Arts & Performance
Traditional dances of White Thai people
What's in the traditional dance of Thai ethnic people? Amidst the deep green mountains of Van Ho commune (Son La province), Phu Mau village appears like a peaceful painting, where the cultural beauty of White Thai people is fully preserved.
In the spiritual life of people here, xoe dance, Northwest xoe rhythm and ethnic sap dance are not just entertainment activities, but also symbols of unity, hospitality and aspirations for prosperity.
Northwest Xoe Dance – Cultural soul of White Thai people
When the sounds of gongs, drums, and tinh lute resonate in the village space, xoe dance circles begin to expand, hand in hand, footsteps rhythmic in the festive music. This is a familiar image during spring festivals, new rice celebrations or community exchange nights.
White Thai people believe that the wider the xoe circle, the stronger the village bonds.
Traditional xoe dances like "kham khan inviting wine", "don hon", "nhom khan" or "kham khen" have been passed down through generations, each carrying its own meaning – honoring connection, hospitality and homeland love.
Traditional xoe styles
Kham khan (wine invitation)
Don hon
Nhom khan
Kham khen
Deep meaning in each traditional xoe dance
Not just performing art, Northwest xoe dance is also how Thai people express their soul and emotions. In each gentle, soft movement lies the joy of labor, aspirations for abundant harvests and peaceful life.
Especially when tourists join with locals, the xoe circle becomes a bridge between people and culture – between tradition and modernity.
Ethnic Sap Dance – Vibrant echoes of Phu Mau festivals
Besides xoe dance, ethnic sap dance is an indispensable activity during festivals in Phu Mau village. Bamboo poles are placed parallel, locals skillfully control the steady "clap-clap" rhythm, while dancers jump in and out gracefully to the music.
Music resonates in the mountain forest space, blending with the crisp laughter of tourists and locals, creating a cheerful, warm and lively atmosphere.
Music resonates in the mountain forest space, blending with the crisp laughter of tourists and locals, creating a cheerful, warm and lively atmosphere.
Come to Phu Mau Village
You not only enjoy distinctive cuisine and poetic scenery, but also live in a cultural space rich with White Thai identity – where each dance is a story, each xoe circle is a heartbeat of Northwest people.