The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued Decision No. 3436/QD-BVHTTDL on November 10, 2023, announcing the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Accordingly, the social customs and Keng Loong belief of Thai people in Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province, are included in the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Thai people in Mai Chau district showcase Keng Loong melodies during traditional ethnic festivals

Keng Loong is a unique form of folk cultural activity closely associated with the existence and development of Thai ethnic people in Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province. Keng Loong cultural activities hold significant meaning for the cultural life of Thai people in Mai Chau, reflecting the social characteristics, spiritual life, and religious practices. Therefore, this phenomenon carries considerable cultural value. 

Thai people, primarily engaged in rice cultivation, integrate Keng Loong cultural activities into their agricultural production processes from an early stage. In addition to its function as a labor tool, Loong is a unique musical instrument. Evolving over time and closely intertwined with the lives of Thai people, Keng Loong cultural activities have transformed into an art form. This transformation has shaped elements such as the organizational structure of performers, performance conditions, methods, techniques, musical principles, and compositions. All these elements combined create rich and emotional tones that captivate listeners, showcasing the talent of Keng Loong practitioners.

The social customs and beliefs Keng Loong of Thai people in Mai Chau constitute intangible cultural heritage that bears the distinctive mark of both time and space. Factors such as community spirit and solidarity, the connection with nature, cultural structure of residential areas, stilt houses and villages, along with traditional rituals and ceremonies, are integral elements. These three factors consistently coexist, contributing to the uniqueness of Keng Loong cultural activity space.

Keng Loong cultural activities hold great significance in the spiritual life of Thai ethnic community. Over time, this folk performance art has evolved into an indispensable cultural product for Thai community in this region. This form of folk performance serves not only economic and social functions but has also deeply embedded itself in the collective subconscious of each generation of people in this land. 

Including this unique social practice and belief system in the list of national intangible cultural heritage not only affirms the distinctive cultural identity of the ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh province but also assists Mai Chau district, the focal point of this heritage, in formulating specific policies for preservation, conservation, and promotion of the values. It contributes to enhancing local tourism development by promoting, introducing, and showcasing the cultural heritage.