Điện Biên makes efforts to preserve and conserve traditional ethnic cultures

ĐBP – Điện Biên province has been making significant efforts to preserve and promote the traditional cultures of its diverse ethnic groups. The province is home to 19 ethnic communities, each with unique cultural identities, customs, and practices. To uphold these cultural treasures, local authorities and communities have implemented various initiatives to protect traditional crafts, festivals, and customs from fading away, in the face of modern development.

The preservation of these cultural elements not only helps safeguard the heritage for future generations but also serves as a foundation for the development of community-based tourism. This approach fosters both cultural pride and economic growth, ensuring that the rich traditions of Điện Biên's ethnic groups continue to thrive.

Hồ Thị Dua from Sa Lông Commune in Mường Chà District teaches her daughter embroidery as a way of preserving the traditional craft.

Since childhood, Hồ Thị Dua from Sa Lông Commune in Mường Chà District was taught by her mother and grandmother how to embroider patterns on fabric to make traditional clothing.

To continue that tradition and preserve their ethnic heritage, Dua has been coaching her daughter on embroidery. This passing of skills from mother to daughter has contributed to keeping the traditional craft of the Mông people in the area alive.

Observing Dua and her daughter embroidering pattern, one can sense how much meticulous undertaking and precision is involved in this traditional craft. A deep love for the art and immense patience are essential for Mông women to produce such intricately crafted traditional garments.

As she skillfully guides her needle through the red fabric, Dua shared: “I don't know when the art of embroidery among Mông Hoa people began, but I was taught by my mother at the age of ten. Now, this traditional beauty, this cultural identity, has become deeply ingrained in Mông women from generation to generation. To preserve this craft, I will pass it on to my children and grandchildren, hoping to keep the traditional skills of our people alive.”

The Xạ Phang women preserve their traditional craft by making their own ethnic clothing.

After busy days working on the farm, during her free time, Lò Thị Đôi, a Lao woman from Mường Luân Commune in Điện Biên Đông District, sits by her loom to weave brocade fabric.

Despite the cultural exchange with other ethnic groups and the presence of many different types of fabric, Đôi, like many Lao women, is determined to maintain the beauty of their traditional clothing. To prevent their craft from vanishing, she teaches and provides instructions to the younger generation in her village, thereby preserving and promoting their ethnic traditions.

Đôi shared: “I learned how to weave fabric as a child, which has helped preserve the culture of our people. In the past, Lao mothers believed that if a girl doesn’t know how to weave, she wouldn't be able to marry. When marrying, Lao girls had to weave brocade to gift to their in-laws.”

“Even now, Lao women like us still wear these traditional clothes every day as well as during festivals. For Lao women, traditional brocade clothing is very important and has been cherished across generations,” she said.

Lò Thị Đôi from Mường Luân Commune in Điện Biên Đông District continues to preserve the traditional brocade weaving craft of the Lao people.

In the context of broader societal development, there have been some conflicts between preserving traditional culture and the demand for comprehensive modernisation, leading to the decline of many customs and practices. However, to preserve and promote traditional values, Điện Biên Province has been working to introduce, preserve, and develop ethnic cultural heritage in ways that align with modern renewal efforts, gradually integrating with both domestic and international communities.

To harness the potential of tourism, local authorities and people from all ethnic groups have focused on linking tourism development with the preservation of cultural heritage.

This effort is part of the Resolution No 11-NQ/TW issued on July 29, 2021, of the Provincial Party Committee, regarding the preservation and development of ethnic culture and socio-economic development in Điện Biên Province for the 2021-2025 period, with a vision towards 2030.

Đoàn Văn Chì, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “Điện Biên has a rich cultural heritage system, with many unique traditions from 19 ethnic groups living together. This is a valuable resource, full of potential, and an advantage for cultural and tourism development.”

“By promoting tourism development and contributing to preserving traditional cultural beauty, the department has worked with localities to develop community-based tourism that incorporates the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity, contributing significantly to the province’s socio-economic development.”

Mông women in Sa Lông Commune in Mường Chà District pass down the skill of embroidering patterns on fabric to their daughters.

With the determination of local authorities and ethnic communities, the beautiful cultural traditions are being preserved and promoted. The successful organisation of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the opening of the National Tourism Year in Điện Biên 2024, the 2024 Ban Flower Festival, and a series of activities leading up to the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, as well as the effective utilisation of historical and cultural heritage have heralded an array of positive changes for the province’s tourism sector.

In the first six months of the year, the number of tourists visiting Điện Biên was estimated at 1.37 million, 2.18 times higher year-on-year. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VNĐ2.47 trillion (US$100.3 million), a 2.25-fold increase compared to the first half of 2023.

Building on these results, local authorities plan to continue exploring the diverse and rich cultural values of the ethnic groups, while promoting traditional folk songs, dances, music, festivals, crafts, cuisine, and customs. This will gradually shape unique community-based tourism products that are hoped to draw both domestic and international visitors to Điện Biên.

