Travellers looking to experience a slow pace of life should visit Hoàng Thu Phố Commune in the northern province of Lào Cai’s Bắc Hà District.

From Bắc Hà, they can take a motorbike 12km drive to reach Hoàng Thu Phố to admire the beautiful landscapes there.

The place is home to a large community of ethnic Mông, ancient snow tea trees and plum and peach fruits.

There are imposing mountains rising to the sky and majestic forests.

Hoàng Thu Phố looks like a picture postcard with its immense green trees, corn and rice fields and a harmonious combination of nature and life that waits to be discovered.

The melodies of mountains and streams can be clearly heard as can the songs of birds in the jungle.

Visitors should take a path leading to the centre of the commune to explore the leisurely daily life of the Mông.

They can experience home-stay in their wooden houses by a stream, breathing the fresh air and admiring the wild nature.

At night they can enjoy corn wine and char-grilled chicken served with chẳm chéo, a unique salt of the Mông, or sticky rice served with roasted chicken and ginger and grilled pig. — VNS