Nam Dam Village is one of Ha Giang’s most charming cultural spots, where you can experience the true rhythm of highland life.
Surrounded by green mountains and terraced fields, this peaceful Dao village is known for its traditional earthen houses and well preserved customs, inviting travelers to slow down and connect with local culture.
For many international travelers on the Ha Giang Loop, Nam Dam Village is a popular homestay stop.
With over 8 years of experience guiding Ha Giang Loop tours, Lila Tour and Inn will help you explore Nam Dam Village in depth, from its location and history to its beautiful scenery and practical travel tips.
Nam Dam Village cultural highlights
Nam Dam Village, officially known as Nam Dam Community Cultural Tourism Village, is a traditional home of the Dao ethnic people in Quan Ba District, about 45 kilometers north of Ha Giang City.
Located at around 1,000 meters above sea level, the village is surrounded by green valleys, terraced rice fields, and quiet mountains, creating a peaceful setting that feels far away from busy city life.
Photo credit:@klausstruongg (Instagram)
Visiting Nam Dam is not only about enjoying beautiful landscapes but also about experiencing the living culture of the Dao people. Many traditions are still part of daily life, from local food and farming routines to folk songs, festivals, and handmade clothing. Dao women continue to sew their own colorful traditional outfits, and villagers often wear these clothes in everyday activities.
One of the most special features of Nam Dam Village is its “trinh tuong” earthen houses. These two-story homes are built with thick clay walls, around 80 centimeters wide, which help keep the houses cool in summer and warm in winter. The houses reflect the Dao people’s deep connection with nature and their surrounding environment.
In recent years, many traditional houses have been carefully turned into cozy homestays and bungalows for visitors, while still keeping the original earthen wall design.
Nam Dam also attracts travelers with its local cuisine and hands-on activities, such as herbal baths, traditional handicrafts, and joining locals in rice field work. These experiences offer a warm and authentic look into village life.
Between 2012 and 2014, Nam Dam was selected by Caritas Switzerland and the Center for People and Nature to take part in a community development project. This project helped the village create trekking routes, improve homestays, and build skills for welcoming visitors.
Today, the village has around 60 households, with nearly 40 families involved in community-based tourism. Each participating family contributes a small part of their income to a shared village fund, which supports cultural preservation and community safety.
By staying in Nam Dam or joining local activities, you are not only enjoying a unique cultural experience but also helping to protect and support the heritage of this peaceful Dao village.
Discover the centuries-old linen weaving tradition at
Lung Tam Village. 
Best time to explore Nam Dam Village
For the perfect blend of scenic beauty and road safety, we recommend visiting between September and April, which is Ha Giang’s dry season.
During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Days are often sunny and clear, while mornings and evenings can be cool, making travel on the pass easier and safer.
Also, this period brings out the most beautiful scenery in Nam Dam village.
From September to October, golden terraced fields cascade from the foot of the hills to the sky, layer upon layer glowing under the sunlight.
In November and December, the entire village is adorned with the soft pink and purple hues of buckwheat flowers and the gentle yellow and white of rapeseed blossoms.
Or in spring, plum, peach, pear, and apricot flowers will bloom on every road leading to the village, in every alley, every house, and every garden.
Overall, the weather in Nam Dam Village follows the general climate of Ha Giang.
To make the most of your trip, it’s best to check Ha Giang’s weather patterns in advance and prepare accordingly. You can also explore our best time to visit Ha Giang Loop guide, where we share local insights and experience from our tour experts to help you plan your perfect journey.
How to get to Nam Dam Village?
To reach Nam Dam Village, you first need to travel to Ha Giang City. Most travelers use sleeper buses from other provinces. No matter where you are in Northern Vietnam, Lila Tour & Inn can help arrange a suitable bus to Ha Giang and suggest the best departure points and routes.
If you need help with bus booking, feel free to contact us.
From Ha Giang City, continue to Nam Dam Village by following National Highway 4C toward Quan Ba. After passing the Quan Ba Twin Mountains, turn off at the sign to Nam Dam Village and continue for about 2 kilometers. The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
When it comes to transportation, you have two main options, depending on how you want to experience the journey.
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Join a guided tour: Ride as a passenger with an Easy Rider, an experienced local driver who takes care of the road for you. If you prefer to ride yourself, you can drive your own motorbike while following a local guide (an international driving permit is required). For families or small groups, a private car tour is a comfortable and convenient option.
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Rent a motorbike: Best for confident riders with an international driving permit who want a more adventurous and independent experience.
