Thanks to innovative approaches, the unique cultural identity of the ethnic groups in Son La province is not only preserved but also promoted in contemporary life.

These efforts not only contribute to increasing people's income but also create a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of Son La's land and people.

The circle dance of solidarity performed by the people of Thom Mon commune, Thuan Chau district, at the Mai Da Ban Mon archaeological site.

Thuan Chau is home to approximately 39,500 households, including ethnic groups such as the Thai, Mong, La Ha, Kho Mu, and Khang… Among them, the La Ha people are one of the 14 ethnic groups facing specific difficulties according to Decision No. 1227/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister.

Implementing the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the period 2021-2030 (National Target Program 1719), villages with a large population of La Ha ethnic people in the district have benefited from investment and support resources from Sub-project 1 of Project 9. Infrastructure has been invested in, and essential and urgent needs in daily life are gradually being addressed. The La Ha ethnic people in Thuan Chau also receive support in restoring and promoting their traditional cultural identity.

A highlight was the reenactment of the Lang Pang A festival (also known as the Thanksgiving Festival) of the La Ha ethnic group in Han village, Chieng Pha commune, at the end of November 2024. This is a unique and deeply humane cultural activity of the La Ha people, but for a long time, due to various reasons, they did not have the opportunity to practice it.

The revival of the festival not only meets the religious needs of the people but also contributes to building cultural tourism products, creating a distinctive highlight and attracting visitors to Thuan Chau district.

Tourists participate in bamboo pole dancing when visiting Quynh Nhai.

Similar to Thuan Chau, other localities in Son La province have been effectively "transforming" investment and support resources from the National Target Program 1719 to preserve and promote the typical cultural values ​​of ethnic minorities, linking them with tourism development. Along with majestic nature and diverse ecosystems, the preserved, exploited, and promoted traditional culture has become an attractive element, "breathing life" into Son La tourism.

The unique cultural characteristics of Son La's ethnic groups have been widely promoted and their value exploited, creating highlights for the province's famous tourist areas and attractions, thus boosting Son La's tourism appeal in recent times. According to statistics from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the first quarter of this year, the province welcomed 1.76 million tourists, generating revenue of 1,985 billion VND. In May, the number of tourists reached 2,587, with revenue reaching 3,038 billion VND.

The "riverside region" of Quynh Nhai is a popular destination for tourists visiting Son La.

According to Pham Hong Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Son La is a place where many ethnic groups have lived for a long time, each possessing a treasure trove of cultural heritage with its own unique and valuable characteristics. In the process of national renewal, international integration, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the culture and people of Son La have absorbed and interacted with cultures from other regions, countries in the region, and internationally, creating a diverse and rich cultural identity.

In this process, through various programs and projects, especially the National Target Program 1719, Son La province has paid particular attention to implementing activities to preserve and promote the fine traditional cultural values ​​of its ethnic groups. Cultural preservation work has always been implemented by the province in conjunction with the economic development of local areas, especially tourism development.

One positive outcome is that the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural identities have contributed to pushing back against outdated customs, becoming a catalyst for "transforming" the Party and State's policies and guidelines into daily life. The core values ​​and fine traditions of Son La's culture and people have been preserved and promoted, becoming a solid spiritual foundation, creating strong motivation and important internal strength for Son La to integrate into the historical flow of the entire nation, strongly arousing patriotism, self-reliance, and the aspiration to build a prosperous and happy country.