Insights and Stories from Sapa and the Northern Borderbelt provinces of Vietnam.
Red Dao shamanic ritual in Sa Pa, northern Vietnam
The Cấp Sắc ceremony is the most significant rite of passage among the Red Dao people of northern Vietnam. Held once in a lifetime, this elaborate shamanic ritual marks an individual's transition into full spiritual and social adulthood. Through sacred chants, ancestral invocations, ritual music, and community participation, Cấp Sắc formally connects participants to the Dao spiritual hierarchy and remains a defining expression of Red Dao identity today.
Bun Vốc Nặm - The Living Water Festival of the Lao People
In the mountain valleys of Lai Châu, where streams shape both land and life, the Lao people gather each spring to celebrate Bun Vốc Nặm. This water festival is a joyful expression of renewal, gratitude, and connection, where laughter, ritual, and shared meals bind communities across generations.
Roóng Poọc Festival and the End of Tet
Held in the mountain village of Tả Van in Sapa, the Roóng Poọc Festival marks the end of Tet and the beginning of a new farming year. Through sacred rituals, traditional games, and communal celebration, the Giáy and Hmong communities honour nature, fertility, and the renewal of village life.
Pu Tong: The Sacred Fire Dancing Festival of the Red Dao in Sapa
Each Lunar New Year, the Red Dao community in Sapa gathers for Pu Tong, a sacred fire dancing ritual where participants walk barefoot over glowing embers. More than a spectacle, it is a spiritual ceremony of protection, strength and renewal rooted deeply in ancestral belief.
Red Dao New Year in Sapa: Rituals, Feasts and Traditional Dress at Tết
In the mountains around Sapa, the Red Dao welcome Tết with herbal baths, solemn ancestor worship, generous village feasts and the spectacular fire jumping ceremony. It is a New Year shaped by memory, spirit and striking traditional dress.
Black Hmong New Year in Sapa: Ritual, Renewal and Indigo Identity
In the mountains around Sapa, the Black Hmong New Year renews both spirit and community. Through shamanic soul-calling rites, offerings, pav tuav, rice wine, festivals and indigo hemp clothing, the celebration binds people to land, ancestors and one another.
Tet in Northern Vietnam: What to Expect, When to Travel, and How to Prepare
Tet shapes travel, family life, and village celebrations across northern Vietnam. From red envelopes and homecomings to crowded roads and post-Tet festivals, here is how to plan a thoughtful journey around Tet 2026.
Last Chance to See: A Century of Hmong Clothing in Northern Vietnam
A visual journey through Hmong clothing across four regions of Northern Vietnam, revealing how tradition, identity, and textile art have survived for over a century.
The La Chí People of Northern Vietnam: Guardians of Ancient Traditions
Meet the La Chi people of northern Vietnam, a community known for its rich traditions, unique customs and exceptional indigo textiles.
The Wisdom Keepers of ETHOS
The elders of Sapa hold stories that reach far beyond the trekking trails. Their knowledge shapes how we travel, learn and connect in the mountains.
The Gentle Rhythms of Lao Life: A Glimpse into the Northwest Highlands
A quiet journey into the Lao highlands, where life moves to the rhythm of rivers and song. Meet the communities who weave memory, laughter and craftsmanship into every moment.
Hmong Shamanic Rituals and Lunar New Year Traditions in Vietnam
A rare insight into Hmong shamanic beliefs and a powerful Lunar New Year ceremony that brings community, spirits and healing together in Vietnam.
Red Dao Baby Hats A Mother’s Love Stitched into Tradition
Red Dao baby hats are beautiful, bright and full of spiritual meaning. Mothers embroider them with symbols, coins and herbs to protect young children.
Heritage Shorts: Documenting Vietnam’s Living Traditions
Heritage Shorts is a new documentary series celebrating the living traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities. From weaving and farming to music, shamanism, and craftsmanship, these short films capture stories of resilience and creativity passed down through generations.
The Rice Harvest in Sapa: Tradition and Community
In Sapa, the rice harvest is more than work. Families gather, traditions are honoured, and communities move together with the rhythm of the terraces.