Thien Huong Village, home to 37 Tay ethnic households, is situated in the Dong Van karst plateau of Ha Giang Province. Over its 200-year history, the simple and rustic architecture of its ancient homes made it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Visitors came to immerse themselves in the timeless atmosphere and experience the unique culture of the Tay community. The village offered countless photo opportunities, providing a rare glimpse into the heritage of Ha Giang.

The homes in Thien Huong were built in traditional styles, featuring yin-yang tile roofs and walls made from compacted earth. The interiors were divided into two sections: the lower level for cooking and daily living, and the upper level for storage.

This year, a series of natural disasters caused geological fractures in Thien Huong. Frequent landslides, particularly following Typhoon No. 3, have widened cracks in the village’s terrain and spread into the houses themselves.

The resulting subsidence has left walls severely cracked and homes at risk of collapse.

In response, local authorities have sealed off the village, barring entry to ensure safety. Once a serene community with peaceful rooftops, the village now lies eerily empty, its homes abandoned.

“The disappearance of this historic village is only a matter of time,” said many locals, lamenting their forced departure from the place they called home. Visitors have also been deprived of the opportunity to experience this once-iconic destination in Ha Giang.

Nguyen Manh Thang, Deputy Chairman of Dong Van Town’s People’s Committee, told VietNamNet that both residents and officials feel a deep sense of loss. “To ensure the safety of the villagers, the district had to relocate people and their belongings to safer areas,” he said.

Thang noted that for years, Thien Huong was a beloved tourist attraction thanks to its unspoiled and rustic charm.

To address the crisis, Dong Van District has proposed a resettlement plan to the provincial government. The plan involves building a new residential area approximately 400 meters from the original village, designed to replicate the architectural style of Thien Huong.

Duc Hoang