Laos, Thailand to join flower festival in Dien Bien

The Ban Flower Festival 2016 will be held in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on March 13-15 with the engagement of neigbours from northern Laos and northeastern Thailand.
Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Pham Viet Dung said visitors will be treated to special art performances featuring local unique culture.
The department will announce the Prime Minister’s Decision on implement a master plan to develop the Dien Bien Phu – Pa Khoang national tourist site, which will be broadcast live on VTV2 of Viet Nam Television.
A wide range of activities will be held, including a photo contest on Ban Flower, traditional dances of some ethnic groups like Mong, Thai and Kho Mu, a culture exhibition and folk games.
A workshop on developing tourism products along with a cooking contest and a street parade are also highlighted at the event.
Northwestern provinces encompass Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Ha Giang.
Ban flower, scientifically known as Bauhinia Variegata, is typical to the northern mountainous region of Viet Nam, often in blossom in spring.
The annual Ban Flower Festival was first organised in 2014.