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Our 'dragon' family

Our ‘dragon’ family

Welcome to our ‘dragon’ family! We’re excited to share our authentic experience with you and introduce you to our ethnic Hmong heritage.

As a long line of family farmers, we’ve had land in the beautiful village of Ta Van for generations. Being part of the Black Hmong tribe, our land is traditionally passed down to the men in the family. You’ll even notice we have smaller tables for mealtimes - it’s just part of our unique cultural traditions.

I’m Ying, the main guide for our trekking adventures. I grew up in Ta Van but ventured to Hanoi when I was younger, searching for new opportunities. The transition from my small village to the bustling capital was a big shock, but I found my calling leading tours and sharing my love for Vietnamese culture.

These days, I’m back home in Ta Van, helping to run our family trekking business alongside my sister Sa and brother Zaag. We can’t wait to take you on an unforgettable journey through our stunning mountain landscapes and introduce you to the warm hospitality of the Hmong people. Whether you’re looking to trek, explore local markets, or simply immerse yourself in traditional village life, we’ve got you covered.

So come join the ‘dragon’ family - we’re excited to share our authentic Hmong experience with you!

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On a horse remembering the old times before we had motorbikes. Here I am at Ban Gioc waterfalls

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Here is me giving a weaving demo before one of our tour guests has a go!

Me - Ying

Growing up in my birthplace of Ta Van, I’ve always had a passion for sharing my Hmong culture and heritage with others. After venturing to Hanoi as a young dreamer, I found my true calling leading trekking tours through the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam.

Today, I’m thrilled to be back home in Ta Van, running our family trekking business alongside my sister Sa. When you book with us, you’ll get an authentic, immersive experience led by me or Sa. We can’t wait to introduce you to the warm hospitality of the Hmong people and show you the hidden gems of this beautiful region.

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Me and my sister taken around the year 2000. My sister has quite brown hair back then.

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Sa and husband Hu one cold christmas. Hu is more traditional and you can see his Hmong chains in the photo.

Sa (Xa) - My sister

Sa helps out whenever she can, in addition to caring for her three young children. Her husband also serves as a village elder, working for the Vietnamese government - a demanding role. Despite her busy family life, Sa is passionate about sharing our Hmong heritage and traditions with guests.

When you book a tour with us, you’ll have the chance to meet Sa and learn firsthand about life in our close-knit community. She’s excited to welcome you and introduce you to the warmth and hospitality of the Hmong people.

Zaag - My brother

Our family’s farmland has been passed down through the generations, and my brother Zaag is the current caretaker. You’ll often see us all working together in the rice fields - it’s a true family affair.

Zaag has dedicated his entire life to tending this land, and he’s very much a traditionalist at heart. Now nearly 50 years old, he’s married with two children of his own. I’m currently helping Zaag learn English, as he has a dream of one day turning our family home into a cozy Hmong homestay where he can share his passion for traditional cooking.

When you visit, be sure to say hello to Zaag and the rest of the family as we tend to the fields. It’s a glimpse into our centuries-old way of life that we’re proud to share with adventurous travelers like yourself.

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So and her husband on holiday in Ha Giang on the Nho Que river. All dressed up for the special occasion!

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So on the left carrying everything for a trek in a traditional basket made from bamboo.

So - My neice

My niece and her husband (the son of my eldest brother Zaag) are the hardworking, ambitious next generation of our Hmong family. They currently have two children (one born this year - the year of the dragon is considered very lucky indeed) and are in the process of building a brand new home on some of the family land.

In addition to their family responsibilities, they both work demanding jobs in Sapa town - saving hard and providing for their growing household. They still make time to help out on our family farm, as is the tradition in our close-knit community.

When our trekking tours have larger groups, my niece will occasionally lend a hand as an additional guide. It’s great to see the younger members of our family getting involved and sharing their passion for Hmong culture and traditions.