Festivals
Then Kin Pang — the spring festival of the Thai people in Khong Lao
· Bài mẫu — tổng hợp từ báo chí
Revived in 2000, the festival of the Thai people of Muong So – Khong Lao is now national intangible heritage, known for its hair-washing and water-splashing rituals.
Then Kin Pang is the traditional festival of the Thai people — mostly White Thai — of Muong So and Khong Lao. Revived in 2000, it is held around the third lunar month in Khong Lao commune, Lai Chau province.
The 2026 edition took place on 25–26 April under the theme "Loi Then vong mai", with more than 300 artisans, performers and volunteers and a visiting delegation from Jinping county in Yunnan, China.
Rituals: offerings led by the Then master at the Then house, followed by incense offerings for a peaceful year.
Festivities: the Ap ho Pang hair-washing performance by the stream, water splashing for good luck, costume shows, a craft contest, circle dancing (xoe), and folk games such as stick pushing, crossbow shooting, shuttlecock, raft racing and stream swimming.
The festival is listed as national intangible cultural heritage and is a living space for two UNESCO-inscribed elements: the Art of Xoe Thai and Then practices.
Sources (Vietnamese): Bao Van hoa (2026) · Bao Van hoa (2022)