The legend of Ban Vuong
the god who gave birth to the Dao community

In the beliefs of the Dao people, Ban Vuong (also known as Ban Ho) is regarded as the first ancestor of their people. Legend tells that Bàn Hồ was a dragon-dog with a special form: a body three meters long, black fur with golden stripes. He descended from the sky to the palace of Binh Vuong, where he was cherished by the king.

According to legend, the descendants of Ban Vuong – the revered ancestor of the Dao people – were granted the “Qua Son Bang Van” (The Mountain Pass Decree), allowing them to travel across mountains and settle in new lands.

After the passing of King Binh Vuong, Ban Vuong ascended the throne yet chose to live a simple and humble life. He taught his people how to cultivate rice, weave cloth, and hunt for survival. When he passed away, the Dao people worshiped him as a sacred deity who continues to protect and bless his descendants.

Rooted in the heart of Hoang Su Phi

True travel does not transform a land — it protects what makes it timeless.
From that belief, Panhou Retreat was born to connect people with nature and to nurture a mindful, responsible way of discovering the world.

SUSTAINABILITY PHILOSOPHY

  • A traditional museum dedicated to the Red Dao ethnic heritage

  • 95% of our team members are from local ethnic communities

  • Committed to saying NO to single-use plastics

  • Reduce – Reuse – Recycle: minimizing waste, reusing materials, and promoting circular practices

  • Powered by a small-scale hydroelectric system that harnesses the natural flow of the nearby stream

  • Tree-planting initiatives to reforest barren hills and restore native ecosystems

  • A Community Fund that supports sustainable tourism and the preservation of local culture

Panhou Retreat embraces a path of sustainable development preserving the pristine beauty of nature while crafting meaningful experiences for every traveler. Each bungalow is thoughtfully built to follow the contours of the land, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape rather than altering it.
Guests come to Panhou not only to rest, but to slow down and reconnect with nature: trekking along terraced rice fields, soaking in a Red Dao herbal bath, or savoring meals prepared with fresh mountain vegetables and stream-caught fish. Every experience reflects the essence of local culture and a deep respect for the environment.
The true beauty of Panhou lies in its balance, a place that welcomes visitors from afar, yet preserves the soul of the mountains: simple, sustainable, and full of life.

At Panhou Retreat, more than 95% of our team members are ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages of Hoang Su Phi.

At Panhou Retreat, more than 95% of our team members are ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages of Hoang Su Phi. They are not only provided with stable employment but also trained in new skills within the tourism sector from hospitality and culinary arts to trekking guidance. For many, this opportunity means being able to build a secure livelihood and support their families without having to leave their homeland.
More importantly, Panhou encourages each team member to preserve and share their cultural heritage through songs, traditional dishes, and sacred rituals passed down through generations. As a result, working at Panhou is more than a profession; it is a source of pride, where local people become true ambassadors of the culture and nature of Hoang Su Phi.