Mường Lay’s stilt houses help develop tourism

ĐBP - The stilt house, a distinctive architectural feature of the Thái ethnic minority group in Vietnam’s northwest, stands as a cultural emblem deeply rooted in tradition. Recently, Mường Lay town, Điện Biên province was honored with a national record: “The town with the highest density of traditional stilt houses of the white Thái ethnic group in Vietnam”. For generations, the white Thái community in Mường Lay has preserved these wooden stilt houses not only as homes but as sacred cultural symbols.

In today’s modern rhythm of life, these traditional houses serve as more than just living spaces. They have become powerful cultural landmarks and important assets for tourism development. Mường Lay is home to nine ethnic groups with a population of over 11,000, of which the white Thái make up nearly 70%. Their dense, interconnected villages have helped preserve cultural traditions, particularly the stilt house architecture that has become synonymous with this small town - the smallest in the country by area.

A row of traditional stilt houses lining the reservoir of Sơn La hydropower plant, Mường Lay town.

 

Over time, these homes have taken on new roles beyond shelter. They have become venues for cultural expression and spiritual practices central to white Thái identity, from rice harvest celebrations and wedding ceremonies to folk songs, traditional instruments, and craft making. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation, keeping the culture alive.

To preserve the stilt house space while embracing modern life, Mường Lay has actively promoted the cultural heritage of the white Thái through various media campaigns and cultural events aimed at developing tourism. The town has hosted a range of cultural and sporting festivals, including the traditional swallowtail boat racing festival, the national paragliding championship, and jet ski shows, attracting visitors from across the country. These events have helped spotlight Mường Lay as a destination where nature, culture, and community come together under the iconic roofs of traditional stilt houses.

Vietnam records organization presents the record certificate recognizing Mường Lay as the town with the highest density of white Thái stilt houses in Vietnam.

Trần Mạnh Hà, Head of the Department of culture, science, and information of Mường Lay town noted: “We have the highest density of white Thái stilt houses in Vietnam, over 1,000 in total. To tap into their value for tourism, local authorities have encouraged residents to open homestays and offer tourism services. More than 50 households have registered to operate homestays using traditional stilt houses, with a total capacity of nearly 1,000 guests. In 2024 alone, the town welcomed over 60,000 tourists, including nearly 1,000 international visitors, generating approximately 30 billion VND in tourism revenue.

To elevate its cultural identity and promote the stilt house as a tourism brand, Mường Lay submitted a proposal to the Vietnam record organization  to establish a national record. In May 2025, Mường Lay officially secured the title of “The town with the highest density of traditional stilt houses of the white Thái ethnic group in Vietnam,” with a density of 10.58 houses per square kilometer. This milestone has not only underscored the cultural value of white Thái architecture but also created a compelling media narrative, positioning Mường Lay as “The white Thái stilt house town.”

An Argentinian tourist tries out traditional white Thái musical instruments under the eaves of a stilt house.

For many visitors, the experience is unforgettable. Mario, a tourist from Argentina, shared: “This is my first time in Điện Biên, and I’ve planned three days to explore Mường Lay. The landscape is stunning, and the people are incredibly welcoming. Staying in a stilt house homestay, I experienced traditional music, local cuisine, and cultural rituals. What impressed me the most were the rows of stilt houses with their black, red, and brown tones stretching along the riverbanks. From a distance, it looked like a timeless ancient village basking in the morning sun”.

Clearly, integrating cultural heritage,  particularly the unique stilt house architecture of the white Thái, into tourism has unlocked new opportunities for Mường Lay. It has created a path toward sustainable and green tourism development, all while preserving the cultural identity and traditions that make this town truly one of a kind.

Trần Nhâm
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Điện Biên focuses on supporting high school exam candidates in need

    Điện Biên focuses on supporting high school exam candidates in need

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - As the 2025 national high school graduation exam approaches, students across the country prepare to take a crucial step toward their dreams of entering university. However, for many, the road to the exam is burdened with everyday worries, particularly the cost of food and accommodation during the revision and exam period. In Điện Biên province, individuals and organizations are coming together with one shared commitment: to ensure that no student misses their exam due to financial difficulty.
  • 'Home of their own: Decree No.28 brings housing hope to the poor in Điện Biên

    Home of their own: Decree No.28 brings housing hope to the poor in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - With low-interest rates and long-term loan terms, the housing support program under Government Decree No.28/2022/ND-CP, a preferential credit policy under the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, has, over the past three years, helped hundreds of poor households in Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province move closer to achieving their dream of safe, stable housing.
  • 'Protecting children from drowning: Action needed immediately

