Perched at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level in the vast north-western highlands, Ngoc Chien Commune in Son La Province has preserved almost intact its natural ecosystem and indigenous culture. Hot mineral springs, tranquil villages, hillsides blanketed in blossoms, and an unhurried pace of life combine to create a truly distinctive landscape.
Following the merger of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh provinces into the new Phu Tho province last year, the Hung Kings Temple Festival has taken on heightened significance. It now serves not only as a tribute to the ancestral homeland but also a unified cultural platform that extends sacred ancestral values to Vietnamese communities at home and abroad.
Many traditional folk games once faced the risk of disappearing amid modern life and new forms of entertainment. However, joint efforts by the Government, the cultural sector and communities are reviving them, helping preserve cultural identity and strengthen community bonds.
Amid the pace of modern life, many traditional festivals in Cao Bằng continue to be preserved and promoted by local authorities and communities, serving not only as a means of safeguarding cultural heritage but also as a driving force for local tourism development.