ECOTOURISM IN POM COONG VILLAGE

ECOTOURISM IN POM COONG VILLAGE

Pom Coong Village is considered one of Mai Chau’s most attractive tourist destinations. The name “Pom Coong” has a unique and beautiful meaning in the Thai language: “Pom” means “hill,” while “Coong” means “drum.” Combined, “Pom Coong” refers to a village where hills lie above a large drum — symbolizing the vast and open rice fields.

Currently, Pom Coong Village has a population of over 300 people in nearly 70 households belonging to seven large family lineages, all living together harmoniously and happily.

You can visit Pom Coong at any time of the year to feel its serene charm — the majestic mountains, lush green countryside roads, and children joyfully playing in the fields. The terrain here is quite special, with hills interspersed among flat plains, creating a stunning natural picture every early morning.

As the morning mist slowly lifts, the village reveals its simple beauty — children excitedly heading to school, women carrying bamboo baskets on their backs as they begin their daily work. When night falls, the quiet village becomes lively with the sound of drums, the melody of *khen* (bamboo mouth organs), and the clear singing voices echoing from the charming stilt houses.

Pom Coong is beautiful all year round, but perhaps most enchanting at sunrise and sunset. At dawn, the first rays of sunlight gently shine through the hills, spreading warmth over the vast rice fields behind the houses. At dusk, the sky turns tranquil, the air becomes fresh, and the soft mountain breeze brings an even deeper sense of peace and affection for this place.

This is the perfect time to take a leisurely walk around the village, capture some photos, and truly enjoy the calm and simplicity of highland life, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

According to the locals, the people of Pom Coong built their stilt houses to reflect their ethnic identity and to serve both as homes and as accommodations for tourists. The houses stand close together, separated only by vegetable gardens or low bamboo fences. Unlike the stilt houses of other ethnic groups, Thai stilt houses are usually elevated about two meters above the ground, supported by sturdy wooden pillars, giving a sense of safety, cleanliness, and spaciousness. The floors are made from bamboo or *buong* (a local type of bamboo), and the roofs are thatched with palm leaves or, in some cases, covered with tiles for a modern touch. The large windows allow in cool breezes and are often decorated with hanging orchids, forest flowers, or small bird cages — adding a “chill” and charming atmosphere.

Mai Chau is beautiful in every season, offering new and delightful experiences each time you visit. In late May, as students begin their summer vacation, Mai Chau enters its first harvest season of the year. Farmers busily reap golden rice under the shimmering sunlight. The air is filled with the scent of ripe rice and the gentle smoke of straw fires. By late October, the golden fields glow with breathtaking beauty, captivating visitors from every angle.

Most visitors to Pom Coong are foreign tourists who wish to experience authentic local life — to “eat, sleep, and work together” with the villagers. Therefore, homestays often organize activities such as helping locals plant rice, assisting poor families with house repairs or building toilets, and cycling around the village to explore the mountain scenery. Guests can also join the hosts in the kitchen to prepare traditional dishes such as *com lam* (bamboo-tube rice), steamed vegetables, or mountain chicken. This closeness and cultural connection have made Pom Coong increasingly popular among tourists.

Under the stilt houses, Thai women diligently weave colorful brocade fabrics on traditional looms, creating beautiful handicrafts that fascinate visitors. Souvenirs such as brocade cloths, handbags, and shirts are displayed right beneath the houses, their vibrant colors making Pom Coong Village even more lively and attractive.

Besides enjoying the peaceful and tranquil natural scenery, visitors can also immerse themselves in the rich cultural life of the local ethnic people — joining in *Xoe* dances, gong festivals, staying overnight in stilt houses, and drinking *ruou can* (rice wine sipped through long bamboo straws). When night falls, the rhythmic sound of traditional instruments signals the start of a lively celebration, as villagers and tourists dance together in traditional bamboo pole dances and *Xoe* circles, filling the night with joy and excitement.

Tú Nhung Homestay  is a lovely accommodation located at 16 Pom Coong, Lac Village, Mai Chau, with a convenient and easy-to-find location. The homestay has a professional and friendly staff team dedicated to meeting every guest’s needs, ensuring satisfaction and comfort. With 10 clean and well-equipped rooms featuring hot water and internet access, Tú Nhung Homestay provides an ideal stay for all visitors.

Tú Nhung Homestay is always ready to welcome and serve guests warmly.
For more information, please contact: 034.894.8642