New Homes Put Lo Lo Chai’s Heritage Under Pressure

Construction permits and recent project suspensions highlight Lo Lo Chai’s challenge of meeting visitor demand while preserving its traditional village character.

Lo Lo Chai in Tuyen Quang is adding homes as tourism grows, while residents and local operators debate how to preserve its traditional architecture. Since the start of 2026, the Lung Cu Commune People’s Committee has issued construction permits to 20 households, according to local officials.

Authorities suspended work on five projects during an inspection ahead of the Lung Cu Buckwheat Flower Festival. The published Buckwheat Flower Festival schedule lists the opening program and planned viewing areas. The village has more than 1,000 accommodation rooms, and demand has prompted businesses to build or expand properties for visitors.

Only three of the 20 permitted households are building traditional rammed-earth houses with yin-yang roof tiles. The others are using concrete while imitating that style. Local rules limit houses to two stories and require traditional architectural forms, but allow materials including concrete, glass and wood.

The newer buildings can offer more rooms and modern electrical amenities, while residents say traditional earth walls can become damp and moldy. A local tourism entrepreneur said the challenge is to meet accommodation needs without letting concrete overwhelm the village’s distinctive character.