For a better overall view of the route and key stops, check out our detailed Ha Giang motorbike loop map to plan your journey with confidence.
Top things to do at Nam Dam Village
As a Community Cultural Tourism Village, Nam Dam offers many meaningful activities that help you experience Dao culture, connect with local people, and enjoy the calm mountain lifestyle. Here are the best things to do during your visit.
Stay overnight in the village
Spending one or two nights in Nam Dam is highly recommended. You will stay in a traditional trinh tuong house, made from thick clay walls that stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Meals are cooked fresh by the host family, using local ingredients. Staying overnight also gives you more time to see daily village life and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try a Dao herbal bath
The Dao herbal bath is one of the most loved experiences in Nam Dam. It is made from forest herbs collected by locals and is known for its relaxing scent and health benefits. You soak in a warm wooden tub in a quiet rural setting, perfect after a long day of walking or riding.
This service is easy to find in the village and usually costs around 5 to 8 USD per session.
Enjoy local cuisine
Food in Nam Dam reflects the close connection between the Dao people and nature. You will taste fresh vegetables from the hills, fish from village ponds, free range chicken and pork, and traditional home recipes. Many meals are cooked on red clay stoves, a cultural feature of the village. Guests are often invited to help prepare the food, cook together, and share the meal with the host family, making the experience warm and personal.
Go trekking
Nam Dam is a great place for trekking at different levels. More challenging routes lead to nearby hills such as Nam Dam hill, where you can enjoy wide views of mountains and terraced fields. For an easier walk, gentle paths circle the village and rice fields, letting you observe farming life and village routines at a relaxed pace.
Join traditional festivals
Festivals in Nam Dam are special moments to understand Dao culture and beliefs. Important events include the Cap Sac Ceremony, Fish Catching Festival, harvest festivals, and Lunar New Year.
The Fish Catching Festival, held early in the lunar year, is especially memorable. Villagers gather at the communal pond, catch fish together, and prepare a shared feast to honor their ancestors. It is a joyful time full of laughter and community spirit.
Discover traditional craftsmanship
Dao women in Nam Dam are well known for their handmade traditional clothing. Their embroidery is detailed and inspired by nature and spiritual beliefs. When visiting local homes, you may watch them work or even try simple steps like stitching or learning basic patterns. Each piece tells a story passed down through generations.
Where to stay in Nam Dam Village?
As mentioned before, Nam Dam is a village where nearly 40 households take part in local cultural tourism, giving visitors the chance to stay right in traditional “trinh tuong” houses.
Most accommodations here are simple yet charming homestays, with two main options: dormitories and private bungalows. All hosts are local families who are friendly and helpful, so when you stay here, you’re welcomed like a member of the family.
To help you plan your stay, we’ve gathered a list of highly recommended homestays in Nam Dam.
Mun Homestay & Bungalow
Mun Homestay & Bungalow offers a warm, rustic stay with a small backyard farm, cozy private or shared rooms, and home cooked family style dinners. It is a favorite among travelers looking for cultural immersion and an authentic local atmosphere.
Prices typically range from 125,000VND – 690,000VND per night. View on Google Maps.
Ly Danh Homestay & Bunglalow
Ly Danh Homestay offers cozy bungalow-style accommodation with wooden construction and mountain-village charm. The homestay has modern comforts like free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and optional garden or balcony views. It is also known for friendly hosts and a relaxed garden or BBQ spot after a day of sightseeing.
Prices typically range from 600,000 to 800,000 VND per night. View on Google Maps.
Ly Ta Quan Homestay
Ly Ta Quan Homestay offers garden-view double rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms, which are comfortable and convenient for travelers looking for easy access and a restful stay. Guests often highlight the homestay’s peaceful surroundings and the welcoming, homey atmosphere.
The average price is around 495,000 VND per night. View on Google Maps.
Don Dao Homestay & Bungalow
Don Dao homestay offers simple, welcoming accommodation in a quiet village setting, with options ranging from private bungalows to family-style rooms, often with mountain or garden views. It is loved for the friendly, family-run atmosphere, the hearty home-cooked meals, and the peaceful vibe.
The average price is around 735,000 – 1,100,000 VND per night. View on Google Maps.
Hong Thu Homestay & Bungalow
Hong Thu Homestay offers cozy bungalows inspired by Dao architecture, blended with modern comfort. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, with options for families, private balconies, and child friendly facilities. Surrounded by mountain views, it is a great choice for travelers who want both comfort and a peaceful village atmosphere.
