(HBO) – The 10th Xen Muong festival opened in Mai Chau district’s Chieng Chau commune on February 14. The festival saw leaders of Mai Chau district and local people in attendance.
Thay mo (shaman) leads a delegation
processing the palanquin to Bon Temple
Chieng Chau commune is considered the capital of Thai ethnic people who
migrated from Bac Ha (Lao Cai province) in the 13th century. Generations
of Thai lords directed people to reclaim the land to set up their villages. The
festival is organised to show locals’ respect for the predecessors, and pray
for favourable weather, pumper crops, and people’s prosperity and happiness.
The festival also helps popularise Mai Chau tourism’s potential to both domestic
and foreign visitors.

Art performance of Thai ethnic
people at Xen Muong festival
This year, the festival was held at communal level, including offering
ceremony and festive activities. After leader of Chieng Chau commune beat the
drum to kick off the festival, the shaman and local people processed the
palanquin of Tuong Su (General Su) to Bon village. This was followed by an incense
offering ceremony at Bon Temple.
Besides, a wide range of art performances that featured Thai ethnic culture
were staged at the event./.
With its pristine landscapes, unique cultural heritage of Muong ethnic minority, and an expanding range of visitor experiences, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh has fast become a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Until now, Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district remains the only Dao ethnic community in Hoa Binh province to develop a community-based tourism model. Beyond its untouched natural landscapes, cultural identity serves as the cornerstone attraction for visitors.
Alongside the diverse cultural identities of the Kinh, Muong, Tay, Thai, Dao, and Mong ethnic people, Hoa Binh province is also renowned as the "capital" of the northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, offering unique and distinctive dishes. At festivals, during Lunar New Year (Tet), or on significant family or community occasions, special dishes are prepared, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
A Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia) flower garden in Thang village, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district is currently in full bloom, drawing a large number of visitors.
Community-based tourism has been thriving in Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district thanks to advantages in natural landscape and cultural identity.
Doan Ket commune of Yen Thuy district has recently held a ceremony to receive a certificate recognising Ta communal house as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site.