Northwest of Vietnam is well-known for huge mountains, magic caves, streams and rough rivers. In addition, the unique features of ethnic minorities' culture have brought Northwest an attraction which can not be found anywhere.

Trekking through Northwest ethnic villages has become one of foreign travelers' favorite itineraries. This kind of tour is good for anyone who wants to explore, experience and study about customs and habits of various cultures of local people.

Mai Chau village is 60 kilometer far from Hoa Binh city having become a famous destination, attracting many domestic and foreign travelers. Mai Chau's stilt houses are prettily large with palm-roof, shining bamboo flooring. Windows are large and spacious enough to get wind and hang orchid baskets. Camp-fire, Gong show, dancing with local people are attractive activities in the evening and should not be missed.

Mong village is known as an ecological, cultural and relaxing destination. Visiting this village, travelers will have chance to experience hot water stream, explore normal life of 106 households of Thai ethnic with their handicraft profession. Almost people here are very poor but the environment they are living entitles them a peaceful time which many citizens long for.

Northwest dishes have also contributed to attracting travelers, if you have time to visit Northwest, you should spend time enjoying Lam rice (rice is put into a young bamboo pipe and fire on wooden coal), baked fish, dried meat, vegetables, bitter bamboo shoot, Sang vegetable etc...

Northwest has something changed recently but traditional features of culture have been still preserved.

By Nguyen Phuc Thinh
http://www.goodmorningvietnam.com.vn