Hung Ha Giang, 34, has become a familiar name for travelers visiting Dong Van Ancient Town. Three years ago, his first videos featuring traditional Hmong dances went viral, drawing visitors to the northern highlands to meet him and experience local culture. Hung performs these dances at a community activity area in the town, inviting people to join him in singing and dancing without an appointment.
From Empty Streets to Cultural Hubs
Recalling the area three years ago, Hung noted that Dong Van had no community activities and visitors mostly walked around and admired the old town. He wanted to create a space for people to connect and express solidarity. “Every place has its own distinctive features,” Hung said. “Dong Van is home to many ethnic minority groups, and each has its own cultural beauty.”
He performs traditional Hmong dances while adapting them so that visitors of all backgrounds can join in. “I was lucky that when I built my channel, digital platforms directed my videos to people in many countries,” Hung said. International visitors called him directly, expressing surprise that such a remote place in Vietnam could offer fun activities. Many shared on his page that anyone who has not been to Ha Giang should visit it at least once in their lifetime.
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Preserving Heritage Through Performance
Pham Duc Nam, chairman of the Dong Van Commune People’s Committee, told Tuoi Tre that Hung has helped spread local culture to visitors, particularly international tourists. To date, Dong Van has recorded visitors from 124 countries. Each visitor can, in turn, help promote the town to more international travelers through their own social media accounts.
Today, Hung’s team of community entertainers in Dong Van Ancient Town has 10 members, most from ethnic minority communities. The group prioritizes local residents and young people from low-income households. Previously, young people had few opportunities to earn a living from their own culture and often left Dong Van to find jobs at companies. As more visitors arrive and demand for local cultural experiences grows, local residents have also become more aware of the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.