Ethnic cultures take centre stage in Moc Chau plateau

Cultural and tourism camps showcasing the traditions of 12 ethnic groups in Son La province have become a major attraction during the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week 2026, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnam's northwest.

Local agricultural products on display at a cultural camp.

Held at May 8 Square in Moc Chau ward from August 29 to September 2, the event brings together 13 participating localities, including Moc Chau, Moc Son, Van Son, Thao Nguyen, Tan Yen, Doan Ket, Chieng Son and Van Ho, along with other tourism destinations such as Quynh Nhai, Ngoc Chien, Muong Chanh, Ta Xua and Binh Thuan.

Each locality has created a distinctive camp reflecting the cultural identity of its ethnic communities through architecture, traditional clothing, daily life, cuisine, folk performances, handicrafts and local agricultural products.

The exhibits, many of which were prepared months in advance, tell stories of local communities and their pride in preserving their cultural heritage, turning the camp into a colourful showcase of Son La's ethnic traditions.

The cultural camp of Moc Chau ward.
A display area at the Moc Chau ward cultural camp.

"We have brought the cultural space of the Xinh Mun ethnic group to the event. Our main goal is not simply to win a prize, but to help people, especially younger generations, develop a stronger appreciation for and pride in their roots, while creating opportunities to develop community-based tourism and improve local livelihoods," said Do Tri Dung, Vice Chairman of the Moc Chau ward People's Committee.

The cultural camp of Ngoc Chien commune.

Traveling nearly 200 km, Ngoc Chien commune presented a cultural space highlighting the Mong ethnic group while promoting its distinctive tourism potential and attractions in an area often described as a "fairytale countryside."

Lo Van Thoa, Vice Chairman of the Ngoc Chien commune People's Committee, said the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week 2026 offered the locality an important opportunity to promote its intangible cultural heritage and eco-tourism potential to domestic and international visitors.

"We hope to give people and visitors a memorable impression of Ngoc Chien's culture, people and beautiful landscapes," he said.

Brocade souvenirs from Quynh Nhai commune.
Muong Chanh artisans make pottery.

Folk artisans have been instrumental in bringing the ethnic cultural spaces to life. They have helped design the displays while also performing and introducing traditional crafts and cultural practices to visitors.

"I am very happy and moved to see our culture honoured at such a major event and to see so many visitors interested in coming here and learning about it," said Lo Van Lang, a pottery artisan from Muong Chanh commune. "We simply hope to pass our love of this culture on to younger generations and introduce its beauty to more people."

The cultural camp area attracts large numbers of local residents and visitors.

Amid the cool autumn weather of the Moc Chau plateau, visitors have been drawn to the colourful cultural camps, where they can experience local traditions firsthand and interact with welcoming ethnic communities.

Nguyen Thi Ai, a visitor from the central city of Da Nang, said she was impressed by the effort put into preparing the camps by the participating communes and wards.

"The camps are not only beautiful but also very authentic. I saw artisans embroider brocade, sampled delicious OCOP (One Commune One Product) products, experienced xoe and bamboo dances, and watched gong dances and traditional flute performances," she said. "I have discovered a Son La that is welcoming, culturally rich and incredibly attractive."

Dao ethnic performers present a gong dance.

The ethnic cultural camps are among the highlights of the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week 2026, offering a vibrant space where traditional heritage meets modern tourism.

The camps allow visitors to explore local culture, sample regional cuisine and shop for local products, while serving as a link connecting activities throughout the festival. The event also showcases Moc Chau and Son La as destinations defined by rich cultural traditions, warm hospitality and the distinctive character of Vietnam's northern highlands./.

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