“Living museum” of Tay culture

Amidst modern life, Tha hamlet (Ha Giang 1 ward) has preserved the soul of an ancient village, becoming a captivating “living museum” of Tay culture that draws domestic and international visitors. With 79% of its area covered by pristine forests, plantations, and vast palm hills, interspersed with golden rice fields and clear streams flowing from Dan Seng mountain, the hamlet boasts a landscape that is both majestic and poetic.

A corner of Tha hamlet from above.

Tha is home to 123 households with over 600 residents, 99% of whom are Tay people. Remarkably, all families maintain traditional stilt houses, with more than 95% retaining the signature palm-leaf roofs. Some houses are centuries old, standing as living witnesses to Tay cultural heritage. Under the 2021–2025 project to develop Tha into a Model Cultural Tourism Village, 24 households received VND 240 million in support to restore palm-leaf roofs, helping preserve its distinct architectural identity.

The Tay community here continues to uphold their language, traditional attire, festivals, Then singing, Tinh lute performances, and folk games. Two folk art troupes with nearly 40 members serve as cultural ambassadors, bringing the essence of Tay traditions closer to visitors. About 85% of residents wear traditional clothing in daily life, creating a unique imprint in community-based tourism.

Currently, eight households offer homestay services, allowing visitors to “eat, stay, and work” alongside locals, participating in activities such as rice planting, harvesting, and handicrafts. Guests also enjoy authentic Tay cuisine such as ca Bong fish, five-colored sticky rice, and smoked pork, while participating in evening cultural exchanges with local folk performers.

In January 2025, Tha’s homestay cluster (comprising three families) was honored as one of Vietnam’s five representatives to receive the ASEAN Homestay Award at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Malaysia. This achievement affirms Tha’s sustainable approach to community tourism development rooted in cultural preservation.

As a result, the hamlet welcomes over 10,000 visitors annually, 40% of whom are international tourists. Tourism generates VND3 billion – VND5 billion in revenue, increasing the average annual income to VND 52 million per person. Tha now has only one household classified as poor due to unavoidable circumstances and one near-poor household.

With steady steps and deep pride in its cultural identity, Tha is building a sustainable tourism model. Every visitor who comes here not only admires the scenery and traditions but also feels a sense of belonging - like returning to a second home.

My Uyen