Spreading the Tay Cultural Identity in Tuyen Quang
(TITC) – When morning dew still clings to the palm fronds, stilt houses seem to emerge and dissolve into the mist along the mountainsides of Tuyen Quang. In the stillness, the soft melodies of Then singing float across the valleys – gentle notes that tell stories of the forest, of human love, and of the Tay people’s enduring spirit. Here, in Thuong Lam commune of Lam Binh district, cultural identity is not only preserved but also woven into community tourism, creating a sustainable path for both people and place.
The Soul of the Tay
The Tay are among the most populous ethnic groups in Tuyen Quang, accounting for nearly a quarter of the province’s population. They make their homes along valleys and streams, where fertile land supports farming and livestock. This close relationship with nature has given birth to a cultural heritage rich with festivals, rituals, folk songs, and dances.
At the heart of this heritage are Then singing and the iconic bowl dance. Then songs, accompanied by the lilting sound of the tinh lute, carry wishes, dreams, and confessions, while the bowl dance celebrates the cycle of cotton planting and weaving – symbols of diligence, grace, and the pursuit of abundance.
In Thuong Lam, Then singing and tinh lute clubs have become vibrant “cultural meeting places.” Here, artisans and youth come together to learn, perform, and keep traditions alive. On festival days, visitors are swept into a whirl of color: brocade costumes shimmering in the firelight, the sound of Then echoing through the valley, and the aroma of corn wine wafting into the air.
Costume is another hallmark of Tay identity. Women wear indigo five-panel shirts, tied with pink or red belts, paired with leaf-shaped trousers and topped with black square scarves. Subtle yet elegant, these garments reflect the Tay sense of beauty and discipline, stitched carefully by hand. More than clothing, they embody pride, history, and continuity across generations.
A Taste of the Mountains
The Tay people’s creativity shines in their products, both practical and symbolic. Smoked black pork, grilled stream fish, five-colored sticky rice, and leaf-fermented wine bring the flavors of the forest to the table. Brocade scarves, handwoven bags, and small accessories – bracelets, keychains, purses – carry with them the touch of local artistry. For visitors, these items are not just souvenirs but stories in tangible form, tokens of a culture deeply rooted in its land.
Thuong Lam: A Bright Spot for Community Tourism
Nature has been generous with Thuong Lam. The commune lies amidst limestone peaks, dense forests, and the blue waters of the Tuyen Quang hydropower reservoir. Clouds often cling to the mountaintops, painting a landscape that feels at once dramatic and serene. This blend of wilderness and tradition makes Thuong Lam an irresistible stop for travelers seeking both peace and authenticity.
Since adopting a community tourism model, rustic stilt houses have transformed into warm, welcoming homestays. Today, Thuong Lam boasts 31 such accommodations, with Tay women at the heart of the experience. They prepare traditional meals, host cultural performances, and guide visitors through village life.
Hoang Van Minh, owner of Tai Ngao Homestay in Na Tong village, explained: “Our homestay has been running for over three years, with two stilt houses that can host up to 65 guests. It provides jobs for eight to ten people. Guests here can join us in pounding rice cakes, dancing by the fire, listening to Then and Pao Dung songs, or learning to cook traditional dishes. Community tourism is built from the harmony of daily life. We young people want to create new value from our traditions and make our homeland a place worth living, a place worth returning to.”
Visitors often leave with deep impressions. Nguyen The Cuong, Deputy Director of the Center for People and Nature (PanNature), shared: “I was moved by the peaceful landscape and the warmth of the people. The cultural exchange nights, with Then singing under the firelight, felt like stepping into a fairy tale. This is a place I will surely return to – not just for rest, but to reconnect with those simple, authentic values.”
A Living Heritage
From the soulful strains of Then to the welcoming glow of stilt houses and the flavors of traditional cuisine, Tay culture in Tuyen Quang is alive and evolving. The community is skillfully combining conservation with development, ensuring that tourism strengthens rather than diminishes cultural pride.
In Thuong Lam, identity itself has become the bridge – linking past to present, people to visitors, and tradition to opportunity. Here, every song, every stitch, and every shared meal carries the promise that the Tay heritage will not only endure but continue to flourish, spreading far beyond the valleys where it was born.
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