The rammed-earth houses of the H’mong people

Amidst the majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau, the rammed-earth houses of the H’mong people stand out as a symbol of cultural identity. The yellow layers of earth, tightly compacted by human labor, not only shield inhabitants from the harsh highland winters but also embody the will, work ethic, and life philosophy of the H’mong people in overcoming adversity.

Nowadays, in the context of modern life and the development of community-based tourism, rammed-earth houses have taken on a new mission of welcoming visitors. When local people can make a living from their traditional homes, cultural identity is not only preserved but also shared. Preserving architecture is also a way of preserving memory, culture, and the pride of the H’mong people.

Lao Xa Village, Sa Phin Commune, is home to a 100 percent H’mong population, where rammed-earth houses have been preserved almost intact.

For the H’mong people, building a rammed-earth house is an extremely elaborate and meticulous process, especially the stage of compressing earth to form the walls.

The distinctive interior space of a H’mong rammed-earth house.

Bien Luan