Long Sap is a border commune located about 30 km from the center of Moc Chau district, with a national border gate to Laos. For a long time, the Long Sap border gate has been a hub for trade and cultural exchange between the ethnic communities on both sides of the border, especially those in Mco Chau district and Sopbao district of Laos’ Houaphanh province. From early morning on September 2, thousands of people and visitors from near and far gathered at the Long Sap Stadium to immerse themselves in the vibrant festive atmosphere.

Amid the crowds, groups of Mong ethnic boys and girls in colourful traditional costumes visited the market, strolling around, shopping for essential items, enjoying traditional dishes, and taking photos with their phones.

Thao Thi Dua from Phieng Cai hamlet, Long Sap commune, said: “On this day, everyone chooses their most beautiful outfits to visit the market and enjoy the festivities. We thank the Party and the State for their constant care and efforts to improve the people's quality of life.”

Coming to Long Sap on this day, tourists could join various attractive cultural and sports activities such as tug-of-war, pounding “banh day” (round sticky rice cake), tu lu (a traditional game), and “nem con” (cloth ball throwing); enjoy cultural exchanges with unique performances reflecting the cultural heritage of the Mong, Thai, and Kho Mu ethnic groups in Long Sap commune. Particularly, Laos’ graceful Lam Vong dances added to the charm of the programme, showcasing the strong friendship between the two nations and celebrating Vietnam’s National Day.

Phouvong Phetsavong, a border guard officer from Houaphanh province’s Sopbao district, shared: “The atmosphere on September 2 in Vietnam is very joyful and vibrant. Participating in the National Day celebrations here makes me feel very happy. Such cultural exchanges help strengthen the friendship between the two countries and their people.”

Commercial activities were also bustling, with numerous goods on display to serve locals and tourists, contributing to the economic development of the border region. Additionally, the blending of the two distinctive cultures of Vietnam and Laos attracted tourists to the border to celebrate the National Day.

Nguyen Phuong Anh, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “Celebrating Independence Day at the border is very interesting. We can join the unique cultural and artistic activities and taste the traditional dishes of the border people. The locals are very hospitable and friendly. I will definitely return to this area.”

Nguyen Phuong Anh, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “Celebrating the Independence Day at the border is very interesting. We can join the unique cultural and artistic activities and taste the traditional dishes of the border people. The locals are very hospitable and friendly. I will definitely return to this area.”

The Moc Chau Tourism and Culture Week, with activities held at the Long Sap national border gate, serves as not only a place for trading but also an opportunity for people on both sides of the border to interact, share their feelings, and showcase the distinctive cultural features of the border ethnic groups, thereby strengthening the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

Celebrating the Independence Day at the Long Sap border reflects the unity, joy, and patriotic spirit of the border people. Through these activities, the locals are encouraged to emulate production, preserve their cultural heritage, and together safeguard the country’s borders.