In order restore brocade weaving of the Thai ethnic group, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving and Tourism Services Cooperative was established in Chieng Chau commune (Mai Chau district) in 2009.
The Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving and
Tourism Services Cooperative has joined exhibitions
and fairs to promote its
products and expand the market.
The cooperative has continued its operation
after the JICA project concluded, and in 2013 it registered for official
establishment in line with the Cooperative Law.
Its Deputy Director Vi Thi Oanh said developing
the craft has created jobs for local residents, while preserving traditional
values. Its members have made efforts in production and
optimised local tourism advantages to popularise products to both domestic and
foreign tourists.
The cooperative has expanded its operation,
generating jobs for tens of labourers whose monthly income ranges from 3-4
million VND (123.5-164.67 USD) each. Chieng Chau brocade products have been known to
many people, especially foreigners, through fairs and exhibitions throughout
the country.
Moreover, the cooperative has coordinated with
local authorities and the farmers’ association of Chieng Chau hamlet to form a
Thai brocade weaving group within the cooperative, which aims to utilise the
existing resources, bring together weaving lovers, restore the traditional
craft, and raise income for local ethnic minority women.
After two years of operation, the group now
gathers 10 members whose skills have been improved significantly, contributing
to increasing productivity, fulfilling orders of domestic and foreign
customers. Most importantly, the members have enjoyed stable income and
improved living standards.
Pham The Anh, Chairman of the Mai Chau Farmers
Association, said the cooperative will further support the cooperative in
promoting the image of the group through exhibitions, fairs, television
channels and social networks.
Once a vibrant part of the daily life for the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province, traditional Muong singing styles such as "thuong rang bo meng” and "hat dup giao duyen” had faded over time. Today, local authorities and communities are working to restore and celebrate this cultural art form, recognising its value in preserving the group’s heritage.
Gau Tao Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals of the Mong ethnic minority group in Mai Chau district was held at the Pa Co stadium in Pa Co commune on January 11.
The ancient stone engravings dating back thousands of years in Suoi Co valley in My Thanh commune, Lac Son district, used to astonished domestic archaeologists. What their meaning is and what message they convey are the questions to which scientists are seeking answers.
Preserving and promoting unique cultural identities of ethnic communities in Hoa Binh province is considered a crucial task amid in the international integration trend.
More than just a cultural and historical attraction, the Muong Cultural Heritage Museum is playing a vital role in fostering sustainable tourism in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, particularly in Hoa Binh province. It stands as a model for the emerging trend of "responsible tourism," cleverly blending the preservation of cultural heritage with community economic development, raising awareness of Muong ethnic cultural values while promoting green tourism and sustainable growth.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on December 24 organised a conference to report on the results of collecting, researching, restoring, and preserving "Bi doi”, a musical instrument of the airophonic family and a traditional instrument of the Muong ethnic people in Da Bac district.
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