Awakening the “heart” of Muong Land

With the desire not only to preserve the cultural space of the ancient Muong people but also to build a high-quality tourism destination rich in ethnic identity, Muong Bi Commune is currently coordinating the implementation of a 1/500 scale Detailed Planning Project for the Muong Ethnic Cultural Space Conservation Area in Luy Ai Hamlet. The project promises to unlock the vast potential of what is considered the spiritual “heart” of Muong land.

The Temple of the Great Mother Hoang Ba in Luy Ai Hamlet hosts the palanquin procession ceremony of the Muong ethnic group’s Opening Festival.

Nestled beside a clear, winding stream and framed by lush rice fields at the foot of majestic mountains, Luy Ai Hamlet (formerly Ai Hamlet, Phong Phu commune) resembles a living landscape painting. More than just a typical Muong village, this area is known as the capital of ancient Muong Bi- where cultural traditions, customs, and the spiritual soul of the Muong people from millennia past remain vividly preserved.

Covering an area of approximately 4.95 hectares, Luy Ai is home to 34 households with 165 residents - all of Muong ethnicity. Its traditional stilt houses cluster closely together, fostering a warm, communal atmosphere. The hamlet’s cultural significance was officially recognized in 2008, when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism invested in its preservation and designated it a national model ethnic minority village, representing the Muong people across Vietnam.

For decades, Luy Ai has been the site of the Muong Bi Khai Ha Festival, now known as the Muong Ethnic Group’s Khai Ha Festival- a national intangible cultural heritage- which has created a profound cultural imprint, attracting both visitors and researchers alike.

Recognizing this immense cultural value, local authorities have approved a 1/500 scale detailed planning project for the conservation area, covering a total research area of 146.7 hectares. This initiative is a concrete step toward realizing the province’s “Project to Preserve and Promote the Cultural Values of the Muong Ethnic Group and the Hoa Binh Culture for the 2023–2030 Period.”

The project’s vision is not merely to preserve heritage but to merge tradition with modernity- promoting sustainable tourism through community-based, experiential, and high-end ecotourism models. The goal is to establish a modern, well-integrated technical infrastructure, enhance the quality of tourism offerings, and transform Muong Bi into a must-visit cultural destination.

According to the approved plan, a harmonious cultural-tourism complex will be developed, clearly divided into functional zones. At the heart of the project is the Ancient Muong Village Conservation Area, where traditional stilt houses, customs, and the daily life of the Muong people in Luy Ai will be carefully preserved and restored. Complementing this is the Muong Cultural Space Museum, which will showcase artifacts, historical documents, and immersive exhibits that offer visitors a vivid and comprehensive view of Muong heritage.

The Temple of the Great Mother Hoang Ba will provide a solemn spiritual space, meeting the religious needs of both locals and tourists while preserving traditional beliefs. The area dedicated to Muong festivals and cuisine will host major cultural events such as the Khai Ha Festival and feature a culinary space offering authentic Muong dishes. In addition, a high-end ecotourism zone will be developed, with resort facilities designed in the style of traditional stilt houses but equipped with modern amenities. These resorts will be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding natural landscape, offering luxurious yet culturally rich experiences. The entire ecosystem- including forests, streams, and terraced fields- will be preserved and enhanced to create a majestic and refreshing natural backdrop for the entire area.

The entire surrounding ecosystem- including forests, streams, and terraced fields- will be preserved and enhanced to create a majestic, refreshing natural backdrop for the area.

According to Mr. Bui Minh Hong, Vice Chairman of Muong Bi Commune People’s Committee, a detailed implementation roadmap has been outlined: Phase 1 (2025–2027) will focus on developing core infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water systems, while beginning construction of key components such as the museum, festival grounds, and food court. This phase will also include restoration of ancient Muong houses and construction of reception areas and parking facilities. Phase 2 (2027–2030) will complete and upgrade remaining elements, such as the cultural house, ecological improvements along the stream, and expansion of the temple complex. This phase will prioritize the construction of a new traffic axis connecting to National Highway 6 and Provincial Road 436 and the development of high-end ecotourism services, experiential tourism products, and handicraft trade zones.

The project is not only a government initiative but also a call to action for investors, organizations, and individuals passionate about cultural preservation and sustainable development. This is a golden opportunity to join hands with the local community in realizing a visionary project, where the traditional values of the Muong people are preserved, elevated, and brought to life through responsible, future-oriented tourism.

Huong Lan