Phu Mau Village

About the community

Phu Mau Village is a peaceful Thai ethnic community located in Chieng Yen Commune, Van Ho District, Son La Province. The name of the village originates from an ancient termite mound (“pu máu” in Thai) that became a sacred landmark for generations, later evolving into “Phu Mau.”

Surrounded by pristine forests, terraced rice fields, and clear streams, the village has preserved its unique architectural heritage of stilt houses, traditional farming practices, and vibrant cultural rituals. In recent years, Phu Mau has opened its doors to travelers seeking authentic experiences and a deeper connection with local culture and nature.

Here, time slows down. You can wake to the sounds of the Bo Am stream flowing past wooden houses, watch farmers tending their fields, and learn the stories passed down from ancestors. Every visit contributes to sustaining the community and protecting the beauty of this highland valley.

AoCBT’s involvement

Community-based tourism was introduced to Sung Village in 2019, with the support of Action on Poverty. The village began welcoming guests in late 2019 and now more than 50 households benefit from tourism. The village has three homestays, guided tours, performing arts, and transports. All these activities have created jobs and increased income for the locals.

What to do

Authentic Thai stilt house stay
Spend your nights in spacious traditional stilt houses, built to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Each home offers clean bedding, mosquito nets, and basic comforts. Your hosts will greet you with warm smiles, cups of tea, and stories about their life in the mountains.

Savor unforgettable local cuisine
Coming to Phu Mau is also a chance to awaken your senses with distinctive dishes made from ingredients that are famous in the region: wild pepper (mac khen), dổi seeds, fresh bamboo shoots, wild honey, and fragrant sticky rice.

Friendly local families will prepare specialties such as pa pỉnh tộp (grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves), thắng cố (mountain stew), pa pính (grilled fish), nậm pịa (herbal meat soup), and chicken seasoned with wild pepper. If you’re curious, your hosts will gladly share their cooking secrets so you can learn how to recreate these authentic mountain flavors yourself.

Explore ancient forests and mountain trails
Set out on guided walks through old-growth forests rich with medicinal plants and towering trees. Local guides will share legends of sacred sites and explain how people here live in harmony with nature. Along the way, you’ll reach Tat Nang Waterfall, where white water plunges into clear pools amid dramatic cliffs.

Walk along winding paths that pass through gardens filled with fragrant flowers and ripe fruit, linking ethnic villages with their own diverse cultural identities. This is one of the most rewarding experiences Phu Mau has to offer.

With a variety of scenic routes to choose from, you can discover the natural beauty of this charming highland region at your own pace. Our local guides will accompany you on each trail, helping you uncover hidden corners of the landscape and understand the rich tapestry of life in the mountains.

Participate in traditional farming activities
Join villagers in their daily work: planting or harvesting rice, picking vegetables, or collecting bamboo shoots in the hills. These experiences reveal the care and skill needed to cultivate food on mountain slopes and offer a window into the rhythms of local life.

Relax in Bo Am hot spring
After a day of exploring, immerse yourself in the Bo Am hot spring. The mineral-rich water is naturally warm and believed to have healing properties that soothe tired muscles and refresh the spirit.

Evening cultural exchange
At night, gather around the fire or in a courtyard for music and dance performances. You can watch the graceful Xoe dance, listen to traditional songs played on bamboo flutes, and share cups of fermented rice wine. This is a time for connection, laughter, and learning about the heart of Thai culture.

Visit Tat Nang Waterfall
Tat Nang Waterfall is a highlight of any trip to Phu Mau. Here, the water cascades down the cliffs in a white veil, creating a cool mist that fills the air. It’s a perfect spot to take photos, reflect quietly, or simply enjoy the beauty of unspoiled nature.

Where to stay

Phu Mau 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 Thai people, with palm leaf roofs, and reading lights arranged at each bed. Visitors can sleep in single wooden beds with clean, comfortable linens and fresh towels, mattresses, and pillows. Every bed has a mosquito net and curtains that can be closed for extra privacy. Each homestay has about 12-20 beds.

Homestays in Phu Mau 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

Dry & cold season lasts from November to April. During the cooler months temperatures can drop to 12 °C.

Hot & humid season lasts from May to October. Temperatures during the hottest periods can reach up to 38-39 °C, however the average temperature for the district is 23.5°C.

The district is situated in a subtropical monsoon climate and has two distinct seasons. During the rainy season flash floods often occur.

How to get there

Private Transfer
Door-to-door service from Hanoi to Phu Mau 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.

By Carpooling:
Carpool from Hanoi to Dong Bang town (Mai Chau) for around 300,000 VND/person. Then take a taxi to Phu Mau (15km – around 400,000/way). Advance booking required—we can assist.