Phung Village: Explore A Hidden Village In Hoang Su Phi!

Phung Village (Ban Phung), a commune of Hoang Su Phi District, Ha Giang Province, is a must-see when you wish to discover the true beauty of a Northern upland Vietnam. Located at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres above sea level, covered by the mighty Tay Con Linh and Gia Long mountain chains, Phung Village presents an amazing sight of pristineness and romanticity that attracts adventurous travelers coming throughout the year. Moreover, thanks to a unique culture of the ethnic minority, mostly La Chi, living in the area, visitors may have a chance to witness the regional character and practice that can be hardly found elsewhere.

What makes Phung Village special?

What makes Phung Village special?

Traveling to Phung Village, prepare to “wow” when seeing breath-taking scenes of the terrace fields spanning vertically across the mountains. Scaling up into the heavens like steps of the giants, these beautiful pastures mark the uniqueness all over Ha Giang, generally, and give Phung Village a special appeal as a quick capture of how people live and get harmonized with the sky. During the harvest season, the fields cover all over the valley with a brilliant yellow circle. In the afternoon sunlight, everything seemed to be dyed a warm yellow, whereas at sunshine, visitors can easily catch the clouds floating high at eye level, layering over Phung Village a fanciful view of peacefulness and tranquility.

Growing into natural favor, the locals respect and cultivate the “rice on the sky” as the resource of food, the treasure of tourism. Living up to hospitality, they are happy to offer guests an overnight stay and treat them with all they have. Its cultural and social allure, along with its spectacular and natural legacy has made Phung Village an amazing destination among the best places to visit in Ha Giang, a hotspot of tourism in Northern Vietnam.

What is the best time to visit Phung Village?

What is the best time to visit Phung Village?

Since Phung Village is located within Hoang Su Phi, their weather is quite alike. The rainy season is from May through October with torrential rains and landslides. The dry season is from November through April with low temperatures which may be less than 10 degrees Celsius. For sightseeing, visitors may want to know these tips:

• Between April and June is the rice planting season. Romantic hunters often prefer this time to witness the scenic beauty of the terraced fields during the pouring season.
• In July, the traditional (Tet) holiday of La Chi is held.
  From early October begins in the ripe rice season. At this point, the terraced fields is the most favorite, spoiled for taking photos of long terraced fields on the slopes.
  At the end of the year, when entering the northern winter, snow can be found occasionally.

How to get to Phung Village?

How to get to Phung Village?

Being among Hoang Su Phi’s communes, Phung Village is about 300km away from Hanoi, via Route 2. The road is mostly in good condition with nice scenery along the way. At Tan Quang Township of Ha Giang Province, you’ll turn into a small road which keeps going up into the mountains until reaching Vinh Quang Town. Phung Village can be reached as it located 30km from there.

Life Of The La Chi People In Phung Village

The La Chi People

Life in Phung Village revolves mainly around the gentle and sincere La Chi people, known for their warmth and hospitality.

Although they may not speak the Kinh language, they are enthusiastic and welcoming towards visitors.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted warmly, invited into homes, offered water boiled from tree roots, and treated to delicious local specialties.

In Phung Village, you'll often see La Chi women wearing beautifully crafted traditional clothing that they weave themselves.

Embroidery and sewing are highly valued skills among La Chi women, and proficiency in these crafts is a vital criterion for evaluating a woman's resourcefulness.

A La Chi Woman And Her Child

A fun fact: When choosing a wife, La Chi men typically seek out women skilled in household chores and sewing and are agile and clever.

Compared to other ethnic groups, La Chi attire is relatively simple, with minimal intricate patterns and dyed in subdued colors like beige.

Men typically wear a five-panel shirt, reaching just above the knee, with leaf trousers and a cloth wrapped around their heads.

In terms of culture, the La Chi people have a rich tradition of passing down folk tales and legends, recounting the stories of their ancestors such as Hoang Din Thung and Pu Lo To.

These deities are believed to have created various species and taught the La Chi people customs, farming techniques, and survival skills.

Therefore, understanding these stories is essential to gaining insight into the cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities in Phung Village.

What To Do At Phung Village?

Coming to Phung Village is getting to a different world with terraced fields, winding trails, ethnic minorities, and local festivals. Let's see what you can discover here!

Exploring Terraced Fields

Terraced Fields

Phung Village is famous for its terraced fields. These fields look stunning during the rice harvest season when they turn a beautiful golden color against the backdrop of the hills and traditional wooden houses.

