With a history of more than 1,000 years, bamboo houses are the traditional residential houses of the Dai people. The most typical Dai bamboo houses are found in Xishuangbanna where every household has such a building in an independent courtyard. Planted around the house are all kinds of subtropical fruit trees, such as papaya, grapefruit, banana and pineapple.

The Dai bamboo houses are square in shape and have two stories. The upper floor, supported by 20 wooden poles, rises more than two meters above ground to prevent moisture. This ground floor forms the living quarters and center of the entire building. It is usually divided into two parts: the inner bedrooms and outer living room. The upper floor is surrounded by a corridor and balcony where thick bamboo tubes and jars used to fetch water are stored. There is also a place for women to do their needlework. At the center of the living room is a large bamboo mat where people eat, rest and receive guests. Since Dai homes are very tidy, everyone has to remove their shoes when entering a room. There is also a fireplace burning all year round in the living room. On the fireplace is an iron rack which is used for cooking and boiling water. The local people enjoy sitting around the fireplace to chat.

The bedroom is separated from the living room by walls made of thin bamboo strips. Strangers are not allowed to enter the bedroom. The lower story, which is not enclosed by walls, is designated for raising poultry and storage.

Almost all of the furniture, such as tables, chairs, beds and cases in the house is made of bamboo. The bamboo house is sturdy and dry inside due to good ventilation, and wind can blow into the room through bamboo slots. As a result, the room remains cool even during hot summers. The building has an oblique roof in the shape of an upside-down V, and is covered with grass or tiles. The houses are very suitable for living in Xishuangbanna, which has a tropical rainforest climate.