Kha Village: where ancestral Vietnam welcomes you with open arms

On the edge of the misty mountains of northwestern Vietnam, between the Moc Chau Valley and the wooded hills of Son La, lies a gem still unknown to the general public: Ban Kha—a village of the Thai community. Nestled in Yen Chau District, just a few kilometers from National Highway 6, this green and cultural gem embodies everything a traveler can ask for: authenticity, humanity, and inspiration.

There are no big hotels or rushed tours here, but sincere encounters, unspoiled landscapes, and a life punctuated by the seasons and traditions. 

A Thai village tucked away between rice paddies and century-old mango trees

Kha Village, or Ban Kha, is home to around 90 households, all belonging to the Thai ethnic group, a community rich in traditions, found in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. Upon arrival, the charm is immediately apparent: dark wooden stilt houses, elegantly lined up on the hillsides, overlook the undulating rice fields and fragrant orchards.

The Vat Stream flows through the village like a lifeline, bringing freshness and peace. Centuries-old tamarind and mango trees, silent witnesses to many generations, stretch their branches over the paths. Throughout the day, you will see children laughing on their bikes, women weaving in the shade, and men carrying crops on their shoulders.

Kha Village: Where travelers find a lively and vibrant culture

Ban Kha is unique for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Traditions here are not static; they are alive, filled with music and dance.

Every year, on the 10th day of the first lunar month, the village holds the “Xên Bản” ceremony, a sacred rite where people pray for abundant harvests, the health of the inhabitants, and the prosperity of families. The villagers gather in the forest, bring offerings, sing, dance, and play the khèn (reed instrument), trống (drum), or bamboo flute.

Thai culture encompasses more than just significant celebrations; it is woven into the fabric of everyday life. This can be seen through:

- Piêu scarves, which are meticulously embroidered by women in the village,

- Hand-woven bamboo baskets and traps,

- Circle dances that are accompanied by folk songs passed down orally for centuries.

As night falls, soft lighting illuminates the stilts, and voices echo in the calm of the evening. It is the very soul of a people that is revealed.

Experience the art of Thai-style hospitality in Kha Village

Hospitality is a core value at Kha Village. And it is experienced... around the table! Visitors are invited to share carefully prepared dishes, such as boiled bamboo shoots, green papaya salad, grilled fish with herbs, spit-roasted chicken, and the famous xôi ngũ sắc (five-color sticky rice). All of this comes with cups of hot tea, glasses of rice wine, and above all, warm and genuine smiles.

“When visitors come, we treat them like family. We prepare traditional dishes, light a fire, and sing. They leave with their hearts full,” says Vi Thị Thanh, a resident of the village.

A sustainable community tourism project

With support from Yen Chau District, Kha Village is dedicated to promoting responsible and participatory tourism. A five-year development plan, financed with 43 billion dong (US$1.7 million), aims to create a cultural and tourist village model that features:

✔️ A traditional entrance arch,

✔️ A visitor center with parking and electric shuttles,

✔️ Craft shops and demonstration areas,

✔️ Clearly marked trails through fields and orchards,

✔️ Eco-friendly public restrooms.

Beyond the infrastructure, it is the villagers themselves who are the most important force of the project. Several families are renovating their homes to welcome travelers for homestays, while others are specializing in cooking or crafts. Training courses are organized to teach them the basics of tourism, hospitality, marketing, and customer service.

The human touch above all else

Ban Kha is not merely a place to visit; it is an experience to be cherished. Each moment unfolds as a connection:  

- a grandmother sharing the art of weaving,  

- a young boy leading you through lush rice fields,  

- a family welcoming you into their home and hearts.  

This journey transforms not only the visitor but also the hosts, preserving living heritage, fostering appreciation for culture in youth, and offering sustainable income for local residents.

Feel like visiting Kha Village?

If you ever find yourself in Son La Province, be sure to make a detour to Kha Village. Not to “see” something, but to experience a moment. A real moment.

Join us on the roads of Northwest Vietnam, and let Authentik Vietnam accompany you to Ban Kha, as few other travelers will have the chance to experience this land.

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>> Top 8 best places to visit in Son La, Vietnam

>> Son La Vietnam, travel guide