SƠN LA — A week-long event to promote the culture, sports and tourism of Quỳnh Nhai District in the northern mountainous province of Sơn La began on Saturday.

Embraced by the charming natural landscape, the district is known for its rich culture, especially the conical hat dance and the tính tẩu instrument of the local ethnic Tày, Nùng, and Thái people.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Quỳnh Nhai Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, the chairman of the district People's Committee, Hoàng Tiến Cường, highlighted the tourism potential of the district.

Linh Sơn-Thủy Từ Temple is a significant religious site in Quỳnh Nhai District. Photo courtesy of Tin Tức Sơn La

“The region has overlapping terrain created by mountain ranges. The mirror-like water surface of the winding Đà River that meanders the foot of the mountains has perfected the majestic natural landscape,” he said.

“Especially, the Pắc Ma Banyan Tree historical site, which witnessed the victory of the Vietnamese army in the Northwest military campaign against French colonials in 1952, is a highlight of the regional tourism map,” he added.

In addition, Linh Sơn -Thủy Từ Temple, where River and Mountain genies are worshipped, and Nàng Han – a woman who is believed to have explored Quỳnh Nhai and founded the first villages, is another famous tourist spot in the region.

“The temple plays a significant role in the preservation and promotion of the religious culture of ethnic groups living in the region,” chairman Cường said.

Quỳnh Nhai is also home to several traditional ethnic festivals such as Kin Pang Then, Kin Pang A, the hair-washing festival of white Thái ethnic people, the boat racing festival on Đà River.

Tourists witness a traditional boat race on the Đà River at the Quỳnh Nhai Culture, Sports and Tourism Week. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Cường

Chairman Cường said that the land and people here are associated with the nation's history of building and defending the country. Keeping precious historical and cultural values, nature has endowed the land with beautiful and magnificent landscapes.

“All these potentials are being evoked so that Quỳnh Nhai can fully develop its tourism potentials, contributing to the development of Vietnamese culture and the nation’s sustainable development,” he said.

Visiting Quỳnh Nhai during Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, tourists will have a chance to experience interesting festive activities such as boat racing and traditional sports games.

Local specialities and agricultural products were also presented to tourists during the event.

In addition, visitors can learn about the diversity of fish living in Đà River when they visit the Đà River fish fair held during the week. Tourists can also take part in boat tours on the Đà River to access different relics and scenic spots in Quỳnh Nhai.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, Quỳnh Nhai welcomed thousands of tourists.

The Quỳnh Nhai Culture, Sports and Tourism Week will last until February 1. — VNS