Exploring Huu Lien with Ban Ben Homestay

Nestled in the heart of the Huu Lien Community Ecotourism Village, Ban Ben Homestay is not just a place to stay but a gateway to the majestic world of natural beauty and local culture.

 

Surrounded by the Huu Lien Nature Reserve, this homestay is set in an untouched landscape featuring magnificent limestone mountains and lush green valleys. Crystal-clear streams flow through pristine forests, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, creating a stunning and serene environment.

 

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Dong Lam and the Huu Lien Community Ecotourism Village are cultural melting pots where nine ethnic groups of Vietnam reside: Kinh, Tày, Nùng, Dao, H'Mông, Cao Lan, Sán Dìu, Mường, and Thái. Each group brings its unique cultural elements, from vibrant festivals and traditions to distinctive culinary flavors, creating a rich and captivating cultural mosaic.

 

At Ban Ben Homestay, visitors can marvel at the natural beauty and delve deeper into the lives and customs of the ethnic minorities. The homestay offers numerous outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, and canoeing, providing a comprehensive experience of the region's natural wonders.

 

Ban Ben Homestay is the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in the tranquility and pristine beauty of nature. Here, you can truly connect with the serene environment and rich cultural heritage of Huu Lien.

Dong Lam

Shaped by nature over millions of years, Dong Lam Scenic Area is enveloped by the majestic limestone mountains of Huu Lien, averaging over 600 meters in height. It boasts diverse primeval forests such as Dinh, Lim, Nghien, Sung, Theng, Den, and other plant species. This area is also home to various animals including deer, stag, bear, monkeys, and wild birds, etc.

 

The valley undergoes distinct transformations between two seasons: During the rainy season, floodwaters create vast lakes, while in the dry season, expansive grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with soaring storks. Through the middle of the North-South valley flows a clear stream originating from Huu Le and Van Quan, flowing through Lan Chau and Huu Lien before gathering at Rang Ca and eventually seeping into the earth and limestone mountains of Lan Dat. This stream supports a rich biodiversity including fish, shrimp, crabs, and snails, creating a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna.

 

Whether dry or flooded, Dong Lam offers unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Let Ban Ben Homestay accompany you on your journey to discover the magnificent beauty of Dong Lam, turning each trip into an adventure full of inspiration and wonder.

Dong Lam

Huu Lien Community Ecotourism Village

Strolling around the village with Ban Ben Homestay, visitors will notice amidst the flat rice valley plains, the spacious and airy stilt houses nestled against the backdrop of mountainous clouds and ancient forests, resembling an enchanting ink painting. The stilt houses here are tall and wide, scattered in clusters of 5 to 7 households, with their backs against the mountains and faces overlooking the flat fields.

 

Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes made from locally caught and harvested ingredients from Huu Lien's streams. They can experience herbal baths and use medicinal herbs gathered from the natural surroundings of Huu Lien mountains, prepared according to traditional methods. Additionally, they can savor corn wine infused with leaves – a traditional product of the Dao ethnic community in Huu Lien village.

Huu Lien Community Ecotourism Village

Nong Dung Lake

Nong Dung Lake is a marvelous natural site with its clear, enticing waters nestled peacefully within a vast valley. It's an ideal destination for activities such as kayaking and lakeside camping. Surrounded by lush green meadows and situated at the foot of Mount Nong, Nong Dung Lake exudes tranquility and offers a serene atmosphere that visitors can enjoy in every season.

 

Often likened to a "Halong Bay on land," Nong Dung Lake immerses visitors in a fairy-tale world with its cool blue waters and encircling limestone mountains. In the early morning mist, this scene becomes even more mystical as the morning sunlight filters through, highlighting the lake's exquisite beauty and the surrounding mountain range, creating a breathtaking natural panorama.

 

Moreover, Nong Dung Lake is an ideal spot for those who love exploring and experiencing pristine nature. With its lush green surroundings and serene ambiance, it provides a perfect environment for relaxation and enjoying peaceful moments amidst the majestic natural scenery.

 

Ban Ben Homestay offers guided tours to explore and fully appreciate all the unique features of Nong Dung Lake. Each trip becomes an unforgettable experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of nature and rediscover peace amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Nong Dung Lake

Mo Ang Lake, located in the heart of Huu Lien Nature Reserve, is a precious gem of Lang Son province, radiating a tranquil and unspoiled beauty that deeply moves the soul. Encircling the lake are towering limestone cliffs and stretches of cool, verdant forests, creating a peaceful ambiance isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The lake's crystal-clear emerald waters reflect the rugged mountain ranges, resembling a majestic natural mirror. Due to its enchanting charm, locals lovingly refer to Mo Ang Lake as the "Valley of Affection" of Lang Son province.

