Thanh Tuyen Festival: A vibrant bridge of cultural exchange

Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Thanh Tuyen Festival, spontaneous encounters between local residents and international visitors are creating heartwarming stories of cultural exchange, helping bring the image of Tuyen Quang closer to international friends.

On the evening of September 1, Tran Thi Hong Tham, a resident of An Tuong Ward, and her friends joined the crowds gathering in the streets to watch giant Mid-Autumn Festival lantern floats. Amid the bustling crowd, Tham noticed a casually dressed foreigner mingling with locals, cheering and applauding the spectacular lantern displays.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier poses for a photo with young people at the Thanh Tuyen Festival’s main celebration.

Through a brief conversation, the group learned that the friendly foreign visitor was Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam. Speaking Vietnamese and readily agreeing to take photos and record videos with the young people, the ambassador joined them in striking poses and repeatedly shouting, “I love Vietnam!” amid the music, drums and cheers filling the streets.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier said he chose to explore the festival on his own so that he could fully experience its atmosphere and mingle with the crowds like an ordinary visitor.

He was not the only international visitor impressed by the colorful festivities. Mary Reye, a visitor from the Philippines, said it was her first time attending the Thanh Tuyen Festival and that she planned to take photos home to share with her family and friends. British visitor Brian Andrew, who has visited Tuyen Quang several times with his Vietnamese wife and children, described the festival atmosphere as lively and joyful. Meanwhile, American visitor Benjamin Bowman, returning to Tuyen Quang after two years, was impressed by the giant lantern displays, music, lights and vibrant crowds.

International visitors at the Thanh Tuyen Festival.

The Thanh Tuyen Festival is attracting increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors. Simple greetings, smiles, photographs and brief conversations between locals and foreign visitors have become everyday encounters that embody the spirit of cultural exchange.

As part of its external relations activities in 2026, Tuyen Quang plans to invite delegations from localities and international organizations in Laos, the Republic of Korea, Japan, China and Germany, as well as representatives of international organizations, to attend the festival, experience its unique cultural activities and learn more about the land and people of Tuyen Quang.

After more than 20 years of development, the Thanh Tuyen Festival has become a prominent cultural event and a distinctive tourism product of the province. Through the festival, Tuyen Quang is continuing to promote its image as a friendly, safe destination rich in cultural identity while strengthening connections with visitors, businesses and international friends.

Thanh Phuc