The journey back to the Da Giang River – Where tradition and aspirations converge

The festival is not just an entertainment event, but also an opportunity for Muong Lay to "Return to the Da Giang River" – a meaningful theme, expressing a deep connection with its roots and aspirations for progress. The series of activities will kick off on the morning of January 2nd, 2026, with solemn spiritual ceremonies at the Mechanical Boat Dock. The River God Sacrifice Ceremony, a traditional peace-seeking ritual of the White Thai people, along with the Fish Release Ceremony, will convey wishes for a new year of favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peaceful lives for all people. text-align: justify; background-color: rgba(233, 235, 238, 0.7);">

Locals and tourists join in the Xoe dance, honoring the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in the Dien Bien river region in the festival space.

The historical and proud highlight of this year's festival is the Xoe dance event that set a Vietnamese record for "The circle dance of solidarity by the Da Giang River". With the participation of 10,000 people, forming a continuous circle dance approximately 6.5 km long, this will be a magnificent performance, symbolizing the spirit of unity and close-knit solidarity among the brotherly ethnic groups. The festival atmosphere will be further enlivened by a series of traditional and adventurous sports activities. The heart of the festival is the Swallowtail Boat Race – a sport closely associated with the riverine life of the local people, where strong rowers compete over a distance of 1000m in two categories (Men's Team; Mixed Men and Women Team). In addition, Kayak Racing also promises spectacular chases over a distance of 500m (Men's Doubles; Mixed Doubles) at the Mechanical Boat Dock. rgba(233, 235, 238, 0.7); text-align: center;">Swallowtail boat race - the most exciting part of the festival

 For those who love extreme sports, you can't miss the first "Muong Lay Green - Conquering the Wind Pass (Clavo Pass)" Mountain Bike Race – a challenging test amidst the majestic mountain landscape. The skies over Muong Lay will also transform into an impressive stage for the 6th National Paragliding Club Championship and the 2nd National Jet Surfing Championship, where talented athletes will showcase their skills, delivering breathtaking and spectacular performances.