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Located on the route to Na Ka plum valley, Ta Phinh is not yet widely known to many tourists. |
The Ta Phinh valley is located in Ta Phinh village, Tan Yen commune, Son La province, about 25 km from Moc Chau town and 200 km from Hanoi.
The valley spans about 300 hectares and is home to 12 households who cultivate rice and corn. From mid-summer to late autumn, heavy rains cause the valley to flood, forming a wide basin amidst the hills, which locals and tourists often refer to as a "lake".
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During the rainy season, the fields and grasslands in Ta Phinh become swimming grounds for flocks of ducks. |
Rocky mountains surround the village. When water levels rise, low-lying areas are submerged, leaving only large trees visible above the surface. The homes of the 12 households in the village are also affected by the flooding.
Vang A Giang, born in 1989, who provides tourism services in Ta Phinh village, stated that the flooded season typically occurs in september-october. The depth of the flooding in the valley varies each year depending on the rainfall and storm conditions.
Fortunately, livestock and poultry do not suffer extensive damage, as residents move them to rock caves for shelter.
{"caption_all":"A characteristic feature of this place is the natural rock formations with various shapes protruding from the grassy areas, which is why local residents also call it "Da Dung village" (Standing Stone village).","caption_items":"["",""]"}
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{"caption_all":"From the village entrance, tourists can rent a boat to travel into the flooded areas inside, for about 40,000 dong per trip. It is important to request that the boat owner provides life jackets throughout the journey.","caption_items":"["",""]"}
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The village currently has limited tourism services, making it suitable for visitors who wish to self-sufficiently camp during the dry season or explore by hiking. Tourists can learn about the lives of residents living in wooden houses and experience some local cultural activities.
The H'Mong people in Ta Phinh are known for their friendliness and hospitality, often inviting tourists to enjoy corn wine or participate in folk games such as "nem con" (throwing a shuttlecock) and "danh quay" (top spinning).
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From Ta Phinh, visitors can combine their trip with visits to Heart Tea Hill, Na Ka plum valley, and Hang Tau in Moc Chau. A bus from Hanoi to Moc Chau costs 100,000 dong.
The road to Ta Phinh features many rough sections and potholes, making it suitable for high-clearance four-wheel-drive oto. Motorcyclists should exercise extreme caution. During the dry season, visitors will find blooming fields of mustard flowers and buckwheat.
Thanh Thu
Photos: Quang Kien
