The Thai ethnic group in Son La boasts many unique folk games, including “Tung con” (throwing the ball through the circle). The "con" is a colourful fabric ball skillfully sewn by Thai women, filled with rice, cotton, or sand, and decorated with tassels that perform the function of orienting. The playground for the game is a large area of land with a tall bamboo pole planted at its centre, topped with a circular frame. Players throw the ball high into the air, targeting the bullseye with a hope for good luck in the new year.

At the “Le mung com moi” (New rice celebration) which was held in Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district last month, traditional games were revived and included in the festive part following the rice offering ritual at the ancestral house of Don Ho in Muong Chien hamlet.

The “Ngu kin khiet” (also known as dragon-snake game) was re-enacted in the new rice festival with the participation of both men’s and women’s teams from hamlets in the commune. The game was simple but brought suspense to viewers with its chasing scenes and joyful atmosphere.

Additionally, young girls and boys in traditional costumes kicking a ball made of a grapefruit also attracted a large audience.

If “tung con”, “di ca kheo” (walking on stilts), to mak lẹ and fish catching competition are played in festivals of the Thai ethnic people, “banh day” (round sticky rice cake) making contest, “Tu lu” (a traditional version of spinning tops), and stick pushing are held at the cultural festival of the Mong ethnic group.

Among them, "Tu lu" is a unique traditional game that showcases the martial spirit of the Mong people. The spinning tops are typically crafted and carved from hard woods like ironwood, while the spinning strings are often made from flax fiber. As the spinning tops are played, the level of difficulty increases according to the distance, and the objective is to strike the opponent's spinning top while keeping one's own spinning top in motion.

Over the past years, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has encouraged Son La city and districts to maintain traditional local performances, and folk games and sports in spring festivals, cultural and sport events, and community activities. The province organises sport tournaments annually, featuring traditional sports of ethnic groups such as stick pushing, crossbow shooting and tug of war.

Son La city and districts, based on the strengths of each area and ethnic group, organise folk games in appropriate formats. They also collect and re-enact certain traditional games to enrich the cultural activities of the province.

Passed down orally or by hands, traditional games are fading away in the modern society. The re-enaction, preservation, and promotion of the games are practical activities that require attention from all sectors and agencies and local authorities, especially preserving games with historical significance, rich cultural values, aesthetic appeal, and health benefits. At the same time, it is essential to eliminate unsafe and violent games./.