Na Luong Village, Lai Chau

Introduction to Na Luong Village 

Na Luong is situated in Na Tam Commune, Tam Duong Town, Lai Chau province, northwest Vietnam. According to the locals, “Luong” in Laos language means ‘dragon’ and “Na” means ‘field’. Legend has it that the rich land with flat terrain surrounded by green mountains and the gentle Nam Mu River is very favorable for rice and corn crops. Because of the dreaming landscape and the kind-hearted people, dragons often come down to bathe in the river and then rest in the fields.

There are 94 households with over 400 members in Na Luong and they are all Laos people. Their traditional culture is still well-preserved and developed, the cultural traditions seem to be unchanged. Coming here, tourists will see the classical beauty of the four-roof architectural stilt houses, enjoy the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere of the forest, and talk to the kind-hearted local people. Viewing from the high mountain, Na Luong is hidden in the immense green forest and clouds, among the bewitching golden terraces fields. You will hear the birds whistling happy melodies at dawn, and the sunset, you will see the homey and bustling atmosphere in the wooden houses in this mountainous area.

The attraction comes to visitors from the very beginning of the village when they have to cross the precarious suspension bridge, the feeling of floating and wandering in the mountain wind along with the trail leading to the village through the fields in the harvest season.

Lao people in Na Luong are very friendly, honest, and hospitable. The main farming method of many Lao people in Laos is wet rice cultivation and maize cultivation. Rice occupies most of the agricultural land. The pristine and noble natural landscape, with characteristics of the Northwest highlands, and gentle and hospitable people... have created the tourism potential of Na Luong.

Cultural information

Until now, the lives of local people are largely self-sufficient. The main dishes are prepared from home-grown foods: wild vegetables, grilled stream fishes, and rice in bamboo cane (“com lam”). Even though it is just 10 km from the town, people in Na Luong plant vegetables for themselves and contribute to developing community tourism. The Laos men are good at carpentry, knitting, and fishing, while the womenfolk are good at planting a cotton tree, raising silkworms, and weaving. The women here often spend time embroiling, sewing, and decorating patterns on their costumes. Every detail in the pattern marks their hard work, patience, and love of nature, as well as the dream of a beautiful life for the local people.

To preserve the folk songs and dances, especially “múa xòe” and “lăm vông”, ever since a decade, the local people have established a team of 20 singers, performing to bring happiness and encourage people, to pray for good weather and to build cultural life in the villages.

The dress dance and drum dance with traditional musical instruments such as drums, gongs, pan-pipes, and flutes are always organized, especially in the “Bun Vốc Năm” Festival (water festival). To have a healthy set of black teeth, after waking up in the morning and before going to bed in the evening, the Laos women often use the powder of the “mày tỉu” tree (a product from the forest) to rub and wash their teeth. Besides, the women still maintain the custom of chewing betel.