Mường Lống Valley is a captivating destination that beckons travellers seeking peace and comfort amid majestic mountains and lush forests.

Located in Mường Lống Commune, Nghệ An Province, this serene landscape is often compared to the beauty of Sa Pa, offering a tranquil atmosphere enveloped in mist and a sea of clouds.

Reaching Mường Lống is an adventure in itself. Begin your journey on National Route 7A, traveling about 200km toward Kỳ Sơn, passing through Vinh City. The final stretch requires navigating challenging forest roads, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.

At over 1,500m above sea level, Mường Lống enjoys a refreshing climate year-round. Mornings greet you with a cool spring-like chill, while afternoons offer a gentle summer warmth reminiscent of Đà Lạt. As the sun sets, the golden hues of autumn fill the sky, and nights are cloaked in a soft, mystical winter mist.

 

The vibrant scenery, with its rolling hills draped in clouds, defines the allure of Mường Lống. This peaceful haven has evolved into a popular camping destination, where visitors can experience the wonders of nature and the serenity of the mountains, creating unforgettable memories.

In the local dialect, 'Mường Lống' translates to 'Lống Tang', meaning 'to lose one's way'. This name reflects the challenging terrain that often requires guidance from local tour guides.

A transformative journey

Once a centre for opium cultivation, Mường Lống is now transforming into a flourishing community tourism destination. The Mông people, historically tied to agriculture, are embracing hospitality and rewriting their stories in this beautiful land.

In the 1990s, few ventured here except local officials, teachers or border guards. The rugged terrain shrouded Mường Lống in isolation and stigma. However, in 1997, Government initiatives successfully eradicated opium poppy cultivation, prompting locals to shift to growing fruits like peaches and plums and developing community tourism.

At 50 years old, Vừ Tồng Pó embodies determination. As a pioneer of tourism in Mường Lống, he recalled: “In the past, villagers only grew corn and raised cattle. When tourists began to arrive, I thought, why not let them stay with us, share meals and learn our stories? In 2021, after attending local training sessions and learning online, I built a traditional wooden house and launched community tourism. I learned everything from greeting guests to cooking and preparing accommodations.”

Pó's homestay now features three rooms that can host up to 20 guests. During peak seasons, he welcomes 120 to 150 visitors, with his homestay fully booked on holidays.

 

Inspired by Pó, other families have followed suit, establishing homestays and restaurants and selling local specialties like black chicken and smoked buffalo meat. This shift has transformed Mường Lống into a promising tourist destination.

Lầu Y Dếnh, another local entrepreneur, initially found the transition to tourism daunting. However, with support from local authorities, she attended training sessions and learned through hands-on experience.

“I want visitors to not only enjoy the scenery, but also understand Mông culture. Guests can weave traditional textiles, play local games and savour authentic dishes,” Dếnh explained.

Dếnh’s homestay can accommodate 40 to 50 guests, generating an average monthly income of around VNĐ7 million for her family.

Lương Xuân Thuận, a visitor from nearby Thanh Hóa Province, remarked: “In a hot region like Nghệ An, I never expected to find such a cool climate year-round. The fog envelops the valley each morning, and flowers bloom beside ancient wooden houses. Although tourism services are still basic, I will definitely return with family and friends.”

Mường Lống boasts five homestays and welcomed over 2,000 visitors in 2023-2024.

Chairman of Mường Lống Commune Và Chá Xà noted that tourism is gradually transforming the area and enhancing the lives of local residents. 

“While tourism revenue is still limited, it has expanded local knowledge and cultural understanding. We’ve organised workshops and training to help residents develop tourism more professionally,” he said.

 

Although Mường Lống may not be as bustling as other tourist areas, it retains the pure essence of a highland village. With its unique climate, delectable cuisine and warm hospitality, this region ignites hopes for a green growth story in Nghệ An.

With planned development, cultural preservation and smart infrastructure investment, Mường Lống will emerge as a cool retreat during the hot summer months and a model for sustainable rural tourism, where each visitor’s journey nurtures the community’s prosperity. VNS