Amid the rush of modern life, artist Dong Thanh Phong has chosen a different path - reviving traditional indigo dyeing and bringing it into contemporary living. Since 2010, through field trips to remote ethnic villages in Ha Giang, he discovered that many “indigo” textiles sold on the market were actually chemically dyed and quickly faded, losing the authenticity of the traditional craft. The reality inspired him to seek out the original indigo-dyeing methods preserved by local ethnic communities.
Amid the rapid pace of modern life, the Khau Vai Love Market continues to preserve the unique cultural values of Vietnam’s northern highlands. Originating from the tragic love story of Ba, a Nung man, and Ut, a Giay woman more than a century ago, the market has become a symbol of fidelity and remembrance, where people reunite, share memories, and honor the past.
Amid the harsh natural conditions of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, where limestone mountains dominate, arable land is scarce, and soil erosion is severe, ethnic communities have developed a distinctive farming method known as “cultivate on rocks.” This practice stands as a vivid testament to indigenous knowledge and human resilience in adapting to an extreme environment.
The rise of “national concerts” in Vietnam is moving beyond pure entertainment, emerging as a powerful cultural and social phenomenon among young audiences. Large-scale shows attracting tens of thousands of attendees are not only creating electrifying atmospheres but also fostering patriotism through contemporary music and stagecraft.
Amid the rugged landscape of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, the traditional beeswax painting on hemp fabric by the Mong ethnic group is emerging as a distinctive cultural and tourism highlight in Then Pa Village, Lung Cu Commune. Once a household craft closely tied to daily life, this art form is now contributing to both cultural preservation and the development of sustainable experiential tourism.
In the vast mountains of Viet Bac, Tuyen Quang stands as a treasure trove of heritage, where every traditional house, festival, and folk melody carries the imprint of time.
Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, traditional cultural values are increasingly recognized as indispensable in contemporary society. Therefore, preserving and promoting ethnic cultural heritage remains a necessary and important task for each locality.
Located in Ngai Tro Thuong Hamlet, Thang Tin Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, Pac Ngam market reflects the rich traditional culture of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in the area. The market is not only a place to trade goods but also a space for social interaction and community gatherings among highland people.
In the early morning in Coc Cooc hamlet, Pa Vay Su Commune, as dewdrops still cling to peach blossoms in the early days of spring, the sound of the Lin Xin lute gently resonates from the home of artisan Vang Van Seng. Now in his 70s, he continues to dedicate himself to preserving and teaching the traditional instrument of the Nung ethnic group, helping safeguard a distinctive cultural heritage of the northern highlands.
Along Vietnam’s northernmost frontier, the resonant sound of the Lo Lo bronze drum continues to echo as a sacred thread connecting heaven and earth, humanity and the spiritual realm. For the Lo Lo people, the bronze drum is not merely a ritual instrument but the very soul of their culture - a treasured heritage honored as a National Treasure.
The fusion of traditional indigo hues of the Dao people, vibrant brocade motifs and recycled denim has created a distinctive hallmark for the handmade bags crafted by teacher Trieu Thi Dao of Minh Khai Primary School in Ha Giang 2 Ward. Driven by a deep love for ethnic heritage, she is breathing new life into traditional materials while helping promote the cultural values of the northern province of Tuyen Quang.
At the Song Linh Communal House Festival held on February 19 (the third day of the Lunar New Year 2026) in An Tuong Ward, Tuyen Quang Province, the “shrimp scooping” dance performed by the Cao Lan Cultural Preservation Club of Song Linh residential quarter left a strong impression on visitors.
Alongside language and customs, traditional costumes are a defining element of each ethnic community’s cultural identity. Amid the pace of modern life, as ready-made clothing becomes increasingly common, many women in remote mountainous villages continue to sit by embroidery frames and looms, preserving each stitch and pattern as a way of safeguarding their cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Indigo craft meets modern life
