A small village inhabited by the Dao ethnic group, Lan Dat sits beside the Dong Lam grasslands yet remains almost completely isolated from the outside world - surrounded by jagged limestone mountains shrouded in mist year-round.

The only access route to the village is a rugged mountain path with sharp slopes and winding turns. No vehicle can traverse it. Visitors must hike on foot, often taking between 30 minutes to an hour depending on their stamina and pace.

Despite the difficult journey, travelers are rewarded with absolute tranquility. There’s no vehicle noise, no smog - just fresh air and silence.

Visiting in March, Ngo Yen (b. 1996, from Bac Ninh City) and her friends were astonished by the pristine beauty of the landscape. “There’s no phone signal, no electricity, but the air is so fresh and cool. Livestock like buffaloes and horses roam freely, making it feel like the countryside of old Vietnam,” she shared.

From Dong Lam, they followed a narrow trail into the village. Some sections were steep and littered with sharp limestone, making the trek challenging. After about 30 minutes, they arrived and rested at a local’s home before exploring the surroundings.

“Our group was lucky to have Phung, a local, guide us, which helped shorten the hike,” Yen added.

At Lan Dat, aside from soaking in the peaceful ambiance, Yen enjoyed a home-cooked lunch with the villagers, featuring traditional dishes like grilled chicken, smoked pork, and bee pupae.

“I didn’t want to leave,” she said with a laugh. “I plan to return during the rice harvest season to see the village in a completely different light.”

Yen advised future visitors to bring their own food and drinks, as Lan Dat lacks tourism services and has only around 10 households, mostly engaged in farming and livestock.

She also emphasized the importance of preserving the environment by avoiding littering.

For those visiting Huu Lung district, Lan Dat can be paired with nearby attractions like Khe Dau Waterfall, Bac Son Valley, Mo Ma, Lan Van Reservoir, and the Huu Lien Ecotourism Village.

Don’t miss out on the region’s signature dishes, such as roast pork with mac mat leaves, roast duck, sour pho, crispy stream fish, and Huu Lung grilled rolls.