Could you please advise the itinerary that includes experiencing the sleeper train? I really love to try once.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Cao Bang province, Lung Ri Village (Lang Ngoi Lung Ri) is a hidden gem that preserves a centuries-old tradition - the art of making yin-yang tiles.
For centuries, the Nung An people of Lung Ri village have been renowned for their exceptional skill in crafting yin-yang tiles. These distinctive curved tiles, named for their interlocking design symbolising harmony, have been used in Vietnamese architecture for generations.In this article, you’ll uncover the intricate process of making yin-yang tiles in Lung Ri and how you can experience this unique craft firsthand.
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Overview of Lung Ri Village
Located 40 km from Cao Bang City, Lung Ri Village is nestled in Tu Do commune, Quang Hoa district, surrounded by majestic mountains and serene rivers. This village has been home to the Nung An people. For over 200 years, the villagers have kept its kilns burning, producing the distinctive yin-yang tiles, also known as "ngói âm dương" or "ngói máng". These handcrafted tiles are not only used for roofing but also symbolize the cultural heritage of the community.
Lung Ri is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, which has shaped the unique identity of local houses. From the moment stepping into the village, visitors will be greeted by a timeless charm with narrow alleys and aged houses bearing the marks of history, telling silent stories of the past. Among these historic homes, the yin-yang tiled roofs blend harmoniously with the lush green fields and rolling hills. This perfect fusion of tradition and landscape makes Lung Ri not just a place of craftsmanship but also a destination where history and nature exist in serene balance.
Today, despite the rise of modern materials, the artisans of Lung Ri remain dedicated to preserving their ancestral craft. Local artisans continue to pass down their skills through generations. Their skills and knowledge continue to shape the distinctive architecture of Nung An people, making the village a cultural treasure worth exploring.
The art of Yin-yang tile making
The name yin-yang tiles comes from their unique interlocking design, where one tile curves upwards (dương) and another downwards (âm), fitting together seamlessly. This design is more than just practical, it reflects the philosophy of balance and harmony found in nature and Vietnamese culture. These tiles are commonly used in dwelling, ancient temples, communal houses, and traditional stilt houses, offering both durability and aesthetic charm.
Historically, the Nung An people were known for their advanced skills in tile-making, passing their knowledge down through generations. Their expertise helped shape the distinctive rooftops of Cao Bang's houses, which have become an iconic symbol of the region. While many traditional crafts have faded over time, the artisans of Lung Ri continue to preserve this invaluable heritage, ensuring that the art of yin-yang tile making remains alive today.
The process of making yin-yang tiles in Lung Ri Village is an art that requires great effort and skill. Each tile undergoes multiple meticulous steps: sourcing clay, aging it, kneading, filtering out impurities, shaping, drying, and firing. Every stage demands patience and precision, ensuring that the tiles are durable and long-lasting over time.
Sourcing the clay
The first step in making yin-yang tiles is choosing the right type of clay, which is typically sourced from local riverbanks. The Nung An artisans prefer a specific type of sticky, fine-grained clay, which is essential for creating strong, weather-resistant tiles.
Meticulous preparation of materials
Once collected, the clay is carefully kneaded and shaped into curved tile forms. Mrs. Lien, an artisan with over 15 years of experience, explains that the main material must come from three different types of clay. After being softened, the clay is mixed with water and kneaded. Then, it must be aged for about 5–6 days before it can be sieved to remove impurities.
After removing impurities, the refined clay is cut into portions and placed into wooden moulds. Each mould is round, about 25 cm in diameter, and has four ridges evenly spaced along its body, allowing four tiles to be made at once. The curvature of the tiles is crucial, if the angle is not perfect, they will not interlock properly when placed on a roof.
Drying the tiles
After being pressed into the moulds, the round tile forms are placed on the ground, which is covered with a layer of rice husks to prevent the wet tiles from sticking. This ensures that the tiles retain their perfect shape. Once the clay has dried, the ridges on the moulds create thin grooves, allowing the tiles to be easily separated into individual pieces.
On sunny days, villagers take advantage of natural sunlight to dry the tiles over several days. This process removes excess moisture, helping to prevent cracks when fired in the kiln.
Firing the tiles – the most crucial stage
The final step, firing the tiles, is also the most time-consuming and labor-intensive. The tiles are carefully stacked inside the kiln and kept in blazing heat for seven days and nights. The temperature must be maintained at a high and stable level to prevent the tiles from cracking or breaking.
A large kiln can fire 15,000 tiles per batch. Even in the dry summer months, it takes up to three months to complete a single kiln batch. During rainy or humid weather, the process can take even longer.
Final inspection and use
After firing, the tiles are sorted and carefully inspected for quality and durability. These handcrafted tiles are then used to restore ancient buildings, construct new traditional houses, or even exported to other regions seeking authentic Vietnamese architectural materials.
Despite the rise of modern construction materials, the artisans of Lung Ri Village remain committed to their craft, ensuring that each yin-yang tile carries the spirit of tradition and generations of expertise.
Visiting Lung Ri Village in your Vietnam trip
For those seeking an authentic cultural experience, Lung Ri Village in Cao Bang, is a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the centuries-old craft of yin-yang tile making, explore the unique architectural heritage of the Nung An people, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of northern Vietnam’s countryside.
How to get to Lung Ri Village?
Lung Ri Village is conveniently located just 8 km from the center of Quang Hoa district, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling within Cao Bang province.
From Cao Bang City to Lung Ri village: The village is about 50 km away, and visitors can reach it by motorbike, car, or local bus. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, offering stunning views of mountains, rivers, and terraced fields along the way.
From Hanoi to Lung Ri village: Travelers can take a bus or private car to Cao Bang (approximately 6 hours) before continuing to Lung Ri Village.
What to experience in Lung Ri Village
One of the highlights of visiting Lung Ri is witnessing the artisans at work. Visitors can watch as skilled craftsmen shape, dry, and fire yin-yang tiles using techniques passed down for generations.
Observe the traditional tile-making process
Many artisans welcome visitors to try their hand at shaping and moulding the tiles, giving them a hands-on experience of this traditional craft.
Try making your own yin-yang tiles
The village is home to many traditional stilt houses, which are distinct for their wooden structures and yin-yang tiled roofs. These houses reflect the cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity of the Nung An people.
Explore traditional Nung An people's houses
Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green landscapes, Lung Ri Village is an ideal place to relax and take in the natural beauty of northern Vietnam. The area is also near several scenic attractions, such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, perfect for those looking to explore further.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lung Ri Village is during the dry season (September to April) when the weather is cool and ideal for exploring. If you visit during the tile-making season, you can see the artisans working at full capacity, especially in the summer months when drying conditions are optimal.
For those seeking an authentic cultural experience, Lung Ri Village in Cao Bang province offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship, set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and rich ethnic heritage. Whether through observing artisans at work, participating in the craft, or simply appreciating the beauty of traditional architecture, a visit to Lung Ri is a journey into Vietnam’s past, present, and future.
To make the most of your experience, consider customizing your trip with a local tour operator. A guided tour can help you navigate the village, interact with skilled artisans, and gain deeper insights into the history and significance of yin-yang tile-making. Plus, traveling with a local guide ensures you discover hidden gems and support the community directly.
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