The Khai Ha Festival of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province is held to help promote the beauty of Muong culture to visitors.

In the early morning mist of Kim Boi district, the rhythmic echoes of Muong gongs ring out from a small corner of Bo village. On a wooden porch, Dinh Thi Kieu Dung patiently guides a group of children through traditional Muong songs and dances. For nearly two decades, Dung has offered free cultural classes, motivated by a deep love for her heritage. Dung said she began these lessons to help young people embrace their roots and strengthen their bond with the homeland. Since 2004, over 500 children aged between 8 and 15 have taken part in her classes, many of whom have gone on to promote Muong music and dance in wider cultural settings.

A similar passion for preservation can be found in Lac Thuy district, where artisan Nguyen Manh Tuan began collecting traditional Muong handicrafts in 2012. He explained that his work is driven by a desire to protect the legacy of his ancestors from fading. Tuan has also reconstructed a traditional Muong stilt house, offering future generations a link to the spiritual life of the past.

Meanwhile, Bui Thanh Binh, director of the Muong Cultural Heritage Museum in Hoa Binh city, has spent years collecting artefacts that celebrate Muong traditions. He has helped transform the museum into a cultural site that draws both domestic and international visitors.

Hoa Binh province is home to more than 221 recognised cultural heritage sites linked to the Muong people, including four at national level and 43 at the provincial level.

Archaeological discoveries, such as the ancient tombs of Dong Thech (Kim Boi district), Dong Bay (Tan Lac district), and Doi Thung (Lac Son district), have been carefully excavated and preserved, shedding light on the rich history of the Muong people.

Traditional stilt houses, an iconic feature of Muong architecture, have also been preserved. Today, these homes serve not only as places of residence but as key attractions in community-based tourism, allowing visitors to experience Muong culture firsthand. In addition, local authorities have encouraged the wearing of traditional clothing among civil servants and students at least once a week to promote cultural identity. 

Among the most notable are the Mo Muong ritual, the Khai Ha Festival, and the Muong calendar – all of which have been recognised nationally.

The Khai Ha Festival, honoured as intangible heritage in 2022, continues to be celebrated annually and will be featured again in 2024 and 2025 as part of efforts to promote Muong heritage to both locals and tourists.

Language preservation has also seen significant progress. In 2016, the Muong script was officially recognised, offering a written foundation to help protect and promote the Muong language. Traditional knowledge, such as the community’s herbal medicine practices and the use of the bamboo calendar, also remain integral to Muong life.

Muong cuisine adds another layer to the cultural identity. With 69 traditional dishes and beverages crafted from locally sourced ingredients, Muong food reflects the close relationship between the people and their environment, and the essence of Muong community living.

Despite increasing modernisation, Muong culture continues to thrive thanks to folk music classes and grassroots collectors to vibrant festivals filled with drums and gongs. These efforts serve not only to preserve the past but to connect it with the present – ensuring that Muong's heritage continues to shine for generations to come.