By Quang Hưng
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'African swine fever developments remain complex in Điện Biên

    African swine fever developments remain complex in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Since May 15, African Swine Fever (ASF) has broken out and spread among 26 households across 16 villages in five communes within Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province. Despite aggressive response measures by local authorities and veterinary agencies, the outbreak remains complicated and containment efforts face considerable challenges.
  • 'When the people are the foundation

    When the people are the foundation

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - Each brick laid is more than just a construction material, it carries the trust and consensus of the people. The journey to complete the network of neighborhood cultural houses in Mường Ảng district, Điện Biên province reflects a close-knit process between state policy and the spirit of communal solidarity, building a strong cultural foundation and shaping a modern, civilized urban image.
  • 'Joining hands to lift people out of poverty

    Joining hands to lift people out of poverty

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - From 2021 to 2025, the emulation movement “For the poor - Leaving no one behind” has become a standout initiative in Điện Biên province’s sustainable poverty reduction efforts. Once one of the most disadvantaged provinces in the country, Điện Biên is gradually turning the tide thanks to the coordinated actions of the political system and the active participation of its people.
  • 'Điện Biên announces resolutions and decisions on administrative unit merger

    Điện Biên announces resolutions and decisions on administrative unit merger

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On the morning of June 30, the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Điện Biên held a ceremony to announce the National Assembly’s and the Standing Committee of the National Assembly’s resolutions regarding the dissolution of district-level administrative units, the restructuring of commune-level units, the establishment of new grassroots-level Party organizations, and the appointment of commune-level Party and government leadership.
  • 'The historic grand restructuring: A new chapter of the country

    The historic grand restructuring: A new chapter of the country

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The historic moment has arrived: July 1, 2025 marks the official commencement of the two-tier local government model nationwide. And today, June 30, 2025, the country celebrates the ceremonial announcement of central and local resolutions and decisions on the merger of administrative units, and the appointment of key leaders in provinces, cities, communes, wards, and special zones.
  • 'Điện Biên ready to roll out two-tier local government model

    Điện Biên ready to roll out two-tier local government model

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - From July 1, alongside the rest of the country, Điện Biên province will officially implement a two-tier local government model, comprising provincial and communal levels. Thanks to thorough and comprehensive preparation in organizational structure, technological infrastructure, and staffing, communes and wards across the province are now ready for this important transition.
  • 'Digital economy popular in rural areas in Điện Biên

    Digital economy popular in rural areas in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In the wave of digital transformation, Điện Biên, a mountainous and border province, is gradually bringing digital technology to households. From characteristic agricultural products being sold on e-commerce platforms to cashless payments made with just a few steps on smartphones, the digital economy is deeply infiltrating daily life.
  • 'Điện Biên creates favorable conditions for business development

    Điện Biên creates favorable conditions for business development

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên province has identified the private economic sector as one of the key pillars of the local economy, playing an essential role in enhancing labor productivity, promoting innovation, and elevating the province’s competitiveness. In recent years, the province has issued a range of appropriate mechanisms and policies to create a favorable environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate efficiently and contribute increasingly to local development.
  • 'A safe, smooth, and successful exam

    A safe, smooth, and successful exam

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - After two official exam days (June 26-27), the 2025 National High School Graduation Examination in Điện Biên province concluded on schedule, safely and seriously, with no violations of examination regulations. Over 7,600 candidates across the province completed a crucial milestone that will shape their future. The success of the exam was not only due to the students’ focus and efforts but also thanks to the support and collaboration of the entire political system.
  • 'A peaceful clan by the Nậm Rốm River

    A peaceful clan by the Nậm Rốm River

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Nestled quietly beside the Nậm Rốm River, the stilt houses of the Thái ethnic people in the Lường clan line stand united and prosperous. For many years, this clan has been a shining example in maintaining peace and security at the gateway to Điện Biên Phủ city.
  • 'Family meals strengthen bonds of love

    Family meals strengthen bonds of love

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In modern life, many people have become accustomed to the fast pace of daily routines, leaving family members with little time for each other. Therefore, family meals hold significant importance, not only as a beautiful traditional cultural practice but also as an opportunity for family members to gather, bond, and share joys and sorrows together.
  • 'Igniting startup spirit of youths

    Igniting startup spirit of youths

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - With youthful energy, passion, and a strong desire to establish themselves, many young people in the province have boldly ventured into production and business, creating wealth through local product-based economic models. Accompanying these determined young entrepreneurs, the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union has implemented various initiatives to “ignite the flame” of ambition among its members.
  • 'Clean water systems transform lives in Điện Biên’s mountainous areas

    Clean water systems transform lives in Điện Biên’s mountainous areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Despite being the headwaters of many rivers and streams, numerous villages and communes in the highlands of Điện Biên still face a shortage of clean water for daily use. In response to the urgent need for clean water in these areas, the province has implemented a range of initiatives in recent years to bring safe water closer to residents.
  • 'Small homes, great happiness

    Small homes, great happiness

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - It is no coincidence that the Vietnamese people always speak of the word “family” with utmost reverence. It is the place where each person is sheltered, grows up, learns to love, and matures. In life’s journey, one may pass through many places, face numerous hardships, but the embrace of family, whether large or small, is always the place one wishes to return to.