Villages of Dao Ethnic Minority: Flexible Culture Tour Beyond Halong Bay
Escape the crowds of Halong Bay and step into the tranquil Bang Ca valley, just 30 kilometers from Halong City. Surrounded by hills and fields of seasonal vegetables and rice, the village is home to the Dao Thanh Y people, one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Renowned for their craftsmanship in “Rượu Bâu” (fermented rice wine) and intricate embroidery, the Dao Thanh Y have preserved their cultural heritage for generations. This customizable tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the life, culture, and traditions of the Dao people, even if you’re short on time.
Overview
- Duration: Flexible (4.5 to 6 hours, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM or 3:00 PM)
- Pick-Up Location: Your hotel in Halong City or the lobby of Halong Cruise Port
- Tour Style: Guided, interactive, and customizable
Explore other tours in the area through our Halong Inland Tours.
Key Highlights
- Maturity Ritual (Cap Sac): A unique Dao ceremony symbolizing the transition into adulthood.
- Traditional crafts: Choose between Bau wine production or embroidery to discover the village’s heritage.
- Cooking demonstration: Create authentic dishes with a local Dao family, a personalized experience beyond standard Halong home cooking classes.
- Scenic exploration: Walk or cycle through peaceful village landscapes, far from tourist crowds.
Why Join This Tour?
- Cultural Insights: Choose from a selection of authentic experiences to suit your interests:
- Witness or participate in the Maturity Ritual (Cap Sac), a symbolic Dao tradition. Curious about the Cap Sac ritual? Learn more about it here.
- Learn the art of Bau wine production, a cherished craft in the village. Discover the fascinating Production Process for Bau Wine.
- Explore intricate embroidery work, a skill passed down through generations.
- Hands-On Cooking Experience: Join a Dao family for a cooking demonstration using fresh ingredients from the local market. This experience is unique to this tour and differs from other Halong cooking classes. For a shorter cooking activity, explore our Halong Home Cooking Class Tour.
- Local Connections: Spend time with the villagers, learning about their homes, gardens, and daily lives.
- Customizable Itinerary: Adjust the tour to your schedule and preferences without missing out on the highlights of Dao culture.
Practical Notes for Flexible Tours
- Duration Flexibility: Visitors with less time can complete the tour in 4.5 hours by selecting fewer cultural experiences.
- Customizable Options: Speak to your guide to tailor the tour to your preferences (e.g., skip Bau wine-making and focus on embroidery or the Cap Sac ritual).
- Cost for Cap Sac Demonstration: The Cap Sac ritual involves an additional cost, which is excluded from the tour price; Group Recommendation: For groups of 6 or more guests for cost down. If your group is smaller, please inquire during booking for details.
- Alternative Cooking Options: For a quicker culinary experience, consider our Halong Home Cooking Class Tour.
| By Day | Transfer | Destinations | Activities | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bang Ca villages | Explore the villages' traditional crafts; Shop for fresh ingredients and experience cooking demonstration; Enjoy scenic exploration around | Lunch |
Bang Ca villages
Explore the villages' traditional crafts; Shop for fresh ingredients and experience cooking demonstration; Enjoy scenic exploration around
Flexible Itinerary
- 8:30 AM: Your guide picks you up from Halong City or Halong Cruise Port. Enjoy a scenic drive to Bang Ca village.
- 9:00 AM: Stop at a lively local market to shop for fresh ingredients with your guide’s assistance. Learn how to select and negotiate like a local.
- 9:45 AM: Arrive in the village and choose your cultural experience:
- Participate in or witness the Maturity Ritual (Cap Sac), a defining tradition of Dao culture (Due to the show’s charge, recommendation for groups of 6 or more guests; additional cost applies). For smaller groups, please contact us via WhatsApp (+84) 912-932-969 to customize the experience.
- Discover Bau wine production, learning about the traditional process of fermentation. Learn more about Bau wine-making in our detailed blog post.
- Explore the intricate art of Dao embroidery and its cultural significance.
Note: Visitors can choose one or two cultural experiences based on their available time and interests.
- 11:00 AM: Visit a Dao family home for a hands-on cooking demonstration. Together with the host, prepare and enjoy a traditional Northern Vietnamese meal.
- 12:30 PM: Take a short walk or cycle through the village to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere and scenic fields.
1:30 PM: Return to your hotel or Halong Cruise Port.
Maturity Ritual (Cap Sac)
The Maturity Ritual, known as Cap Sac, is a significant tradition among the Dao Thanh Y people. This sacred ceremony marks the transition into adulthood, symbolizing responsibility and connection to ancestors. Participants dress in traditional attire, and the ritual is performed with chants, offerings, and blessings from village elders. Witnessing or participating in this rare cultural event provides a profound insight into the Dao’s deeply rooted spiritual beliefs and customs. This is a unique opportunity to experience an authentic tradition rarely accessible to outsiders.
Bau Wine Production
Bau wine, a fermented rice wine, is a signature craft of the Dao Thanh Y people. This traditional drink is made using locally grown ingredients and a meticulous brewing process passed down through generations. From steaming the rice to fermenting it in clay jars, each step is infused with care and precision. Visitors can observe or even join in the process, learning about the techniques and cultural importance of Bau wine in local celebrations and daily life.
Embroidery
Dao Thanh Y embroidery is a stunning representation of their artistic heritage. Using vibrant threads and intricate patterns, the Dao people create traditional garments and accessories that are both beautiful and symbolic. Each design tells a story, often reflecting nature or spiritual beliefs. Visitors can learn about the tools, techniques, and cultural significance behind this centuries-old craft. Whether watching skilled artisans at work or trying your hand at stitching, this experience provides a deeper appreciation for the Dao’s craftsmanship
Scenic Exploration Through Peaceful Village Landscapes
Escape the hustle of Halong City and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bang Ca village. Take a leisurely walk or cycle through its lush fields and tranquil trails, surrounded by rolling hills and seasonal crops. Along the way, observe daily village life, from farmers tending to their fields to children playing in the open air. This peaceful journey offers a unique chance to connect with nature and experience the simplicity and charm of rural Vietnam, far removed from the usual tourist routes
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Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as the itinerary.
- Local English-speaking guide
- Bottled water
- All entrance fees
- Herbs, vegetables, meat and seafood following our plan
Bike rental
- Traditional Vietnamese lunch
Exclusions
- Cultural Demonstration
- Herbs, vegetables, meat and seafood for custom requests
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the services
