Building the Culture and People of the Ancestral Land to Meet Integration Requirements

Phu Tho – the ancestral land of the Vietnamese nation – is the convergence and spreading point of sustainable historical values. In the context of deep international integration, building the culture and people of the Ancestral Land has become a strategic, urgent, and long-term mission.

Hung Lo ancient village Xoan singing heritage (Van Phu Ward) associated with experiential tourism development.

According to Mr. Duong Hoang Huong – Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism – in the new development space following the provincial merger, the culture and people of Phu Tho represent the crystallization of three major cultural flows: Phu Tho (the nation’s roots with the Worship of Hung Kings and Xoan Singing), Vinh Phuc (the land of traditional festivals and unique craft villages), and Hoa Binh (with the world-famous “Hoa Binh Culture”).

The strength of the Ancestral Land lies in its people. Through thousands of years, the local people have forged patriotism, community solidarity, self-reliance, and responsibility toward their homeland. With 33 ethnic groups living together – where ethnic minorities account for over one-fourth of the population – Phu Tho possesses a multi-colored cultural space. This diversity creates an endogenous strength, helping the people of Phu Tho adapt and flourish in all circumstances.

The province clearly identifies people as both the creative subjects and the ultimate goal of development. Building people according to the standards of “patriotism, unity, self-reliance, and responsibility” is a prerequisite for Phu Tho to enhance the quality of its human resources.

Traditional cultural activities play a vital role in nurturing these values. Festivals such as the Hung Kings Memorial Day, the Au Co Mother Temple Festival, Tay Thien, or the Muong Khai Ha Festival are not just spiritual events but vivid educational environments. Through these, the spirit of “when drinking water, remember its source” is naturally passed down through generations.

Mr. Le Chi Huyen – Chairman of the Muong Bi Commune People’s Committee – stated that the 2026 Khai Ha Festival, organized at the provincial level, serves as a testament to the enduring vitality of heritage and the cultural convergence of the Muong land. The participation of ancient Muong regions and communes like Thanh Son, Tu Vu, Song Lo, and Van Phu ward has created a unified cultural space, reflecting the tight bonds between ethnic groups.

The Muong Khai Ha Festival organized at the provincial level helps spread ethnic cultural values to tourists.

In this new era, Phu Tho views culture not only as a spiritual foundation but also as a direct resource for socio-economic development. Linking heritage conservation with sustainable tourism has opened an effective path to transform “heritage” into "assets."

Renowned destinations such as the Hung Kings Temple Special National Historical Relic Site, Tam Dao – Tay Thien, Hoa Binh Lake, Xuan Son National Park, Kim Boi, and Mai Chau are increasingly asserting their attraction. Tourism development not only generates revenue but also spreads cultural values, turning the people of Phu Tho into “cultural ambassadors” in the integration process.

Specific targets, such as improving the Human Development Index (HDI) and developing cultural industries with a growth rate of 11–12% per year, demonstrate the determination to make culture a pillar of development. The vision toward 2045 aims to build Phu Tho into a locality with a modern yet identity-rich culture, where people enjoy a high quality of life and happiness.

In the era of integration, the people of the Ancestral Land must converge knowledge, skills, and adaptability. Building the culture and people of Phu Tho is the key to promoting endogenous strength, creating momentum for rapid and sustainable development in the new era.

Huong Lan