Discover the Hidden Gems of Vietnam: Explore the UNWTO-Recognized Thai Hai and Quynh Son Villages, Just Hours from Hanoi, for Authentic Cultural Immersion and Traditional Cuisine

Vietnam’s Hidden Gems Await—just hours from Hanoi, two enchanting villages stand out as UNWTO-recognized destinations: Thai Hai and Quynh Son. These picturesque villages offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in authentic Vietnamese culture and enjoy traditional cuisine that has been preserved for generations. Unlike typical tourist spots, Thai Hai and Quynh Son remain true to their roots, offering a peaceful, community-driven lifestyle that’s hard to find in today’s modern world. A short drive from the capital city of Vietnam, these villages provide a unique cultural escape where visitors can experience the everyday life of the Tay ethnic people. From stilt houses to local delicacies, Thai Hai and Quynh Son are perfect destinations for travelers seeking something more meaningful—an experience that highlights Vietnam’s rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions. Whether you’re a food lover or culture enthusiast, these hidden gems offer the perfect retreat from the urban hustle.

Thai Hai Village: A Step Back in Time with Traditional Living

Situated approximately 70 km from Hanoi, Thai Hai Village in Thai Nguyen Province is a living testament to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. The village was honored by the UNWTO in 2022 as one of the best tourism villages in the world, thanks to its commitment to preserving traditional ways of life. Travelers can reach the village in just two hours by taxi, limousine, or bus, making it an easy escape from the urban hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

Thai Hai is home to more than 200 residents, many of whom are members of the Tay ethnic group. The village is known for its unique ecological stilt houses, with over 30 of these traditional dwellings still standing today. These houses are not just architectural marvels; they serve as a window into the Tay people’s way of life. Visitors can experience communal living firsthand, where families live, eat, and work together in harmony. The village operates on a shared resources system, with a communal fund overseen by the village chief. This cooperative lifestyle has preserved the integrity of the community, providing a stark contrast to the modern world outside.

One of the standout features of Thai Hai is its culinary offerings. The village has long been recognized as a culinary destination, with its locals preserving more than 100 traditional dishes. These include roasted buffalo, fermented carp, mountain snails steamed with lemongrass, and five-colored sticky rice. The village also puts a creative spin on local cuisine, with unique dishes like green-tea grilled chicken and tofu infused with Thai Nguyen tea. For food lovers, Thai Hai offers a taste of Vietnam’s rural culinary traditions that few other places can match.

Visitors to Thai Hai will find themselves immersed in an authentic Vietnamese rural experience, from participating in local ceremonies to enjoying freshly prepared meals that have been handed down through generations. The village’s peaceful atmosphere, coupled with its rich traditions and stunning natural surroundings, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature and culture.

Quynh Son Village: A Scenic Haven with Cultural Richness

A three-hour drive northeast of Hanoi, Quynh Son Village in Lang Son Province is another of Vietnam’s newly recognized tourism villages. Added to the UNWTO’s prestigious list of “Best Tourism Villages in the World” in 2025, Quynh Son offers visitors a deep dive into the country’s rich history and the Tay people’s cultural practices.

The village is home to more than 400 traditional stilt houses, many of which are centuries old and passed down through generations. Quynh Son’s rustic beauty is captivating, with its simple yet elegant wooden homes nestled against a backdrop of lush, green hills. Visitors can take leisurely walks through the village, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and engaging with the friendly locals, who are always ready to share their stories and traditions.

In addition to its traditional architecture, Quynh Son is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Just a short distance from the village, visitors can hike Na Lay Mountain for panoramic views of the Bac Son Valley. The valley’s fertile lands are home to several local farms, including the famous golden mandarin orchards, where visitors can taste these unique fruits. The mandarins, grown in mountain crevices, are prized for their thin skins and vibrant color, offering a refreshing and slightly tart flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.

Quynh Son’s homestays provide a cozy and intimate experience, with nine local families offering accommodation to travelers. Community rooms are available for as little as 100,000 VND (around $4 USD), while private rooms are also on offer for those seeking more comfort. Staying in a homestay gives visitors the opportunity to truly connect with the locals and experience life as they do.

The village is also known for its delicious food, with specialties including black sticky rice cakes, mountain ginger sausages, herbal sticky rice, and roast duck. These dishes, made with local ingredients, provide a delicious introduction to the flavors of the Bac Son region. For those who are passionate about local food, Quynh Son is a must-visit destination that promises to satisfy both the palate and the soul.

Preserving Tradition and Sustainable Tourism

Both Thai Hai and Quynh Son offer a refreshing alternative to traditional tourism, where the focus is on sustainability, cultural preservation, and community involvement. The recognition by the UNWTO has brought these villages the international attention they deserve, but it has also placed a responsibility on them to maintain their authenticity. The goal is not to commercialize these villages but to preserve their way of life while offering travelers an opportunity to experience something truly unique.

The preservation of these villages is also crucial for their communities. As tourism grows, the influx of visitors will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, allowing villagers to maintain their traditional lifestyles while improving their standard of living. This sustainable model of tourism benefits both the locals and the visitors, ensuring that the villages remain vibrant and authentic for generations to come.

For travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection to Vietnam, Thai Hai and Quynh Son are destinations that should not be missed. These villages offer a rare glimpse into the country’s rural traditions, and their recognition as some of the best tourism villages in the world is a testament to the cultural richness that lies just beyond the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s rural villages are among its most valuable treasures, offering visitors a chance to step away from the crowds and immerse themselves in authentic local life. Thai Hai and Quynh Son are shining examples of how tourism can help preserve cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for local communities. Whether you’re looking to explore traditional architecture, sample authentic cuisine, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquility of rural Vietnam, these two villages are sure to leave an indelible mark on your travels.

Source: Vietnam.net

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