(HBO) – The 10th Xen Muong festival opened in Mai Chau district’s Chieng Chau commune on February 14. The festival saw leaders of Mai Chau district and local people in attendance.
Thay mo (shaman) leads a delegation
processing the palanquin to Bon Temple
Chieng Chau commune is considered the capital of Thai ethnic people who
migrated from Bac Ha (Lao Cai province) in the 13th century. Generations
of Thai lords directed people to reclaim the land to set up their villages. The
festival is organised to show locals’ respect for the predecessors, and pray
for favourable weather, pumper crops, and people’s prosperity and happiness.
The festival also helps popularise Mai Chau tourism’s potential to both domestic
and foreign visitors.
Art performance of Thai ethnic
people at Xen Muong festival
This year, the festival was held at communal level, including offering
ceremony and festive activities. After leader of Chieng Chau commune beat the
drum to kick off the festival, the shaman and local people processed the
palanquin of Tuong Su (General Su) to Bon village. This was followed by an incense
offering ceremony at Bon Temple.
Besides, a wide range of art performances that featured Thai ethnic culture
were staged at the event./.
As the new year begins and festive spirit fills the air, visitors flock to Hoa Binh lake, often dubbed the "Ha Long Bay on land," to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere. In spring, the lake comes alive with lush greenery and delicate blossoms, while boats carrying eager tourists glide across its tranquil waters.
With effective business operations, significant increases in the number of visitors at weekends and on public holidays, and being listed among the 71 most beautiful places to visit worldwide by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller, Hoa Binh’s tourism is "spreading its wings" on its journey towards the targets of welcoming 4.9 million visitors, including 1 million foreigners, and achieving total tourism revenue of 5.4 trillion VND (211.89 million USD) in 2025.
On February 21, the Provincial People's Committee held a conference to implement the tourism plan in 2025 and meet with tourism businesses operating in the province. The event was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and the Head of the Provincial Tourism Steering Committee.
Tien Pagoda is located in the valley of Lao Noi and Lao Ngoai villages, Phu Nghia commune, Lac Thuy district; it is surrounded by two mountain ranges stretching like two giant dragons reaching for the blue sky. Every year, when spring comes, thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over the country make a pilgrimage to Tien Pagoda. The relic complex of Tien Pagoda is ranked as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with 21 relic sites of many types: historical and cultural relics, scenic relics, and archaeological relics.
Cao Phong has paid due attention to developing tourism, creating impetus for socio-economic development towards completing the targets set in the resolution of the district’s 28th Party Congress for the 2020-2025 tenure.
A great number of visitors have flocked to tourist attractions in Hoa Binh province in the first lunar month every year to admire the beautiful scenery, fully enjoy the spring atmosphere, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere in many localities.
