Press conference: Muong Coi develops sustainable tourism on its traditional cultural heritage
WVR - Not only does it recreate the life and cultural values of the Muong people, “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” (“The Soul of Muong Awakens”) is also expected to become a distinctive cultural tourism product of Muong Coi. From the landscape of Suoi Chieu Lake to the treasure trove of customs, performances, and local stories, the program opens a path to connect heritage with tourism activities, creating a unique attraction for the region. Leaders of Muong Coi Commune, along with Directors Mai Long and Tran Trung, share information about the “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” program at a press conference on November 11, 2026.
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| “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” recreates the life, customs, and unique cultural values of the Muong people. (Photo: Van Hien) |
Telling heritage stories through realistic art
On December 11-12, at the Suoi Chieu Lake area, Chieu Village, Muong Coi Commune, Son La Province became the performance space for the realistic art program “Hon Muong Thuc Giac”.
The event was organized by the People's Committee of Muong Coi Commune, directed by Tran Trung and Mai Long. The program harnesses local cultural materials, combining natural landscapes with the language of realistic art.
The highlight is a 60-minute play, consisting of 3 acts and 9 scenes. Not based on an existing folk tale, the work chooses the father-son relationship as the main narrative, conveying the story of passing cultural values through generations.
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| From local cultural materials, “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” aims to become a distinctive cultural tourism product of Muong Coi. (Photo: Van Hien) |
The first act, “The Call of Muong Village”, opens with daily life scenes featuring activities like farming, fetching water, cooking, working, singing love songs, and preparing for a wedding. Amidst this rhythm of life, a conflict between father and son gradually emerges. The father, a shaman, hopes his son will continue the ancestral chants and knowledge, while the son wishes to choose his own path.
In the second act, “The Eternal Flame”, the story becomes somber as the father passes away, leaving his teachings unfinished. Through the legend of seeking fire, the son realizes the importance of preserving and passing on cultural values. The fire brought back to the village extinguishes, prompting people to learn to create fire and teach each other. From a small fire, many flames are lit, symbolizing the transmission of knowledge across generations.
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| The sounds of Dang, Moi dance, and the rhythm of khua duong contribute to the unique character of the program. (Photo: Van Hien) |
In the final act, “Hon Muong Awakens”, the son seeks out artisans to relearn the language, songs, and knowledge of his people. The wedding of the young couple becomes a communal spectacle.
When the son forgets a song his father taught him, an artisan continues the melody, then women, young men, and children join in chorus. This image concludes the journey back to the roots, simultaneously conveying the message of cultural vitality in community life.
Cultural materials are expressed through the sounds of Dang, Moi dance, the rhythm of khua duong, and the customs and practices of the Muong people in Thai, Mo, and Chieu villages. Dao, Mong, and Kinh artisans also participate, creating cultural harmony among different communities.
Notably, about 300 students from Tan Lang High School are expected to participate in the performances alongside artisans and local residents, bringing the younger generation closer to traditional cultural values.
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| Leaders of Muong Coi Commune along with directors Mai Long and Tran Trung share information about the “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” program at a press conference on November 11. (Photo: Van Hien) |
From local traditional heritage to distinctive tourism product
The allure of “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” lies not only in its artistic content but also in its performance space connected to the landscape of Suoi Chieu Lake. Nature and villages become the backdrop for cultural stories told in a space close to community life, creating a connection between landscape, people, and heritage.
Through the realistic art program, visitors have the opportunity to explore Muong culture from the sounds of Dang, the rhythm of khua duong, Moi dance to customs directly performed by artisans and locals.
These are also materials that can be further explored in experiential activities, sightseeing, and understanding local life, adding depth and unique identity to the journey of discovering Muong Coi.
It is crucial that the local community truly becomes the main entity in this journey. Artisans not only participate in performances but also pass on knowledge and experience; residents contribute to preserving and practicing customs; the younger generation has the opportunity to access and continue the heritage right from their cultural homeland.
The direct involvement of the community ensures authenticity for experiential activities and allows heritage to continue to be present in life, rather than just being recreated on stage.
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| Mr. Dinh Duc Thang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Coi Commune shares information at the press meeting on November 11. (Photo: Van Hien) |
According to Mr. Dinh Duc Thang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Coi Commune, the appeal of a region not only comes from its landscape but is also created by the cultural stories and people there.
From this orientation, Muong Coi hopes “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” will help bring Muong cultural values closer to the public, creating opportunities for artisans to teach the younger generation, helping them understand and take pride in their roots. At the same time, linking the program with local experiential and exploration activities will open up a direction for developing tourism products based on indigenous cultural values.
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| From local cultural materials, “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” aims to become a distinctive cultural tourism product of Muong Coi. (Photo: Van Hien) |
From a realistic art program, “Hon Muong Thuc Giac” is expected to become a highlight in the journey of discovering Muong Coi, where visitors not only enjoy art but also learn and experience the cultural life of the Muong community.
When heritage continues to be practiced, passed on, and brought to life through the active participation of local communities, culture will not only be preserved but also become a resource contributing to tourism development, creating livelihoods for the community and spreading the identity of Muong Coi.
