Located in a resettlement area with more than 100 households, Huổi Lóng stretches along the hillside in neat, layered rows of houses, resembling leaf veins that reach down toward the boat dock. Here, the Dao people preserve traditional cultural values such as clothing, script, and religious rituals almost intact. Visitors strolling through the hamlet can immerse themselves in daily life: women in traditional attire spinning thread and weaving cloth while chatting cheerfully, the sound of children playing in the distance, and motorboats returning to the dock full of freshly caught fish.

If lucky, visitors may witness or participate in traditional Dao rituals, where community spirit and cultural heritage come vividly alive along the Đà River. The simplicity and serenity of highland life here create a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.

According to Phàn Quang Châu, a resident of Huổi Lóng, Dao villages tend to cluster together, helping preserve their folk culture with minimal outside influence. In Dao belief systems, each man must undergo rites of passage, especially the cap sac (maturity) ceremony, which includes handmade garments and scripts performed by shamans deeply rooted in Dao traditions. These cultural practices create favorable conditions for preserving and transmitting folk heritage through generations.

In addition to its cultural richness, Huổi Lóng benefits from its proximity to Lai Châu and Sơn La provinces, supporting vibrant river-based commerce. The Huổi Lóng dock is one of the busiest in Tủa Thàng commune, with most households owning boats for fishing and transporting goods. Fishing typically begins in the early morning, with traders from Sơn La and Lai Châu purchasing directly at the dock.

Phàn A Hải, a local resident, shared that his family owns two fishing boats. Fishing mostly takes place in the late evening and early morning, targeting different fish species depending on the season.

During the current low, muddy water season, it’s easier to catch larger species like mang, grass carp, and common carp. A typical fishing session can earn VND 300,000-500,000, and occasionally even more when catching large fish weighing 30-40kg.

Tracing the path of the Đà River, Huổi Lóng offers a unique and memorable stop in the Northwest. With its tranquil riverside charm and distinctive Dao culture, it provides a rare opportunity to slow down and experience the peaceful rhythm of life in Vietnam’s highlands.