Discovering Thai Culture

Nghia Lo is a small town located 150 km northwest of Hanoi, between the Red River and the Black River. It lies in the Muong Lo valley, surrounded by mountains reaching up to 1,500 meters in altitude.

The town is first known as the site of a famous battle of the Indochina War, where General Giap’s Viet Minh forces clashed with French troops led by General de Lattre. After the French victory, General Giap had to postpone his Northwest campaign. What was unique about the “French” battalion in this region? It was made up mainly of members of the White Thai minority. Proud of their homeland, they enlisted alongside the French forces stationed in northern Vietnam.

Today, relations have long since healed — and for the better! The Thai still represent a large part of the population of Yen Bai province, and particularly in the town of Nghia Lo.

Visiting Nghia Lo today means discovering a culture still proud of its identity. By staying with a local family, you will learn firsthand what makes Thai culture unique. Nghia Lo also offers wonderful landscapes: rice fields stretching across the valley and tea plantations overlooking it. These tea fields are little known, but we can assure you they are well worth a stop!

Our “In Thai and Hmong Territories” tour, departing from Hanoi, will take you on a 3-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Yen Bai province and the traditions of its people.