Everything About the “Hell Village” – in Hà Giang

It’s no coincidence that Sảo Há Village, located in Khó Chớ Hamlet, Vần Chải Commune, Đồng Văn District, Hà Giang Province, has been chosen as the setting for famous horror films like Tết ở Làng Địa Ngục (Tet in Hell Village) or Kẻ Ăn Hồn (The Soul Eater), featuring spine-chilling scenes. But is the village really as scary as portrayed in the movies or in the reviews on social media? Let’s find out together with Pai Adventure.

Sảo Há Village lives up to its name, which, when translated from the H’mong language, means “high valley.” The village is nestled deep in a valley surrounded by mountains and dense forests. To reach the village, you need to travel about 8 kilometers from National Road 4C or 3 kilometers from the Vần Chải Commune People’s Committee office, along rugged, rocky roads. The final 2 kilometers are on a narrow concrete road, just wide enough for a single motorbike. As you approach the village, you’ll pass through an ancient forest with many old trees, two small temples at the village entrance, and a beautiful bamboo forest before arriving at the settlement of over 22 H’mong households.

Yin-yang roofs of H’mong households

100% of the villagers engage in agriculture, practicing subsistence farming due to the difficulty of accessing external markets. Life in the village is tough and lacks many essential items. The greatest assets within the homes are likely the goats, cows, and pigs that the villagers raise for food reserves and sale in times of need. The primary crops are corn, buckwheat, beans, and of course, flax is essential here for producing traditional H’mong fabric.

Road to Sảo Há village

As you stroll around Sảo Há, one of the most distinctive features you’ll notice is the stone fences, neatly arranged, sturdy, and completely without any mortar. These fences were skillfully built by the H’mong men to surround and protect their homes and livestock. What makes Sảo Há unique compared to other villages is the presence of a massive stone fence encircling multiple households, forming a cluster. The intricate and solid stone structures are a testament to the impressive craftsmanship of the men in Sảo Há.

Rock fences around the village

If you happen to come across coffins placed around the house like this, don’t be startled. It is quite a normal practice among the H’mong people in particular, and some other ethnic communities in the highlands in general. Typically, for families with elderly members, they will gather wood to make a coffin and hold a ceremony to pray for the health of the elder. At the same time, it serves as a preparation for the eventual funeral in the future.

Coffins of loved ones lie around the village

Putting aside the eerie and creepy images portrayed in films, life in this village seems very peaceful and slow-paced. Day by day, the villagers go to the fields, tend to their goats, and gather grass for their cattle. Most of the young people from Sảo Há village work away from home, leaving behind mainly children and elderly residents. They mostly don’t speak the common language, but they are extremely hospitable and friendly, always greeting visitors with warm smiles and offering homemade corn liquor or tobacco from a local pipe. Even though communication may only happen through gestures and mutual understanding, their hospitality remains unwavering.

Household in Xao Ha Village

Before the release of the horror films, the village had already been a popular destination for tours exploring rural life. With the recent success of the horror series, it’s certain that the village will gain even more attention. This is a positive sign, as it could help improve the challenging living conditions of the local community through tourism.

View of Sao Ha Village

Here’s a little secret: Sảo Há Village is one of the destinations featured in Pai Adventure’s in-depth Hà Giang experience tours. If you’re looking for exciting experiences here, feel free to message us! Check out our list of tours below:

– 4D3N Ethnic Villages Tour

– 3D2NEthnic Villages Tour

The village of Sảo Há certainly has a unique charm and a rich cultural atmosphere, which can feel mysterious or even eerie, especially with its portrayal in horror films. However, when you visit, you realize it’s not as frightening as the rumors or cinematic depictions suggest. The peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle of the villagers, their hospitality, and the natural beauty of the surroundings offer a welcoming experience. It’s more of a serene and intriguing place than a truly scary one, and the warm interactions with the locals make it a memorable adventure. What do you think? Would you be intrigued to visit or do you still find it a bit unsettling?

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