Bac Son, the hidden charm of Far North Vietnam

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this region is to set off in the morning and climb to the top of one of the hills surrounding the village. Starting from the bottom, one can barely see the way of the path that leads to a telephone relay station. The ascent begins with a gentle sweetener slope but quite quickly becomes steep and somewhat bumpy and soon the heat and sense of exertion grows until a glance back over the shoulder reveals the effort is bearing fruit. Before long the concept of time disappears and the focus becomes on each individual footstep. Then, after twenty, maybe thirty minutes, the top of the mountain finally appears. Arriving at the top is an amazing feeling of having truly done something, and the reward is an incredible panorama offered as a feast to the eyes. The shadow of the mountains is outlined in the fog reaching to the horizon and it can be a moment to realize how small we really are in all this hugeness. At the bottom of the mountain, the village sits peacefully as a river weaves between the houses and the paddy fields and we finally can enjoy all the beauty of Bac Son. It is a time to contemplate, eat some fruits and to fix the image deep in our memory. Once satisfied by the beautiful sights offered by nature, with our minds uncluttered and serene, our legs can carry us quite effortlessly to the bottom of the mountain.

Once back in the village a new set of sights begin to unfold. Images of the local life, sellers settling in front of their shops, the freshly butchered meat spread on the tables and lazy local dogs kicking back and relaxing in the sun. At every footstep, we can discover a new scene of the village’s daily life. The curiosity about some visitors to the village is read in the eyes of the locals we meet, a mutual curiosity that will create moments to communicate and discover. Once any initial hesitation has passed, people invite us into their small house where a family prepares local dishes. And, without even an exchange of words, the language of the eyes and the body is enough to create a connection with the kids, adults and elders that insist we try their preparations. After a morning filled with emotions, we no doubt ask ourselves: What better travel experience could one wish for in Vietnam? Bac Son is full of pleasant surprises awaiting for your discovery…

After experiencing local Vietnamese cuisine for lunch, it’s time for a digestive walk. To a slower rhythm, the thing here is to enjoy the incredible peacefulness of Northern Vietnam’s countryside. In the heart of the valley, roosters are crowing, water buffalos are meandering in the rice fields and the country finally takes on the image of Vietnam one may have always imagined.

Eventually the dirt roads lead us to a small path that enters the forest that covers the mountain. Like a team of explorers, we progress slowly, blindly, without knowing what is behind each turn of the way. Sometimes we come across a local villager collecting firewood or bamboo, sometimes a farm that can barely be seen through the lush vegetation, until in the depths of the forest, on the slopes of the mountain, a mandarin tree plantation appears. The smell of the citrus fruit penetrates the nostrils and implores us to do just one thing: take a fruit from the tree and taste it. The local market gardeners are quick to offer us this gift and give us permission to pluck, peel and take the fruit into our mouth, feeling the soft and sweet flavors engulf our taste buds. Their eyes and smiles don’t lie about the pleasure they gain when watching us appreciate the fruits of their labor, and once again, another treasured moment gives worth to all the efforts of the day. Bac Son is a remote and preserved region that offers so much to those willing to venture forth there. But, in return the region asks of visitors some physical effort to appreciate its treasures: an amazing natural environment populated by generous locals, proud of their work and their culture. Here, the Vietnamese countryside appears in its entire splendor and is a beautiful gift offered to you in Bac Son. Venture off the beaten tracks with Ethnic Voyage to discover Bac Son valley like no Other.