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THONG NONG
EXPERIENCE THE WILD, REMOTE NORTHEASTERN VIETNAM EDGE
Located in northwestern Cao Bang province on the Chinese border, the majestic Thong Nong mountain range is an endless succession of limestone peaks and lush, green valleys. The area is a haven for the Hmông, Tày, Nung and Dao, ethnic groups who are almost entirely self-sufficient. Adventure across these mountains, where Secret Indochina has developed the Thong Nong Philanthropy Project to create a micro-economy for local residents and help them restore their ancestral lands. Discover Khuoi Khon, a Black Lolo village of fifty souls, and Nam Ngu, a seven Nung family hamlet surrounded by rice fields and limestone ridges. Dive into local life by participating in rice cultivation or daily tasks. Learn about ancestral handicrafts such as weaving, spinning, and textile dying techniques, or hike along the mysterious trails that meander across the wild landscape
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VAT PHU FESTIVAL
TAKE PART IN A MYSTICAL PILGRIMAGE AND CELEBRATION
The colorful Vat Phu Festival, or Boun Vat Phu, is usually held between January and February in southern Laos to coincide with the Buddhist celebration of Makha Busa. Vat Phu is home to the pre-Angkorian “Mountain Temple”, a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents Mount Meru, which in Hindu mythology was the center of the universe and home of the gods. Built from the Chenla Kingdom through the Angkor period, the temple is an architectural treasure and the cradle of Khmer civilization. Its annual festival commemorates Buddha’s speech in which he established the first monastic regulations and predicted his own death. Pilgrims from all over Thailand, Laos and Cambodia gather for three days of celebration, traditional processions, liturgical songs, and recitations, as well as contests, games and dance performances featuring the celestial harmonies of Laotian music
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ENTER RAGLAI WORLD
FOREST TRIBE OF LEGEND
Become acquainted with the legendary Raglaï tribe, a matriarchal ethnic group located in the provinces of Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuân and Ninh Thuân on Vietnam’s south-central coast. Also known as Rac Laï, Orang Glaï, or Roglaï, the approximately 110,000 Raglaï are Austronesian and belong to Malayo-Polynesian language family. Some of Secret Indochina programs, such as trekking and ethnic immersion, are operated with Raglai people that have intriguing links with the Champa kingdom. According to legend, during the disappearance of Panduranga in 1832, the Chams Princes entrusted part of their treasure to the Raglaï, including the royal tiara, relics, and precious antiquities. Tales of treasure hidden in the mountains has become part of Raglaï lore and given the area an aura of myth and spirituality
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Secret Indochina was established in 2011 by Tran Quang Hieu and Nicolas Vidal, who shared a passion for authentic travel. Secret Indochina, DMC branch of Amica JSC, takes travellers to outstanding sites, magical places, and little-known ethnic communities
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