While women are good at growing flax and weaving, men are good at making panpipes – a musical instrument deeply associated with the cultural and spiritual life of the H’Mong people in Ha Giang. This is a means of communication between people and the spiritual world, between young men and women during festivals.

The profession of making Khen in Ha Giang develops mainly in the communes of Ho Quang Phin, Sung Trai, and Van Chai (Dong Van district) with elaborate manufacturing techniques, requiring precision, dexterity, meticulousness, and the ability to perceive music of the maker.

The Hmong flute consists of 6 bamboo tubes mounted on a wooden resonator. These tubes are assembled in order from small to large, each tube has a thin copper sheet (reed) to create sound. In addition, the craftsman must also adjust the sound, polish, decorate… to complete the flute.