Cat Linh village is located on the side of the Pu Tha Kenh mountain range (Mua Khen mountain), at an altitude of more than 2,500m above sea level.
From the center of Muong La commune, the unique road connecting Hua Dan and Nam Kim villages takes visitors more than 30km of winding mountain passes to Cat Linh.
On that journey, white floating clouds covered the mountainside, interspersed with terraced fields stretching from one hillside to another, creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic.
According to the elders in the area, from the 70s, a part of the H'Mong ethnic people from the Mu Cang Chai area (Lao Cai) migrated here to reclaim land and establish villages. Initially, the village was named Co Linh, meaning a forest with many monkeys, later transliterated into Cat Linh.
Mr. Hang A Ky, Secretary of the Party Cell cum Head of Cat Linh village, said that the village currently has 54 households with 267 people. People cultivate nearly 40 hectares of terraced rice fields, plant over 20 hectares of cardamom under the forest canopy, combined with raising livestock and poultry. Thanks to stable production and state support policies, people's lives have gradually improved.
From 2010 to now, the village has been assigned to enclose and protect more than 1,840 hectares of natural forest, of which 1,710 hectares are managed by the community, 130 hectares are assigned to 18 households. Each year, forest environmental services bring in from 1.1 million to 2 billion VND, contributing to improving income and awareness of forest protection.
In addition to the natural forest, Cat Linh also has dozens of waterfalls and streams flowing year-round. Especially, stream goby fish and stream crab are unique mountain and forest specialties of this midland land.
The ripe rice season in Cat Linh starts from mid-September every year, which is also the most beautiful time of the year. At that time, the whole village seems to wear a golden coat, standing out amidst the green of the mountains and forests, attracting many tourists and photographers to come and admire.
Not only charming nature, Cat Linh also preserves unique traditional cultural values. Women in the village are famous for being skillful in brocade embroidery and sewing traditional costumes. Girls from 13-14 years old are proficient in embroidery and sewing.
Ms. Giang Thi Sua, a resident of Cat Linh village, shared: "Old women in the village often teach their children and grandchildren from a young age how to choose fabric, sew thread, color mixing and embroidery of ethnic patterns. Products are made to serve daily life and sell to increase income.
Ms. Doan Anh Chung (To Hieu ward, Son La) shared: "The first time I came to Cat Linh, I was really impressed by the pristine natural scenery. The peaceful, fresh space made me feel relaxed, wanting to return to experience more.
With the pristine beauty of mountains and forests, peaceful rhythm of life, and hospitable people, Cat Linh is gradually becoming an attractive destination on the journey to explore the Northwest highlands.
