The Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in Ha Giang
Scattered across the mountains and valleys, Ha Giang’s ancient villages each hold a unique story. Below are the most captivating ancient villages in Ha Giang — places where visitors can experience the genuine charm of Vietnam’s highlands.
Lung Cam Ancient Village – The Soul of Dong Van Plateau
Located in the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, Lung Cam Ancient Village is one of Ha Giang’s most famous destinations. Home to the Hmong ethnic group, this ancient village is characterized by centuries-old earthen houses with tiled roofs, surrounded by misty limestone mountains. The village gained nationwide fame as the filming location for the award-winning movie “Story of Pao.” Walking through its narrow paths feels like stepping into the past, where time slows to the rhythm of village life.
Visitors can watch locals weaving flax, crafting colorful traditional clothing, and distilling corn wine — all using ancestral techniques. The nearby Vuong Palace, once home to the Hmong royal family, adds historical depth to the area. For anyone exploring Ha Giang’s cultural landscape, Lung Cam captures the very essence of its ancient villages: quiet beauty, proud traditions, and a deep connection to the land.
Tha Village – A Peaceful Old Village Near Ha Giang City
Just five kilometers from Ha Giang City lies Tha Village, a tranquil old village of the Tay ethnic minority. Its stilt houses are built from bamboo and wood, overlooking rice paddies and palm groves that shimmer in the sunlight. Streams wind through the valley, and the distant sound of water buffalo bells creates an atmosphere of perfect peace. Tha offers a gentle introduction to Ha Giang’s traditional life — accessible yet wonderfully untouched.
Travelers can stay overnight in local homestays, enjoy Tay folk songs, or share a home-cooked meal by the fire. During harvest season, the golden fields around the village turn into a painter’s dream. With its peaceful scenery and welcoming community, Tha stands out among Ha Giang’s ancient villages as a gateway to authentic rural culture.
Pho Bang Ancient Village – The Sleeping Town of Clay Walls
Tucked near the Chinese border, Pho Bang Ancient Village is one of Ha Giang’s best-preserved ancient villages. Its narrow streets are lined with clay and wooden houses more than a century old, their moss-covered roofs and wooden beams reflecting a bygone era. Early in the morning, mist rolls through the alleys, revealing a scene of stillness and quiet dignity that few other places can match.
Once an important trade center between Vietnam and China, Pho Bang retains both Hmong and colonial architectural influences. Villagers still light incense before ancestral altars and dry corn outside their doors. For photographers and history lovers, Pho Bang is the perfect old village to explore — authentic, remote, and hauntingly beautiful.
Nam Dam Village – Dao Traditions and Eco Heritage
Surrounded by forested hills in Quan Ba District, Nam Dam Village belongs to the Dao ethnic group, who have lived here for centuries. The ancient village is famous for its clay-and-straw houses, each designed to last for generations while blending naturally into the green landscape. Mist often drifts through the roofs at sunrise, giving the village a fairytale-like serenity.
Nam Dam is also a pioneer of eco-tourism in Ha Giang. Visitors can join herbal bath rituals, try traditional Dao dishes, or hike to nearby Lung Khuy Cave and Heaven Gate Viewpoint. Every corner of this ancient village reflects harmony between people and nature — an inspiring example of sustainable heritage preservation.
Lung Tam Village – Where Linen Weaving Lives On
In the same Quan Ba area lies Lung Tam Village, home to the Hmong people and their centuries-old craft of linen weaving. While it may not look like a typical ancient village architecturally, its intangible heritage is equally valuable. Women here transform flax plants into delicate, handwoven textiles using natural dyes and age-old techniques.
A visit to Lung Tam lets travelers watch the entire process — from spinning and dyeing to embroidery and finishing. Each product tells a story of patience, skill, and identity. Supporting these artisans by purchasing their handmade items helps sustain one of Ha Giang’s most meaningful cultural traditions. This old village is a living testament to the endurance of art in the mountains.
Lo Lo Chai Ancient Village – Ancient Spirit Beneath the Flag Tower
At the foot of Vietnam’s northernmost landmark, the Lung Cu Flag Tower, sits Lo Lo Chai Ancient Village. The Lo Lo people here still live in mud-brick houses painted in warm golden tones, surrounded by karst peaks. The scenery is breathtaking, but it’s the harmony between landscape and lifestyle that makes this ancient village unforgettable.
Visitors can witness cultural performances, join local festivals, or simply wander through narrow alleys lined with earthen walls. From the flag tower above, the entire old village stretches out like a painting of timeless peace. Lo Lo Chai embodies the strength and spirit of Vietnam’s borderlands — proud, resilient, and full of cultural depth.
Thien Huong Ancient Village – The Spirit of Stone and Silence
Only six kilometers from Dong Van Town, Thien Huong Ancient Village is one of Ha Giang’s most atmospheric destinations. Home to the Tay ethnic group, it is known for its centuries-old stone houses, ancient banyan trees, and quiet courtyards that seem frozen in time. The sound of the nearby stream and the rustle of leaves create a sense of deep calm, perfect for travelers seeking reflection and stillness.
Thien Huong also preserves a strong spiritual tradition. Visitors can explore the old communal house and shrines, taste locally brewed rice liquor, and meet Tay families who still uphold ancestral customs. The village’s timeless tranquility makes it one of the most enchanting ancient villages in Ha Giang, where silence itself feels sacred.
Ma Le Ancient Village – The Highland Heritage Hamlet
Perched among limestone peaks near Lung Cu, Ma Le Ancient Village is a hidden village of Ha Giang’s highlands. Shared by Hmong and Lo Lo ethnic groups, the village features sturdy stone houses surrounded by terraced fields and open skies. Morning fog often cloaks the rooftops, creating a poetic landscape that captures the spirit of Ha Giang’s ancient villages.
Ma Le is best known for its Saturday market, a colorful weekly event where locals trade produce, textiles, and livestock. Visitors can wander through narrow lanes, admire traditional clothing, and enjoy the warmth of mountain hospitality. This old village is more than a place — it’s a living reminder of how tradition and simplicity continue to thrive in Vietnam’s northernmost province.
Tips for Visiting Ancient Villages in Ha Giang
Make the most of your trip to Ha Giang’s ancient villages with these quick tips:
- Best time: September–November (harvest) or March–April (flower season).
- Culture: Ask before taking photos, dress modestly, and respect local customs.
- Stay local: Choose homestays or nearby hostels, try local food, and buy handmade crafts.
- Responsible travel: Bring refillable bottles, carry trash, and stay on marked trails.
- Communication: Learn a few local greetings to connect with villagers.
- Preparation: Bring cash and expect limited signal or Wi-Fi in old villages.
Conclusion
From Lung Cam’s earthen homes to Thien Huong’s stone sanctuaries and Ma Le’s misty mountains, the ancient villages in Ha Giang offer travelers a journey through time. Each ancient village reveals a different story — of resilience, creativity, and harmony with nature.
Find out more hidden gems during your Ha Giang Loop now!
