Nam Lau is a commune with significant advantages for agricultural development, in which coffee has been identified as a key crop helping local people escape poverty. The commune has nearly 3,000 households, of which about 85% cultivate coffee, with a total area of more than 1,770 hectares.

The Son La provincial Red Cross Society, in coordination with the Red Cross family of Ngoc Mai from Hanoi’s Thuong Tin district and other sponsors, organised the “Humanitarian Tet” gift-giving programme in Chieng Lao commune on January 16.

Muong Sai is a commune located in the reservoir area of the Son La Hydropower Plant, characterised by fragmented terrain and an economy primarily based on agriculture. The population is entirely composed of ethnic minority groups. Effectively implementing preferential policies and utilising investment capital from State programmes and projects have provided important momentum for the commune’s comprehensive development, particularly in improving rural infrastructure and creating sustainable livelihoods for local people.

As part of the first Mong Traditional Lunar New Year Festival 2026, held by the Chieng Sai commune People’s Committee on January 15, a range of cultural activities and sports competitions took place, drawing large crowds of local residents and visitors.

Hoang Van Nghiem, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, head of the provincial delegation of National Assembly deputies, and head of the provincial Election Steering Committee, on January 15 chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee to deploy tasks for preparations for the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Tien on January 15 chaired a working session to review and resolve difficulties and obstacles related to the project to develop technical infrastructure in Chieng Sinh ward’s Residential Area 5 (the former radio transmission centre area), and another to construct the headquarters of the provincial People’s Procuracy. The meeting was attended by leaders of several relevant departments and agencies.

The Chieng Sai commune People’s Committee held the first Mong Traditional New Year Festival 2026 on January 15.

The provincial Party Committee Office on January 14 held a conference to collect opinions from voters at the workplace on proposed candidates for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and the provincial People’s Council for the 2026–2031 term.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Tien on January 14 chaired a meeting on the construction progress of primary and secondary boarding schools in border communes.

Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet on January 14 chaired a working session with Vaca Maxi High-Tech Livestock JSC regarding its proposal to invest in the Vaca Maxi high-quality beef cattle farming and animal feed processing project in Son La province.

Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam Pekka Voutilainen and his spouse paid a courtesy visit to the leaders of Son La province on January 14.

Son La province’s fresh tea bud output hit 55,970 tonnes in 2025, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year.

As one of the ethnic communities that have lived for generations in Son La, the Muong people contribute unique colours to the diverse cultural mosaic of the province’s 12 ethnic groups. Through many generations of transmission and continuity, the traditional culture of the Muong ethnic group has continued to be preserved and promoted by the community, safeguarding its core values amid the impacts of modern life.

A running race themed “The Colours of Wild Cherry Blossoms” was held in Cat Linh hamlet, Muong La commune, attracting nearly 800 runners from agencies, units, businesses, schools, and sports clubs across the province.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and head of the provincial delegation of National Assembly deputies Hoang Van Nghiem on January 11 led a working delegation to review the socio-economic development and inspected the progress of projects in Chieng Khuong commune.

Son La’s school-based boarding meal programme has drawn sustained attention and investment from local authorities and parents. With upgraded facilities, tightly supervised food-preparation processes and balanced, nutritious menus, the kitchens have become an important factor in boosting school attendance and have delivered measurable improvements in students’ health indicators across the province.

Permanent Vice Chairman of the Son La provincial People’s Committee Ha Trung Chien on January 9 chaired a meeting of the provincial Steering Committee for Building a Learning Society to review activities in 2025 and roll out tasks for this year.