Traditional hand embroidery activities of the Dao Thanh Phan Ethnic Culture Preservation Club (Quang La commune).
Situated in the mountainous region of Quang Ninh province, Quang La was formed through the merger of the former communes Dan Chu, Quang La, Bang Ca, and Tan Dan of the old Ha Long city. The commune is home to over 2,300 households and more than 9,500 residents, with ethnic minorities making up 72.4% of the population.
Quang La boasts a wealth of both tangible and intangible cultural assets, which are being preserved and leveraged to support sustainable tourism, enhancing both cultural life and the spiritual well-being of the community.
A signature traditional craft that endures to this day is hand-embroidered brocade. This intricate art reflects the skill and creativity of Dao Thanh Phan women.
Young people learning traditional embroidery techniques from Dao Thanh Y artisans (Quang La commune).
“I have loved embroidery since childhood, and over time, it has become a part of my life. Even as my hands are no longer as quick as they once were, I still want to pass on this craft, especially to the younger generation. Only then can the cultural heritage of our people survive and flourish across generations”, said Trieu Thi Tuyet from Tan Lap village, who has been practicing embroidery for over 40 years.
Dao Thanh Phan Cultural Preservation Club was officially established in November 2025. Comprising 28 members aged 16 to 78, the club brings together those passionate about safeguarding the Dao language, folk songs, rituals, and traditional attire. The club also produces traditional hand-embroidered items such as shirts, pants, skirts, aprons, headdresses, and handbags. Amid the pressures of modernization, the club serves as a bridge connecting generations, preserving and transmitting the cultural essence of the Dao Thanh Phan people, and ensuring that their traditions remain alive and vibrant.
“The club aims to preserve and develop our traditional culture, provide a space for members to learn and share, and promote Dao cultural identity to the wider community and visitors. We regularly organize activities, draw on the expertise of master artisans, encourage youth participation, and collaborate closely with local authorities to ensure sustainable operations. Looking ahead, we plan to restore key Dao Thanh Phan rituals, teach folk songs, embroidery, and the Dao language”, said Ban Thi Yen, the head of the club.
The Cap Sac ceremony of the Dao Thanh Phan people (Quang La commune).
Quang La commune has also focused on preserving other cultural expressions, including festivals, customs, and ancient crafts. Notable examples include the Dao cap-sac (coming-of-age) ceremony, the Tay new rice festival, and seasonal prayers for bountiful harvests. Cultural spaces have been established in villages, and communal infrastructure has been upgraded, preserving the architectural heritage of Dao and Tay communities.
As planned, Quang La plans to propose special policies and incentives for ethnic minority areas, linking economic development with cultural preservation while improving residents’ quality of life.
The commune will continue to leverage its intangible cultural heritage alongside natural landscapes to develop tourism and services, widely promote its traditional values, and create signature tourism products that highlight the unique heritage of ethnic minority communities in the region.
By Dinh Hang