The Communal House of Tho Ha is situated at Tho Ha village,
Viet Yen District, Bac Giang province. The Communal House was constructed under
Le Dynasty, in 1692, and on the land of about 3000 sq meter. The construction
is the place worshiping the God of the village and discussion village affairs.
The construction is 27 meter long and 16 meter wide. The
architecture of Tho Ha communal house is very impressive. The roof is covered
with ancient crescent shaped tiles. Four corners of the roof curve up that look
like scimitar sword blades.
The Communal House is supported by 48 huge pillars made of
hard iron wood. The floor in Communal House is paved with blue stones. The
inside decoration are beautiful motifs on pillars and frames such as dragons,
clouds, lion cubs, ladies who wear long dress riding phoenix… The wood carving
art is extremely marvelous reflecting the art during Le Dynasty in 17th
century.
Tho Ha Communal House, one of the best known in Northern
Vietnam, was listed as National Heritage in 1964 by Ministry of Culture. The
village is 60 km from Hanoi. You can do Tho Ha one day trip from Hanoi. Visit
Tho Ha Communal House, old houses in the village, and how the locals still
maintain traditional job of making skin for spring rolls, pottery, and
Vietnamese rice wine.