Preserving identity, awakening the cultural potential of the mountainous area

For generations, ethnic minority communities in Thanh Son District have steadfastly preserved their traditional cultural values—woven deeply into their identity and way of life. As part of Project 6 under the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (2021–2030), Thanh Son has implemented a range of comprehensive solutions to safeguard and promote indigenous culture. These efforts aim to ensure that the cultural identity of local ethnic groups is not only preserved but also widely celebrated—closely linked to sustainable tourism development.

Dao women in Bo Xo hamlet, Yen Luong Commune, hand-sew their traditional costumes, contributing to the preservation of their ethnic identity.

From the commune center, traveling more than 15 kilometers of winding mountain roads, we arrived in Bo Xo—home to 94 households and 407 people, all of whom belong to the Dao ethnic group. Amidst the fast-paced changes of modern life, this peaceful village nestled halfway up the mountain still retains its strong cultural traditions. One of the most striking sights is the image of Dao women patiently hand-stitching their intricate traditional garments. Each scarf and skirt is not only a product of skill and perseverance but also a powerful expression of ethnic pride.

Ms. Dang Thi Binh, a Bo Xo resident, shared that the traditional costume of Dao Tien women includes a headscarf, shirt, skirt, and belt. The most distinctive feature is the delicately hand-embroidered scarf with elaborate motifs. Unlike other Dao groups such as the Dao Do or Dao Quan Chet, Dao Tien women wear knee-length indigo skirts with beeswax-printed patterns, creating a unique beauty.

The Muong ethnic community in Yen Luong is also actively working to safeguard their cultural heritage.

In 2018, the Muong Ethnic Cultural Club of Yen Luong Commune was established with 35 members and has since expanded its activities significantly. Its performances during festivals, Tet celebrations, competitions, and cultural exchange events—especially programs teaching Muong gong playing, traditional dance, and Vi and Rang singing—have become highlights of community life. During these activities, members wear traditional costumes and recreate cultural spaces that help younger generations understand and appreciate their heritage.

Mr. Dinh Van Tien, Vice Chairman of the Yen Luong Commune People’s Committee and Head of the Muong Ethnic Culture Club, explained that Yen Luong is home to five ethnic groups, with ethnic minorities making up over 70 percent of the population. The commune has implemented various programs tailored to each residential area to preserve and promote cultural values, integrated into the new rural development program and community education efforts to eliminate outdated customs. Ethnic culture clubs not only provide healthy cultural spaces but also serve as spiritual bridges, nurturing pride and passing down tradition to the younger generation.

Thanks to its geographical proximity to cultural hubs like Hoa Binh, Yen Bai, and Son La, Thanh Son District has launched a comprehensive project to inventory, preserve, and promote the cultural identity of ethnic groups, closely tied to tourism development through 2025. The district is actively preserving traditional languages, customs, arts, architecture, and cuisine. Unique folk practices such as the New Rice Festival, Forest Opening Ceremony, lullabies, Vi and Rang singing, Gong and Dam Duong performances, the Establishment Ceremony, Jumping Festival, and Rain-Praying Ceremony continue to be revived and passed down.

In the past five years, Thanh Son has collaborated with the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to organize numerous training sessions for cultural preservation. These include instruction in ethnic music and performance skills like Vi, Rang, and Cham Duong singing, specifically tailored for artisans and cultural clubs. Artisan Dinh Van Thanh of Tat Thang Commune, a participant in a recent training course on Cham Thau and Cham Duong performance arts, shared that through these classes, they aim to spread the love for culture within the community, which is the most effective way to preserve and promote the image of Thanh Son’s land and people.

Currently, Thanh Son District supports the operation of 185 ethnic cultural clubs and the preservation of 127 traditional stilt houses, 1,316 gongs, over 1,000 sets of traditional musical instruments, and nearly 4,500 traditional costumes. Elders, artisans, and village chiefs are supported in teaching younger generations, while the Fatherland Front and mass organizations actively participate in mobilizing community efforts to preserve and promote these rich cultural heritages.

In addition to its vibrant ethnic culture, Thanh Son is also steeped in historical and spiritual traditions. The district is home to 11 historical relics, including one national site—Thach Khoan Communal House—and ten provincial relics, all tied to the worship of Saint Tan Vien, a revered cultural figure of the Northern Midlands. Annual festivals at these sites attract both locals and visitors from across the country.

Thanh Son is also marked by revolutionary history, with notable landmarks such as the Kha Cuu Historical Stele, the Uncle Ho Monument in Yen Son, and Doc Ngu Tomb in Yen Luong, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to reconnect with the roots of the Vietnamese revolution.

To connect cultural preservation with community-based tourism, Thanh Son has invested in cultural restoration at key tourist destinations such as Kha Cuu Commune (Muong village), Xuan Thang area (Cu Thang), Chen-Chu-Ho Village (Yen Son), and Sinh Tan Village (Thuong Cuu). Alongside cultural preservation, the district is developing scenic tourist attractions like Dich Qua tea hill, May Waterfall in Huong Can, Choi Waterfall in Cu Thang, and Da Mai Waterfall in Thang Son.

Local agricultural and culinary specialties are also being promoted to serve tourism. These include hill chicken, stream duck, badger pig, wild honey, high-quality green tea, Can wine, Hoan wine, sour pork, five-color sticky rice, Nang cake, and ant egg cake, as well as brocade, weaving, and handicraft products that carry strong cultural symbolism.

Mr. Tran Danh Tung, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture, Science, and Information of Thanh Son District, affirmed that through the effective implementation of Party and State policies on preserving and promoting ethnic cultural values, many traditions have been restored and passed on. These intangible cultural heritages not only enrich the national movement “All people unite to build a cultural life” and help foster civilized practices in weddings, funerals, and festivals, but also provide a solid foundation for tourism development and contribute to improving the cultural and spiritual lives of people in ethnic minority areas.

Thu Giang