Hang Kia and Pa Co communes of Mai Chau district are home to a large number of Mong people, who are known for the traditional craft of brocade weaving - an essence of their ethnic group.


Mong women in Hang Kia commune of Mai Chau district still uphold the traditional brocade weaving to create costumes deeply imbued with their ethnic group's cultural identity.

Located about 40km from the district's centre, this region's mountainous terrain sits over 500 meters above sea level, with the highest peak reaching 1,500 meters in the Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve. For generations, local Mong women have meticulously maintained their heritage through the intricate process of brocade weaving.

Sung Y Mua, a woman in Hang Kia hamlet of Hang Kia commune, said Mong women take immense pride in creating their traditional clothing, a labour-intensive nd time-consuming process requiring skills, patience, and dedication. From growing flax to weaving on handlooms, every step is done manually. The colorful brocade patterns they produce are rich in cultural symbolism, reflecting the aspirations and unique culture of the Mong people.

In Hang Kia and Pa Co, it is common to see Mong women working on brocade during their daily routines. Even while walking to the market or fields, they can be seen spinning flax fibres into thread. The fabric is later boiled, washed, and sun-dried multiple times before it is ready for drawing and embroidery. The entire process, from weaving to embroidering intricate and colourful designs, takes about a month.


A wide range of products made from brocades are sold by Mong women at a common market of Hang Kia and Pa Co communes, Mai Chau district.

Traditionally, brocade fabrics were used to make everyday clothing for family members. However, with the rise of tourism, brocade products have become popular souvenirs, thus enhancing the region's appeal. Improved roads from Mai Chau's centre to Hang Kia and Pa Co have also boosted goods flows, enabling brocade products of Mong people to reach a wider market. Today, many households still maintain weaving looms, and some, like Vang Y Danh in Hang Kia hamlet of Hang Kia commune, have invested in industrial sewing machines to produce a wider range of brocade items.

Mai Chau district is committed to preserving this cultural heritage by promoting the traditional craft through tourism and socio-economic development projects aimed at supporting ethnic minorities.


Related Topics


The Great Solidarity Festival for all the ethnic groups in Nam Thai hamlet, Doan Ket commune

On November 6, the residential area, Nam Thai hamlet, Doan Ket commune (Yen Thuy) organized the Great National Solidarity Festival and celebrated the 94th anniversary of the traditional day of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (November 18, 1930 - November 18, 2024). There was the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Tien Sinh, the Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, the Chairman of the Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Commission, and the leaders of the appropriate departments and branches of the province and Yen Thuy district.

Yen Thuy district preserves Muong ethnic cultural heritage

The authorities and community in Yen Thuy district are dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic groups in the locality. Yen Thuy is home to seven ethnic groups, with the Muong making up over 69% of the population.

Great national solidarity festival held in Thach Yen commune

A great national solidarity festival was held in Ngai hamlet, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district, on November 8. Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoa Binh province Bui Van Khanh, and Colonel Trinh Duc Thiem, Commander of the provincial Military Command, attended the event.

Great national unity festival held in Cau Son hamlet

A great national unity festival was held in Cau Son hamlet in Nhuan Trach commune of Luong Son district on November 10.

Hoa Binh releases plan for culture-tourism week 2024

The organising board for the Hoa Binh Culture and Tourism Week 2024 has officially released its press statement.

Hoa Binh culture – tourism week slated for mid-November

The People’s Committee of Hoa Binh province held a press conference on November 5 to announce the details of its upcoming 2024 Culture-Tourism Week.