Located approximately 120km from Hanoi, Van Son Commune in Phu Tho Province (formerly part of the three communes Ngo Luong, Quyet Chien, and Van Son in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province) has recently emerged as a new destination on the Northern tourism map.
Situated at an altitude of around 1,200 meters above sea level, this area is often referred to as a “celestial realm” due to its cool, fresh climate and pristine, lush natural scenery.
Especially during the summer, Van Son Commune attracts a large number of visitors seeking to experience its system of natural streams and waterfalls, which remain almost untouched by human hands.
The serene, green landscape of Van Son Commune
Interestingly, this destination is also known as the “longevity valley” due to its residents’ high life expectancy.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Tu, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Van Son Commune, stated that the locality currently has 1,946 households with 9,158 inhabitants, 99% of whom are of the Muong ethnic group.
The average age of the residents here is higher than the national average. Many people over 70 are still healthy enough to go into the forest to gather herbs and work in the fields. Several individuals over 90 remain mentally sharp and robust. Some centenarians still manage their daily activities, cooking, boiling herbal water, and harvesting crops.
“The Elderly Association of Van Son Commune currently has 27 members over 80 years old, including 17 over 90 and 3 over 100,” reported the local leader.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Tu, the local leader, frequently visits and encourages elderly residents in the commune
The oldest resident in Van Son Commune is Ms. Dinh Thi Nham (born in 1924) from Hay Duoi hamlet, who is now 102 years old. She has 10 children (4 sons and 6 daughters) and currently lives with her youngest son, Mr. Bui Van Sinh (born in 1970).
“A few years ago, when she was still strong, my mother would go to the fields with her children and do household chores. This year, although her hearing has weakened, she still manages her daily activities, from bathing to boiling water and cooking.
She doesn’t eat with her children but cooks separately because she prefers rice cooked over a wood stove and soft dishes according to her habits. Her favorite local specialty is buffalo meat cooked with lom leaves,” said Mr. Sinh.
Ms. Nham, 102, with her 56-year-old youngest son
Ms. Ha Thi Chum (born in 1925, from Bach hamlet) is another one of the oldest residents in the area. Despite being over 100 years old, she remains mentally sharp, healthy, and speaks very fluently.
According to Ms. Chum, the secret to longevity is drinking herbal water boiled daily, maintaining a healthy diet with self-sufficient foods like rice, vegetables, eggs, and chicken, and limiting the use of seasonings.
Ms. Chum communicates entirely in the Muong language, always with a radiant smile
She often steams sticky rice with self-grown rice and boils water from forest leaves for daily consumption
According to Mr. Nguyen Duy Tu, in addition to subjective factors like utilizing clean food from their own gardens, favorable natural conditions such as the cool climate and fresh air are also considered “secrets” to the residents’ longevity and robust health, both physically and mentally.
“People sleep without locking doors, and vehicles left outside all day are never stolen”
Beyond its ideal natural conditions, Van Son Commune is also an attractive destination for tourists due to its secure safety and order. For many years, there have been no reported incidents of theft, and the locals are friendly and hospitable, with no instances of overcharging.
The peaceful villages of Van Son Commune attract visitors seeking a slower pace and relaxation
Many tourists who have visited Van Son Commune humorously remark that it’s a place where “residents sleep without locking doors, and vehicles left outside all day are never stolen,” making them feel secure throughout their journey.
“Van Son Commune is also a ‘drug-free zone’ at the commune level—no addicts, no drug trafficking/storage hotspots, and no drug-related crimes,” reported the local leader.
Pang Beach—a cool spot in Van Son Commune that has recently attracted many visitors seeking relief from the heat
The ideal time to visit Van Son Commune is during the summer-autumn season, from May to November.
During this period, the weather is cool, the sky is clear, and clouds often appear, creating a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a “miniature Sapa.”
Particularly in the summer, visitors can cool off at numerous famous streams and waterfalls or relax at cool spots like Pang Beach, Thung Waterfall, and Chien Hamlet Community Tourism Village.
Additionally, visitors can engage in unique activities such as harvesting crops, hiking/trekking through the forest, farming with locals, catching ducks/stream snails, and preparing dishes.
Moreover, don’t miss the Lung Van Market (open every Sunday and Tuesday morning) or experience the Muong ethnic leaf feast and other attractive specialties.
Muong cuisine delights with many delicious specialties
In recent years, tourism activities in the commune have been further developed, offering diverse services for visitors.
For accommodation, visitors can choose to stay for the day or overnight at stilt houses or homestays run by locals, such as: Hoa Binh Homestay, Ban Muong Homestay (Bac Thung Hamlet); Hai Than Homestay, Thu Bi Homestay, Xuan Truong Homestay, Cong Luan Homestay (Chien Hamlet); Bac Son Homestay (Hay Duoi Hamlet); Lung Van Homestay (Chieng Hamlet);…
Accommodation prices range from 100,000 VND (for community rooms) to 300,000 VND per night per person.
Van Son Commune is currently developing community-based tourism models, allowing visitors to experience rustic life with locals
However, the number of accommodations in the commune is still limited, with each facility accommodating a maximum of 40-60 guests at a time.
Therefore, visitors should proactively book rooms and meals in advance, especially during peak times like holidays and weekends, to ensure a complete trip, quality experiences, and the best service.
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