Each ethnic minority in Vietnam carries a unique cultural identity, and the Xòe dance of the Thai people in the Northwest is among the most captivating. Visiting areas like Muong Lo (Yen Bai), Son La, or Dien Bien through eco tours or small group tours, travelers can admire the graceful, rhythmic Xòe dances and engage in authentic cultural experiences through meaningful community-based tourism activities.
1. Xòe Dance – The Soul of the Thai Ethnic Minority’s Culture
The Xòe dance is more than just a performance art; it is a symbol of community connection. During festivals, weddings, housewarmings, or when welcoming guests, the Xòe dance always comes alive with the sounds of drums, gongs, and the radiant smiles of local people. With over 30 Xòe variations, the most popular and accessible is the “circle Xòe”, where tourists and locals join hands, forming large circles to dance together to traditional rhythms.
Participating in a cultural tour in Vietnam with a local guide allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind each movement, and to experience how this traditional dance connects generations.
2. Community-Based Tourism Experience
Villages such as Na Tau (Dien Bien), Deu (Son La), and Sang (Muong Lo) are developing community-based tourism tied closely to Thai culture. These destinations are often included in local tours and eco-friendly itineraries, where visitors can stay in traditional stilt houses, savor local specialties like bamboo-tube rice, grilled stream fish, and five-colored sticky rice, and participate in cultural activities such as learning Xòe dance, listening to Thai folk songs, making traditional cakes, or dyeing indigo fabrics.
For those seeking responsible tours in Vietnam, these experiences offer not just sightseeing but genuine cultural immersion that supports the local economy.
3. Preserving Culture Through Sustainable Tourism in Vietnam
Tourism not only brings income but also helps preserve cultural identity. Experience-based tours are designed so that travelers are not just observers but active participants, helping locals maintain their heritage. This is the core philosophy behind sustainable travel in Vietnam, where every visit contributes to the preservation of intangible cultural values.
This model of responsible tourism is increasingly being adopted throughout the northern mountainous regions and is a highlight of many eco tours in the area.
4. Tips for Visitors
-
Respect local customs, attire, and private spaces.
-
Avoid single-use plastic and help keep the environment clean.
-
When invited to join a Xòe dance or taste local rice wine, participate with enthusiasm but also with courtesy.
Whether you’re on a small group tour or a custom local tour, every Xòe dance is a bond that connects people — the past with the present. Don’t miss the chance to discover the Northwest – where Xòe is not just a dance, but the heartbeat of an entire culture.
