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09/05/2026

The making of a Then master: Inside the Lau son trang ritual

[VOVWORLD] - The Then ritual, a distinctive cultural and spiritual practice of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups in northern Vietnam, was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. It plays an essential role in community life, reflecting beliefs about human beings, nature, and the universe. To begin a Then religious career, practitioners must pass a threshold ritual called Lau son trang.

[VOVWORLD] - The Then ritual, a distinctive cultural and spiritual practice of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups in northern Vietnam, was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. It plays an essential role in community life, reflecting beliefs about human beings, nature, and the universe. To begin a Then religious career, practitioners must pass a threshold ritual called Lau son trang.

27/04/2026

Thanh Son sour pork carries the flavor of Phu Tho’s mountains and forests

[VOVWORLD] - When people think of Phu Tho province, they often recall the Hung Kings Temple, its long-standing festivals, and the intangible heritage of Xoan singing. The province is also known for its rich local cuisine, where each dish reflects the spirit of the mountains and forests. Among these, sour pork from Thanh Son commune has emerged as a distinctive “culinary ambassador” of Phu Tho.

[VOVWORLD] - When people think of Phu Tho province, they often recall the Hung Kings Temple, its long-standing festivals, and the intangible heritage of Xoan singing. The province is also known for its rich local cuisine, where each dish reflects the spirit of the mountains and forests. Among these, sour pork from Thanh Son commune has emerged as a distinctive “culinary ambassador” of Phu Tho.

24/04/2026

Ancient Kareh-Katal ritual guides Cham Bani youth into adulthood

[VOVWORLD] - A ceremony known as Kareh for females and Katal for males is one of the life-cycle rituals observed by the Cham Bani community. A syncretic blend of indigenous Cham traditions with elements of Hinduism and Islam, the Kareh-Katal ceremony informs the ancestors that a new member has reached adulthood, and the person at the center of the ceremony is officially recognised as a follower of Cham Bani Islam.

[VOVWORLD] - A ceremony known as Kareh for females and Katal for males is one of the life-cycle rituals observed by the Cham Bani community. A syncretic blend of indigenous Cham traditions with elements of Hinduism and Islam, the Kareh-Katal ceremony informs the ancestors that a new member has reached adulthood, and the person at the center of the ceremony is officially recognised as a follower of Cham Bani Islam.

13/04/2026

Blang Festival celebrates M’nong pride

[VOVWORLD] - In March, when the Blang trees (scientific name Bombax ceiba) come into bloom, the M’nong ethnic people in the Central Highlands hold the Blang tree-planting ceremony. For the M’nong, the Blang tree symbolizes the power of deities who protect the villagers through any difficulties. The festival is organised to give thanks to the Blang deity and pray for favourable weather and abundant harvests.

[VOVWORLD] - In March, when the Blang trees (scientific name Bombax ceiba) come into bloom, the M’nong ethnic people in the Central Highlands hold the Blang tree-planting ceremony. For the M’nong, the Blang tree symbolizes the power of deities who protect the villagers through any difficulties. The festival is organised to give thanks to the Blang deity and pray for favourable weather and abundant harvests.

06/04/2026

Free classes pass on Khmer heritage to the next generation

[VOVWORLD] - During the summer, most Theravada Khmer pagodas in An Giang province hold free classes for Khmer children, helping them learn about language and cultural identity.

[VOVWORLD] - During the summer, most Theravada Khmer pagodas in An Giang province hold free classes for Khmer children, helping them learn about language and cultural identity.

28/03/2026

The costume that grants manhood in Dao culture

(VOVWORLD) - The Dao ethnic community possess a rich cultural heritage. One distinctive element is the embroidered brocade ceremonial costume worn by men during the cap sac, coming-of-age ceremony. This embroidery craft has been preserved across generations, as it is closely tied to their spiritual life.

The costume that grants manhood in Dao culture

The costume that grants manhood in Dao culture

(VOVWORLD) - The Dao ethnic community possess a rich cultural heritage. One distinctive element is the embroidered brocade ceremonial costume worn by men during the cap sac, coming-of-age ceremony. This embroidery craft has been preserved across generations, as it is closely tied to their spiritual life.

26/03/2026

Embroidered ceremonial costumes of the Red Dao people

(VOVWORLD) - The Dao ethnic community possess a rich cultural heritage. One distinctive element is the embroidered brocade ceremonial costume worn by men during the cấp sắc, coming-of-age ceremony. This embroidery craft has been preserved across generations, as it is closely tied to their spiritual life.

Embroidered ceremonial costumes of the Red Dao people

Embroidered ceremonial costumes of the Red Dao people

(VOVWORLD) - The Dao ethnic community possess a rich cultural heritage. One distinctive element is the embroidered brocade ceremonial costume worn by men during the cấp sắc, coming-of-age ceremony. This embroidery craft has been preserved across generations, as it is closely tied to their spiritual life.

19/03/2026

A stage rebuilt, Thai courtship songs come back to life

(VOVWORLD) - There have been concerns that the traditional culture of ethnic groups may fade amid modern life, but the Thai community in Chau Co village, Son La province, is actively working to preserve and promote its heritage.

A stage rebuilt, Thai courtship songs come back to life

A stage rebuilt, Thai courtship songs come back to life

(VOVWORLD) - There have been concerns that the traditional culture of ethnic groups may fade amid modern life, but the Thai community in Chau Co village, Son La province, is actively working to preserve and promote its heritage.

12/03/2026

Xoe-Gong Festival connects cultures in Lai Chau

(VOVWORLD) - The resonant sound of gongs accompanying the xoe dance during the recent Lunar New Year Xoe-Gong Festival echoes through the surrounding mountains and forests of Ban Bo commune, Lai Chau province. The festival of the local Thai ethnic group community helps preserve the cultural identity, strengthen community ties, and promote tourism and local produce.

Xoe-Gong Festival connects cultures in Lai Chau

Xoe-Gong Festival connects cultures in Lai Chau

(VOVWORLD) - The resonant sound of gongs accompanying the xoe dance during the recent Lunar New Year Xoe-Gong Festival echoes through the surrounding mountains and forests of Ban Bo commune, Lai Chau province. The festival of the local Thai ethnic group community helps preserve the cultural identity, strengthen community ties, and promote tourism and local produce.

02/03/2026

Ma Gro Festival brings blessings to Kho Mu villages

(VOVWORLD) - The Kho Mu ethnic minority people observe many annual rituals closely linked to the human life cycle and agricultural production. Ma Gro, their biggest festival of the year, prays for good fortune and blessings.

Ma Gro Festival brings blessings to Kho Mu villages

Ma Gro Festival brings blessings to Kho Mu villages

(VOVWORLD) - The Kho Mu ethnic minority people observe many annual rituals closely linked to the human life cycle and agricultural production. Ma Gro, their biggest festival of the year, prays for good fortune and blessings.