Khuoi My in the mist: Fairyland on the slopes of Tay Con Linh

Just over ten kilometres from the centre of Ha Giang City, Khuoi My Village in Phuong Do Commune is like a fairyland left in the middle of the mountains and forests. At an altitude of nearly 1000m, Khuoi My is covered in fog all year round, lightly covering the roofs, fences, and slopes, causing the entire village to appear as if it is drifting through layers of clouds.

Although it falls within the administrative boundaries of Ha Giang City, Khuoi My still retains its natural, rustic, pristine, isolated features like a quiet oasis on the mountainside. The stilt houses, roofed with palm leaves, are thick with moss that has darkened over time, giving them an ancient and timeworn look. The moss grows naturally thanks to the humidity and cold mountain air. Some houses have not had their roofs replaced in 40 years, as the traditional roofing process of the Dao people takes 2–3 days and is done entirely by hand.

Nearly 50 Dao households live in the hamlet. Within these moss-roofed homes lies a rich cultural heritage. The Dao language echoes through daily life, seasonal rituals are observed, and traditional costumes remain an essential part of the local identity. Even as modern life draws closer, Khuoi My continues to uphold its age-old customs, embracing a slow-paced life amidst the forest and morning mist.

Khuoi My is also attractive because of the beauty of the rice season. In April and May, water flows down the terraces. By August and September, the entire mountainside glows golden with ripe rice. Its beauty is neither loud nor showy, yet it is powerful enough to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Travellers come not only to admire the scenery but also to slow down and immerse themselves in Dao life — picking ancient tea leaves, tending the fields, or sitting by the fire listening to the elders’ tales. Every step up the earthen slope, every morning awakening in the mist and breathing the crisp mountain air becomes an unforgettable experience.

In contrast to many highland destinations that have lost their essence due to tourism, Khuoi My stands out as a unique and peaceful place, rich in quiet depth. A few households have begun to develop community-based tourism.

If properly guided with a focus on preserving local culture and ensuring sustainable development, Khuoi My could become a living heritage village, where the Dao people continue to safeguard their traditions and share their serene beauty through moss-covered roofs, morning mists, and the unhurried rhythm of mountain life.

NDO