Hoa Binh is considered the cradle of the Muong people, home to a rich culture and valuable material and intangible cultural heritage. Throughout their long history of living and working in this area, the Muong people have created and nurtured unique cultural traditions that are deeply ingrained in their way of life.

Among the many treasures of the Muong culture, the Mo rituals and the epic "The Birth of the Land – The Birth of Water" are regarded as invaluable spiritual treasures that reflect the worldview, philosophy of life, and unique identity of the Muong people. Mo is a vital form of folk performance in the spiritual life of the Muong people in Hoa Binh. Mo rituals are not only part of ceremonies for mourning, praying for peace, and housewarming, but also contain historical stories, myths, and beliefs about the universe and human existence. The Mo practitioners, known as "thay mo" (shamans), are respected figures who act as intermediaries between humans and deities, delivering prayers and conducting significant ceremonies. Mo is an oral tradition passed down through generations, with some Mo songs consisting of thousands of verses, featuring distinct performances that reflect profound thoughts and linguistic artistry. In fact, Mo rituals in Hoa Binh have been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, cementing their exceptional value to Vietnamese culture.

According to artisan Bui Huy Vong, a folklorist from Huong Nhuong commune in Lac Son district, Mo represents an integrated part of folk culture, encompassing genres such as folk literature (epic poetry), folk performances (music, dance, and theatre), and forms conveying spiritual beliefs tied to folk rituals. With these values, Mo is truly a "precious gem" in the folk culture of the Muong people, and of the Vietnamese people as a whole.

In the Muong people's folklore, the epic "The Birth of the Land – The Birth of Water" also holds a special place. This vast epic, passed down orally through generations, tells of the creation of the heavens, the earth, humans, and Muong society. The epic reflects beliefs about the origin of the universe, creation myths, as well as the moral values, customs, and laws of the Muong community in Hoa Binh. The epic’s narrative style, with repetitive structures and rhythmic, imagery-rich language, is distinctly Muong, affirming the unique cultural identity of the group in Hoa Binh.

Mo rituals and the epic are invaluable legacies that showcase the richness and uniqueness of Muong culture in Hoa Binh. These values not only help the Muong people maintain their ethnic identity but also contribute significantly to the cultural heritage of Vietnam.

For generations, the saying "First Bi, second Vang, third Thang, fourth Dong" has been deeply embedded in the minds of the people of Hoa Binh, referring to the four ancient Muong regions of the province. For centuries, the four regions of Muong Bi, Vang, Thang, and Dong have been regarded as the cultural heartlands of the Muong people. Each region carries its own identity, containing stories, customs, and people that create a rich cultural tapestry, brimming with ethnic pride.

Bui Minh Hong, Director of the Division of Culture, Science, and Information of Tan Lac district, said that Muong Bi is known as the land of Muong legends in Tan Lac, a place of myths and people who take pride in their origins. The elders in the villages still remember stories in the epic "The Birth of the Land – The Birth of Water", tracing the Muong ancestors. They always remind the younger generations that "Muong Bi is the soul of the Muong people, where Mo still resonates in every stilt house.” The annual "Khai ha” (going down to the field) festival is to pray for good weather and abundant harvests, he stated.

Muong Vang, in Lac Son, is renowned for preserving traditional crafts, thanks to the skilled hands of local women. Bui Thi Mo, from Nhan Nghia commune, said that since childhood, girls have been learning to weave brocade with their mothers. Each piece of brocade is not only for clothing or utility, but also tells the stories of the village and of ancestors. In addition to weaving, the Muong people here also maintain crafts like weaving bamboo baskets and making hunting crossbows, which have been intertwined with their lives for generations, Nghia said.

Visiting Muong Thang in Cao Phong, a sacred land, one cannot forget the ancient temples and mysterious caves, which hold the imprints of the Muong ancestors. Bui Ngoc Thuan, leader of the Muong Thang Mo Club in Bung 1 hamlet, Thu Phong commune, a researcher of Mo rituals, frequently holds sessions to teach the younger generation about Mo. He stated that if Mo is lost, a part of the soul of the Muong people will disappear. Therefore, the people of Muong Thang always strive to preserve the Mo songs and traditional dances during festivals.

Muong Dong in Kim Boi is famous for its hot springs and unique cuisine. The elders in the villages recount that the Muong people not only live off the forests and mountains but also live with affection, through their "chum ruou can" (wine jar), and fragrant "com lam" (bamboo rice). Special dishes like roasted pork, sticky rice, and Kim Boi wine are always present during community gatherings, strengthening bonds among villagers.

The four Muong regions – Bi, Vang, Thang, and Dong, along with other districts and towns in the province, serve as the guardians of the Muong people's soul and are proof of the enduring vitality of an ancient culture. The stories, people, and customs here are sources of pride and treasures that future generations need to preserve and enhance, ensuring that Muong culture remains a distinctive identity and the soul of Hoa Binh.

Muong culture is not only a precious heritage for Hoa Binh but also a shared asset of Vietnam’s broader cultural heritage. The Muong people’s customs, folk arts, and indigenous knowledge reflect the lifestyle and thinking of their ancestors, containing deep human values. Preserving and promoting Muong culture contributes to maintaining ethnic identity, boosting local tourism and economy, and propelling the image of Muong culture further, enabling it to integrate with modern cultural currents while retaining its unique essence.