Khuoi Ky Stone Village

Khuoi Ky is a Tay village in the Cao Bang karst where the houses are stilt houses in the usual Tay plan but built of stone rather than timber - walls of fitted limestone blocks laid without mortar in places, on stone foundations, with the living floor above and animals below, some of them dating from the early nineteenth century. The Tay here have a tradition of venerating stone, which is given as the reason for building this way in a district that has plenty of timber. The village sits between Nguom Ngao cave and the Ban Gioc waterfall and has developed homestays on that route.

What you actually see

• Tay stilt houses built of stone - fitted limestone rather than timber.
• Some from the early nineteenth century - the older houses in the village.
• Stone venerated locally - the reason given for building this way.
• Homestays on the Ban Gioc route - between the cave and the falls.

When to go

September to November and March to May. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The village is small and on a busy tourist route, so it is not undiscovered. New building in concrete has appeared alongside the old houses. Homestays are simple. It is a short stop rather than a destination.

Nearby

Nguom Ngao cave is minutes away; Ban Gioc waterfall is close.