During the harvest season, the entire valley is painted in shades of gold as the ripe rice waits to be harvested.

If you time your visit right in early October, you can see the fields at their most beautiful before the locals start gathering the rice.

Standing on high ground, you'll get a fantastic view of the terraced fields, the rolling clouds, and the quaint wooden houses.

It's no wonder Phung Village is considered a national treasure for its terraced fields, created by the skilled La Chi people.

During The Harvest Season

What makes Phung Village different from other places like Mu Cang Chai and Y Ty is its rugged and majestic feel.

Situated high in the mountains, the terraced fields of Phung Village have a sense of ancient grandeur, complemented by the unique stilt houses nearby.

Unlike the soft, romantic atmosphere of other terraced fields, Phung Village has a timeless charm that speaks of centuries of farming tradition.

Along the paths overlooking the fields, you'll find small shelters where you can rest and enjoy the views for free.

These simple shelters are the perfect place to take in the beauty of the fields and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

Constructed from thatch, bamboo, and wood, their open-sided design allows uninterrupted views of the terraced fields stretching below. Meanwhile, the thatched roof offers shelter from the elements, whether the blazing sun or a passing rain shower.

Inside the shelter, you'll typically find basic seating arrangements, such as benches or low stools, where you can sit and relax.

These shelters also gather points for travelers. You can connect with fellow adventurers and exchange stories and experiences.

A Shelter

Cloud Hunting

In the ethereal landscape of Phung Village, cloud hunting is something you can't miss! You'll be in a world where the sky seems to dance with the mountains.

Unlike the thick, heavy clouds of places like Ta Xua or Y Ty, the clouds here are delicate, wispy veils that lend an air of mystique to the surroundings.

It's a phenomenon that transforms the village into a mystical realm, especially during the dreamy early mornings when the sun's rays have yet to pierce through.

To hunt clouds in Phung Village is to awaken before dawn, usually around 4:30 am.

The homestays buzz with excitement as fellow travelers prepare to chase the elusive clouds. Step outside the homestay, and you'll see clouds floating before your eyes.

Cloud Hunting

As the first light of dawn breaks, soft white clouds drift in, gently enveloping the rolling terraced fields and the weathered gray wooden houses.

The interplay of white clouds, green rice paddies, and simple rustic homes paint a picture of unparalleled beauty. Sounds amazing, right?

The allure of Phung Village lies in its pristine wilderness, its gentle beauty, and a hint of melancholy that hangs in the air.

Amidst the rolling hills and whispering clouds, one can't help but feel a profound sense of peace and serenity.

Watch the clouds play hide and seek with the sun, casting ever-shifting shadows across the fields. Listen to the soft rustle of the breeze as it weaves through the rice paddies, carrying the scent of earth and greenery.

Enjoying Local Cuisine

Bamboo-Cooked Rice

When you visit Phung Village, don't just focus on sightseeing or playing around and forget about the food. Here, you can also find some dishes to taste and remember:

• Bamboo-cooked rice with sesame salt: This traditional dish is prepared by cooking rice inside bamboo tubes. The sesame salt adds a nutty and savory dimension.

• Pond carp: The crispy skin and tender flesh of the carp, combined with fragrant herbs and spices, create a mouthwatering dish that will please the palate.

• Sticky rice: This dish is infused with pandan leaves and coconut milk. You'll have a rich and indulgent treat perfect for satisfying cravings after a hearty meal.

• Rat meat: This dish might sound a little scary, but with the cooking skills of the people from Northeast Vietnam, you don't need to worry too much!

Usually, your homestay will serve these dishes, so you don't need to look further.

Also, don't forget to enjoy Shan Tuyet tea here; it's a unique and famous drink in this area. No culinary experience in Phung Village would be complete without indulging in a cup of Shan Tuyet tea.

Renowned for its delicate flavor and aromatic profile, Shan Tuyet tea is made from the leaves of ancient tea trees that grow in the misty mountains of Hoang Su Phi.

Shan Tuyet Tea

Joining The Festivals

Participating in the festivals of Phung Village is a fantastic way to dive into the local culture and traditions. These events bring the community together and offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the La Chi people.

Tet Khu Cu Te

One of the most important festivals in Phung Village is Tet Khu Cu Te. It's an ancient tradition that has been passed down for generations.

The La Chi people who live in the mountains rely on farming for their livelihoods. So when the weather gets cooler, the farming work slows down, and the village elders organize this Tet.

This festival is about honoring the ancestors and praying for good luck and a bountiful harvest. It's a time for the whole community to gather and celebrate their culture.

