Son La is a province whose culture is diverse and rich in national identity. In the province, 12 ethnic minorities reside. Each of them has their own traditional cultural relics and there are also common cultures between them. Typical ethnic minorities in Son La include:

The Thai Ethnic Minority

The Thai ethnic minority makes up 54 per cent of the population of the province of Son La. They have their own language and script. The literature treasure stores over 500 ancient Thai books, including famous epics like Song Tru Xon Xao (Seeing off lover), Khu Lun - Nang Ua, Y Noi - Nang Xua, Tan Chu Xiet Xuong, Chuon Han Hien Hom, Quan To Muong, Tay Pu Xo, etc. The Thai ethnic minority also is renowned for traditional brocade making with about more than 30 designs.

The H’ Mong Ethnic Minority

In Son La, the H’ Mong ethnic minority makes up 13 per cent of the province’s population after the Thai and Kinh minorities. They mainly reside in mountainous areas in the districts of Bac Yen, Phu Yen, Moc Chau, Yen Chau, Thuan Chau and Song Ma. They have 3 groups: White H’ Mong, Black H’ Mong and Flowered H’ Mong. These groups have their own cultural features.

Cultural activities of the H’ Mong people usually involve kermis, festivals and holidays.

Dancing with umbrellas is usually watched in the mountain villages of the H’ Mong people. Instruments of the H’ Mong include the leaf-horn, the bamboo flute and the Khen which create various special tunes.

Visitors to the areas of the H’ Mong people will watch things like knife, matchlock, etc., which are manually produced by native people. Visitors can also watch colorful dresses made by H’ Mong girls during one year.

The Kho Mu Ethnic Minority

The Kho Mu ethnic minority is renowned for their dances like Tang bu, and Hun mang, and traditional bamboo and rattan making. From bamboo and rattan, the Kho Mu people make papooses and baskets to serve themselves and the community.

The Xinh Mun Ethnic Minority

Bản Mường Renovation
The Xinh Mun ethnic minority is famous for their festival of Ban flowers.

The La Ha Ethnic Minority

The La Ha ethnic minority makes up a small proportion of the population in Son La. They live mainly in the districts of Muong La, Quynh Nhai and Thuan Chau. The number of people living in each mountain village of the La Ha minority is very small. They live in houses on stilts, dress Champa clothing made from cotton produced by themselves. The bamboo flower offering festival is a profound festival of the La Ha minority.