Vietnam-Laos Border Communities Strengthen Friendship Through Cultural and Economic Exchange

A series of cultural, sports, and tourism activities were held at the Long Sap international border gate area in the northwestern province of Son La, Vietnam, from August 31 to September 2, bringing together residents from Vietnam-Laos border communities. The event was part of the "2026 Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week," organized by the Son La Provincial People’s Committee, aiming to deepen friendship and solidarity among border communities. Long Sap is a border commune with 14 villages and six ethnic groups, sharing over 30 km of border with Laos. The event featured a highland border market, a cultural, tourism, and ethnic cuisine camp, as well as ethnic competitions such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, and the Mong ethnic group's traditional tu lu spinning and banh day (glutinous rice cake) making. Cultural performances praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, the homeland, and love also added to the festive atmosphere. The highland border market attracted significant attention, with over 200 stalls operated by businesses from Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Brocade clothing, household goods, farming tools, seedlings, specialty products, and local cuisine were showcased and sold, fostering active trade. Ha Van Suong, a resident of Chieng Khua village, expressed his delight in participating in cultural exchanges and culinary gatherings with participants from Laos and visitors from surrounding areas. These activities are expected to not only strengthen friendship and solidarity but also create opportunities for people on both sides to engage in trade, exchange goods, and cooperate for economic, cultural, and social development. Concurrently, cultural activities, performances, and a trade fair were held on the Laotian side around the border gate, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and border residents from both countries. These events boosted cross-border trade and provided opportunities for people and businesses to promote and sell agricultural products and other goods. Hang Thi Dinh, a resident of Long Sap commune, stated that the festivities offered not only a chance to meet friends and shop but also an opportunity to learn more about the customs and traditions of communities across the border in Laos. Through this program, Son La aims to showcase the nature, culture, and people of Long Sap, promote traditional cultural values alongside sustainable tourism development, and enhance cooperation for the sustainable socio-economic development of Long Sap and the Moc Chau National Tourism Area. These activities also encourage border communities to strengthen solidarity, boost production and socio-economic development, while safeguarding national sovereignty and border security, further deepening the close friendship between the people of Vietnam and Laos. Source: KPL Laos News