year on the 11th day of the first lunar month, the villagers go to a temple dedicated to Mr. Buoc and burn incense to worship him.”
Since Buoc began offering homestay services in 2007, it has attracted many visitors who come to enjoy the natural beauty, meet the local people, experience their daily activities, and learn about Thai culture.
Ms. Ha, a visitor from Hanoi, said, “The nature here is very beautiful. The mountains and forests are magnificent. The terraced rice fields are immense. The local people and their culture are marvelous. Everything lures tourists to come and explore.”
Buoc hamlet now has 15 lodgings, where visitors can enjoy extended stays of up to two or three months.
They can observe how the locals do wet rice farming and get personally involved in farming activities with their hosts, learn from the Thai women crafts like brocade weaving, accompany Thai girls into the hills to find reeds used as materials to make blankets and cushions, climb a mountain for a spectacular view, learn to cook Thai dishes, and take part in local festivals.
To attract more tourists, Buoc hamlet has established three art troupes that put on performances of traditional Thai culture and art.
Ha Thi Hoa, head of Mai Chau district’s Culture Department, said, “These activities help to preserve local cultural traditions while introducing tourists to the culture of Vietnam’s Thai ethnic minority and other ethnic groups in Mai Chau district.”
