Peaceful charm of Pho Bang

Nestled amid the Dong Van Karst Plateau, Pho Bang Village (Pho Bang Commune) exudes the tranquility of a borderland community, where centuries-old rammed-earth houses and the unhurried pace of life of the Mong and Hoa ethnic groups remain well preserved. The coexistence of these cultures has created a distinctive identity for Pho Bang.

A corner of Pho Bang Village lies quietly amid the majestic limestone mountains of the UNESCO Global Geopark Dong Van Karst Plateau.

Traditional rammed-earth houses have been carefully preserved by local people, creating the distinctive architectural character of Pho Bang.

Many old houses have been converted into homestays, serving tourism while helping preserve the area's traditional architecture.

A view inside Coi Homestay in Pho Bang Village.

A small roadside stall selling tau chua (a traditional dish made from tofu cooked with mustard greens, a specialty of the Mong people) is a familiar gathering place for local people every morning.

Residents chat cheerfully while waiting to buy steaming portions of tau chua.

Luong Thi Sua of Pho Bang Village, a member of the Hoa ethnic group, is now 70 years old and has spent more than 40 years preparing tau chua by hand to serve people in the surrounding area.

Tau chua is commonly enjoyed with men men, a traditional steamed cornmeal dish made from white glutinous maize grown by the Mong and Hoa communities.

The simple joy of a highland woman after buying tau chua to take home for her family.

Beside the roadside tau chua stall, local people also sell hand-hammered iron woks, traditional cooking utensils widely used by highland communities.

Beside the roadside tau chua stall, local people also sell hand-hammered iron woks, traditional cooking utensils widely used by highland communities.

Stone-crafted products made from locally sourced rock not only serve everyday needs but have also become popular souvenirs among visitors.

A table and chair set crafted from stone.

Le Lam