Sustainable Development of Traditional Settlement Space of Thai People in Northwest Vietnam: A Case Study of Vang Pheo Village

The traditional settlement space of the Thai ethnic group in the Northwestern region of Vietnam embodies distinctive cultural values, spatial organization, and architectural features, which have been shaped through a long process of adaptation to natural conditions and indigenous social structures. However, these traditional villages are currently facing significant challenges posed by modernization, urbanization, and uncontrolled tourism development. This study focuses on analyzing the development process of traditional Thai settlements in the Northwest, taking Vang Pheo village (Lai Chau Province) as a representative case study. By employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates field surveys, spatial analysis, stakeholder interviews, and comparative studies with similar models, the research clarifies strategies for preserving heritage values while meeting modern living needs. The findings highlight key factors essential for balancing preservation and development, including community participation, the maintenance of cultural identity, integration with the natural environment, and the establishment of appropriate policies. On this basis, the paper proposes a sustainable spatial development model that harmonizes tradition and innovation, thereby contributing to orientation for policy makers, planners, and local communities.