Xa Phin - The Dreamy Moss-Covered Village In Ha Giang

Xa Phin, which is home to the Dao people, an ethnic group, is anchored amid the Tay Con Linh Mountain Range. The village is some 20 kilometers from the heart of Ha Giang City, which is the capital of the eponymous province.

Located at an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level, this place has a cool climate all year round, and the fog combined with high humidity creates leaf roofs with layers of green moss covering them.

Every stilt house in the village boasts a roof adorned with a lavish display of up to 10,000 intricately arranged palm leaves. Photo: VNA

The thick fog dims moss-topped stilt houses, drawing a mysterious picture of nature. Locals say that they are acquainted with a layer of moss on their house roofs, which are made of palm leaves.

The moss turns yellow and dry in the summer, while it becomes green and develops well in the winter.

“It took more than 10 years to get this moss roof. The thicker the moss layer, the older the house is. Many houses in our village were built 30 years ago,” said Dang Van Hiep, a local living in Xa Phin Mountainous Village.

The moss turns yellow and dry in the summer, while it becomes green and develops well in the winter. Photo: VNA

“For houses that have been roofed for less than 10 years, most mosses have not grown strongly enough to cover the entire roof. Moss here grows naturally due to high humidity in the air, especially in winter when the village is almost always covered in thick fog and cold temperature,” he added.

Every stilt house in the village boasts a roof adorned with a lavish display of up to 10,000 intricately arranged palm leaves.

Constructed a decade and a half ago, Hiep's stilt house now wears a lush coat of green moss that has gracefully embraced its roof over the years.

It took more than 10 years to get this moss roof. The thicker the moss layer, the older the house is. Photo: VNA

When tourists follow the small winding road like thin threads adorning the vast mountains and forests, Xa Phin appears in front of them with its fairytale-like scenery and the palm leaf roofs covered with a layer of green moss.

Both young and elderly villagers wish to maintain these roofs.

The uniqueness is expected to lure tourists to the mountainous village, Hiep stated.

People in the village live mainly on farming, and all products are self-sufficient to serve daily life.

Not only can tourists admire the unique beauty of the roofs covered with green moss all year round, but they will also experience many other activities such as picking Shan Tuyet tea, immersing themselves in cool spring water, and fishing.

The dreamy scenery of Xa Phin Village. Photo: VNA

Realizing the potential for abundant tourism development from available resources, some households have started building and developing homestay services in the village. “Many tourists are coming to the village during the ripening rice season and staying overnight. Along with the unique features of the local culture, they can also try different activities around the area. Even though our homestay has just been put into operation, the facility is always full on weekends,” said Tuong Van Thanh - owner of Xa Phin homestay.

The village has 70 households, all of whom are ethnic Dao. People still retain many unique traditions which are expressed in customs, rituals, folk songs, folk dances, costumes, folk games, and festivals such as Le Cap Sac (maturity ritual), a rite of passage declaring the coming-of-age of Dao men.

Nestled in the northern region of Vietnam, Ha Giang, Vietnam beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. This captivating province offers challenging mountain trails, lush greenery, and colorful ethnic villages.

People in the village live mainly on farming, and all products are self-sufficient to serve daily life. Photo: VNA

Nestled in Vietnam's northern highlands, around 318 kilometers away from Hanoi, Ha Giang is an awe-inspiring mountainous province with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 meters above sea level. Its landscape is characterized by a dense cluster of majestic peaks, complemented by lush rivers and vibrant flowers.

With a rich cultural tapestry fostered by 19 ethnic groups calling this land home, Ha Giang offers an ideal destination for cultural exploration. Despite the simplicity and rusticity of the local way of life, the untamed beauty of the scenery captivates visitors, leaving an indelible impression that lingers long after they depart from Ha Giang.

The winding road through the terraced fields in Xa Phin Village. Photo: VNA

The best time to visit Ha Giang is from September to March, as this period showcases not only the breathtaking beauty of ripe rice fields and blooming flowers but also hosts lively spring festivals.

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