Discover the Tày and Dao Villages of Hà Giang: Culture, Nature & Traditions

Nestled within the rugged mountains of Hà Giang, the Tày and Dao villages offer a captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. As Vietnam’s second-largest ethnic group, the Tày people have cultivated a way of life that’s in harmony with the land, thriving in valleys surrounded by lush forests, rice terraces, and crystalline rivers. Their distinctive stilt houses, constructed from wood with thatched or palm leaf roofs, are an iconic feature of the landscape.

Nam Dam Village: Cultural Immersion and Ecotourism

Located in Quan Ba district, Nam Dam village is home to around 200 residents from the Tày and Dao ethnic groups. This village is a shining example of community-based ecotourism, where age-old traditions are thoughtfully preserved. Its unique earthen houses stand out for their practical and eco-friendly design, offering natural insulation against Hà Giang’s diverse weather.

Earthen house in Nam Dam village with traditional architecture

Unlike the stilt houses of the Tày, the Dao people in Nam Dam live in single-story homes made from wood and clay. These structures reflect their cultural identity and resilience. Organic farming is central to daily life here. Locals grow rice, corn, and vegetables while raising livestock such as black pigs, chickens, and buffalo—maintaining a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Flax and Hemp Weaving: A Living Craft

Nam Dam is renowned for its traditional weaving techniques using flax and hemp fibers. Visitors can observe the entire process—from harvesting and drying to spinning, weaving, and dyeing fabrics with natural materials. These textiles are deeply symbolic, with each pattern representing a story, belief, or element of Tày and Dao identity.

Dao woman in Nam Dam village

Natural Wonders: The Twin Mountains of Quan Ba

The stunning Twin Mountains (Núi Đôi Cô Tiên) near Nam Dam are among the region’s most iconic landmarks. Their rounded shape is tied to local legend, telling the story of a fairy and her child. This mystical backdrop enhances the area's already spectacular scenery, especially when viewed during sunrise or sunset.

Twin Mountains of Quan Ba at sunrise with misty valleys below

Nature lovers can explore scenic hiking trails, peaceful pine forests, and hidden waterfalls—perfect for a refreshing dip or quiet reflection. The village also hosts spiritual sites such as altars and temples, where visitors can participate in local ceremonies and gain insight into Dao spiritual beliefs.

Tha Village: Timeless Tày Culture Near Hà Giang City

Just 5 km from Hà Giang city lies Tha village, a well-preserved community of 550 people, predominantly Tày. Life here revolves around farming and self-sufficiency. Tha is particularly famous for its beautifully preserved traditional stilt houses—crafted from local timber and topped with palm or thatched roofs. These elevated homes protect against flooding and provide cool ventilation year-round.

Stilt houses in Tha village surrounded by golden rice fields

Each home is surrounded by gardens flourishing with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. The villagers also raise animals like buffalo and poultry, maintaining a close-knit relationship with the land.

Rural Life and Scenic Seasons

Tha village offers an evolving landscape across the seasons:

Spring: Flooded rice fields reflect the sky and mountains.
Summer: Green fields burst with life.
Autumn: Golden harvests cover the terraces.
Winter: Morning mists lend the village a mystical charm.

Terraced rice fields in Tha village

Rivers, Trails, and Immersive Experiences

With rivers and bamboo groves meandering between stilt houses, Tha is an idyllic destination for peaceful walks or bike rides. Visitors can:

Watch daily farming routines and traditional agricultural techniques
Cross rustic wooden bridges—ideal for photography
Hike into surrounding mountains for panoramic views

Visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality and can take part in homestays, local festivals, and cultural performances. One highlight is Then singing, a spiritual Tày chant performed with the Tinh lute during celebrations and sacred rituals—an unforgettable cultural experience.

Tày woman performing Then singing with Tinh lute in traditional dress

Khuoi My Village: Tranquility Amid the Clouds

Perched at 1,200 meters above sea level, Khuoi My is one of Ha Giang's most secluded gems, accessible only by steep, winding trails. With just around 100 residents, this mountain village offers a rare escape into the rhythms of nature, where life follows the pulse of the seasons.

