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Pao's House in Dong Van, Ha Giang
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Giang, Vietnam, lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – Pao's House. The house is located in Lung Cam cultural tourism village, Dong Van district, Ha Giang. It is approximately 122km from the city center of Ha Giang and about 25km from Dong Van town. The cultural village is adjacent to National Highway 4C, making it easy for you to travel here and explore many tourist attractions along the way.
Photo credit: Ảnh của Duy
Stepping into this quaint abode is like stepping into a timeless tale, where the rich culture and traditions of the H'Mong people come to life. From its intriguing architecture to its captivating history, Pao's House offers visitors a glimpse into the heart and soul of Vietnam's northern highlands.
In today’s article, we'll embark on a journey to Pao's House, unraveling its fascinating story, uncovering its hidden secrets, and discovering why it has become a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Ha Giang. Join me as we delve into the enchanting world of Pao's House, where every corner is steeped in history and charm.
Story of Pao
Photo credit: MUBI
Pao is the name of a H'Mong girl - the main character in the movie of the same name, “Story of Pao” or "Pao's Story". Pao's house, where the movie was filmed, is located in Sung La, Dong Van, Ha Giang. After the film’s success, this place became an attractive tourist destination in Ha Giang.
The film revolves around the H'Mong people in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, and is adapted from the short story "The Sound of the Liplute Beyond the Stone Fence" (“Tiếng đàn môi sau bờ rào đá”) by writer Do Bich Thuy. After one of Pao's mother, Kía, committed suicide, many other events unfolded. Pao decides to embark on a journey to find Sim, her other mother, and bring her back to her father. The film won the Golden Kite Award not only for its storytelling but also for its visually stunning scenes amidst the majestic and rugged landscapes of the Ha Giang mountains.
Pao’s house
Photo credit: Ha Du for Vietnamnet
Pao's House, built in 1947, is a trình tường house, enclosed on all four sides, with a central courtyard. The front yard is also paved with stones, surrounded by plum, apricot, and peach trees, typical flowers of the rocky plateau region.
The main gate is made of wood, with a yin-yang tiled roof. The H'Mong don’t use hinges or iron door latches, but entirely wooden ones. They perceive the door as akin to a human heart, believing that if made of iron, the material used to build weapons, it wouldn’t show the warmth and hospitality of the homeowner. At the entrance, visitors can rent costumes for 30,000 VND per set.
The owner of the two-story house is Mr. Mua Súa Páo, who was once the Captain of the King's Army under the reign of the Mèo King before the August Revolution of 1945. He was entrusted by the Mèo King with the highest position in the army escort due to his strength and martial arts skills.
Photo credit: VNEXPRESS
On the rammed earth walls of the house hang many images of Miss Pao and other scenes from the movie. The main hall is where guests are received, ancestral altars are placed, and family meals are served. Currently, the house is home to the children and grandchildren of Mr. Mua Súa Páo. The veranda is adorned with rapeseed and buckwheat flowers.
The stone fence, surrounding the house, is about 150 centimeters high. The stones are of similar size, manually stacked, without cement or sand, but very sturdy, giving the house a rustic charm.
The Lung Cam cultural tourism village does not charge entrance fees, visitors only need to pay 10.000 VND for admission to Pao's House and an additional fee ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 VND to photos in the flower gardens. As there are still people who live here, make sure not to touch household items without permission.
Visiting Pao’s house
Photo credit: Ha Du for Vietnamnet
Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Pao’s House.
It's best not to wear clothes made from white linen. According to the customs of the Northern ethnic minorities, this color symbolizes mourning and bad luck.
You shouldn't talk or laugh too loudly. And if you see a cute kid, don't hug or pat their head. Because the ethnic people believe that this might make the child sick.
No matter how happy and excited may feel, absolutely do not whistle, because the H’mong believe whistling attracts ghosts and storms.
If you visit Pao's house or any house in the village, absolutely do not touch any household items. Always ask for permission from the locals before entering their house or before touching anything. For the H'Mong people, the central hall is often the altar room, so guests are not allowed to sit there. And if you sit in any hall, remember not to sit in the front seat. This is the seat reserved by the H'Mong people for their parents, even if they have passed away.
