Papermaking (often called Giang paper or Bản paper) is an important intangible cultural heritage of the Hmong people in Son La, particularly developed in Van Ho and Moc Chau communes.

1. Materials and crafting techniques

The paper is made entirely by hand from natural materials, without the use of chemicals:

Ingredients: Use young, not too old, bamboo to ensure whiteness and flexibility.

Process: The bamboo is split into small pieces, the green outer layer is removed, and it is simmered with wood ash for 24 to 48 hours until it becomes soft and mushy. Then, the fibers are crushed into a fine powder, mixed with water, and spread into thin layers using a cloth frame.

Drying the paper: The paper is naturally dried in the sun. The finished product is light yellow or off-white in color, with a rough but very durable surface and a distinctive aroma of the mountains and forests.
2. Significance in spiritual life

Bamboo paper is not used for ordinary writing but is associated with religious rituals:

Worship: Used to paste onto ancestral altars, as gold paper money during holidays, festivals, and family ceremonies.

Festival: Used to decorate homes and cut into traditional patterns for the Hmong New Year.

3. Tourism Development and Conservation by 2026

By early 2026, papermaking has become a unique experiential tourism product in Son La:

Experience location: Tourists can directly participate in the paper-making process at Hua Tat village (Van Ho commune) under the guidance of local artisans such as Mr. Trang A Cua.

New innovations: Building upon traditional bamboo paper, the people have developed additional crafts such as paper paintings and handcrafted souvenirs, helping to promote culture and increase income for the community.

This craft not only preserves the ethnic identity but also serves as a bridge, bringing the culture of the Hmong people of Son La closer to domestic and international tourists.