Muong E preserves cultural identity of ethnic groups

Located by the legendary Pha Din Pass, Muong E commune is home to the diverse cultural identities of four ethnic groups: Thai, Kho Mu, Khang, and Mong. This diversity creates a colourful cultural tapestry, which has become a resource for the locality to promote preservation linked to sustainable tourism development.

Local people play ‘con’ (cloth ball) throwing.

Preserving cultural traditions in Muong E faces many challenges, such as the impact of cultural exchange and the development of industrial products, which have somewhat changed the perception of a segment of the population, especially the youth, regarding traditional crafts. Therefore, preserving cultural traditions is identified by the commune Party Committee and authorities as a long-term task, aiming to create endogenous driving forces in the socio-economic development of the locality.

Muong E commune recreates excerpts of traditional ‘Xen Ban’ Festival.

Lo Anh Vien, Vice Chairman of the communal People's Committee, said that the commune has effectively preserved the distinctive traditional cultural features of the ethnic groups. Traditional festivals such as ‘Xen Ban’, ‘Xen Muong’, and the crop praying festival are being restored and preserved by local authorities in coordination with specialised agencies. In addition, other traditional features such as the crafting of Mong panpipe and folk songs of the ethnic groups have also been received due attention. Furthermore, the development of homestays and the organisation of cultural experience activities, such as participating in festivals, learning brocade weaving, and enjoying traditional cuisine, contribute to promoting and preserving cultural traditions.

Artisans from Ai Khom hamlet, Muong E commune, demonstrate the stages of crafting Mong panpipe.

The traditional rattan and bamboo weaving craft of the Thai ethnic group in Lua hamlet has been preserved for generations. To conserve and create a foundation for developing rattan and bamboo weaving experiential tourism in the locality, the Rattan and Bamboo Weaving Cooperative was established in 2022 with 15 members. The products made by the cooperative sell for between 80,000 and 120,000 VND per item, creating an additional income of 3-5 million VND (114-190 USD) per month for the locals.

The traditional craft of rattan and bamboo weaving is passed down through generations in Lua hamlet, Muong E commune.

 

Lo Van Hoan, Secretary of the Party cell and head of Lua hamlet, shared that most of the artisans in the hamlet are elderly, so the Party cell and the management board of the hamlet are encouraging them to teach the craft to young people and students to preserve the traditional craft. The commune is developing a project to establish a traditional craft village in Lua hamlet, thereby contributing to preserving the traditional craft and attracting more tourists.

Quang Van Vu, Secretary of the Party cell and head of Chieng Ve hamlet, said that the production of brocade items and the sewing of traditional ethnic costumes are maintained and passed down by local people to the younger generation. In addition, the hamlet encourages its performing arts groups to regularly practice traditional folk dances and songs, spreading the beauty of ethnic cultures within the community.

A demonstration of rattan and bamboo weaving by artisans from Lua hamlet, Muong E commune.

Schools in Muong E commune have also integrated the preservation of traditional cultural values into extracurricular programmes. This helps students access knowledge and develop an awareness of preserving the local cultural identity. In particular, the communal People's Committee is developing a project to promote cultural tourism linked to the preservation and development of traditional products, contributing to increasing income and expanding the market for traditional handicrafts from the rattan and bamboo weaving craft through tourism activities.

 Persistently pursuing the goal of heritage preservation linked to livelihoods, Muong E commune is gradually transforming its diverse cultural treasure into a driving force for socio-economic development. This approach not only creates a unique tourist landscape along the legendary Pha Din route but also affirms the vitality of traditional culture, ensuring that the valuable legacy of previous generations remains a source of pride and a foundation for the future.

Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • ' Long Phieng Boarding School holds inauguration rehearsal

    Long Phieng Boarding School holds inauguration rehearsal

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet on August 21 attended the final rehearsal for the inauguration and trial operation of Long Phieng Primary and Secondary Boarding School in Long Phieng commune. Also attending were Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Trung Chien, Vice Chairman of the committee Dang Ngoc Hau, and representatives of several departments and agencies.
  • ' Yen Son Boarding School readies for opening

    Yen Son Boarding School readies for opening

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet on August 21 attended the final rehearsal for the inauguration and trial operation of Yen Son Primary and Secondary Boarding School in Yen Son commune. Also attending were Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Trung Chien, and representatives of several departments and agencies.
  • 'New school helps nurture dreams of students in Yen Son border area

    New school helps nurture dreams of students in Yen Son border area

    SOCIETY -
    After more than nine months of construction, the Yen Son Primary and Secondary Boarding School project has completed all major facilities and is ready to welcome teachers and students for the new academic year. It is set to become a dream school, nurturing children from ethnic minority communities in the border area and helping them pursue their dreams of a brighter future.
  • 'Chieng Hac highland market: A journey into local culture

    Chieng Hac highland market: A journey into local culture

    BUSINESS -
    The Chieng Hac commune People’s Committee on April 21 held the 2026 highland market under the theme “Back to Cherished Memories,” featuring a vibrant lineup of cultural, sporting and culinary activities that drew large crowds of local residents and visitors.
  • 'Son La, Houaphanh boost industry, trade connectivity

    Son La, Houaphanh boost industry, trade connectivity

    FOREIGN AFFAIR -
    A delegation from the Department of Industry and Trade of Laos' Houaphanh province led by its Director Thongsuk Somphavan paid a working visit to the Department of Industry and Trade of Son La province on August 20. Director of the Son La department Ha Nhu Hue received and held a working session with the delegation.
  • 'Son La steps up dairy cattle relocation, land-use management in Moc Chau

    Son La steps up dairy cattle relocation, land-use management in Moc Chau

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and President of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Cha A Cua on August 20 conducted a field survey to assess the use of agricultural and forestry land and the relocation of dairy cattle from the core zone of the Moc Chau National Tourism Area in Thao Nguyen and Van Son wards. He was accompanied by leaders of several provincial departments and agencies.
  • 'Workshop seeks to promote Muong Chanh tourism

    Workshop seeks to promote Muong Chanh tourism

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    Muong Chanh commune, in coordination with Tay Bac University, on August 18 organised a workshop themed “Muong Chanh Tourism: Potential, Current Situation and Solutions.” The event was attended by Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Lo Minh Hung; leaders of several provincial departments and agencies, and Phieng Cam, Chieng Mai, Muoi Noi and Binh Thuan communes; as well as scientists, artisans, businesses and cooperatives in the localities.
  • 'Muong Chanh builds on revolutionary legacy for prosperous future

    Muong Chanh builds on revolutionary legacy for prosperous future

    SOCIETY -
    Returning to Muong Chanh during the historic August days, the first impression is of lush coffee plantations stretching across the hillsides as far as the eyes can see. At the heart of the commune, a more prosperous and vibrant landscape, adorned with colourful flags and flowers, reflects a renewed sense of confidence and vitality in what was once a revolutionary base.
  • '"Ve ban em" gameshow held in Huoi Mot commune

    "Ve ban em" gameshow held in Huoi Mot commune

    CULTURE -
    The Son La Newspaper and Radio-Television, in coordination with the provincial Culture and Sports Centre, organised the “Ve Ban Em” (Coming to my hamlet) gameshow in Huoi Mot commune on August 18. The programme attracted a large number of local residents.
  • 'Son La youth carry revolutionary legacy forward

    Son La youth carry revolutionary legacy forward

    SOCIETY -
    More than eight decades have passed since the success of the August Revolution in 1945, yet the unyielding revolutionary spirit kindled by the Party cell at Son La Prison continues to light the way, serving as an invaluable source of strength for the people of Son La and the wider Northwestern region, especially the younger generation. From that historic autumn to today’s autumn of peace, the legacy of the revolution continues to inspire young people with a profound sense of pride and gratitude, strengthening their faith in the revolutionary traditions and their love for their homeland and country.