In the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Cultural Industries to 2020, with a vision to 2030, cultural tourism is identified as one of the 13 key sectors. With its rich cultural heritage potential, Son La has been and is exploiting its cultural strengths to develop tourism, contributing to the creation of resources to promote socio-economic development.
In the Moc Chau National Tourist Area, along with the majestic natural scenery, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the unique cultural values of the ethnic groups of the Northwest through festivals, customs, and community life. Leveraging this advantage, Moc Chau ward has implemented many solutions to preserve and promote cultural values in conjunction with tourism development.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa - Chairperson of the People's Committee of Moc Chau Ward, Son La ProvinceCulture is an extremely important factor, as the Moc Chau area is home to 12 ethnic groups living together. Among them, the unique characteristics of the Mong ethnic group remain intact and are a key highlight in the future development of community-based tourism villages. In the coming time, we will exploit these unique elements to further promote their potential.
In local cultural events, the traditional beauty of the Hmong people is vividly recreated through their embroidery and tailoring of traditional costumes, the melodious sound of the Hmong flute, and their folk dances. This is not only a source of pride for the community but also serves as a bridge connecting culture with tourism development.
Ms. Vang Thi Pang - Ta So village, Moc Chau ward, Son La provinceHmong women have traditionally cultivated flax, woven fabric, painted with beeswax, and sewn traditional clothing. During festivals, we are delighted to introduce our traditional crafts to visitors.
The unique aspects of traditional culture are what attract tourists, making each trip a journey of experiencing and appreciating the values of regional identity.
Ms. Ta Thuy Linh - Tourist from Hanoi CityThe costumes here are very unique and colorful. I tried them on and found them very beautiful and suitable, so I was impressed.
Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the Púng Hiéng Festival (also known as the New Year's Festival) of the Dao Tien people in Son La is a traditional clan ritual that signifies community cohesion, educates the younger generation about the principle of remembering one's roots, and preserves unique cultural and religious values. The festival is held annually during the Lunar New Year and is also reenacted in local cultural events.
Mr. Ly Trong Sinh - Lien Hop residential group, Van Son ward, Son La provinceThis year, on the occasion of Independence Day, we are promoting the Púng Hiéng festival to the community and everyone, both domestically and internationally, for the first time. We hope that the community will join in and support us in preserving our cultural heritage that has been passed down for thousands of generations.
Inspired by the enduring nature, Moc Chau Island is a place where the past and present intersect, where historical values and the cultural identity of the Northwest region blend with modern structures. Every experience here offers a fulfilling feeling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and local culture. Preserving ethnic culture combined with developing green agriculture is considered the foundation for the unit's tourism development orientation.
Mr. Hoang Manh Duy - Deputy Director of Moc Chau Island Tourist Area, Son La ProvinceOur principle is to constantly innovate and provide more experiences so that each time visitors return, they have a fresh feeling and are immersed in the atmosphere, not only during festivals but also during their visits to Moc Chau plateau, reflecting the culture and identity of the local ethnic groups in every activity and project here.
The connection between culture and tourism is a crucial foundation for ethnic minorities to cherish cultural values and develop tourism. With the theme "Long Sap - Borderland Love," the series of activities in the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week 2025 in Long Sap commune honored the cultural identity of ethnic groups and the close friendship between the people of Vietnam and Laos. At the same time, it affirmed the role and position of Vietnam and Laos on the tourism map.
Mr. Sut Vi Say Xay Xong Kham - Vice Chairman of the Sop Bau District Government Committee, Hua Phan Province, Lao People's Democratic RepublicWe are delighted to regularly participate in exchange events in Long Sap. This is an opportunity to strengthen friendship, promote the image, people, and unique culture of Son La province and Sop Bau district, Hua Phan province.
With the attention of the local government, the cooperation of the community, and the efforts of the people, the cultural heritage of the Northwest ethnic groups in Son La is not only sustainably preserved but also becomes an important resource for tourism development, promoting socio-economic development, and contributing to spreading Son La's cultural values to friends both domestically and internationally.