Tucked away in Vietnam’s northern mountains, Lien is over 20 kilometers from Bac Ha Town in Lao Cai Province, 300 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. This village gained fame as one of the filming locations for "Gia Dinh Haha" (Haha's Family), which follows celebrities immersing themselves in rural life.
The tea-covered hills, terraced fields and hospitality of hosts Thong and Ha touched the hearts of viewers.
Photo courtesy of Gia Dinh Haha
Tour guide Do Ngoc Phuc, 27, who lives and works in Hanoi and spent time volunteering in Bac Ha, admits that his reviews of Lien five years ago did not attract much attention, but the village has become popular since the show aired.
Local homestays are seeing an increase in bookings, and inquiries for Shan Tuyet tea, Lien's specialty, have surged.
From Hanoi, Phuc recommends taking the Hanoi - Lao Cai Expressway and heading to Bac Ha. Travelers can choose from bus services like Futa Ha Son, Truc Nghiu and Vu Han Group.
The fare is VND300,000-400,000 (US$11 to $15), and the trip takes five to six hours.
From Bac Ha, you'll need to go another 22 kilometers to reach Lien, and can hire a taxi for around VND800,000 ($31) or a motorbike taxi for VND200,000 ($7).
Phuc advises booking transportation in advance during peak months (August, September, October) to avoid delays.
"The road from Bac Ha to Ban Lien is good: not too steep or winding," Phuc said.
Photo courtesy of Gia Dinh Haha
In Lien, visitors can just chill or try local experiences with the Tay community picking tea leaves, making tea, catching fish, bathing under waterfalls, making chopsticks dyed with magenta leaves, and learning how to harvest cinnamon.
The most popular homestay currently is run by Thong's family. Phuc also recommends other run by Nang & Can, Vang & Binh, and Huong & Hoan.
Dormitory-style rooms cost around VND150,000 ($5) per person per night, while bungalow rooms are priced higher, depending on group size.
Meals with three local dishes cost around VND200,000 ($7) per person, and are made using ingredients right from the host's garden. Regional favorites include men men (steamed minced corn), sour noodle soup, horse meat stew, and khau nhuc (braised pork).
Photo courtesy of Gia Dinh Haha
Phuc suggests a two-day, one-night itinerary for Lien Village:
Day 1:
In the morning travel to Lien, check in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon explore the village and try your hand at farming, fishing or picking tea leaves, or learn about the tea-drying process.
Photo courtesy of Gia Dinh Haha
Day 2:
Wake up early and head to the commune center to Lien's market, which opens only on Thursdays. Afterwards enjoy a walk along the stream and hike to a nearby waterfall (trailhead coordinates: 22.5084800, 104.4003185).
Return to the homestay around noon for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, between 2 and 3 p.m., travel back to Bac Ha to catch the bus back to Hanoi.
The cast of "Haha's Family" played a significant role in introducing Lien to a wider audience.
