The mesmerizing opening of the Xoe Festival at Fansipan, Sa Pa

The vibrant Xoe Festival took place at May Village in the Sun World Fansipan Legend from July 12 to 27, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic communities in Vietnam’s Northwest mountains.

Explore the cultures of the Northwest and join the “vong xoe” dance circle

The May Village Xoe Festival guides visitors into the lively cultural space of ethnic minorities who inhabit the May Village area of Fansipan. From the Tay, Dao, H’Mong, Ha Nhi, Giay, and Thai to the Xa Pho, each community brings its own distinct, vivid, and proudly preserved traditions to the celebration.

Right from the communal courtyard, visitors are welcomed by the vibrant sounds and dazzling colors of highland life. A series of re-enactments vividly portray traditional customs, beliefs, romance, and daily labor of the mountain people.

These include the traditional wedding ceremony of the Red Dao, the egg-dyeing fertility ritual of the Giay, the haunting then singing of the Tay, the gentle lullabies of the Xa Pho, the H’Mong’s flax weaving and khene playing, the Ha Nhi’s traditional house-building, and the Giay’s house-blessing incense ritual – all meticulously staged to evoke emotion and authenticity.

A centerpiece of the festival is the Xoe dance circle, where the line between performers and spectators disappears. Hand in hand, laughter rings out amid the rhythmic drums, as graceful Xoe movements unite people in cultural harmony. More than just a dance of the Thai ethnic group, Xoe is a symbol of unity, a spirit of community, and a love for beauty, peace, and ancestral roots.

The Water and Earth procession – a ritual of growth and prosperity

The festival also revives the ancient Thuy Tho (Water and Earth) procession, deeply rooted in the agricultural beliefs of upland peoples. The ceremonial parade, featuring palanquins of the deities of Earth and Water – symbols of life and abundance – echoes through the mountains with gongs and drums.

The solemn earth-sky worship ritual is performed by 12 men and 12 women, representing the 12 directions and 12 months of the year. A Tay mo (shaman), dressed in traditional attire, conducts the rites with a unique chanting style accompanied by music, creating a sacred bridge between humanity and the cosmos.

Beyond rituals and tradition, visitors to Fansipan can enjoy the special art program “Northwest Market Day”, part of the experiential show “Sacred Summit Chronicles”, performed at 1,500 meters above sea level.

Amid swirling mountain mists, the H’Mong khene’s call, the lively chatter of traders, and the elegant dances of highland girls recreate the soul of a remote mountain market, transporting guests into a fairytale realm of forested peaks.

The festival also offers opportunities to meet local artisans, the guardians of traditional crafts such as incense making, corn wine brewing, bamboo weaving, and hand embroidery – helping visitors appreciate the skill and finesse of Sa Pa’s people.

Traditional games like tug-of-war, stilt racing, swings, and com lam (bamboo rice) cooking contests are also held throughout Ban May during the festival, welcoming both adults and children to join in the fun and win exciting prizes from the organizers – adding even more joy to the highland adventure.

A full-fledged Fansipan summer experience

While visiting May Village for the Xoe Festival, don’t miss the chance to view terraced rice fields in their lush green season from the Fansipan cable car. As the cabins glide through the clouds, vast green ribbons unfold below – majestic and soft, nature’s masterpiece drawn by the hands of time and toil, leaving visitors in awe.

Until July 31, 2025, Sun World Fansipan Legend is offering a promotional combo: cable car ride plus a Northwest buffet after 1 p.m. for just VND950,000 ($36.27) for adults and VND700,000 for children. It’s an opportunity to conquer the “Roof of Indochina” at 3,143 meters and indulge in a mountain culinary feast at one of Fansipan’s finest restaurants.

The May Village Xoe Festival is not only a cultural highlight of the Fansipan summer but also a heartfelt journey into the soul of the highlands. Amid a symphony of clouds, visitors are invited to live a Northwest life – tuned to the melodies of nature and humanity, where tradition and modernity, past and future, flow seamlessly together.