Tule - The Watercolor Masterpiece of Northwestern Vietnam

Embarking on an exploration of the Northwestern Highlands, Tule serves as the ideal stopping point for travelers. This place is a vibrant valley flourishing in all four seasons at the foot of Khau Pha Pass.

Touring Tule - The Watercolor Masterpiece of Northwestern Vietnam

Situated in the highlands of Van Chan district (Yen Bai province), Tule has long been renowned and charmed visitors from all corners with its specialties and cultural traits seemingly unique to this land. Tule captivates hearts with its terraced fields meandering gracefully at the foot of three towering peaks: Khau Pha, Khau Than, and Khau Song.

Venturing through the winding Northwestern roads, resembling soft silk ribbons extending from the center of Van Chan town, we reached Tule. Pausing at the foot of Khau Pha Pass, gazing down at the Tule valley, the raw and breathtaking natural scenery unfolds before our eyes, perhaps even more stunning than what we had heard or imagined. Tule is much more beautiful and poetic – truly deserving its reputation as one of the wonders of Northwestern Vietnam. The terraced fields winding around the Thai ethnic villages resemble paintings, nurturing the young rice seedlings.

Tule thrives with life, with Thai ethnic villages nestled at the foot of the mountain, alongside babbling streams and bustling paths connecting the town center with the lively Thai villages. The weather in Tule is always refreshing. In summer, the coolness penetrates the skin, leaving everyone feeling invigorated. In the afternoon, gentle spring showers imbue the air with the essence of the mountains and forests. When visiting Tule for tourism, everyone experiences a sense of tranquility living in a space filled with the essence of the mountains and forests.

The human presence here embellishes this mountainous land. The town center bustles with the vibrant atmosphere of the highland markets where the Hmong and Thai people gather. Every corner exudes vitality, and smiles greet visitors along the small village roads.

In the town center, flanking the streets on market days, locals display a colorful array of live chickens, black pigs, mountain vegetables, sticky rice, rice wine, oranges, all sourced from the highlands. Tú Lệ market dazzles with its indigenous stalls, offering traditional costumes crafted by Tú Lệ artisans, a sight to behold for Hmong women. The bustling Thai stalls showcase headscarves, necklaces, earrings, traditional attire, catering to eager buyers.

Nature has endowed this land with a unique treasure, a hot spring nestled alongside terraced rice fields. This hot spring, perennially warm, has long been a sanctuary for the Thai people after a day's toil. Amidst vast landscapes, under azure skies, immersing in the hot water at any season brings a delightful harmony of heaven and earth, soothing the soul. Exploiting this potential, Tú Lệ has developed and planned the hot spring area into natural pools to serve tourists from all corners.

For ages, this region has boasted a famed saying, 'Tú Lệ sticky rice, Mường Lò sesame,' extolling the unique delicacy of sticky rice, exclusive to this land. Tú Lệ glutinous rice is cultivated by the Thai people on terraced fields beneath Khau Phạ Pass. Here, the essence of the sky, mountains, streams, and human hands converge. Tú Lệ glutinous rice grains, round and white, resemble pearls. The texture of Tú Lệ sticky rice is exceptional; despite appearing dry, it is soft, elastic, and enticing. Tú Lệ sticky rice emits a fragrant aroma, exuding sophistication in its preparation. Prior to cooking, the Thai people soak the rice for 2-3 hours in warm water, then use spring water sourced from the mountains for boiling.

Tú Lệ exudes a romantic, serene charm, imbued with the hues of Northwest Vietnam. Consequently, in recent years, Yen Bai province, Van Chan district has aimed to develop community tourism to leverage the inherent tourism potential of this region. With nature's blessings and human intervention, Tú Lệ offers visitors from all corners a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and human life. Tú Lệ tourism invites travelers to explore the beauty of terraced fields, village culture, culinary heritage, and indulgent activities such as hot spring bathing, exploring markets, and relaxation.

Notably, in Tú Lệ, homestay tourism organized by local residents holds immense appeal for tourists. Strolling along the quaint narrow paths leading to Thai villages, tourists feel as if they are immersed in an unusually tranquil space. There's no clamor, no dust, and no disturbance as they admire the scenery. Tú Lệ stilt houses are typically nestled amidst lush green valleys, amidst the green and golden hues of rice fields, with the lingering fragrance of blossoms and fruits. Here, local residents cater to tourists' needs, providing accommodation and serving flavorful dishes like black chicken, stolen pig, rainbow sticky rice, and stream fish.

Tú Lệ tourism is enchanting and delightful regardless of the season. The landscape here is rugged and abundant. The people are hospitable, open-hearted, and welcoming. Tú Lệ is an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring the natural beauty and the people of the Northwest Highlands. Just stepping into Tú Lệ once, each of us feels as if we have entered a realm of serenity, where our souls seem to merge into the picturesque scenery of Tú Lệ, crafted from earth and sky.

According to Dulichvn.org

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide