Dien Bien (VNA) – A cultural programmesimulating market days in Vietnam’s mountainous regions kicked off in Dien BienPhu city of the northwestern province of Dien Bien on March 13.

The activity, the first of its kind, formspart of the ongoing sixth Ban Flower Festival, named after the typical flowerof the region.

With nearly 70 booths of about 50exhibiting entities, it aims to introduce daily life activities through marketdays of ethnic groups in Dien Bien province and cultural values of locals inthe northern mountainous region in general.

The programme, running until March 18, alsooffers chances for localities in the province to promote their potential andtypical farm produce and handicrafts, as well as connect with travel companiesto develop tourism programmes to Dien Bien.

At the event, visitors could enjoy localdishes, art programmes and folk games arranged by local residents.

To facilitate tourists, the provincialtourism sector has instructed agencies to ensure security and order, along withtraffic and hygiene. Furthermore, free wifi services are provided at theprogramme.

The annual festival is set to feature thecultural life in Vietnam’s northern and northwestern regions – home to 19ethnic minority groups. -VNA