Buzz
Xã Lát Đà Lạt lies at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain, in Lạc Dương district, approximately 12km from Đà Lạt. Up to now, Xã Lát still retains its original rustic and simple beauty. This place is mainly inhabited by the Lạch ethnic group - the first residents of Đà Lạt. Xã Lát contributes to creating its own unique culture, making Đà Lạt even more special.
The backpacking journey begins...
About 12km from the city of Đà Lạt, not too close yet not too far for travelers who want to explore. With the intention of visiting ethnic minorities and learning about their daily activities, I immediately planned a Đà Lạt backpacking trip to satisfy my passion for exploration.
Sitting on the bus, I envisioned everything from nature to people, from eating habits to the historical and cultural heritage of these ethnic groups. When the bus stopped, stepping off, I encountered an image beyond my imagination: small matchbox-like houses scattered across terraced fields, countless pine-covered hills, vegetable and flower farms glistening under the sun. It all vividly portrayed the plateau of Lam Vien.
The locals' lives here are modest, relying solely on tourism income. I began visiting each household to understand the community's way of life and learned many fascinating aspects of their cultural and spiritual life.
That morning, a family from the Lạch ethnic group took me to visit Bidoup National Park. The narrow and challenging road took nearly 20 minutes to traverse, but when we reached the trail, the Đassar stream appeared before me like a small, encouraging reward. The clear, cool water instantly refreshed me. By noon, we stopped under a canopy of trees to enjoy some light snacks. The gentle breeze and fresh air made for a delightful atmosphere.
Simple, cozy life...
Upon returning to the village after exploring Bidoup National Park, I began to wash my hands and feet and sat down to eat at a small family's home. Their dishes were all made from ingredients they cultivated: a plate of boiled vegetables, a bowl of potato and carrot soup, a plate of grilled wild meat, all of which contained a cheerful atmosphere. As I ate, I engaged in conversation and asked about their family, the village, and learned a bit of their language, like “niêm xá,” which is a greeting. The people here are truly hospitable and friendly.
In the evening, I was treated to the aromatic grilled wild meat alongside a jug of subtly sweet rice wine. The rice wine, infused with leaves and sticky rice, was sweet from the tip of the tongue, making me feel joyous and euphoric.
Late at night, after the Đà Lạt backpacking trip, everyone gathered around a warm campfire to learn about the village's history, culture, and ancient customs that are still preserved. It's a unique tradition that distinguishes the Lạch ethnic group in Đà Lạt from those in the Northwest. What's more unique is the sound of the Mbướt horn echoing melodiously in the air, adding to the charm. Witnessing the nighttime scenery in the highlands of Đà Lạt is mesmerizing: terraced fields glowing in the distance, elusive houses disappearing into the night mist, village roads covered in red soil, flickering streetlights, all portraying simplicity yet containing profound human emotions.
As I began to head back to the homestay for rest, I couldn't help but contemplate the emotional life this place had offered me. The more I thought, the more I admired them. Despite the hardships of life, they always wear smiles, love life, and cherish it to the fullest. Perhaps the gong culture is not just an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, but also a sound that helps people live optimistically, love life, and think positively in life.
Unforgettable impressions...
The villagers in the village had been working in the fields since early morning, and I joined them to learn more about growing vegetables, strawberries, and flowers. Each terraced vegetable garden was meticulously cared for, from watering to fertilizing. Perhaps the people here are so dedicated to their work because they do it with a deep love for the miraculous nature, striving to bring forth lush, green bundles of vegetables for everyone.
It's time to leave this place, but something keeps pulling my footsteps back, maybe the mountainous scenery, or perhaps the people here, or it could be the dances, the sound of gongs and drums. As I return to the city of Đà Lạt, my mind keeps turning back to this place. The backpacking trip in Đà Lạt has brought me a myriad of emotions, from surprise to nostalgia. Everything here is truly beautiful, ethereal, and gentle. Until we meet again, Xã Lát...
