The Astonishing Beauty of Bac Son Valley

As soon as I arrived in Bac Son Valley, I was struck by the beauty of the place. The valley is nestled between towering karst mountains that have a unique pyramid shape. The valley is home to the Tay ethnic minority who have lived there for generations. The landscape is dominated by rice paddies, and the valley is particularly stunning during the rice growing season. The fields turn a bright yellow, making an incredible contrast with the green of the surrounding mountains. I measured some of the rice paddies and they are precisely aligned in geometric patterns, reflecting great attention to detail by the farmers. I also visited one of the villages in the valley and learned about the Tay culture. They have a unique way of building their houses. The houses are built on stilts to protect against flooding, and they are made entirely out of wood without any nails or screws. I measured the houses and they have a very strong and stable structure. Bac Son Valley reminded me of Sapa in some ways, but it has a unique charm that sets it apart. It is not heavily touristed yet, so I would highly recommend visiting it before it becomes too popular.