On weekends, the Cultural House of Pan residential area, Thuan Chau commune comes alive with the resonant sounds of the ‘khen’ (panpipe), ‘pi’ flute and ‘dan tinh’ (a traditional stringed instrument). Elderly men and women perform lively, joyful ensembles, while the music blends with the innocent cheers of school-aged children who listen intently and watch every movement of their grandparents’ performances.

The traditional musical ensemble of the Pan residential area intergenerational self-help club has become a vibrant cultural space for the Thai elderly and folk artisans to spread love and responsibility for preserving ethnic culture throughout the community and among the younger generations.

Luong Van Dom, a member of the ensemble, shared that on weekends, especially during the summer holidays, grandparents both look after their grandchildren and teach them to play traditional Thai instruments such as the ‘dan tinh tau’, ‘dan nhi’ and ‘khen be’. Female artisans also teach the children how to embroider ‘pieu’ scarves and perform Thai ‘xoe’ dances, hoping that younger generations will continue to uphold the beauty of their ethnic culture.

Known in the Mong community as a ‘khen’ master, Trang A Lu of Hua Tat hamlet, Van Ho commune, remains passionate and dedicated to preserving the art of Mong ‘khen’ playing. “The ‘khen’ holds a particularly important place in the spiritual and ritual life of the Mong people,” he said. “Yet those who can play it proficiently, especially ceremonial repertoires, are now few. That is why I always strive to pass on my experience to the younger generations.”

Across Son La province, many artisans work tirelessly to teach cultural practices to young people, becoming both “keepers of the flame” and those who pass it on. Meritorious artisan Ban Van Duc of Van Ho commune has, over more than a decade, opened classes for nearly 1,000 learners, teaching language, historical and cultural values to help Dao communities access their traditional script. Meritorious artisan Hoang Van Chiem of Quynh Nhai commune instructs youth in the performance and crafting of the ‘dan tinh’, while meritorious artisan Tong Van Hoa of Chieng Coi ward teaches children to play ‘dan nhi’ (a traditional Vietnamese two-stringed vertical fiddle).

At present, the province is home to two People’s Artisans and 27 Meritorious Artisans. Local authorities have implemented remuneration policies in accordance with regulations and organised activities enabling artisans to promote their role in preserving traditional cultures of ethnic groups. Ethnic cultural content has also been integrated into the local education curriculum, giving students opportunities to learn and explore these values from an early age.

Pham Hong Thu, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the department will continue to host and participate in competitions, performances, festivals, and cultural, sports and tourism events to promote and introduce the province’s cultural heritage to domestic and international audiences. These activities create opportunities for generations of performers and artisans to exchange, learn, connect and be encouraged in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. The province will also continue honouring artisans and building supportive mechanisms and policies to motivate their active participation in protecting, transmitting and promoting heritage values.