This attraction was at least much more crowded than Sapa Rose Valley; human activity actually made the place less eerie. p.s. I doubt I will survive in a rural place.
A group of tourists huddling up in front of this traditional wooden tribal house. One item caught my attention as it would have provide us with a lot more context about this village, and I was praying the text wasn't in Vietnamese.
Informative plaque, in Vietnamese and, thankfully, English! Apparently, May Village showcased Vietnam's ethnic minority groups which would have been darn educational, if there was a guide with us. If not, I would just have to refer to the plaques.
Red Dao People
This particular sector highlighted the life of Vietnam's second largest ethnic minority, the red dao people, known for "distinct red headscarves". What I saw wasn't the headscarf, but the pot of fire exuding warmth to heat up my cold ass.
Medication or herbal products for sale?
Looking at the wooden tub, I sure wish there was a foot soak!
Known as Wedge Drum, this had a spiritual purpose, to connect the living with the other realm, and used for important ceremonies like weddings, coming of age rituals, funerals etc. I didn't see the gentleman making any; he sure was keeping the fire going.
Giay People
House of the Giay People, it was said to have a unique half-stilt, half earth house, which didn't seem to be the case from what appeared in front of me.
Random photographs; showing you how misty it was.
Beauty of fresh cabbages; should my mom be with us, she would ask for maybe a wok, fire stove, and some seasoning and sauce to whip up her signature stir-fried cabbage!
Tay People
The abode of the Tay People would have appeared to be more inline with the half stilt, half earth house of the Giay People. Anyway, Tay tribe was said to be the "earliest inhabitants in Vietnam and the largest ethnic minority group in the country".
Xa Pho People
Hailed from the most remote village at Sapa, the Xa Pho people were also known for their dances and serenades of folk songs and lullabies. p.s. we didn't hear any.
More photographs
In the past, I always thought Hmong was the largest ethnic minority group but as mentioned above, it was the Tay that took the spot. Anyway, this is Ma Thi Gia, a black hmong lady blessed with a skill picked up since she was 14 years old.
Her profession? A beewax painter! Do you know that beewax is water resistant and it was melted to "obtain a bright yellow liquid" that "dried immediately when applied to white linen fabric"?
Empty field that was like a centerpiece for May Village. I am guessing cultural activities would take place here in good weather.
Hmong is a large group and within the community, they are sub groups differentiated by colors. There was the black Hmong, the white Hmong and the above showcased the green Hmong!
Making of incense sticks by artisan Vu Thi Xin, who hailed from the Giay. To make the incense sticks, bamboo stems were stripped and "covered with a layer of incense powder made from cinnamon bark, cloves and herbal fruits".
Ha Nhi People
Saw a super adorable pony!
My sister and dad with the cute pony. Please be assured that I am as worried of their safety and had checked and secured approval from the pony's handler that we can take photographs.
Lastly, showing you the interior of one of the houses. More often than not, I wonder if there is a small chance that such houses are "functional", which would have made them more appealing than being mere covers for tourism.
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Address
Next to Hoang Lien Cable Car Station,
Sun World Fansipan Legend, Sapa, Vietnam
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