Prices usually range from 600,000 to 800,000 VND per night. View on Google Maps.
Extend your journey beyond Nam Dam Village
Besides exploring Nam Dam Village, you can easily extend your trip to discover several nearby attractions, making your Ha Giang adventure even more enjoyable and memorable.
Nai Waterfall
Just 2 km from the village center, Nai Waterfall is a hidden gem surrounded by lush forest. A short 10 minute downhill walk brings you to the waterfall, where water cascades into a small natural pool. It’s perfect for a refreshing swim, relaxing, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. Sunlight filtering through the trees often creates beautiful rainbows over the pool, making it a great spot for photos. The nearby path is also ideal for a short walk to explore the forest and spot local birds and butterflies.
(Instagram)
Lung Khuy Cave
Lung Khuy Cave is a magnificent limestone cave in Quan Ba District, known for its large chambers and beautiful stalactites that sparkle under gentle lights. Located about 9 km northeast of Nam Dam Village, this natural wonder allows visitors to explore the dramatic underground world shaped over millions of years. The walk to the cave is just as enjoyable, passing through quiet H’Mong villages, rice terraces, and open viewpoints overlooking green valleys, creating a peaceful and scenic journey before stepping into the cool, glowing chambers of Lung Khuy Cave.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate & Twin Mountains
About 9 km from Nam Dam Village, Quan Ba Heaven Gate is the first gateway welcoming travelers to the stunning Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of winding mountain roads, misty mountain peaks, and the iconic Twin Mountains. The viewpoint is perfect for taking photos, soaking in the dramatic landscape, and feeling the fresh mountain air. It’s an essential stop that captures the beauty and grandeur of the Ha Giang Loop.
Lung Tam Weaving Village
About 15 km from Nam Dam Village, Lung Tam is a H’Mong ethnic village famous for its centuries-old flax weaving tradition. Visitors can watch or even join in every step, from harvesting flax to spinning, naturally dyeing, and hand-weaving colorful fabrics. A drive along National Highway 4C toward Dong Van takes roughly 30 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.
The Lonely Tree
Not far from Nam Dam Village, the Lonely Tree stands alone atop a hill and has become an iconic symbol of the area. It’s especially striking at sunrise or sunset, when warm light fills the sky over the rolling mountains. Travelers often stop here to take photos or simply relax, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and wide-open views of Ha Giang.
Tips for Exploring Nam Dam Village
Based on over 8 years of guiding tours on the Ha Giang Loop, Lila has gathered some practical tips to make your visit to Nam Dam Village safer and more enjoyable.
- Check the weather in advance: Roads can get slippery during the rainy season (July–August), so plan your trip and pack accordingly.
- Pack light and smart: Bring only essentials to keep your bag comfortable and easy to carry. For more ideas, see our Ha Giang Loop Packing Guide.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly from warm sunshine to chilly winds. Layering helps you stay comfortable all day.
- Start early: Riding after sunset is risky due to winding mountain roads, limited visibility, and few streetlights.
- Wear protective gear: A proper helmet, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes protect you from the sun, wind, and rough roads.
- Download offline maps: Signal can be weak in rural areas, so apps like Maps.me or Google Maps (offline mode) are useful for navigation.
- Carry enough cash: Small villages may not have ATMs, and some places do not accept cards.
- Respect nature: Leave no trace. Take all your trash with you, especially if camping.
Explore unique ethnic culture and traditional houses in
Lo Lo Village
Explore Nam Dam village with Lila Inn & Tours
If Ha Giang’s legendary mountain passes ignite your sense of adventure, Nam Dam Village offers the perfect contrast: peaceful, quiet, and full of charm. Beyond its stunning scenery, the village invites you to connect with local culture and people, making you fall in love with the highlands even more. That’s why Nam Dam has become an essential stop on every Ha Giang Loop journey.
As a trusted local tour company with over 8 years of experience, Lila Inn & Tours offers worry-free Easy Rider tours to Nam Dam Village, with everything prepared for you.
We focus on three key priorities to make your journey safe and enjoyable:
- Safety first: Our Easy Riders have over 5 years of experience, are professionally trained, and strictly follow safety rules, including no overtaking on bends, no riding side by side, and never exceeding speed limits.
- Small group tours: With fewer than 10 travelers per group, we ensure personal attention, privacy, and a more comfortable experience for each guest.
- Off-the-beaten-path adventures: Explore hidden spots and lesser-known destinations that most tourists never reach.
