Chien Village

About the community

Located in Van Son Commune, Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh, Chiến Hamlet is a small, tranquil Muong village with over 70 households, all living in traditional stilt houses. Nestled at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, the village enjoys a cool climate all year round, creating an ideal retreat for travelers seeking peace, nature, and authentic culture.

Van Son is also famous for its ancient mandarin orange gardens, a local specialty rooted in the history of the Muong people. Beyond its orchards, the area boasts natural and cultural treasures such as Nam Son Cave – one of the most unique national scenic sites in Northern Vietnam.

Community-based tourism was officially introduced to Chiến Hamlet in July 2019 with the support of Action on Poverty (AOP). Since then, three well-equipped homestays have been developed, offering guests an immersive experience of Muong life. Visitors can explore bamboo-fenced alleys, traditional stilt-house architecture, and taste fresh, home-grown food prepared by local families.

Just over 3 hours from Hanoi and close to other famous attractions like Lac Village (Mai Chau) and Mu Waterfall (Lac Son), Chiến Hamlet is an ideal stop for a short getaway or a combined cultural-nature tour.

AoCBT’s involvement

Community-based tourism was introduced to Chien Hamlet in 2019, with the support of Action on CBT Social Enterprise. Tourism is still in its early stages, but it has already created new livelihood opportunities and helped the community build skills for sustainable tourism development.

What to do

Stay in a Traditional Muong Homestay
Spend the night in an authentic stilt house, experience warm Muong hospitality, and enjoy home-cooked meals with seasonal ingredients from local farms.

Join Farming Activities
Depending on the season, try planting or harvesting rice, picking vegetables/oranges, or learning how local farmers work the terraced fields — a true back-to-nature experience.

Make Traditional Muong Dishes
Learn to cook local specialties such as grilled stream fish, bamboo-tube rice, and fresh vegetable dishes, prepared the Muong way.

Visit Bac Thung CBT village and Thung waterfall (30 minutes away) 

Take a scenic motorbike ride from Chien village to the community-based tourism hamlet of Bac Thung (about 30 minutes), passing through beautiful hills and valleys. With its cool year-round climate and lush vegetable gardens, Bac Thung offers a refreshing escape — and don’t miss a visit to the nearby Thung waterfall.

Join the famous ancient tangerine harvest

Explore the ancient tangerine orchards that have been rooted here for generations — a symbol of Muong heritage — and join a fruit-picking experience during harvest season (late autumn to winter).

Cultural Exchange

Join in local evening gatherings, listen to Muong folk songs, and learn about their traditions, beliefs, and way of life.

Service learning

Join hands with local farmers to build small irrigation canals and reinforce embankments along pathways leading to the fields. This hands-on activity not only improves water access and road safety for daily farming, but also offers students and visitors a chance to connect deeply with rural life and contribute to the community.

Where to stay

Chien Village currently has three homestays, each owned and maintained by a family from the community. These homestays were built and renovated based on the traditional house of the Muong people, with palm leaf roofs, mattress and reading lights arranged at each bed. Visitors can sleep in single/double mattresses, comfortable linens and pillows. Every  has a mosquito net and curtains that can be closed for extra privacy. 

Homestays in Bac Thung village have water heaters and Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are separated from the main accommodation and from the hand washing area. There are no bathtubs, only showers available.

When to go

Located in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, Bac Thung enjoys a cool, temperate climate all year round, making it a perfect escape from the city heat. The average annual temperature is around 19–20 °C, rarely dropping below 10 °C or rising above 30 °C.

• Spring (March – May): A refreshing season when the valley turns lush green and vegetables thrive naturally. Perfect for joining farming activities and tasting fresh seasonal produce.

• Summer (June – August): With pleasant highs of 25–30 °C, summer here is far cooler than the lowlands. Ideal for trekking, swimming in natural streams, and visiting Thung Waterfall.

• Autumn (September – November): Golden rice fields paint the valley, creating a stunning backdrop for trekking and cultural experiences during harvest season.

• Winter (December – February): Crisp and cool, around 10–15 °C, offering peaceful scenery and cozy Muong stilt-house stays by a warm fire.

How to get there

Private Transfer
Door-to-door service from Hanoi to Chien Village.
Please contact us for a quote (price depends on group size and vehicle type). This is the most convenient and time-saving option, especially for families or small groups.