Every spring, the North Central region resonates with the vibrant sounds of festival drums, folk songs, and rhythmic processions. In recent years, alongside efforts to highlight each locality’s unique strengths, the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh have joined forces to strengthen connections and create an impressive “cultural journey”.

On the first days of the Lunar New Year 2026, amid the lively and joyful atmosphere of spring, provinces and cities across the country have welcomed large numbers of visitors, marking the start of a year full of promise for the tourism industry.

Across Viet Nam’s northern mountain provinces, cho phien (periodic markets) have long been a space where local people meet, trade and exchange produce. Within the structure of a typical highland market, the livestock area holds a central place where buffaloes, cattle, goats and pigs gather, and where horses, in particular, remain a living symbol of livelihood and a long-standing cultural heritage.