Nestled among the majestic limestone mountains of Ha Giang province, Thien Huong ancient village is like a bright pearl in the heart of the plateau. Not simply a tourist stop, this place is also an attractive cultural journey, where the traditional values ​​of the Tay ethnic people are preserved and promoted. In this article, let Karst Plateau explore a space that blends nature and culture, where each house carries its own story of history, customs, and unique handicraft products.
A rustic, peaceful scene amidst the mountains and forests in a hundred-year-old ancient village
Thien Huong is located in the middle of the Dong Van rocky plateau, more specifically, it is in the Dong Van district, Ha Giang province, a space that blends the natural scenery and local cultural identity. Thien Huong ancient village is located about 6-7 km from Dong Van town center, easily becoming an ideal destination for those who love to explore mountainous culture and nature.
Like a vivid picture, Thien Huong ancient village gives humanity a glimpse of the life of mountain people, with the colors of nature and local culture blending together. Walled houses with architectural styles imbued with the traditional culture of the Tay ethnic people make you feel like you have returned to the past, amidst the unique flavors, sounds, and colors of the mountains.
2. History of formation
Thien Huong ancient village, with a history of hundreds of years, is not only a place to live but also a place to preserve the cultural soul of the Tay people. It can be said that it is like an open book, every house, every street corner has hidden stories about the ancients. This village was built in ancient times, reflecting the cultural values ​​and customs of the community.
Time of appearance: More than 100 years.
Architecture: The house has thick walls and a yin-yang tile roof.
Cultural characteristics: Customs are passed down through generations, from ancestor worship to unique festivals.
People here mainly live by farming, growing rice, raising livestock, and producing agricultural products. They brought with them ancient legends and customs to every little corner of Thien Huong. Not simply a place of residence, Thien Huong ancient village is also a place to witness the cultural richness of a community that carefully preserves traditions. The history of Thien Huong’s formation is associated with profound spiritual values, contributing to the unique beauty that people feel when visiting this place.
3. What is special about Thien Huong ancient village?
Peaceful scene in Thien Huong village
When arriving at Thien Huong village, in addition to ancient houses, visitors can also feel the unique cultural values ​​that this place brings. It is the simplicity, and rusticity but no less uniqueness of this place that makes visitors feel excited and want to learn more about the lives of the people here.
Characteristic culture and customs
Thien Huong ancient village not only stands out with traditional houses but is also home to many unique customs and traditions, reflecting a part of the soul of the people living here.
Costume: Women often wear traditional black clothes and scarves, showing respect for culture.
Rituals: Festivals and rituals to pray for good harvests are important times in the spiritual life of the Tay people.
In particular, with their hospitality, people here often invite tourists to participate in festive activities and folk rituals, creating a joyful, close, and warm atmosphere.
Unique architecture
Thien Huong ancient village is inhabited by Tay and Giay ethnic people. This place is special with houses with walls over 100 years old bearing ancient architecture: yin and yang tiled roofs and walls made of earth. The house is divided into 2 floors: the lower floor is for cooking and living, and the upper floor is high for storing furniture and rice. Ancient houses in Thien Huong are not simply places of residence but also symbols of culture and folk architectural art. With outstanding characteristics, the architecture of this ancient village is an important part of the cultural heritage of Ha Giang province.
Many places in Ha Giang can no longer preserve the architecture and history of the more than hundred-year-old houses. For convenience in daily life, bricks and corrugated iron roofs have gradually replaced the old yin and yang tiled roofs, but at Thien Huong, everything is still intact as if forgotten by time. Each house is not only an architectural work but also a work of art with many sophisticated details, marking the profound culture of the Tay people in Thien Huong.
Nature surrounding Thien Huong ancient village
Thien Huong not only attracts tourists by its rich culture but also to its majestic natural scenery. Surrounding the village are green valleys with green tea hills and the Nho Que River winding like a soft silk strip between the mountains and forests.
A sign to know that you have arrived in the village is when you encounter large, ancient banyan trees that some people cannot hug, standing tall like a diligent guard at the village gate, a polite, silent and considerate witness. Protect and monitor the lives of people in the village. These are all large, old banyan trees hundreds of years old.
Here, people live in the care and support of mountains and forests, nature, thanks to the forest they find food, the forest gives wood to build houses, the forest protects and shelters, the forest is the origin of life, because Therefore, to express gratitude to nature and demonstrate good cultural beliefs, people built an ancient temple to worship Than Lam in the banyan garden of Thien Huong ancient village.
4. Experience not to be missed in Thien Huong
Experience daily life with local people
Once you set foot in a truly unique place like Thien Huong, there are many interesting experiences waiting for you. From exploring people’s daily lives to trying specialty dishes, you definitely won’t regret spending time here.
Participate in activities with people
One of the memorable experiences when coming to Thien Huong is participating in activities with local people. Not just simply watching, you will be immersed in daily life here.
Some popular daily activities:
Vegetable picking: Participate in farming activities, picking vegetables with the people.
Making corn wine: Explore the traditional process of making corn wine with a special type of yeast.
Participate in festivals: Experience fun activities and cultural exchanges in local festivals.
The friendliness and hospitality of the people here will make you feel like part of their family.
Explore traditional crafts
Thien Huong ancient village is also famous for many traditional crafts, which you can directly witness and participate in. Products to mention include brocade, ceramics, and textiles. Each product is a work of art imbued with the unique culture of the Tay people. Some typical crafts:
Brocade: With traditional weaving techniques, brocade products are not only beautiful but also very durable.
Ceramics: Ceramic products are made by hand, carrying the enthusiasm of the artisan.
Exploring these crafts not only helps you understand more about the local culture but also creates memorable memories from the products you make yourself or buy as gifts.
Enjoy traditional dishes
Traditional dishes of Thien Huong ancient village are also an indispensable part of the journey to discover the culture here. The dishes are not only delicious but also carry stories about the land and people. Some specialty dishes:
Thang Co: Traditional dish made from meat and bones.
Sour Pho: A famous specialty of Ha Giang with many attractive spices.
Corn cake: A dish associated with the lives of local people.
Corn wine: The wine here will initially have a bit of a spicy taste when you drink it, but then it will have a strong, sweet aroma, with a subtle lingering feeling, as if holding on to visitors to enjoy it.
Coming to Thien Huong ancient village, you not only enjoyed the famous delicious corn wine but also participated in many interesting activities and experiences such as wading streams, catching fish, enjoying corn wine with leaf yeast, etc. .
For the people here, cuisine is not only food but also a connection for each member of the community. Each dish is prepared with the enthusiasm, love, and meticulousness of the people.
Exploring Thien Huong ancient village is not simply a trip, but also a journey to learn about human nature, culture, and stories told through dishes and handmade production processes.
The journey to explore Thien Huong ancient village gives visitors not only impressive views of architecture and nature but also an experience of the culture, customs, and lifestyle of the people here. From the peaceful beauty of the mountain scenery, the traditional houses, to the hospitality of the people, all have created a beautiful picture that captivates every visitor. For more information and travel tips in Ha Giang, please visit the Karst Plateau website.
