As rice terraces turn gold, the moss-covered roofs of Xa Phin stand out against the mountains, offering a glimpse of a Vietnamese village where homes and nature have grown together.
Nestled at the foot of the Tay Con Linh mountain range, Xa Phin village in the border commune of Thanh Thuy, Tuyen Quang province, has the understated beauty of a highland settlement. At nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, it attracts visitors with stilt houses whose palm-thatched roofs are covered in vivid green moss, a distinctive expression of the local environment and way of life. The village is home to 186 households, most belonging to the Dao Cham subgroup of the Dao ethnic community.
Residents say high humidity and cold winters allow moss to begin appearing on roofs after about five years. It grows most vigorously from October through April, covering the palm thatch in green. Seen from above, the settlement resembles a fairytale village amid the forest.
Beyond giving Xa Phin’s houses their distinctive appearance, the thickening moss is regarded by residents as a natural protective “coat.” In winter, it works with the layers of palm leaves beneath it to keep out the cold and retain warmth inside the stilt houses. In summer, the roofs provide shade and help keep the interiors cool and comfortable. This natural adaptation to the highland climate makes the moss-covered roofs more than a scenic feature: they have been part of village life for generations.
The green roofs blend with the surrounding mountains, forests, cornfields and rice paddies, bringing the buildings into harmony with the landscape. When the rice ripens, the moss-covered houses stand out against golden terraces, giving Xa Phin a beauty that is both majestic and peaceful.
A close-up of the thick green moss covering the palm thatch, a defining feature of Xa Phin’s homes.
Alongside its moss-covered houses, Xa Phin captivates visitors with rice terraces that curve along the mountainsides, creating a characteristic highland landscape.
The sweeping terraces stretching across the slopes are the result of centuries of cultivation by the Dao people.
In recent years, residents have drawn on the village’s natural scenery and existing resources to develop tourism. As well as welcoming visitors to explore and experience local life, they have become increasingly active in promoting their landscape, daily routines and distinctive cultural traditions on platforms such as Facebook, Zalo and TikTok.
Images of moss-covered roofs, terraced fields and Dao life in Xa Phin have been widely shared, introducing the village to more visitors. Tourism is also creating opportunities for employment, additional income and gradual improvements in living standards.
Visitors to Xa Phin come not only for the scenery but also to immerse themselves in the daily life and culture of the local Dao community.
On October 10, 2026, Xa Phin village in Thanh Thuy commune, Tuyen Quang province, will host a program offering visitors opportunities to experience the culture, work and daily life of the local Dao community.
The program opens at 7:45 a.m. and includes competitions in pounding glutinous rice cakes, harvesting rice, pan-roasting tea and preparing traditional Dao meals. Visitors can also explore and photograph the moss-covered stilt houses and terraced fields during the rice-ripening season.
Vietnamnet.vn
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