Located right at the foot of Lung Cu Flag Tower, Then Pa Village is not only an interesting destination in the journey to explore Ha Giang but also a place to preserve many unique cultural values of ethnic minorities. With majestic natural landscapes and the hospitality of the people, the village attracts many tourists who want to learn and experience life in the northern mountains. Let’s explore with Karst Plateau what’s special about this village.
Then Pa village Ha Giang is a small and beautiful village located right at the foot of the Lung Cu Flag Tower
Then Pa village belongs to Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province. Located right at the foot of Dragon Mountain, where the Lung Cu Flag Tower is located – the northernmost point of Vietnam, Pa not only retains the unique traditional cultural features of the H’Mong people but also has a poetic and beautiful landscape.
This place is about 26 km from Dong Van town, one of the places not to be missed in the journey to explore the rocky plateau of Ha Giang province.
To get to Then Pa, visitors can start from the center of Ha Giang City, follow Highway 4C, and run straight towards Dong Van, the road is quite winding but brings you natural scenery.
2. The unique history and culture of Then Pa village
People wear brocade costumes every day for work and daily activities
Then Pa village, at the foot of the Lung Cu Flag Tower, is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a place to preserve the unique cultural traditions of the Mong people. With a history of hundreds of years, this place marks the changes of time, from the early days of nomadic farming to the formation of sustainable communities.
Then Pa village is inhabited by the Vang H’Mong people, they are all brothers in a large family who have lived together for a long time. This village still retains almost intact many traditional features of the H’Mong people such as lifestyle and walled houses with yin and yang tiled roofs. Then Pa village at the foot of Dragon Mountain has two freshwater lakes called Dragon Eyes by locals that never dry up all year round. The lake on the left is located near Lo Lo Chai village, and the lake on the right is near Then Pa village.
The Mong people in Then Pa are proud of their unique cultural identity. They not only live but also know how to preserve their culture through daily activities. Then Pa village is considered to be to this day, after more than 100 years of history, still retaining the traditional cultural features of the Mong ethnic people. The most typical is probably the house architecture here, which is completely made of mud walls and yin-yang tiled roofs. Indigenous people wear bright brocade costumes not only in special rituals and festivals but also in daily activities and labor.
3. Highlights and outstanding landscapes
The houses in Then Pa village are all walled houses with yin-yang tile roofs
When mentioning Then Pa, people will immediately think of poetic and lively images of the village. With majestic natural scenery, this place is not only a place to preserve the culture and traditions of the Mong people but also a beautiful natural picture.
One of the notable highlights of Then Pa village is the landscape of lush, green terraced fields. This is also a place where natural beauty blends with the skillful hands of humans, creating a lively and vibrant space. Visitors can enjoy the feeling of relaxation when looking at terraced fields during the ripe rice season when the whole region seems to be dressed in a brilliant yellow shirt.
3.1 Outstanding features of the landscape here
Terraced fields of ripe rice create a poetic golden season scene
Majestic mountains and hills: Surrounding the village are mountains with majestic limestone structures, creating a peaceful space, blending heaven and earth.
Crop landscape: From spring when pear and peach blossoms bloom to autumn when rice ripens, each season has its own beauty, expressing the richness of nature.
Bumpy trail: Steep, winding roads create opportunities for visitors to experience trekking and explore the nearby area.
Idyllic scene: Stepping through the rows of sandalwood to enter the village, visitors will see houses with gray tiled roofs and walls lying close together. Behind the house, around the garden are cool green trees, and a pleasant atmosphere radiates, covering the landscape. Then Pa is most beautiful in the early morning, when the mist surrounds the village, making the picture even more beautiful.
Terraced fields: Terraced fields have always been a symbol of perseverance, diligence, and ingenuity in the labor of ethnic minorities in Vietnam, especially the Mong people in Then Pa village. The terraced fields here are like green silk strips running along the mountainside, creating a poetic scene close to nature. During the harvest season, the fields come alive when ripe rice shines golden in the sunlight.
