Lung Cam Cultural and Tourism Village: Preserving and Promoting the Cultural Heritage of the Mong Ethnic Group

(TITC) – Nestled amid the majestic mountains of Tuyen Quang Province (formerly part of Ha Giang), Lung Cam Cultural and Tourism Village stands as a gem of the northern highlands, where pristine nature harmonizes with vibrant cultural identity. The village captivates visitors with its untouched beauty, rustic charm, and the rich traditions of the Mong ethnic community, offering an authentic glimpse into life in Vietnam’s mountainous regions.

Houses at Lung Cam (Photo: tuyengiao.hagiang.gov.vn)

Upon arrival, travellers are welcomed by the refreshing mountain breeze, the gentle murmur of streams weaving through the valleys, and the melodic calls of forest birds. Each season paints a new picture of Lung Cam: spring bursts into color with blooming apricot and plum blossoms; summer brings lush green rice terraces; autumn glows with golden fields of ripened crops; and winter wraps the landscape in a poetic shroud of mist.

Beyond its natural splendor, Lung Cam is a living museum of culture and history. Located in the heart of Sung La Valley, the village is home to three ethnic groups: the Lo Lo, Mong, and Han, who have coexisted peacefully for generations. It is also known as one of the most beautiful villages of the White Mong, where many century-old houses remain well preserved. These ancient dwellings, roofed with yin-yang tiles and built with earth walls and wooden frames, reflect a deep harmony with nature. Over time, green moss has crept across their roofs, adding a serene and timeless character to the village.

All materials used to construct the houses, clay for the walls, wood for the frames, tiles for the roofs, and stones for the fences, are sourced locally. This architectural tradition not only showcases the Mong people’s ingenuity and respect for the environment but also contributes to the village’s distinctive identity. Walking through Lung Cam, visitors can easily spot traditional Mong houses that have become symbolic of the region’s cultural heritage.

Cinema lovers will immediately recognize Lung Cam as the filming location of the award-winning Vietnamese movie “The Story of Pao” (Nhà của Pao), which received the Golden Kite Award from the Vietnam Cinema Association. The film’s iconic house, belonging to Mr. Mua Sua Pao, remains one of the village’s most popular attractions today, drawing countless visitors eager to relive scenes from the beloved movie and capture its nostalgic charm.

In recent years, Lung Cam has transformed into a model community-based tourism village in Tuyen Quang Province. Local residents actively engage in tourism, opening homestays imbued with ethnic character and guiding visitors through daily cultural experiences such as pounding bánh giầy (glutinous rice cakes), weaving traditional brocade, catching fish in mountain streams, or gathering wild vegetables. These experiences allow travellers not only to rest in a tranquil environment but also to immerse themselves in the genuine, unhurried pace of highland life.

Culinary enthusiasts will delight in sampling the region’s signature dishes, including smoked buffalo and beef, black pig, free-range chicken, and a variety of mountain vegetables, all accompanied by aromatic corn and rice wine, specialties of the highlands. Each meal reflects the Mong people’s creativity, hospitality, and deep connection to their natural surroundings.

Recognizing the value of this cultural heritage, Tuyen Quang Province has been actively investing in infrastructure and promoting Lung Cam as a green, clean, and safe destination. Efforts are underway to connect the village with other major attractions such as Na Hang Lake, Khuoi Nhi Waterfall, Song Long Cave, and Phia Vai Grotto, creating a seamless chain of eco-cultural tourism routes across the province.

With its harmonious blend of natural beauty, traditional architecture, and authentic local life, Lung Cam Cultural and Tourism Village has become more than just a destination, it is a vivid testament to the resilience, creativity, and sustainable spirit of Vietnam’s ethnic communities. Here, amidst the misty mountains and ancient houses, visitors can experience not only the soul of the Mong people but also the enduring essence of a land where heritage and modern tourism coexist in balance.

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