Nestled beside the poetic Mien River and surrounded by the lush green valleys of Lung Tam commune in Quan Ba district, Ha Giang province, the Lung Tam Brocade Cooperative is a place where the traditional hand-weaving craft of the Hmong people is nurtured and developed. More than just a craft village, it stands as a symbol of enduring cultural vitality, creative spirit, and the resilience of ethnic minority women in Vietnam’s northern mountains.
Founded in 2001 by artisan Vang Thi Mai, the cooperative today boasts over 130 members, most of whom are Hmong women. With skilled hands and unwavering dedication, they have taken this traditional linen craft beyond the mountains—reaching over 20 countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, Switzerland, and France.
History and Mission
The cooperative was born from Ms. Vang Thi Mai’s deep desire to preserve her ancestral craft while improving the livelihoods of local women. Starting with just a few looms and a handful of women, the cooperative steadily grew, driven by a commitment to cultural values and product innovation. Today, it has become one of Ha Giang’s outstanding models of sustainable handicraft production and cultural tourism.
The mission of Lung Tam Brocade Cooperative goes beyond preserving Hmong weaving
The mission of Lung Tam Brocade Cooperative goes beyond preserving Hmong weaving. It aims to:
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Empower highland women
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Create sustainable livelihoods through cultural heritage
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Bring Vietnamese handmade crafts to the global stage
The Art of Hemp Weaving
Passed down through generations, the Hmong’s traditional linen weaving craft involves an elaborate, fully manual process of 21 to 41 meticulous steps—from cultivating hemp to creating the final fabric.
Key stages include:
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Growing & harvesting hemp: The plant is cultivated on mountain slopes and harvested after about three months.
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Peeling, beating, and spinning: The stalks are stripped, softened, and spun by hand.
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Boiling – polishing – pulling fiber: The fibers are boiled, sun-dried, and manually spun into thread.
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Weaving: Using handmade looms, only a few meters of fabric are woven per day.
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Natural dyeing: Plant-based dyes from indigo leaves, tree bark, and roots are used for eco-friendly coloring.
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Wax-resist decoration: Beeswax is used to draw intricate traditional patterns before dyeing—an art known as “batik.”
Wax-resist decoration, Beeswax is used to draw intricate traditional patterns before dyeing—an art known as “batik.”
Every finished linen product is not just a textile, but a story of culture, patience, and craftsmanship—breathing the spirit of the Hmong highlands.
Lung Tam Brocade cooperative
Lung Tam Brocade cooperative
Lung Tam Brocade cooperative
A Cultural Experience for Visitors
When visiting Lung Tam Cooperative, travelers don’t just admire exquisite brocade products—they can fully engage in hands-on cultural experiences, such as:
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Touring the traditional weaving workshop: See the full linen-making process in action.
A Cultural experience for visitors, When visiting Lung Tam Cooperative
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Trying it yourself: Spin thread, dye with natural colors, or draw wax designs with local artisans.
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Shopping handmade products: Choose from scarves, bags, wallets, blankets, hats, and clothing—all made from handwoven hemp with authentic patterns.
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Interacting with artisans: Listen to stories of the craft’s history and the lives of the women behind each product.
Social Impact & Sustainable Growth
Thanks to its success, the cooperative has provided stable jobs for over 100 local households, helping to reduce migration and support children’s access to education. More importantly, it has empowered women economically, allowing them to take part in leadership and decision-making roles within the community.
Thanks to its success, the cooperative has provided stable jobs for over 100 local households
The cooperative has also received support from international organizations for infrastructure, capacity building, and market access. Recently, the “Action for Lung Tam” project helped build a professional space for production, training, and cultural tourism—ensuring the long-term sustainability of the village.
How to Get to Lung Tam
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Location: Lung Tam village, Lung Tam commune, Quan Ba district, Ha Giang province
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Distance: Around 50 km from Ha Giang City (~1.5 hours by car)
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Directions: From Ha Giang, follow National Road 4C toward Quan Ba. Near the Quan Ba Heaven Gate, turn down a smaller road to reach Lung Tam (signposted). The road is scenic and easily accessible.
From Ha Giang, follow National Road 4C toward Quan Ba. Near the Quan Ba Heaven Gate, turn down a smaller road to reach Lung Tam (signposted). The road is scenic and easily accessible.
Lung Tam Brocade Cooperative is not only a sanctuary for traditional Hmong craft but also a living testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. For those seeking authentic cultural experiences and a deeper connection with Vietnam’s northern highlands, Lung Tam is a must-visit destination—where every thread tells a story, and every product holds a piece of heritage.
