Visit Suoi Giang – The “Mountain Peak Of Happiness” In Northern Vietnam

For a long time, Suoi Giang has been associated with the interesting legend of the snow shan tea tree that the Hmong people have pass down for generations. It is said that in the past, a fairy came and planted strange seeds in this beautiful land. Over time, the seeds grew into a green plant.

One day, there came a group of H'mong people who migrated to the land. Due to the malaria epidemic, the H'mong got lost and were seeking food. They only saw strange plants growing around, so they picked the leaves to eat. Astonishingly, after tasting, they found their bodies to be healthy and awake. Thinking that this is the sign from the heavens, the H'mong decided to stay there to form a village, and name this place “Suoi Giang.”

For a long time, Suoi Giang has been associated with the interesting legend of the snow shan tea tree that the Hmong people have spread down for generations. Photo: Dulich3mien

This region is favored by nature with a year-round cooling climate. Coming to Suoi Giang, travelers will have a chance to experience all 4 seasons of a year in just a day, where the daytime is warm and the nighttime is cold. The weather here can be similar to that of Sapa and Dalat, suitable for tourists who love the chilliness of winter all year round.

Journey to escape poverty

Suoi Giang is a poor and recluded commune, located in Van Chan district. A few years ago, the commune's poverty rate was still more than 40%. However, thanks to the focus on investment through ethnic policy programs and projects, along with the efforts of the authorities and local people, by 2023, the poverty rate will have decreased to less than 29%. It is expected that by 2024, Suoi Giang commune will continue to reduce the poverty rate to less than 16% according to the newly proposed criteria. Meanwhile, the average income per capita reached about 37 million VND in 2023.

The gorgeous scenery at Suoi Giang commune. Photo: suoigiangtravel

Spring is a special time in Suoi Giang when the weather is cold but still attracts visitors to sit by the fire and enjoy a cup of traditional Shan Tuyet tea.

This is also the time when people hold worshiping ceremonies to honor the Suoi Giang ancestral tea tree and organize cultural, artistic, and culinary activities.

Spring is the perfect time to visit Suoi Giang. Photo: Asiantravel

Suoi Giang commune has completed 12/19 new rural criteria, showing the incredible efforts of the local community. With high determination, Suoi Giang aims to become a new rural commune associated with tourism development by 2025.

Tourism development is considered a new venture, opening up many opportunities to eliminate poverty and improve the lives of residents.

The Story Of "Mountain Peak Of Happiness"

One major improvement for the mountainous village is the dedication of a loving, local teacher. Over the past 2 years, the people of Pang Cang village, Suoi Giang commune have become very familiar with the image of teacher Tu Lien in traditional Mong costumes walking to school. At an altitude of nearly 1,400m, every Friday and Saturday night, Ms. Lien's classroom is always crowded with students. The sound of children reading lessons creates a bustling atmosphere in the whole area.

Chu Thi Tu Lien is the Vice Principal of Hoang Van Thu Primary and Secondary School, Nghia Lo Town, Yen Bai Province.

Tu Lien and her students. Photo: Dan Toc & Phat Trien

Every morning, the female teacher stands at the gate, welcoming the children. As usual, her students will say “Hello Teacher!” or “Good Morning Grandma!” instead of greeting in Vietnamese. This habit is taught to them by Ms. Lien so that they have better reflexes in using English.

The class includes children from 9 to 13 years old. The teacher connects the computer to the big screen and searches for the lesson plan.

The children in the class spread out mats, organizing desks and school supplies. In just a few minutes, the class is settled. As usual, the students start with dancing and singing cheerfully, warming up the room. This lovely scene has given Suoi Giang the name "Mountain Peak of Happiness" by tourists and photographers coming here.

Ms. Lien in her traditional H'Mong dress. Photo: Dan Toc & Phat Trien

Ethnic culture and English are the two topics that Ms. Lien focuses on the most. “My goal is to help my children become tour guides, able to confidently promote their national culture to foreign tourists. Especially while Suoi Giang is promoting community tourism development to the outside world. This is also a good way for children to appreciate and preserve the unique cultural values of their nation,” the teacher said.

Aside from the young volunteers who are fluent in English and are working in Suoi Giang, most of the children are taught online by teachers in Nghia Lo. Every week there will be Zoom chats with foreign guests connected by Ms. Lien, or combined lessons with English centers and universities.

“I offer this class completely free, and the reason is that I love the land and people of Suoi Giang. In the future, when I have more time and resources, I will open more classes so that all the children here can have a chance of education,” Ms. Lien said with a smile. The class has received support from authorities as well as the excitement of the Suoi Giang people.

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