Muong Lay (Its former name is Lai Chau) is the smallest town in Vietnam (its area is less than 12,000 hectares), including two wards and a commune. The town center is situated in a narrow and long valley. This is the forks of three rivers: Da River, Nam Na River, and Nam Lay River. After implementing a resettlement programme, the small town has changed sharply. It has become a modern urban area and an attractive destination.
When Son La hydropower Plant was completed, the water level of reservoir raises about 213 meters, the area of the reservoir is around 100 hectares in width. All of them make Muong Lay become an attractive natural landscape.
The river was very "aggressive" in the past, but now, it has become more gentle, flat and vast green. All were created for people to have an appreciation of feeling comfortable and gentle.
Coming to Muong Lay, tourists should not miss a chance to go sightseeing by boat, to be immersed in the nature, and to listen to interesting stories about Da river. In addition, tourists can look in Lai Chau to visit Deo Van Long mansion, and the model of raising fish in cages of indigenous people. Especially, Muong Lay also attracts tourists who are keen on exploring and adventuring. They can challenge themselves to activities like fishing in Da River, climbing and exploring Ban Bac cave or trekking through forest.
Tourists are impressed by not only Muong Lay’s charming beauty, but also a cultural diversity of nine ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its own cultural characteristics with the value of material culture, and intangible culture. The most typical culture in Muong Lay is the culture of White Thai ethnic group. Muong Lay is considered as the chief town of White Thai people in Dien Bien. It is also one of the cradles of graceful dance.
Going to Muong Lay is going to the ancient land where rivers, mountains, villages, streams are associated with legends or compelling stories. With interesting experiences in Muong Lay, visitors will certainly satisfy to choose Muong La as a destination in their trip.
Translated by Nguyen Quynh
