Buzz
Winding, meandering roads, a cool year-round climate, and hospitable locals make Pơ Mu village in Ngọc Chiến commune, Sơn La province, as enchanting as a fairy-tale land.
Venturing through Sa Síp pass with its challenging curves, a perilous road, and a 20 km stretch along the Nậm Chiến hydroelectric reservoir, witness the imagery of smoke rising from traditional wooden stilt houses, dense forests, and the subtle fragrance of bamboo fence walls—enough to warm the hearts of travelers.
Pơ Mu village in Ngọc Chiến commune, Mường La district, Sơn La province, paints a picture crafted by nature. Located about 80 km northeast of Sơn La city, at an average altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level, Ngọc Chiến stands as the highest and most beautiful region in Mường La district. Its dreamy beauty shrouded in mountain mist and the gentle smoke from wooden houses adds to its mystical allure.
Visitors to Pơ Mu village feel transported to a space seemingly existing only in paradise. The closely spaced houses, roofed with rare and precious Pơ Mu wood, built and preserved by the ancestors, are cherished like precious treasures bestowed by the mountains and forests.
The winding village roads, twists and turns, and the mild weather seem to shelter the humble people. The locals here are incredibly friendly and gentle, much like the vast mountains and forests.
Amidst the sacred and solitary 'forest of unique waters,' unexpected blossoms fill the air with sweet fragrance. Hot springs with healing properties, and silent traditional houses create a serene ambiance. Exploring Pơ Mu village reveals distinctive architecture, intricate patterns on welcoming doors, elaborate roof structures, and refined columns. The locals in Ngọc Chiến wear vibrant and meticulous costumes, showing genuine hospitality to visitors. Life flows peacefully, unhurriedly.
Taking a stroll around the village, wooden gates made of Pơ Mu wood and fences crafted from unique bamboo transport tourists back to childhood, where life was simple and pure.
Moreover, when visiting the village, one must savor the delicious sticky rice from Ngọc Chiến's chestnut fields. This delicacy surpasses even the renowned Tú Lệ sticky rice, a flavor unmatched elsewhere.
Beyond attracting tourists with its pristine beauty and picturesque landscapes, Pơ Mu village is also a dwelling place for the Mông and Thái ethnic groups. Although the locals may not be wealthy like those in the lowlands or as valuable as the Pơ Mu forest, they are not excessively impoverished. Their lives still embrace elements of self-sufficiency, with everything fresh and delicious sourced from their own cultivation and breeding endeavors.
The women here are no exception; they embody the beauty of the Pơ Mu virgin forest. During spring or weekends, exploring Mường Chiến, Lò Phon, Nà Sảng, one can witness the cultural beauty of the people. Traditional dances and tug-of-war games create a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with radiant-faced girls brightening up a corner of the sky.
For an unforgettable journey to Ngọc Chiến from the city of Sơn La, covering a challenging and treacherous 80 km road, travelers need to be cautious, especially those adventurous souls on motorbike trips.
From Sơn La, follow provincial road 106 approximately 40 km northeast, reaching the town of Ít Ong. Continue towards Sa Síp Pass, standing at an altitude exceeding 2,000 meters, stretching 40 km with winding curves, enveloped in a dense forest. Travelers will cross a north-south bridge over the stream, and the Ngọc Chiến commune will unfold before their eyes.
The services here are also very affordable, with overnight prices around 70,000-80,000 VND per person. Especially when arriving at the village, don't forget to indulge in the hot spring bath and check-in with the charming Pơ Mu thatched-roof houses, dyed with the hues of time.
According to Phước Bình/Zing News
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Reference: Mytour
MytourNovember 18, 2016
