Hoang Cong Hung produces tiles at his village in Lang Son Province
Hoang Cong Hung, 40, is a third-generation tile-maker with more than 25 years of experience. He said workers must select clay from low-lying fields that stay wet year-round, filter stones, and let it rest to achieve proper adhesion before molding.
After shaping, tiles are sun-dried and then fired continuously for 23-25 days. Hung’s family produces around 500,000 tiles per year, supplying several northern provinces.
Roofing requires alternating the tiles face-up and face-down, symbolising harmony between heaven and earth, yin and yang. This type of tile is highly durable, helping homes stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Veteran craftsperson Duong Thi Dung, 55, said the most challenging step is clay preparation, which is physically demanding and requires precision. Clay must be finely filtered, or tiles will crack during firing.
The most challenging step is clay preparation, which is physically demanding and requires precision.
Today, only about 30 households in Bac Son continue the craft as clay resources become scarcer.
Hung said he plans to develop an experiential tourism model where visitors can stay in stilt houses, tour workshops, join locals in making tiles, and enjoy traditional cuisine.
“This plan not only helps preserve the traditional craft of the Tay community here but also promotes community-based tourism, creating both joy and income,” he said.
Nguyen Huu Hai, deputy director of the Lang Son Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, said the province is stepping up efforts to promote traditional craft villages like Bac Son as distinctive tourism products where visitors can explore local culture.
This type of tile is highly durable, helping homes stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
The village welcomes around 1,000 visitors each year, including many foreigners. Tourists can observe the handcrafted tile-making process, try molding tiles themselves, and take home a small tile as a souvenir.