3.2 Surrounding Natural Landscape
The houses in Then Pa Village bear the cultural imprint of the H’Mong people
When mentioning Then Pa Village, many people cannot help but think of the natural beauty this place possesses. The natural landscape around the village is a vivid picture, where rolling hills and mountains blend with the plains and green terraced fields. Outstanding features of the natural landscape here:
Majestic mountains: Then Pa village is nestled between high mountains, the climate is fresh and poetic, bringing poetic and romantic beauty.
Rich ecosystem: When visiting Then Pa, visitors will pass by two rows of ancient Sa Moc trees that are up to a hundred years old. This tree species is common in Ha Giang because of its enduring vitality and growing well on the rocky plateau. The sa moc tree has a straight trunk and branches divided into very beautiful and poetic layers. Thanks to that, the scene of Then Pa Village made the village even more beautiful.
Clear stream: Small streams flow through the village, bringing clean, cool water, serving as a place for villagers to get water for irrigation, and creating fresh natural beauty.
Four-season natural scenery: Then Pa Village possesses its own natural beauty in all seasons of the year. In spring, the pink of peach blossoms and the white of pear blossoms cover the mountainside, village roads, and people’s gardens with bright colors. Summer is the season of green corn fields, watching Dragon’s Eye Lake with clear water. In the fall, terraced fields of ripe rice create a poetic golden season scene. Entering winter, the village is covered in fog in the early morning.
Visitors not only come here to enjoy but can also participate in outdoor activities, such as trekking or photography, to capture the most beautiful moments of nature here. The ideal time to explore Then Pa’s natural landscape is usually spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Traditional architecture: The houses in Then Pa Village bear the cultural imprint of the H’Mong people, and are one of the indispensable features of the village. The traditional architecture here is not simply a place to live, but also represents the lifestyle, personality, and soul of the Mong people.
Characteristics of traditional architecture:
House architecture report: The house is built of wasteland, combined with wood, bringing a feeling of solidity and warmth.
Yin and yang tiled roof: This is considered a symbol of the blend of culture and nature, helping the house to endure over time and moderate the cold of the mountains.
Natural materials: Mainly using terracotta tiles and wood, increasing sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Interior design: The layout is simple, with familiar items such as a hard bed and a fire in the middle of the house – which brings warmth to the whole space on cold days. Beautiful walled houses are not only a place to live but also a symbol of the resilience and pride of the cultural traditions of the people here.
Coming to Then Pa Village, visitors will not only admire the beauty of traditional architecture but also have the opportunity to better understand the customs and daily life of the Mong ethnic people.
4. Interesting activities in Pa Then village
When coming to Then Pa, visitors cannot miss traditional dishes made from fresh local ingredients
4.1 Enjoy specialty dishes at Then Pa Village
The cuisine in Then Pa Village is extremely rich and attractive. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as Men Men, Five-color sticky rice, and Thang Co, typical dishes of the H’Mong people. Dried buffalo meat is also a famous dish, with a typical flavor of the mountains.
4.2 Experience cultural and tourist activities
When coming to Then Pa Village, visitors can participate in many interesting activities such as taking landscape photos, learning about traditional crafts, and cultural exchanges with the people. Weekly markets are also a great opportunity to explore local life and culture.
4.3 Trekking activities
Trekking in Then Pa is an indispensable activity for those who love to explore nature and challenge themselves. Winding trails lead you to beautiful natural scenery that can only be found in the Northern mountains. Trekking is not only for entertainment but also creates opportunities for visitors to admire the beauty of pristine nature, enjoy fresh air, and feel peace among the mountains and forests.
Then Pa Village, hidden under the Lung Cu flagpole, is truly a gem among the mountains and forests of Ha Giang. Here, visitors not only find the wild and simple beauty of nature but also feel the warm cultural beauty of the Mong people through traditional dishes, rich cultural activities, and hospitality. guests of the people. Take time to enjoy the natural beauty and hospitality of the people here, to make your trip more memorable. For more information and travel tips in Ha Giang, please visit the Karst Plateau website.