Nature at Its Purest

Khuoi My unfolds panoramic views of the Ha Giang valleys—especially magical at sunrise and sunset, when misty ridges glow with soft golden light. The hike may be challenging, but the peaceful surroundings and untouched landscapes are well worth the effort.

Fragrant pine forests filled with birdsong and fluttering butterflies
Hidden waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip
Terraced rice fields that mirror the passing seasons
Scenic trails leading to stunning viewpoints and even more remote villages

Living Heritage and Warm Hospitality

Khuoi My’s small community is known for its hospitality and dedication to preserving Dao traditions. Visitors are welcomed into wooden stilt houses or earthen homes that blend seamlessly with the environment.

Stay with local families and enjoy home-cooked meals
Observe traditional crafts like hand-weaving and tool-making
Experience the spiritual world of the Dao through shamanic rituals
Join vibrant folk dance and music performances during festivals

Mountain Flavors to Savor

Meals in Khuoi My are hearty and rooted in nature. Gathered around low wooden tables, visitors share stories and dishes that reflect a deep connection to the land.

Sticky rice in bamboo tubes (Cơm Lam) – subtly smoky and fragrant
Dried buffalo meat – richly spiced and smoked over months
Shan Tuyet tea – highland-grown with delicate aromas
Stir-fried wild greens – foraged and cooked with mountain herbs

Thanh Son Village: Where Nature and Tradition Meet

Located 15 km from Ha Giang City in Phuong Tien commune, Thanh Son is a tranquil village of 76 households, surrounded by limestone mountains and terraced fields. A cool, fresh climate makes it a soothing getaway from the heat of the lowlands.

Reviving the Art of Ban Paper

Ban paper-making, a tradition once lost, has been lovingly revived by the community since 2012. Used in spiritual ceremonies and cultural festivals, this craft strengthens the Dao identity and supports local tourism.

May: Soaking of raw materials begins
August: Paper layering starts after months of fermentation

Visitors can experience the daily life of the Tày people, known for their stilt houses and deep agricultural roots.

Join rice planting or harvesting in the terraced fields
Help with goby fish farming and livestock care
Try your hand at bamboo basket weaving and other handicrafts

Delight in Tày Cuisine

The village’s food culture reflects its rural character and close connection to nature.

Grilled goby fish with herbs
Spicy goby fish soup with mountain vegetables
Sticky rice in bamboo (Cơm Lam)
Black pork with aromatic leaves
Herbal green tea and corn liquor

Tay woman weaving conical hat

Lâm Dông Village: A Model for Sustainable Tourism

Close to National Road 2, Lâm Dông is a vibrant Tày village of around 200 households. Since 2014, it has embraced community-based tourism, blending cultural preservation with economic development.

Agricultural Abundance

The villagers practice self-sustaining agriculture on terraced fields, cultivating rice, maize, and vegetables using traditional methods. Livestock such as chickens, pigs, and buffaloes contribute to household income.

Cultural Expressions in Daily Life

Folk traditions are at the heart of Lâm Dông’s identity. Visitors can enjoy:

Then singing with the Tinh lute – spiritual and poetic
Luon and Coi songs – celebrating seasons and legends
Traditional dances – performed during village festivities

Immersive Homestay Experiences

Travelers can stay in traditional stilt houses, participating in:

Daily meals with local families
Craft workshops to learn weaving or cooking
Guided walks through rice paddies and farms

Conclusion: A Journey into the Heart of Hà Giang’s Ethnic Heritage

Exploring the Tày and Dao villages of Hà Giang—such as Nam Dam and Tha—is more than just a scenic trip. It’s a meaningful immersion into authentic lifestyles shaped by nature, tradition, and community. Whether you’re hiking through pine forests, admiring ancient homes, or listening to spiritual melodies, these villages offer a rare and enriching cultural journey unlike any other in Vietnam.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope this guide to the Tày and Dao villages of Hà Giang inspires your journey and deepens your appreciation for Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional crafts and stilt houses to breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, these highland communities offer a truly authentic travel experience. For a memorable adventure off the beaten path, contact World Mate Travel—your trusted Vietnam travel agency!

Contact Us:
Email: sales@worldmatetravel.com
WhatsApp: +84 988 660 505