Young secretary of Party cell leads in economic development
Located upstream of the Ngoi Hut River, Khe Tau is among the most disadvantaged villages in Phong Du Thuong. All villagers are ethnic Mong people.
Originally a resettlement area, the village was founded in 2000 by 17 households who migrated from Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district. With no arable land and traditional customs holding progress back, life was harsh.
In 2012, 28-year-old Lu A Do, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic member of the Mong community, was elected Secretary of the village’s Party Cell. Despite initial scepticism, he believed trust must be earned through action.
His priority was reforming deeply rooted customs around funerals, weddings, and child marriage. To drive this, he established a “Self-Management Group” comprising elected community members: the Party leader, village head, local police, and an elder. Each group member was responsible for supporting and advising a cluster of households.
The group is tasked with facilitating effective communication and education to eliminate outdated customs, as well as timely prevention and resolution of conflicts within the village.
Villager Lu A Chua recalled being asked for a dowry of 40 million VND — an impossible sum – from his wife’s family. It was thanks to A Do’s patient mediation that the family relented. “That’s how I got married without debt. I’m very grateful to Do,” he said.
Thanks to the effective operation of the self-management group model, the village has seen a notable decline in child marriage and third-child births. Social issues such as theft and drug use have been tackled, and many outdated practices are disappearing.
From terraced fields to tourism: Cultivating a new future
Throughout his 13 years as Party Secretary, A Do’s biggest concern was economic development. Inspired by Mu Cang Chai’s iconic terraced fields, he envisaged a similar transformation for Khe Tau.
Realising terraced rice farming could significantly boost yields compared to traditional hill crops, he led by example. His family converted a plot to demonstrate the technique—and it paid off. After a successful harvest, others followed suit.
Now, under his leadership, 92 households have reclaimed nearly 27 hectares of land, crafting breathtaking terraces. Locals grow two rice crops per year, averaging 5.2 tonnes per hectare—an impressive improvement in both income and living standards.
Once the fields were established, A Do rallied villagers to build dirt roads to improve access. Though hesitant at first, locals were eventually swayed by his vision of motorbikes riding up to the hills with sacks of rice.
Phong Du Thuong commune has since emerged as a captivating destination. Despite extreme weather in 2024, it welcomed more than 15,000 visitors.
Tourism is Khe Tau’s future. We have a serene village, cool climate, and natural beauty. The appreciation of tourists gives us the drive to keep growing.
In Khe Tau, eco-tourism has flourished with the launch of various green tourism products. Visitors can explore the 50-hectare terraced rice fields at 1,100 metres above sea level, soak in the hot springs of Cao Son, marvel at Khe Ban and Khe Mang waterfalls, and enjoy unique Mong ethnic cultural festivals.
“Tourism is Khe Tau’s future,” said A Do. “We have a serene village, cool climate, and natural beauty. The appreciation of tourists gives us the drive to keep growing.”
As the local saying goes, “No mountain is higher than the knees of the Mong people.” With resolve and unity, Khe Tau’s villagers are reshaping their future - step by verdant step.
