Thiên Hương: A village from a bygone era

July 15, 2023 - 08:21
The village, also known as Mã Pắng, is a rustic, simple, and ancient beauty. It is a place from a different time, making visitors feel like they've stepped into a bygone era.
The old banyan trees at the Thiên Hương Village's entrance. — Photos courtesy of An Thành Đạt

About 7km from the centre of Đồng Văn Town, in the northern mountainous province of Hà Giang, the century-old Thiên Hương Village attracts visitors with its peaceful and charming beauty.

The village, also known as Mã Pắng, has a rustic, simple and ancient beauty. It is a place from a different time, making visitors feel like they've stepped into a bygone era.

The entrance to the village is lined with centuries-old banyan trees - a symbol of the enduring nature of the land, standing strong in this untouched and simple place.

Made from clay, a trình tường house is sustainable, economical, warm in winter and cool in summer.

One of the most striking features of the village is the traditional Tày ethnic houses - called trình tường. These unique houses are made completely of clay with yellow walls giving them an old-world and rustic charm.

Tày people often build their houses in the traditional style with two high floors. The lower floor is the space for worship and family activities. Upstairs is the family's food store and furniture.

Wine is made from corn which is also popular in other places.

The village has more than 40 households of the Tày and Giáy ethnic groups who make ends meet by producing wine, farming and weaving. — VNS

Local residents can earn money from their traditional wine cooking.
In the Tày family, the altar is carefully arranged to be symnetrical.