Ha Nhi people live mainly in two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. The Trinh Tuong houses of ethnic minorities in the highlands are made of earth, suitable for harsh climatic conditions to help keep warm in winter and cool in summer.

The architecture of the houses of the Ha Nhi people is somewhat more special than being square and boxy. Short sloping roof, thatched with grass. The houses are located close to each other, looking from afar like giant mushrooms growing on the side of the mountain, hidden in the fog and clouds, creating a poetic scene.

Peace life beside Trinh Tuong’s house

Ha Nhi people usually build houses in the leisure season from September to December of the lunar calendar. In order to have unique mushroom-shaped houses, the Ha Nhi people, with their ingenuity and intelligence, also need to spend a lot of effort and time, even lasting for months.

After finding a suitable place and sample of land, the Ha Nhi people began to build the foundation of their house. The foundation of the house is dug into the ground about 40cm deep and is lined with stones a little above the ground. The foundation is made of stone so that later on, even if the base of the wall gets wet, the ground will not collapse. Then put the wooden mold and pour the soil in.

Use a wooden pestle to pound hard so that the soil adheres to the point that the wood mold is removed without the soil falling. Mold 2 – 2.5m long, 60cm wide. Each wall is made from 6 to 8 molds planted on top of each other. To present a thick and solid wall like this, it takes the ingenuity and strength of the hands of the people, pounding the earth finely, and sticking it together like concrete.

After completing the surrounding wall, the people used forest wood to make the frame of the house inside the earth wall and roof. In the past, people used to have thatched roofs with grass or straw. Now roofing with cement or corrugated iron. In order to make a complete house, no one submits the wall for his or her own house, but often a lot of brothers and neighbors come to help.

Beautyful scenery in Y Ty, Bat Xat, Lao Cai

If you come to Lao Cai and want to explore and admire the traditional houses of Ha Nhi people, let’s go to Y Ty (Bat Xat). Coming to Y Ty, you not only can enjoy the fresh air, but you can also see the sky, sea of clouds and enjoy the wind, so refreshing and interesting. You can enjoy the specialties of the Ha Nhi people, relax in the houses, which will bring you relaxation and peace without forgetting all the fatigue and hustle in the city.

In Lao Cai, not only Y Ty, but also in Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai also have unique houses of the Mong people. If you already love earthen mushroom houses, coming to Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai, you can stay in homestays in the earthen houses of the Mong people to feel the difference between the two ethnic groups. Pack your bags and let’s go! Go to explore and admire the beautiful scenery of the colorful highlands and you will surely have memorable memories, beautiful frames.

To make your trip more meaningful with full information and well-prepared, please contact or go directly to Lao Cai Tourist Information & Promotion Center, number 02 Phan Si Pang, Sa Pa town, Lao Cai or call 0214 3871 975 for free, enthusiastic and professional advice.

Do Hoa