The province boasts 22 intangible cultural heritages, of which the Thái’s xòe dance and the then ritual practice of the Tày, Nùng, and Thái have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. With such strengths, why shouldn’t Điện Biên make cultural tourism its strategic choice?

Domestic and international visitors often know Điện Biên for the historic Điện Biên Phủ Victory, “resounding across five continents, shaking the globe”, a turning point that ended France’s colonial war in Vietnam. Today, more than 70 years later, most tourists come mainly to explore relics of that campaign such as Hill A1 with its bunker and trenches, General de Castries’ command bunker, or the campaign headquarters in Mường Phăng. Yet, the province’s vast intangible cultural heritage remains little known and under-experienced, leaving much potential untapped.

Developing cultural tourism not only introduces the uniqueness of ethnic traditions but also helps preserve them by creating opportunities for visitors to participate, interact, and experience community life. To do this, Điện Biên must carefully design long-term strategies, identifying distinctive heritage strengths. Cultural tourism cannot be short-term, overly commercialized, or “stage-managed,” which risks monotony and deterring repeat visitors. Instead, it should provide authentic cultural spaces where tourists can immerse themselves in ethnic communities, villages, and traditions.

Recent years have seen encouraging efforts. The Hạn Khuống festival, a traditional communal activity of the Thái, was revived in 2019 in Him Lam 2 village. The Bun Huột Nặm water-splashing festival of the Lao ethnic group in Na Sang Commune is held annually, attracting both locals and visitors. In border commune Sín Thầu, the Hà Nhì people maintain their craft of making traditional costumes, recognized in 2023 as a national intangible heritage. Rituals such as the Hà Nhì’s Gạ ma thú (village worship), the Hồ Sự Chà New Year, the Si La’s new rice rituals and basket-weaving, and the Thái and Cống’s ancestor worship have all been revived, enriching the cultural life of ethnic communities.

One highlight is the outdoor performance Huyền tích U Va (“Legend of U Va”), staged during the Hoa Ban Festival and National Tourism Year 2024. With a set design of waterwheels, streams, rice paddies, and blooming ban flowers, the show recreates Thái legends, symbolizing gratitude to heaven and ancestors. It has become not only a tourism product but also a celebration of Thái cultural pride.

Among the most iconic traditions is the Thái people’s xòe dance, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Xòe is integral to daily life and a welcoming gesture for visitors. Any traveler joining a Thái village gathering is warmly invited to join hands in the circle of solidarity.

These are but glimpses of Điện Biên’s cultural diversity. Yet, as modern life and history reshape society, many traditions face decline. Research, preservation, and promotion of these cultural values through tourism is essential to keep them alive and relevant.

Cultural tourism, if developed strategically, can unlock Điện Biên’s potential and make tourism a spearhead economic sector for the province.