Ha Vo Lao Communal House, Vo Lao Village, Hoa Phu Commune, Hanoi City

Ha Vo Lao Communal House, Vo Lao Village, Hoa Phu Commune, Hanoi City. The current architecture of Ha Communal House is in the 'Nhi' character layout, including the great hall and the rear shrine.

Viewed from outside, in front of the communal house gate is a semicircular pond that holds water year-round and is clear blue; it serves as a 'mirror' for the communal house's enclosing wall, with its full complement of pillars and gateways elaborately molded and painted, shimmering in reflection.

The large great hall consists of five bays and two side bays, built of tu thiet wood and roofed with ancient ri tiles.

Ha Vo Lao Communal House has four carved bracket panels executed with considerable skill and in a style quite different from other communal houses in the surrounding area.

The great hall and the rear shrine are separated by a small brick courtyard; in the middle of the courtyard is a small tank storing rainwater used in ritual ceremonies.

Ha Vo Lao Communal House is an ancient cultural work that remains relatively intact, with a 'Nhi' character architectural layout; all construction components are invested in elaborate carving and architecture. The communal house worships four deities associated with the reign of the sixth Hung King. It is a valuable cultural, historical, and artistic work.