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The Pà Thẻn are an ethnic minority group living in a few communes of Hà Giang province, with a total population of approximately 5,000 people. Compared to Vietnam's population of 80 million, the Pà Thẻn constitute a very small percentage. However, throughout their lives intertwined with the mountains and forests, the Pà Thẻn have created their own unique cultural identity, from clothing, customs, and lifestyle to beliefs and cultural events, most notably the unique and unparalleled Fire Dance Festival. Many tourists may have heard of or seen videos introducing the Fire Dance Festival, but surely very few have had the opportunity to witness these special rituals firsthand.
The Lung Cu flagpole, a sacred landmark of the Fatherland. Photo: dongvan.gov.vn
To meet the needs of tourists, and with the desire to preserve and promote the unique cultural values of the ethnic groups, HanoiRedtours has created a special itinerary to Ha Giang with the main highlight being the Fire Dance Festival of the Pa Then ethnic group:
• Ha Giang – An Emotional Journey (3 days/2 nights), departing January 1, 2016, price 2,450,000 VND
• Ha Giang Cultural Colors (4 days/3 nights), departing December 31, 2015, price 3,250,000 VND
Visitors will be captivated by the wild, mystical dances of the Pà Thẻn boys walking barefoot on fire.
Embarking on this journey, visitors will be captivated by the wild and mystical dances of the Pà Thẻn men walking barefoot on fire; by the exhilarating cheers of the local people; and by the legends and rituals to follow when participating in the Fire Dance Festival, as explained by shaman Sìn Văn Phong. The journey also offers unique experiences for visitors. These include the indescribable feeling of singing the national anthem at the Lũng Cú Flagpole on New Year's Day; immersing oneself in the melodious songs of the Thái, Mông, Tày, and Nùng girls during a campfire night in Đồng Văn Old Town; paying respects to fallen heroes at Vị Xuyên Cemetery; and savoring the delicious local specialties of the highlands of Hà Giang.
According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Hoan – Deputy General Director of HanoiRedtours, “We expect the Ha Giang tour to be a breath of fresh air for the domestic tourism market and a meaningful gift that HanoiRedtours wants to give to tourists at the beginning of the new year. By including unique activities such as attending the Fire Dance Festival, flag-raising ceremony at Lung Cu Flagpole, visiting Vi Xuyen Cemetery, and bonfire in Dong Van… HanoiRedtours hopes to contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the nation, educating patriotism and national pride among the younger generations. The program is expected to attract about 400 visitors to Ha Giang this time.”
