(VOVworld) - Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists have flocked to the opening of the Festival in the Clouds 2012 in the mountainous tourist town of Sapa.

The Festival highlights traditional cultural values of ethnic groups living in the region. Photo: Internet

The Festival in the Clouds 2012 is one of the activities under the co-operation program between three northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Phu Tho to bring people back to the nation’s origin. Le Duc Luan, Chairman of People’s Committee of Sa Pa suburban district said: “We aim to exploit more of the cultural values to boost local tourism. In Sapa, community tourism has become familiar to each and every hamlet. During the traditional lunar new year, Sa Pa organized 7 festivals and the first ever Pan-Pipe dancing contest. We will continue to carry out activities of this kind as it is a new feature to attract tourists to the region”.

This year’s festival includes many special shows featuring the traditional cultures of ethnic minorities in Sapa such as the Giay, Mong, and Zao, as well as unique local cuisine and folklore. The Festival in the Clouds will last until May 4.