Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark is home to 17 ethnic groups, including the Mong, Lo Lo, Pu Peo, Co Lao, Bo Y, Dao, and Tay. Some of these communities have lived in the region for 500–800 years. More than 60% of the population belongs to the Mong ethnic group, making it the largest Mong community in Vietnam. The local people proudly preserve their traditions through their languages, customs, handicrafts, festivals, and daily life. Folk culture remains strong, with traditional songs, stories, fairy tales, riddles, and proverbs passed down through generations. The Tay people are known for their lullabies and legends, while the Mong people maintain rich oral traditions and unique musical practices such as leaf-blowing, lip-blowing, and flute playing.
One of the region’s most important cultural sites is the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin Commune. Built from green stone, Po Mu wood, and terracotta tiles, the palace features beautiful carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and bats, symbols of power, prosperity, and good fortune. Another highlight is Dong Van Ancient Quarter, where around 40 traditional houses dating back to the 1890s have been preserved. The old quarter combines market spaces and family homes, reflecting the unique culture, architecture, and traditional feng shui beliefs of the local ethnic communities.
