HQ to Ta Lai Minority Village
- Posted By :Admin
Visiting Tai Lai Minority Village is both a cultural experience and an adventure into natural history. Witnessing the lives of the ethnic Thai Lai people is like going back into time. Water Buffalo still plow the rice fields, coffee is laid out to dry under the intense Vietnam sun and the wonders of Cat Tien Forest still provide almost all the things the villagers need to thrive. One can reach the village via car but visiting by bicycle or on foot is the way to go so that you don't miss out on the wonders that Cat Tien National Park has to offer.
The trek/ride begins after taking the ferry across the magnificent Dong Nai River at the National Park Headquarters, simply turn left after disembarking the ferry and the adventure begins. The hike to the village opens to the sky (not shaded by the forest canopy) so be prepared with lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Along the way you might be lucky enough to see the Andaman Water Monitor basking in the sun or flocks of Green Parrots squawking in warning of your approach. Keep your eyes peeled for Yellow Cheeked Gibbons swinging through the trees at 30km per hour or Macaque's searching for hidden morsels on the forest floor. There are also a few old watch-towers along the trail for those daring enough to climb-up for a spectacular view of the surrounding forrest and mountainous terrain in the distance (just be careful for they are quite rickety). As you get close to the village you will see the locals plowing their rice fields in the same manner that their ancestors have done for hundreds of years. It is quite a humbling and tranquil experience. The village offers the chance to see a "traditional" Tai Lai Longhouse and opportunities to support the local families by purchasing beautiful handmade clothes, crafts, and delicious ethnic cuisine.
- Scott Stewart aka The Traveling Naturalist -
meet him at http://thetravelingnaturalist.com/
The trek/ride begins after taking the ferry across the magnificent Dong Nai River at the National Park Headquarters, simply turn left after disembarking the ferry and the adventure begins. The hike to the village opens to the sky (not shaded by the forest canopy) so be prepared with lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Along the way you might be lucky enough to see the Andaman Water Monitor basking in the sun or flocks of Green Parrots squawking in warning of your approach. Keep your eyes peeled for Yellow Cheeked Gibbons swinging through the trees at 30km per hour or Macaque's searching for hidden morsels on the forest floor. There are also a few old watch-towers along the trail for those daring enough to climb-up for a spectacular view of the surrounding forrest and mountainous terrain in the distance (just be careful for they are quite rickety). As you get close to the village you will see the locals plowing their rice fields in the same manner that their ancestors have done for hundreds of years. It is quite a humbling and tranquil experience. The village offers the chance to see a "traditional" Tai Lai Longhouse and opportunities to support the local families by purchasing beautiful handmade clothes, crafts, and delicious ethnic cuisine.
- Scott Stewart aka The Traveling Naturalist -
meet him at http://thetravelingnaturalist.com/
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