Lo Lo Chai Village in Vietnam Named One of the World’s Best Tourism Villages for 2025
>>> Apply Visa to Vietnam <<< Discover Lo Lo Chai Village in Vietnam — the most authentic village in Northern Vietnam and a proud recipient of the UN Tourism World’s Best Tourism Village 2025 title. Experience its vibrant culture, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the heartfelt hospitality of the Lo Lo people.
A Life moves gently. The soft breeze brushing past centuries-old stone houses, the steady rhythm of traditional weaving, and the colorful designs of Lo Lo ethnic attire all echo stories passed down through generations. On October 17, 2025, the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) unveiled the official list of the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2025 in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
From 270 applications submitted by 65 UN Tourism Member States, Lo Lo Chai Village — representing Tuyen Quang Province — proudly emerged among the 52 winning villages across 29 countries. This prestigious recognition highlights its rich cultural heritage, commitment to sustainable development, and exemplary community-based tourism. Lo Lo Chai Village greets every visitor with warmth and sincerity. It is a place where travelers can reconnect with true authenticity — and discover the soulful heart of Vietnam.
Nestled in the mist-covered mountains of Ha Giang, Lo Lo Chai Village rests quietly at the base of the Lung Cu Flag Tower — the iconic marker of the country’s northernmost point. This charming village belongs to Lung Cu Commune in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, an area famed for its dramatic mountain passes, rugged limestone plateaus, and remarkable ethnic diversity.
Situated roughly 25 kilometers north of Dong Van Town and about 500 kilometers from Hanoi, Lo Lo Chai sits at an elevation of nearly 1,600 meters. Its highland location brings cool, refreshing weather year-round and sweeping views of terraced fields and mist-draped peaks. The journey to the village is part of the experience itself, with winding mountain roads revealing the wild beauty of northern Vietnam at every bend. Unlike many destinations touched by rapid tourism development, Lo Lo Chai has preserved its pristine charm. Traditional stone houses, narrow footpaths, and the steady rhythm of daily life create an atmosphere that feels timeless. Here, the rush of modernity gives way to a slower, more harmonious pace shaped by nature and community. The Lo Lo ethnic minority — who have lived here for generations — are the heart of the village. Their vibrant traditions, distinctive clothing, and heartfelt hospitality make Lo Lo Chai one of Vietnam’s most genuine cultural gems and a model for sustainable, community-based tourism. In recent years, Lo Lo Chai has become a beloved stop on the famous Ha Giang Loop, drawing travelers in search of connection — with the landscape, with local traditions, and with their own sense of wonder.
The Lo Lo, one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic groups, are celebrated for their resilience, artistry, and profound bond with the natural world. In Lo Lo Chai Village, their cultural heritage lives on vividly — a timeless tapestry woven through centuries. Lo Lo women don exquisite, hand-embroidered garments bursting with color and symbolism, with each stitch telling stories of love, harvests, and ancestral traditions. The men craft sturdy stone-and-clay homes using age-old building methods that blend seamlessly with the harsh yet breathtaking mountain environment.
Music and dance are the heartbeat of Lo Lo culture. During festivals and sacred ceremonies, the resonant sound of the bronze drum — considered the “soul” of the Lo Lo people — gathers the community in celebration and reverence. Throughout the year, visitors can experience festivals such as the New Rice Festival or the Spring Festival, where traditional dances and rituals bring ancient myths to life. Yet the true essence of Lo Lo Chai lies in its warmth. Travelers often say they are welcomed “as if into a family.” Sitting by a crackling wood fire, exchanging stories through gestures and laughter, visitors quickly discover that this humble northern village offers one of the most profound and heartfelt cultural encounters in Southeast Asia.
Cradled at the base of Dragon Mountain (Long Son) and overlooking the poetic Nho Que River, Lo Lo Chai Village reveals a unique charm in every season. Whether you’re drawn by its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, or peaceful atmosphere, you can tailor your visit to match the experience you seek.
Spring breathes new life into Lo Lo Chai. Peach blossoms blush in soft pinks while plum flowers bloom in pure white, transforming the village into a dreamy, postcard-like landscape. This is also festival season for the Lo Lo people, marked by traditional dances, bronze drum rituals, and prayers for a prosperous new year. For travelers hoping to witness authentic cultural moments and see locals dressed in their colorful embroidered attire, spring is truly the most enchanting time to visit.
Summer wraps Lo Lo Chai in lush greenery. Terraced rice fields shimmer under the sun, and cool mountain breezes offer a welcome escape from the heat of the lowlands. This is the ideal season for hiking, exploring nearby ethnic villages, or taking a boat trip along the Nho Que River beneath the dramatic cliffs of Ma Pi Leng Pass. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most pleasant weather for photography and outdoor adventures.
Many consider autumn the most beautiful time to experience Lo Lo Chai Village. The terraced rice fields turn a brilliant gold, glowing softly in the sunlight. This is harvest season, when the Lo Lo community gathers to collect their crops, often accompanied by traditional songs and communal activities. It’s a perfect time for travelers seeking genuine rural life, cozy homestay experiences, and awe-inspiring sunrise or sunset views over the mountains.
Winter brings a serene, almost poetic beauty. Mist drapes the mountains, creating a mystical atmosphere. The temperature can drop, especially at dawn and dusk, but that’s when the village grows warm with shared fires, corn wine, and stories passed down through generations. If you’re longing for a quiet and reflective retreat surrounded by untouched nature, winter offers a deeply soothing escape. Each season paints Lo Lo Chai in a different light. However, March to May and September to November are widely considered the best times to visit — when the weather is most comfortable and both nature and culture are at their most vibrant.
The cuisine of Lo Lo Chai Village is as authentic as the people who create it. Every meal is prepared using ingredients sourced from the surrounding mountains — fresh, seasonal, and full of natural flavor.
Begin your culinary journey with men men, a signature Lo Lo dish made from finely ground corn, steamed until tender and aromatic. Enjoy it alongside smoked buffalo meat, buckwheat pancakes, and a warm cup of corn wine — a traditional drink offered to welcome guests. Each dish reflects the simplicity, sustainability, and heartfelt spirit of mountain life.
Throughout the year, visitors can witness or take part in Lo Lo festivals where music, dance, and sacred rituals unite the community. The New Rice Festival honors the harvest with vibrant traditional outfits, bronze drum performances, and joyful dances expressing gratitude to the ancestors. The Spring Festival, meanwhile, celebrates renewal, with villagers singing ancient melodies and offering prayers for good fortune.
During these celebrations, guests are often invited to join in — to dance, share a meal, or simply enjoy the moment. These shared experiences transcend language barriers and create unforgettable memories. To witness a Lo Lo festival is to see this award-winning tourism village come alive in a whirl of color, rhythm, and heartfelt warmth.
To truly experience the rhythm of daily life in Lo Lo Chai Village, plan to stay at least one night. Lo Lo homestays are simple yet full of charm, built from local stone and wood and often adorned with handwoven textiles crafted by the hosts themselves.
As evening settles over the mountains, villagers gather around the fire, sharing stories while stars slowly scatter across the sky. With no city lights or noise to interrupt the serenity, the quiet of Lo Lo Chai feels almost spiritual — a peaceful stillness that many travelers call “the highlight of their entire Ha Giang journey.” In the morning, you’ll wake to the sound of roosters, crisp mountain air, and the soft glow of sunrise over the limestone peaks. Sipping a warm cup of tea as the day begins, you’ll feel the true magic of Lo Lo Chai — a place where nature and human life blend in perfect, gentle harmony. Source: Hanoi Local Tour. Photos: Collected. |
