Huong Canh Communal House Complex – A “Living Museum” of Royal Architecture in the Doai Region

Situated in the fertile land of Binh Nguyen (Vinh Phuc), the Huong Canh Communal House Complex — comprising Huong Canh, Ngoc Canh and Tien Huong communal houses — is regarded as a “living museum” of 17th-century royal wooden architecture and sculpture. Recognized as a Special National Relic, the complex not only preserves the artistic essence of the Doai region’s folk heritage but also serves as a vibrant center of local cultural and spiritual activities.

The Ancient Charm of Huong Canh Communal House

The three ancient communal houses were constructed in the late 17th century. In 2022, the complex was designated a Special National Relic by the Prime Minister.

Its massive tiled roofs, made from ngoi mui hai using the distinctive “dong oc vay rong” (dragon-scale) technique, form tightly interlinked layers.

The Huong Canh complex carries profound historical meaning as it worships members of the Later Ngo Dynasty, including Ngo Xuong Ngap, Ngo Xuong Van, Do Canh Thac, along with queens and royal consorts.

According to Tran Ngoc Thieu, Head of the Huong Canh Communal House Management Board, the architecture follows the chu Vuong (King-shaped) layout — a structure reserved for worshipping kings and their closest royal lineage — reflecting the extraordinary status of the deities honored here.

The Huong Canh Communal House Complex impresses visitors with its grand, open architecture — an ideal space for community festivals and ceremonies. The entire structure is organized according to the “noi cong ngoai quoc” layout or the original chu Vuong formation of three connected halls.

One of its most distinctive features lies in the wooden columns: all made of premium lim (ironwood), carved in the traditional “dau can can, chan quan co” style. The imposing Dai dinh (main hall) of Huong Canh, with five bays and two lean-tos, measures 26m in length and 13.5m in width. It is supported by 48 massive wooden columns, with the main pillars boasting a circumference of up to 2.40m and a height of 6m. Their monumental scale has long been etched into Vietnamese cultural memory through the idioms “viec tay dinh” (a matter as big as the communal house) and “to bang cot dinh” (as big as a communal-house pillar).

The architectural character is further defined by a remarkably sturdy wooden frame, assembled using tight-fitting mong sam joinery that distributes force evenly — demonstrating the advanced mechanical and aesthetic mastery of traditional craftsmen. The vast roof structure, layered with ngoi mui hai tiles using the “dong oc vay rong” technique, creates strong cohesion. The high rising ridge, combined with four gracefully curved corner blades, gives the impression of a giant kite taking flight.

The complex’s numerous wood carvings — both large and small — depict a vivid tableau of life in feudal society.

Here, architecture is not merely decorative; it serves as a wooden chronicle of everyday life and spiritual beliefs from Vietnam’s feudal past.

Today, the Huong Canh Communal House Complex remains a central site of local spiritual practices, festivals, and folk performances. According to Nguyen Van Dung, Deputy Head of the Cultural and Social Affairs Division of Binh Nguyen Commune, local authorities have strengthened efforts to promote and raise public awareness about the heritage. Notably, the annual Huong Canh Communal House Festival is held with solemnity, featuring the traditional keo song (paired tugging) game.

Ngoc Thang