Leveraging the nation's "soft power".

Lao Cai – a land not only blessed with majestic natural landscapes but also home to a rich cultural heritage of over 30 ethnic groups. Here, the "soft power" of culture is no longer an abstract concept but is gradually being realized, becoming an important driving force for socio-economic development, especially in the field of tourism linked to the preservation and promotion of heritage values.

In the report of the 13th Central Committee of the Party on the documents submitted to the 14th Party Congress, presented by General Secretary To Lam at the opening of the 14th Congress, eight overarching themes were emphasized in implementing strategic decisions, namely: "Culture and people - the spiritual foundation of society, the intrinsic strength, the resource and driving force for the country's development." This further affirms the central position of culture in the strategy for sustainable development.

In Lao Cai , cultural and human values ​​are being promoted as important endogenous resources, contributing to creating momentum for rapid and sustainable growth.

When culture becomes a resource for development

Nghia Lo Ward – a land renowned as the cradle of the Black Thai people – is where traditional cultural values ​​are persistently preserved in daily life. From the Thai Xoe dance, the sounds of the bamboo flute and pipe flute, to stilt houses, cuisine , traditional costumes, and festivals such as Xen Dong, Han Khuong, and Xip Xi..., all are not only preserved through generations but are also becoming highlights attracting tourists and creating sustainable livelihoods for the local people.

Foreign tourists experience weaving brocade at Cuong Chinh Homestay.

Many households are proactively participating in community tourism, creating cultural experience spaces right in their homes, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the local way of life. Through these intimate activities, the culture in Nghia Lo is not only preserved but also "awakened," becoming a practical resource for local socio-economic development.

Ms. Ha Thi Chinh, owner of Cuong Chinh Homestay in Deu 2 residential area, Nghia Lo ward, said: "Tourists come here not only to relax but also to experience the cultural life of the Thai people. They want to cook with us, listen to stories about customs, watch traditional dances, and try on traditional costumes. Thanks to this, my family earns extra income, and my children understand and are more proud of their ethnic culture. Tourism is also a way to preserve the identity of our ancestors."

Transforming heritage into development resources.

One of the key directions the province is focusing on is linking tourism development with the preservation and promotion of natural resources, historical and cultural heritage, and the unique identities of ethnic groups. Lao Cai not only preserves heritage by "maintaining its original state" but also gradually transforms cultural values ​​into a driving force for development, especially in the field of tourism and building a vibrant cultural life at the grassroots level.

The preservation of historical sites, the revival of festivals, and the enhancement of the roles of artisans and local communities have contributed to the formation of a vibrant cultural ecosystem, where people are both creators and beneficiaries of heritage.

Mr. Hoang Van Coi, Vice Chairman of the Lam Thuong Commune People's Committee, said: "When people recognize the value of culture directly linked to their lives and livelihoods, they will be more proactive in preserving it. In Lam Thuong, festivals, traditional crafts, and community life are maintained naturally in daily life, both preserving identity and creating opportunities for tourism development and increasing income."

Currently, Lao Cai effectively utilizes 60 intangible cultural heritage sites, including 4 representative heritage sites of humanity and 56 national heritage sites; along with 207 classified relics, including 1 special national relic, 34 national relics, and 172 provincial relics. The work of restoration, planning, and protection of relics is carried out systematically; traditional festivals are reviewed and reformed to preserve their original characteristics.

The forest worship ritual of the Pa Dí people in Mường Khương commune; the New Rice Festival (Dạ sợ da) of the Xá Phó people in Văn Bàn, Dương Quỳ, Võ Lao, and Chiềng Ken communes; Gốc Găng Cave in Mường Khương; Ngũ Chỉ Sơn Mountain in Ngũ Chỉ Sơn commune; and Thái Niên Mother Goddess Temple in Thái Niên village, Bảo Thắng commune.

The development of a heritage management database has also been accelerated, helping to preserve and utilize heritage more effectively.

The Dong Cuong Temple Festival is held annually on the first Mao day of the first lunar month.

In Dong Cuong commune – a place where the worship of the Mother Goddess Thuong Ngan converges with the Dong Cuong Temple National Historical and Cultural Relic complex and traditional festivals that have been recognized as national intangible cultural heritage – the preservation and promotion of heritage values ​​are always given top priority.

The practice of worshipping the Mother Goddess of the Mountains at Dong Cuong Temple is one of the beautiful cultural traditions that has been preserved and maintained, attracting a large number of people and tourists from all over.

Local authorities have determined that heritage can only be sustainably protected when it is linked to community awareness and responsibility. Besides preserving the historical site's space, we focus on raising awareness among the people about the value of festivals and traditional rituals, thereby encouraging them to voluntarily practice and preserve them. The commune also guides residents in participating in appropriate service activities during festivals, ensuring both solemnity and creating additional livelihoods.

Ms. Ha Thi Huong Mai – Vice Chairperson of the People's Committee of Dong Cuong Commune

In 2025, Lao Cai province had 4 more intangible cultural heritage items added to the national list; 2 scenic spots and 1 historical site were ranked at the provincial level.

Policies to support grassroots culture

Over the years, the mass cultural, artistic, and sports movement in the province has seen many positive changes. The entire province has established numerous cultural clubs and mass art troupes, and provided support to ethnic minority artisans in preserving and disseminating traditional cultural activities.

Many cultural preservation clubs are thriving at the grassroots level.

However, the operation of grassroots clubs still faces many difficulties in terms of funding and maintenance conditions. Based on this reality, Resolution No. 39/2025/NQ-HĐND of the Lao Cai Provincial People's Council on policies to support core cultural, artistic, and sports clubs for the period 2026-2030 was issued, creating resources and a legal framework for localities to strengthen grassroots cultural models. Accordingly, each club receives 150 million VND to equip initial facilities and 30 million VND per year to maintain operations.

Distinguished artisan Lac Tien Sinh from Khe Gay village, Yen Binh commune, shared: "We are very happy that the province has a policy of paying attention to cultural clubs at the grassroots level. With adequate equipment and funding, people will be able to maintain regular activities, and young people will have an environment to learn and continue traditional values."

Foreign tourists enjoy the experience of making corn liquor alongside the locals.

The unique cultural characteristics of the ethnic minorities in Lao Cai are an important foundation for the locality to exploit and develop as a resource to serve socio-economic development.

Culture provides the impetus for tourism to thrive.

Positive developments at the grassroots level, coupled with the right direction in preserving and promoting cultural values, have had a clear impact on tourism development. When heritage is brought to life within the community, and culture becomes a distinctive experiential product, Lao Cai is gradually asserting its unique appeal on the map of highland tourism.

Many tourism products have been developed, attracting a large number of tourists to Lao Cai.

In 2025, the total number of visitors to Lao Cai is estimated to reach over 10.511 million, achieving 102% of the plan; of which international visitors will reach approximately 1.5 million. Total revenue from tourism is estimated at 46.5 trillion VND, equivalent to 100.3% of the set plan.

Mr. Nong Viet Yen, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, emphasized: This result confirms that when culture is placed in the right position and exploited appropriately, traditional values ​​are not only preserved but also generate income and livelihoods for the people. This is the direction that Lao Cai province will continue to maintain in the future.

The experience in Lao Cai shows that when culture and people are considered the spiritual foundation of society, the endogenous resources for development, then the "soft power" of the nation will be realized through concrete results in life and socio-economic growth. Culture is not outside of development but is becoming one of the important driving forces, contributing to creating a new face for Lao Cai on its journey of rapid and sustainable development.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/phat-huy-suc-manh-mem-cua-dan-toc-post893410.html