The event features a trade fair of local farm produce for export, a fashion show highlighting traditional costumes of ethnic groups in Son La, and a culture and tourism camp promoting the local cultural space, cuisine, and typical labor tools of the locals. Chairman of the People’s Committee of Son La Province, Cam Ngoc Minh, said the event aimed to mark major national festivals, strengthen people unity and attract investors to local advantages. “The Son La Culture and Tourism Week will introduce our tourism and cultural values to friends and investors. They will gain a better understanding about our provincial cultural and natural beauty while local people will be more proud of their specialties so as to boost productivity and patriotism”, said Mr. Minh.

Activities during the week to promote cultural identities of local ethnic groups include the culture and tourism camp demonstrates almost all daily activities of Mong, Dao, Thai, and Muong ethnic people. A street festival or a community culture competition offers an opportunity for local ethnic people to introduce their typical cultural characteristics. At the opening ceremony on Saturday night, the organizing board announced a decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, recognizing Mong people’s art of “Khen”, a type of bamboo pipe, and the ‘Pang A’ or luck prayer festival of the La Ha ethnic group, as national intangible cultural heritage.