Visitors to Ta Phin Commune in the the northern province of Lao Cai's Sa Pa Town can now enjoy medicinal baths, a practice of the Red Dao ethnic minority.

Traditionally, on the last day of the year, the Dao people boil aromatic leaves collected from the forests to have a bath before welcoming the New Year.

The Red Dao have a strong medical tradition, according to Dr Tran Van On of the Ha Noi University of Pharmacy. He says each remedy of the Red Dao consists of between 10 and 120 different kinds of herbs, depending on whether the treatement is temporary or regular.

Now, for visitors, bathrooms have been built with wooden tubs and a wardrobe to keep personal belongings. The tubs are filled with hot water and the aromatic smell of different herbs fills the air. There are two types of bathrooms – single and double, the latter for use by couples.

"œIn our village, in winter or summer, the family boils a big pot of medicinal herbs to fill wooden tubs. We believe bathing in the tubs provides relief from several ailments including pains in the knee, hands and feet, muscle pain, headaches, back pain, excess alcohol and fatigue. It also helps restore blood circulation and cures skin diseases," says Ly Ta May, a 30-year-old resident. — VNS