During my visit to Thái Nguyên, I had the opportunity to explore a truly fascinating destination – Thai Hai Stilt House Conservation Village – a place where the cultural values of the Tày ethnic group are preserved and nurtured. More than a mere tourist attraction, it is a vibrant living space where tradition and heritage continue to thrive. Surrounded by lush nature, ancient stilt houses and a rich tapestry of Tày cultural identity, the village offers an immersive experience like no other.

Preserving the Cultural Values of the Tày People

Located in Thịnh Đức Commune, Thái Nguyên City, Thai Hai Village is one of the most outstanding community-based tourism models in the Northern Midlands of Vietnam. Not only is it an eco-tourism site, but it also serves as a vital centre for safeguarding the traditional culture of the Tày people. Spanning over 70 hectares, the village recreates a typical Tày settlement with more than 30 traditional stilt houses, shady forest areas, and small streams running through the landscape.

The village was founded and developed by Ms Nguyễn Thị Nga with a strong desire to preserve Tày culture in the face of rapid modernisation. In 2022, Thai Hai was honoured by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world, recognising its dedication to cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development.

What sets Thai Hai apart is not only its architecture, but also the way its residents maintain the traditional Tày lifestyle, customs, and practices. Built as a “living museum”, the village does not simply display artefacts – the people who live and work here are the living testimonies of their cultural heritage.

Operating as a model of community-based tourism intertwined with cultural conservation, the village allows visitors not just to observe, but to experience and engage with local life. All revenue generated from tourism is reinvested into conservation efforts and sustainable growth.

The Cultural Identity of the Tày People at Thai Hai Village

The Tày are one of Vietnam’s largest and most culturally rich ethnic minorities. Visitors to Thai Hai will find themselves immersed in a deeply authentic cultural environment, with traditional stilt houses made from ironwood and beechwood, and roofs thatched with palm leaves.

In addition to its distinctive architecture, the village preserves valuable intangible cultural elements such as Then singing and the đàn tính (a traditional Tày string instrument), both of which are essential to the spiritual life of the Tày community. Visitors can also learn about traditional rites such as the cap sac (initiation ritual), the Lồng Tồng spring festival, and various ceremonies rooted in agrarian beliefs.

The local cuisine is another highlight, featuring Tày specialties such as khẩu sli (crispy rice cakes), bánh cooc mò (horn-shaped sticky rice cakes), fermented pork, five-colour sticky rice, and herbal rice wine. These dishes reflect the delicate and earthy flavours of the highlands, and the cultural sophistication of Tày gastronomy.

Experiencing the Culture of the Tày People

Thai Hai Stilt House Village offers more than sightseeing—it provides enriching cultural experiences:

• Exploring stilt house architecture: Learn about the construction and daily life within traditional Tày homes.

• Participating in folk culture: Try your hand at weaving, making cooc mò cakes, bamboo crafting, or cooking ethnic dishes.

• Cultural performances and games: Watch Then singing, đàn tính, bamboo pole dancing, or join in traditional games.

• Immersing in nature: Walk through the green forested areas, bathe in streams, or simply relax in the peaceful highland atmosphere.

• Homestay experience: Stay overnight in a stilt house and live like a true local.

What Makes Thai Hai Village Unique

Compared to other cultural tourism sites in Vietnam, Thai Hai has distinct characteristics. While the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hà Nội showcases architectural models of many ethnic groups, Thai Hai offers a focused and immersive portrayal of everyday Tày life.

Likewise, places like Bản Lác (Mai Châu) or Cù Lần Village (Lâm Đồng) emphasise eco-tourism combined with Thái or K’ho cultures, but Thai Hai provides a “live-in culture” experience, with an actual community of Tày people residing within the conservation area.

Unlike Đường Lâm Ancient Village, which primarily preserves ancient Vietnamese architecture and cuisine, Thai Hai’s mission encompasses architecture, lifestyle, intangible heritage, and daily community life.

Thai Hai is more than a destination – it is a living museum where the values of Tày culture are preserved in their entirety. With stunning scenery, traditional stilt houses, and rich cultural experiences, the village is an ideal destination for those who love to explore the depth of Vietnam’s ethnic heritage. If you ever have the chance, come to Thai Hai to experience the authentic and heartfelt soul of Tày culture.

Phong Nha Việt