Explore the house of the Chinese Mong people in Si Ma Cai

The houses of the Chinese Mong people in Si Ma Cai, Lao Cai often have unique architectural features, reflecting the cultural life and natural conditions of the highlands.

Earthen houses are a common type of house among the Hmong people in Si Ma Cai. These houses are built with very thick rammed earth (trinh tuong), creating a sturdy structure that is warm in winter and cool in summer. The rammed earth walls typically have a distinctive yellow or brownish-brown color.

Houses typically have three or five bays. The central bay is usually used for worship, while the side bays are for the family's living quarters. Some houses have an attic for storage or sleeping. Due to the geographical features and history, some Hmong houses in Si Ma Cai have a closed, square architecture with surrounding walls, creating a safe living space.

In Si Ma Cai, you can easily spot these unique rammed-earth houses, especially in the highland villages. They are not only homes but also repositories of the traditional cultural values ​​of the Hmong Hoa people.