 

Exploring Mo Ang Lake with Ban Ben Homestay offers more than just a typical outdoor adventure; it's a journey to experience the seamless blend of nature and human interaction. Here, visitors can challenge themselves with kayaking—an unforgettable experience where they glide gently on the water's surface in a small boat. Drifting amidst the heart of the lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and invigorating cool air, visitors will experience profound tranquility. Each paddle stroke resonates with the natural rhythm, providing an unparalleled sense of relaxation and peace.

Khe Dau Waterfall

Let's explore the pure beauty of Khe Dau Waterfall together with Ban Ben Homestay, a wonderful destination nestled deep within the core of Huu Lien Nature Reserve. Khe Dau Waterfall is not only a stunning natural phenomenon but also an exploration of the essence of earth and sky, where the harmony of water and rock, light and shadow, paints a magnificent natural canvas.

 

The moss-covered rocks at Khe Dau impart a sense of intimacy and mystery to those who set foot here. The crystalline waters flow down from Mo Ang Lake with strength and unique beauty, producing echoing sounds that draw everyone into this space. Particularly enchanting is the early morning light that shines through the dense canopy of the conservation area, transforming Khe Dau Waterfall into a surreal, shimmering landscape that captivates and mesmerizes.

 

What's even more special is the surrounding scenery of the waterfall, with its dense, specialized forest cover, giving visitors the feeling of entering a fairy-tale world. Here, every bend of the path brings a surprise, every viewpoint evokes a different emotion, making the exploration journey exciting and memorable.

Khe Dau Waterfall is not just a captivating tourist spot but also a spiritual experience, where one can sense the mystery and power of nature. For all these reasons, it's no wonder many travelers liken Khe Dau Waterfall to a "masterpiece of nature" in the heart of Lang Son.

 

With guidance and attentive care from Ban Ben Homestay, visitors can fully enjoy and discover every wonderful moment at Khe Dau Waterfall, leaving unforgettable impressions of a destination brimming with allure and natural artistry.

Khe Dau Waterfall

Pac Mo Dam

Pac Mo Dam, located just over 2 km from Dong Lam Prairie, is a marvelous destination for those seeking to experience the pristine beauty and tranquility of nature. Surrounded by low mountains and primary forests, Pac Mo Dam offers a serene and cool space, contrasting completely with the scorching urban sun of summer afternoons.

 

Water gently flows here from the rocky mountains, cool and clear, creating a peaceful and safe stream atop bamboo rafts on the lake. The calm flow of water at Pac Mo Dam makes strolling around the lake a delightful and relaxing experience. For families with young children, below the dam there's a shallow water stream where kids can play freely without safety concerns.

 

A unique highlight of Pac Mo Dam is a charming small bamboo bridge crossing over the clear green stream, with white frothy bubbles resembling crystal beads. It's an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy moments of tranquility. This bamboo bridge not only adds a romantic touch to the natural scenery but also serves as a perfect place for photography and capturing beautiful memories.

 

Venturing deeper into the Pac Mo Dam area, visitors will discover the unique "Husband and Wife Tree" (Cây Phu Thê). From a distance, it appears like a giant tree trunk, but it is actually two intertwined trunks forming a wide canopy of leaves. Next to the "Husband and Wife Tree," there's a charming small wooden house on stilts, a booth set up beside the cool blue lake, and a wooden swing. Sitting on the swing, gazing at the pristine water ahead, one feels as if all worries and weariness of life melt away.

 

Ban Ben Homestay always provides delicious meals right at Pac Mo Dam. Imagine roasted honey-glazed free-range chicken, a plate of sweet and sour wild vegetable salad, fragrant grilled pork belly, a bowl of hearty forest vegetable soup... all meticulously prepared and served amidst this wonderful natural setting. Enjoying these local specialties against the backdrop of Pac Mo Dam's natural scenery will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Pac Mo Dam

Lan Dat Village

If you want to return to pristine nature and experience a village that retains its original purity, then Lan Dat Village is a destination you cannot miss. Lan Dat is one of the few villages of ethnic minorities that still holds immeasurable values: no electricity, no phone signal, no roads, no marketplaces, no means of transportation, and no electronic devices. The only way into the village is through the Huu Lien Nature Reserve.

 

Visiting Lan Dat brings you ultimate peace. The village itself is like a rare gem nestled in a vast valley. Far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, next to the small stilt houses of the Dao community, you'll hear the "concert" of frogs and insects in the forest. In the morning, as the sky brightens and the sun rises, take more time to explore the village. With Ban Ben Homestay, fly kites, play soccer, swim in streams, herd buffalo, and converse with the village residents, listening to their stories about a simple yet happy life. They have homes to live in, fields to cultivate, livestock to nurture, and strong ties to this land.

 

Urban society is often busy, where we constantly race against time and technology, but in Lan Dat, you will find a tranquility that has long been lost. It's a profound lesson in simplicity and understanding of nature, which you will carry with you after this journey.

Lan Dat Village