To reach Ngoc Chien, we crossed the majestic Sam Sip peak at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, navigating winding mountain roads through a sea of clouds. Crossing the pass, the Ngoc Chien countryside unfolded with picturesque scenery that left us captivated and in awe: truly a “journey into a fairyland.”

Following local officials, our first stop was Chom Khau hamlet. With the goal of preserving heritage linked to sustainable tourism, the hamlet has inaugurated a Mong ethnic cultural space - an important cultural institution that authentically recreates traditional life.

Welcoming us in a traditional wooden house with a thatched roof, Vang A De, Party cell secretary and head of the hamlet, proudly shared that the facility has been in operation since November 2025. The five-compartment structure is carefully arranged, displaying artifacts associated with daily life and production, such as tools for making banh day (round glutinous rice cake), stone mills, and areas for flax spinning and weaving. This space preserves Mong cultural identity and serves as a vital community venue during festivals, holidays, and for welcoming visitors.

Leaving Chom Khau hamlet, we continued to explore other unique and rare cultural spaces. A highlight is the Lau Xa culture of the La Ha people, featuring 23 stone jars of various sizes that vividly resemble traditional rice wine vessels. Creativity using stone can be seen throughout villages along the road to the commune centre.

A striking scene unfolds along the gentle Chien stream, where water wheels and giant pinwheels create a poetic landscape beside wooden houses with po mu roofs emerging through mist. Notable features include gateways, clean pathways, house pillars, and resting benches - all meticulously and artistically crafted from stone. Newly built sites such as Muong Chien Church, the ancient sa mu tree shrine in Na Tau hamlet, Coc No Xi Tu shrine in Phay hamlet, and the banyan tree shrine in Xu Cong hamlet all appear unique and captivating.

The journey concluded with deep emotions in the highland hamlet of Nam Nghep, immersed in the pure white blossoms of son tra flowers and the rustic beauty of Mong life. Traveling from Moc Chau ward to Ngoc Chien, Mui Thi Ngoc shared: “Coming to Ngoc Chien, I feel peaceful and relaxed. This truly is a ‘fairyland’ worth living in, with both beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural identity. Each hamlet and each ethnic group here has its own unique way of showcasing its culture.”

In Ngoc Chien, we heard inspiring stories of creativity and dedication. In recent years, the commune has mobilised social resources and actively encouraged villagers to build their own cultural spaces to preserve ethnic traditions. Lo Van Thoa, Vice Chairman of the commune People’s Committee, said that hamlets have incorporated regulations on preserving traditional costumes, language, script, rituals, and customs into their community conventions. The commune also restores and organises traditional festivals such as the New Rice Festival, buffalo worship ceremony, and Son Tra Flower Festival, helping spread cultural identity and attract visitors.

This year’s son tra (Docynia indica) flower season will feature a festival scheduled for March 21–22 under the theme “Son Tra Blossoms – Spring Colours of Ngoc Chien 2026.” The event will include activities such as flower viewing, traditional folk games, exhibitions of local agricultural and OCOP (One Commune One Product) products, the Son Tra Sky Race 2026, and cultural space tours.

Alongside ethic cultural preservation, Ngoc Chien also promotes community arts movements. Although the commune has 15 hamlets, it boasts 45 art teams, one Then singing artisan, 35 Thai singers, 51 tinh tau lute players, 46 khen (panpipe) players, and 15 flute performers. Regular cultural exchanges help improve performance skills, enrich spiritual life, strengthen community bonds, and create unique attractions for tourists.

Outstanding artisan Lo Thi Hy from Muong Chien 2 hamlet said: “For nearly 20 years, I have participated in festivals and traditional celebrations. I also compose lyrics inspired by folk melodies and teach Then singing to younger generations, hoping to preserve our cultural heritage.”

Continuing cultural preservation combined with tourism development, Ngoc Chien commune is focusing on building community-based tourism sites in Luot and Na Tau hamlets associated with Thai culture, and Nam Nghep hamlet linked with Mong culture. The commune is also promoting an image of friendly, gentle, and hospitable people, attracting visitors and contributing to local socio-economic development.