Spreading the Melodies of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng of the Muong Ethnic Group

In June 2025, the folk performing arts of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng singing of the Muong people were officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as National Intangible Cultural Heritages. Since then, these two most distinctive genres of Muong folk music have been revitalized and promoted by the Muong communities across the former Hoa Binh regions.

Muong singing artisans in Dai Dong Commune maintain Thuong Rang and Bo Meng exchanges during community activities.

In early Spring, when festivals are in full swing, Muong communities in regions like Muong Bi, Muong Vang, Muong Thang, and Muong Dong hold folk singing competitions. Each event attracts hundreds of artisans from Muong areas both within and outside the province. Attending the Dinh Bang Festival (Ngoc Son Commune) during the 2026 Year of the Horse, artisan Bui Thi Trung, a member of the Muong Khu Singing Club, excitedly shared: "The competition is a playground for artisans and Muong culture enthusiasts to exchange and learn. Through this, we become more aware of our role and responsibility in preserving and passing down our folk culture."

The performance space for Thuong Rang and Bo Meng is being proactively expanded by the heritage practitioners themselves. Monthly, Muong singing clubs such as Bai Chim (Quyet Thang Commune), Muong Khu (Ngoc Son Commune), and Lac Son (Lac Son Commune) maintain regular activities and exchange sessions. Performances often take place at communal house yards, scenic hills, or along riverbanks—anywhere that draws folk music lovers, including historical sites, scenic spots, and village community houses.

Beyond community movements, artisans often perform during family gatherings, weddings, longevity celebrations, and housewarmings, or to serve tourists. Passionate individuals like Mrs. Quach Thi Lon, Mr. Bui Van Hanh, Mr. Bui Huy Vong, and Mr. Bui Cong Nhan have even pioneered YouTube channels to spread their love for Thuong Rang and Bo Meng, attracting millions of views and thousands of followers.

According to folk researcher and Meritorious Artisan Bui Huy Vong, Thuong Rang and Bo Meng are typically performed in Spring and Autumn. These genres are characterized by a chant-like, narrative style (singing-speaking-chanting-praising) involving a dialogue between two people. There are no duets or choir performances in these genres. The art form is deeply intertwined with the daily life and labor of the Muong people. While the performance may appear simple, it requires profound life experience and a deep understanding of culture to perform fluently and touch the hearts of listeners.

With state recognition and protection, the province is providing further momentum for these heritages to thrive. The role of those who “keep and pass on the fire” of heritage is highly regarded. Traditional festivals have been restored, and community spaces have been invested in to create environments for heritage practice. Promoting Thuong Rang and Bo Meng through art performances allows artisans to participate in festivals, spreading the unique folk culture of the Muong people.

Furthermore, the values of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng are being harnessed for sustainable tourism development. Through tourism promotion activities, these melodies have been integrated into unique tourism products at sites like the Kim Boi Mineral Spring and community-based tourism spots in Mu (Ngoc Son) and Chien (Van Son) hamlets, offering visitors a deeply authentic experience.

Bui Minh