    Protecting children from drowning: Action needed immediately

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Every year, the rainy and flood season brings serious safety concerns, with child drowning being among the most alarming. In many areas, especially remote and mountainous regions, children are often exposed to rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes without adequate adult supervision. This reality highlights the urgent need for stronger public awareness campaigns, life skills education, and greater community responsibility to protect children during the flood season.
  • 'Mường Chà promotes role of women in achieving gender equality

    Mường Chà promotes role of women in achieving gender equality

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, Mường Chà district, Điện Biên province has made significant efforts to promote gender equality, particularly by empowering women in the community. With the active participation of women’s associations and local authorities, women have not only asserted their roles in the family but have also gradually contributed to the development of the socio-economic landscape, eliminated gender stereotypes, and built progressive and sustainable villages.
  • 'Điện Biên students discover heritage at summer camp

    Điện Biên students discover heritage at summer camp

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - On June 8, the Standing Board of the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union, in collaboration with the Khai Minh Đức education system, hosted the 2025 summer camp under the theme “Tracing our roots” at Võ Nguyên Giáp Primary School in Mường Phăng commune, Điện Biên Phủ city.
  • 'Agricultural production adapts to climate change in Điện Biên

    Agricultural production adapts to climate change in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, agricultural production in Điện Biên province has been increasingly impacted by climate change. Prolonged droughts, cold spells, and frost have damaged many crops, leading to reduced yields and quality of agricultural products. In response to this, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has proactively implemented a range of measures to effectively combat climate change.
  • 'Several goals still unfinished in the New-style Rural Development Program

    Several goals still unfinished in the New-style Rural Development Program

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - After more than three years of implementing the National Target Program on New-style Rural Development (NRD) for the 2022 - 2025 period, according to Plan No.1986/KH-UBND issued by the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee, initial positive changes have been observed. However, the overall progress remains slow, with many key goals yet to be achieved. In addition to the low starting point and limited resources, some localities show complacency or a lack of effort to strive for the NRD standards.
  • 'Drug crisis in Nà Bủng: A community gripped by addiction

    Drug crisis in Nà Bủng: A community gripped by addiction

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Nà Bủng, a remote border commune in Nậm Pồ district, Điện Biên province, has long been known as a hotspot for drug addiction, with the highest number of addicts in the area. Despite the efforts of police force, border guards, local authorities, and Party members, the devastating impacts of drug abuse continue to haunt many families in this impoverished region.
  • 'STEAM Hub Technology Library - The gateway to modern knowledge

    STEAM Hub Technology Library - The gateway to modern knowledge

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - The STEAM Hub Technology Library at Điện Biên provincial Ethnic Boarding School is the first of its kind in the province, now offering a modern, vibrant learning environment. With strategically placed book shelves, diverse assembly kits, a robotics experience area, and a spacious, friendly STEM mini-lab, the space fosters a dynamic learning experience for students.
  • 'Điện Biên farmers protect fish farms before rainy season

    Điện Biên farmers protect fish farms before rainy season

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, aquaculture has emerged as a key economic driver in Điện Biên province, offering high income potential for local residents. Given that fish farming here largely depends on natural water bodies such as lakes and ponds, ensuring safety during the storm season is of utmost importance. As the rainy season approaches, local fish farmers have proactively implemented protective measures to minimize potential losses from natural disasters.
  • 'Closely mornitoring children in digital age

    Closely mornitoring children in digital age

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Summer brings long vacations, a time for children to play, but it also raises concerns for parents. In the digital age, children’s exposure to smartphones, TVs, and other electronic devices is inevitable. Therefore, controlling the time spent on these devices in a balanced way, ensuring both physical and mental health while encouraging overall development, is essential and requires parental oversight, especially during the summer months.
  • 'Bringing “miracles” to children with disabilities

    Bringing “miracles” to children with disabilities

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since 2019, the free screening and surgery program for children with disabilities living in difficult circumstances, including ethnic minorities and those from remote areas, has been implemented in Điện Biên province. After nearly seven years of operation, the program has brought “miracles” to many children with disabilities, giving them a brighter future.
  • 'Border patrol in rainy season

    Border patrol in rainy season

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - After an unexpected early summer rain, the patrol route in the border area of Sín Thầu in Điện Biên province became more slippery. However, as per the plan, despite the rain, the border patrol journey of the officers and soldiers from the A Pa Chải Border Post continued without hesitation. Their only belongings were a backpack with personal items, but their mission was clear, to ensure the border remains peaceful and secure.