Mường Lò Culture and Tourism Festival opens in Lào Cai

Mường Lò Culture and Tourism Festival Xòe Thái art UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Northwest Vietnam tourism Thai ethnic culture

The 2026 Mường Lò Culture and Tourism Festival has officially opened in Lào Cai province under the theme ‘Tinh hoa Xòe Thái - Sắc màu Tây Bắc’. The event marks the 5th anniversary of Xòe Thái art being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was a large-scale performance titled ‘Xòe Thái - Trọn một vòng yêu’, featuring nearly 2,000 participants. The production utilized modern 3D mapping technology and stagecraft to depict the traditional life, love stories, and community spirit of the Thai ethnic people.

The festival, which runs through October 21, 2026, includes street parades, tourism fairs, OCOP product showcases, and traditional sports. Local authorities emphasized that the festival aims to promote regional tourism, preserve ethnic heritage, and foster sustainable economic development by connecting cultural values with community livelihoods.