Preserving the Cultural Essence of the Thai Ethnic Group in Mai Chau

The Thai people are the largest indigenous ethnic group in Mai Chau District, now residing mainly in communes such as Mai Chau, Bao La, Mai Ha, and Tan Mai. Within the “common home” of Vietnam’s ethnic communities, the Thai people of Mai Chau contribute their own distinctive cultural hues, creating a vibrant and diverse mosaic of identities.

In terms of customs, the Thai in Mai Chau traditionally live in stilt houses built from wood and bamboo with palm-leaf roofs, harmoniously blending with the surrounding natural landscape. Wet rice cultivation, fruit growing, and livestock farming are their main economic activities.

Thousands of locals and visitors gather to experience traditional rituals during the Xen Ban and Xen Muong festivals of the Thai people in Mai Chau.

In recent years, alongside agricultural production, many households in Mai Chau have shifted toward tourism, opening homestays to serve travelers. Villages such as Lac, Pom Coong, Hich, and Buoc have become popular destinations for preserving the Thai people’s unique traditional values, featuring stilt houses and lush green surroundings. Tourism not only provides income but also helps preserve and promote the traditional culture of the Thai people to visitors.

Weaving brocade is an indispensable part of the Thai community’s cultural life in Mai Chau. This traditional art has been preserved and passed down through generations, playing a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the ethnic identity. Thai traditional costumes are among the most distinctive cultural symbols, made from handwoven brocade by Thai women in Mai Chau. Men’s clothing is typically simple, in colors that blend with nature and their environment, while women’s attire features elaborate patterns representing elements of nature—mountains, birds, plants, and the sun. Particularly, the handmade details on belts and Pieu scarves are crafted with great care and intricacy, adding a uniquely charming touch to the traditional attire.

Although traditional clothing is now less commonly worn in daily life, during important occasions such as the Lunar New Year, traditional festivals, or national celebrations, the Thai people of Mai Chau still proudly wear their traditional garments. It is both an act of cultural preservation and an expression of pride in their heritage and identity. In connection with tourism, they also perform traditional dances and fashion shows to share their culture and history with visitors in an engaging and authentic way.

The Thai community in Mai Chau has also preserved its unique festivals, often linked with agricultural seasons or spiritual rituals honoring deities. These festivals attract both locals and tourists to participate and experience the cultural richness. Among them, the Xen Ban, Xen Muong festival stands out for its symbolic prayers for peace and prosperity, featuring unique spiritual rites and lively entertainment activities.

The distinctive and flavorful cuisine of the Thai people in Mai Chau is also being introduced and promoted to domestic and international tourists.

According to Mr. Lo Van Luan, a respected community leader in Mai Chau Commune, the preservation of Thai culture is being actively integrated with tourism development. Traditional values such as stilt houses, costumes, cuisine, xoe dance, and keng loong performances are maintained and revitalized, creating an attractive and distinctive cultural experience for visitors.

Bui Minh