Bac Thung village

About the community

Bac Thung, a Muong ethnic hamlet, has a fascinating story of resilience and transformation. In 1967, the first families moved here from Hung Hamlet to seek new livelihoods. At that time, this land was nothing but wild grass and reeds — not even considered a village yet.

By 1969, the government recognized its agricultural potential, and in 1970, a small hydroelectric station was built. It wasn’t until 1978 that Bac Thung was officially established with just 18 households, living in self-sufficient conditions without electricity. Life began to improve in 1984 when the first car could reach the hamlet, thanks to resettlement programs and irrigation projects that stabilized farming.

Despite these efforts, Bac Thung faced food shortages until the mid-1990s. Only in 1995, with the introduction of two-season corn cultivation, did the community achieve basic food security. In 2022, the hamlet finally connected to the national power grid, marking a significant milestone after decades of relying on mini hydropower — often unreliable after the original small plant failed in the mid-1980s.

Today, Bac Thung has grown to 69 households with about 330 residents. It is known for its fertile lands, the traditional cultivation of vegetables such as chayote (su su) — particularly abundant from mid-April — and the presence of a 350-year-old ironwood tree, a living heritage of the Muong people. In recent years, local agriculture has shifted toward commercialization, as businesses have come to lease land and purchase produce, creating new opportunities for the community.

AoCBT’s involvement

Community-based tourism was introduced to Bac Thung Hamlet in 2024, with the support of Action on CBT and Da Bac CBT Social Enterprise. The hamlet began receiving guests in April 2025, including international visitors. Today, Bac Thung offers an authentic Muong cultural experience with one traditional stilt-house homestay and a newly opened camping area. Visitors can enjoy farming activities, trekking to Thung Waterfall, and learning about local traditions. 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.

Indigenous groups

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, 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.

Trek to Thung Waterfall
Follow scenic trails through lush forests and terraced hills to reach Thung Waterfall, a refreshing spot loved by locals during summer.

Swim and Dine at Pạng Campsite
Cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural stream at Pạng campsite, then savor a delicious local lunch in the peaceful mountain setting.

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

Where to stay

Bac Thung Village currently has two 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, reading lights arranged at each bed. Visitors can sleep in single/double mattresses, comfortable linens and pillows. Every bed 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 Bac Thung 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.