Nestled among rugged limestone mountains and the Mien River, Lung Tam Commune in Tuyen Quang Province (formerly Ha Giang Province) is home to the Hmong community, who have kept alive their tradition of linen weaving.
For the Hmong, weaving linen is not only a craft but also a reflection of resilience and hard work in the face of harsh mountain conditions. Flax (scientifically known as linum usitatissimum), a raw material for weaving, is cultivated locally and harvested about two months after planting.
In Lung Tam, flax weaving remains an integral part of daily life. Each Hmong woman grows her own flax field, carefully harvesting and processing the stalks into fibers. Every step is done by hand, from stripping the bark and spinning threads to boiling in ash water and beeswax. The process demands patience and skill to ensure smoothness.
Once the yarn is ready, women weave on traditional backstrap looms. Finished fabrics are repeatedly washed, soaked in ash water, sun-dried, and polished with beeswax to achieve a soft, white sheen. High-quality linen is smooth, fine, and breathable—valued for its natural texture and comfort.
Beyond weaving, the women of Lung Tam are also skilled in using melted beeswax to draw patterns on linen fabric. When the cloth is dyed, the wax-covered areas resist the color, creating distinctive motifs. The process may appear simple, but it requires meticulous attention and precision.
In 2001, the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative was established to preserve and promote this traditional craft, while also creating a stable income for local households. What began with around 10 members has grown to more than 130 artisans across nine production groups.
The cooperative now produces a wide range of linen-based goods, including clothing, scarves, handbags, pillow covers, and tablecloths. It also supplies decorative items and art pieces for hotels, restaurants, and souvenir markets, serving both domestic and international customers.
Linen is not only durable but also valued for its health benefits. It resists mold and allows the skin to breathe, providing comfort in all conditions. For this reason, demand for linen products, especially among international customers, has continued to rise.
As global consumers increasingly seek natural and sustainable materials, Lung Tam’s handmade linen has gained recognition beyond Vietnam’s borders. Through their craft, Hmong women continue to weave not only fabric but also the story of cultural pride on the rocky highlands of Tuyen Quang.
