Enjoy the cultural space of the highlands.

At the Hoa Ban Festival, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the beautiful natural scenery and the unique cultural atmosphere of Dien Bien , but also participate in traditional folk games. These will undoubtedly be unforgettable experiences for every visitor. As part of the Hoa Ban Festival, the traditional folk games of various ethnic groups will be held from March 10th to 13th at the Highland Cultural Space – the Dien Bien Phu Central Fortress historical site.

If you want to relive your childhood and play traditional games, join Vietnam.vn in experiencing traditional culture and folk games through the photo series "Enjoying the Cultural Space of the Highlands" by author Tran Huu Dung. Looking at these photos, you'll surely want to visit Dien Bien if you have the chance to continue exploring the beautiful scenery and culture of this land. The photo series was submitted by the author to the "Happy Vietnam" photo and video contest , organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications .

Every March, the Hoa Ban Festival is held in Dien Bien Phu city, featuring various cultural, sports, and tourism activities. One of the activities that attracts a large number of locals and tourists is the "Highland Cultural Space," showcasing the traditional cultural identities of ethnic groups such as the Mong, Thai, Ha Nhi, Dao, and Kho Mu. Local people and tourists alike are captivated by the traditional dances of the Mong, Ha Nhi, Dao, and Kho Mu ethnic groups, the bamboo pole dance, the Mong flute music, and the Thai Xoa dance; they are engrossed in the intricate stitches and embroidery on the brocade looms; and they enjoy the intoxicating atmosphere of buffalo horn wine. The Highland Cultural Space recreates the vibrant cultural colors and community activities of the 19 ethnic groups living in Dien Bien province.

Tourists enjoy learning about the traditional beeswax patterns made by the Hmong people.

Ethnic minority women guide tourists in weaving traditional brocade.

Locals and tourists alike join in the traditional dance in the cultural setting.

Immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic groups of Dien Bien province, visitors can freely try their hand at traditional games. From familiar games like blindfolded pot smashing, seesaw, ball throwing, rope climbing, swinging, and wobbly bridge games; to games whose names alone pique visitors' curiosity, such as the "to ma le" game of the Thai people. Accompanied by the sounds of drums and gongs, the convergence of these unique games brings locals and visitors alike moments of refreshing relaxation and laughter.

Expected to be a special highlight kicking off the series of activities at this year's Hoa Ban Festival, the vibrant colors of the ethnic minorities are authentically recreated in the "Highland Cultural Space," leaving a lasting impression on locals and tourists alike as they immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the highland festival of Northwest Vietnam - Dien Bien.

With 19 ethnic groups living together, Dien Bien boasts a rich and diverse cultural landscape, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its communities. Through the "Highland Cultural Space" at this year's Hoa Ban Festival, the unique traditional cultural values ​​and the beauty of Dien Bien's land and people have left a lasting impression on visitors, contributing to the preservation, conservation, and glorification of the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in the region.

In 2024, the "Happy Vietnam" Photo and Video Contest, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, will continue to be held on the website https://happy.vietnam.vn for all Vietnamese citizens and foreigners aged 15 and above. The contest aims to honor individuals and groups with positive informational products that make practical contributions to promoting a beautiful image of Vietnam to the world. Through this, it helps people at home, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends access authentic images of Vietnam, its people, and its achievements in ensuring human rights, moving towards a happy Vietnam. Each competition category (photos and videos) has the following prizes and prize values: – 1 Gold Medal: 70,000,000 VND – 2 Silver Medals: 20,000,000 VND – 3 Bronze Medals: 10,000,000 VND – 10 Consolation Prizes: 5,000,000 VND – 1 Most Voted entry: 5,000,000 VND. Winning authors will be invited by the Organizing Committee to attend the Award Ceremony and Certificate Presentation, broadcast live on Vietnam Television.

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