This Tet usually happens on the 17th day of the seventh lunar month (around mid-August).

During the festival, there are special ceremonies to respect the ancestors. People offer food, incense, and prayers for blessings. It's a solemn but meaningful time for everyone.

After the formal ceremonies, the fun begins with games and activities for everyone to enjoy. At night, there are campfires where people gather to tell stories, sing songs, and enjoy each other's company.

Goat Fighting Festival

In the spring, neighboring communities like Ban Luoc, Nam Ty, Thong Nguyen, and San Sa hold the Goat Fighting Festival.

In this festival, trained deer compete against each other in battles. The goats get three months of training to ensure they are strong and healthy for the fights. The festival attracts people who come to watch the exciting matches.

New Rice Festival

This festival happens during the harvest season to celebrate the successful rice harvest and thank the gods and ancestors for their blessings.

Families share freshly harvested rice and green rice cakes, which symbolize prosperity. There are also traditional rituals, singing, dancing, and games.

Taboos You Need To Know When Visiting Phung Village

Taboos You Need To Know When Visiting Phung Village

• Be polite and show respect to older people in the village. Don't be loud or rude around them.

• Avoid hugging or kissing in public areas. It's better to show affection privately.

• In Phung Village, touching someone's head without permission is disrespectful.

• During festivals, people make offerings to ancestors and spirits. Don't touch or disturb these offerings.

• If there are areas that seem important or sacred, ask for permission before going in.

• If someone offers you food, try to eat it all. Wasting food is seen as disrespectful.

• Wear modest clothing, especially in conservative areas. Revealing clothes might offend people.

• Always ask for permission before taking someone's picture, especially during ceremonies or with older people.

Where To Stay When Visiting Phung Village?

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Where To Stay When Visiting Phung Village?

Do you want to step off the beaten path, connect with local communities, and create meaningful memories beyond the typical tourist experience? If yes, homestays are your desired accommodation!

Trong Phu Homestay

Price: from 80,000 VND per night

This homestay is at the highest point in Phung Village for breathtaking views of the terraced fields. You can witness stunning sunrise views from the balcony and admire the terraced fields of Phung Village from above.

The accommodation is relatively affordable, although food prices may be slightly higher than outside. The hosts are friendly and hospitable, ensuring a pleasant stay with clean amenities, including Wi-Fi and hot water facilities.

Chi Tai Homestay

Price: from 100,000 VND to 400,000 VND per room

This homestay is popular for visitors, especially during the harvest season. With three locations, Chi Tai offers direct views of the terraced fields of Phung Village.

So, it's a favorite spot for photographers. The hosts are attentive and serve delicious meals. The homestay provides convenient amenities with Wi-Fi.

La Chi Phong Homestay

Price: from 50,000 VND per person per night, meals at 50,000 VND per serving

This homestay offers a tranquil setting with simple yet clean rooms. The hosts are welcoming and accommodating, ensuring guests' basic needs are met in this remote area. The homestay has been upgraded to include private bathrooms.

Tips For Traveling To Phung Village

Tips For Traveling To Phung Village

• Pack wisely

Bring suitable clothes and shoes for outdoor activities, like walking or hiking. It can get hot during the day and cool at night, so layers are helpful.

• Be mindful of road conditions & plan your travel time

The journey from Ha Giang to Phung Village is long and has winding roads and narrow passages.

If traveling by motorbike, it's essential to drive slowly and carefully. Keep an eye out for potholes, sharp turns, and unpredictable terrain, especially during rainy weather.

Consider traveling in the morning or early afternoon to ensure safety and visibility, avoiding traveling in the evening when visibility might be poor.

• Prepare for outdoor adventures!

Phung Village has beautiful natural landscapes perfect for outdoor activities. Bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water for hiking or exploring.

• Stay informed

Stay updated on weather conditions and road closures before setting out on your journey. Check local news sources or inquire with locals about any potential hazards or obstacles you may encounter.

Conclusion

Phung Village has everything you could want for a memorable adventure: jaw-dropping terraced fields, vibrant festivals, and the warm embrace of the La Chi people. Exploring this village is like stepping into a whole other world, far from the noise and rush of the city.

For a comfortable trip without any planning by yourself, consider Asia Tour Advisor Tours. You will have experienced guides supporting you on your Vietnam tours.

So, if you're up for it, Phung Village is waiting to be discovered. Just hop on those winding roads and stay tuned for an unforgettable experience that'll leave you wanting more!