Son La

Son La province is a province in the Northwest region of Vietnam. It borders Laos to the south. The population includes Black and White Thai.

Son La province is a northwestern mountainous province. The province is co-inhabited by various ethnic groups: the Xa, H’Mong, Dao, Muong, Kinh, Kh’Mu, Tay, Thai and so on. The Thai is the largest single ethnic group.  Eighty percent of the province’s natural area is covered with mountains.

Nowadays, the province is home to 47 relics of cultural history and landscape to recognize. Among them, there are 12 relics at national level, 35 relics at provincial level with some forms of historical relics, landscape, architect and archaeology.
The natural beauty of Son La, a typical highland area, with green fields and hills are irresistible attraction. Besides, the unique traditions and customs of the Thai and other minorities are also worth for you to experience. About landscapes and spots of beauty, there are 3 famous sites that you must visit when in Son La: Moc Chau Plateau, Prison and museum of Son La and Tham Tet Toong Cave.

Right in the central of Son La City, tourists would have chance to visit the most renowned relic of this province, which is Son La Former Prison and Museum. The site is preserving historic objects – evidences of a difficult but heroic time during the war; and also exhibiting the historical and cultural tradition of 12 ethnic groups living here.
The locals there are very hospitable who are pleased to treat you their specialties like “Ruou Can” (wine with straws); “Mang Lay” (special bamboo sprout); “Com Lam” or roasted fishes.

Some art performing forms in Son La province is various and unique coming from 12 the ethnic groups living here. Specially, “xoe” dancing of Thai ethnic group is a popular dance of Thai ethnicity in areas of the Northeast, Vietnam. It has another name as “Xe kham khen”- Thai ethnicity’s language. This dance is performed in almost cultural activities in the life of Thai people. That may be the village’s or country’s important festival and holiday like Tet holiday, wedding and spring festivals, etc or even at the open new house celebration. The young girls of Thai ethnicity wear brocade costume with  “Piêu” towel. When the drums, the gongs, the pans are played, everybody standing outside also start dancing and enjoying the best moment of festival. They participate happily regardless of age, children, boys or girls.