(VOVWORLD) - In Vietnam’s remote northwestern border region, the Ha Nhi people inhabit mountain valleys along the upper reaches of the Da River in Lai Chau province. Over generations, they have preserved a rich cultural heritage of traditional dances and epic chants, embodying the collective memory of their origins and identity.
 The xoe dance and Xa Nha Ca epic of the Ha Nhi in Thu Lum commune, Lai Chau province, are officially recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage at a certificate handover ceremony on November 5, 2025. (Photo: Khac Kien/VOV-Northwest Region) |
For the Ha Nhi people, the xoe dance is the language of the soul, a way for humans to commune with heaven and earth and to strengthen community bonds.
The Ha Nhi often perform xoe during community cultural activities such as festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations, ceremonies praying for good harvests, weddings, housewarming celebrations, or on beautiful moonlit nights. In the close-knit xoe circles, everyone holds hands and moves together in unison, without distinction of age, gender, or between hosts and guests.
Like the xoe dance, present in every rhythm of the Ha Nhi’s life is the epic Xa Nha Ca, a monumental oral epic of more than 3,500 verses. The epic is divided into 11 sections, recounting the formation of the universe, the birth of humankind, and the long journey of migration, settlement, and survival of the Ha Nhi people over centuries.
 Ha Nhi people in traditional costumes (Photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest Region) |
“Xa Nha Ca epic reflects cultural traditions, daily life, and spiritual beliefs of the Ha Nhi from birth through land reclamation, survival, and development. It also features numerous folk songs and dances, moral principles, and customs,” said Ha Nhi resident, Ma Ly Pha, who lives in Me Giong village.
Xoe dance and Xa Nha Ca epic are performed in every village event, from the traditional Ho Su Cha New Year festival, the De Khu Cha rainy-season festival, and the Ga Ma Thu forest deity worship ceremony, to weddings, housewarming celebrations, and early-spring gatherings. The dance movements and verses convey ritual meanings while passing on life values, moral teachings, and a sense of community.
In today’s modern life, the preservation and promotion of traditional values have received special attention from both the community and local authorities.
“Local authorities will step up communication efforts and integrate these art forms into schools to teach the children. We’ll organize cultural and artistic activities linked with socio-economic development for Ha Nhi communities,” said Nguyen Truong Giang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Thu Lum commune.
 Ha Nhi people and guests join the xoe dance. (Photo: Khac Kien/ VOV-Northwest Region) |
Many visitors who set foot in Ha Nhi villages are captivated by the locals’ simplicity and sincerity, and immerse themselves in the xòe dances.
“I feel a very close and heartfelt atmosphere among the Ha Nhi people. I witness families preparing meals together and the joyful reunions of children returning home from afar. The xoe dance and the deeply moving verses of the Xa Nha Ca epic warm my heart,” Nguyen Van Phu, a visitor from Nghe An province, said.
Xoe dance and Xa Nha Ca epic are treasured heritages of the Ha Nhi people, adding a distinctive hue to the diverse cultural tapestry of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.