A joyful day in the land of "golden joy".

If you work hard, the land will reward you.

Previously, mentioning Cam Muon (Que Phong) evoked a terrifying impression of the devastating consequences of illegal gold mining. In the 2000s, Cam Muon was devastated, its land dug up, and security and order disrupted. But now, many are surprised by the changes and the peacefulness of this land. Along the Quang River in early winter, the characteristic stilt houses of the Thai ethnic minority in the "gold-rich" land of Cam Muon stand close together peacefully. Beside the gently flowing water, waterwheels spin steadily. Women and mothers, with nets and baskets in hand, catch fish and shrimp, while others do laundry. Mr. Vi Thanh Luong's spacious stilt house is not far from the riverbank, its bamboo walls adorned with fishing nets. A small drum hangs in front of the door. He said, "The sound of the drum has long been familiar to the villagers whenever they need to invite people to meetings, especially village meetings, and particularly meetings about economic development." Mr. Vi Thanh Luong has always encouraged and supported the people in developing their economy right on their homeland. He and his wife and children also diligently work on their more than 4-hectare acacia farm, combined with raising buffaloes, cows, goats, pigs, and fish in a pond. "This is both to earn extra income for the family and to better understand, share, and help the villagers with the various occupations that most people in Mong 2 village participate in," the Party branch secretary said.

The man, with his graying hair, tall and slender build, and gentle smile, has 20 years of experience in local government. Since 1998, he has been the Chairman of the People's Committee of Cam Muon Commune, and after retirement, he has served as the Party Secretary of Mong 2 village for over 10 years. Along with the family of Party Secretary Vi Thanh Luong, Mong 2 village has 10 households with farms raising livestock, poultry, and fish. With 105 households and over 500 inhabitants, Mong 2 village stretches along the Quang River and has a rather complex terrain. Life here is still difficult, especially transportation. Along the river that flows through the village, the rice paddies in late November are left with only stubble, and herds of buffalo, having just wallowed in the river during the dry season, leisurely graze on the banks. Livestock farming is the leading economic sector of Mong 2 village as well as Cam Muon commune. A few years ago, only a few households established livestock farms, but after seeing some families prosper from this economic sector, and with the encouragement of the Party branch and the government, gradually more households followed suit. As a result, the lives of the villagers have become less impoverished and difficult. Many households have gradually become well-off, such as those of Mr. Lang Van Toan, Mr. Lu Van Son, Mr. Vi Van Than, etc.

Following the main road through Mong village, we visited the integrated farm of Lang Van Khun, the Youth Union Secretary of Mong 2 village. Diligent, resourceful, and bold in investing and developing the economy right on the land where he was born and raised, Lang Van Khun is gradually asserting his role as a youth leader in this prosperous land. With a sturdy build and a gentle smile, Lang Van Khun humbly shared his future plans, hoping to further develop his farm. At one point, Khun's farm raised over 500 Que Phong breed ducks, more than 20 pigs, and 10 goats. Currently, Lang Van Khun is expanding into raising ducks for meat and selling ducklings. Taking a long-term approach, Khun has acquired a plow, a milling machine, an egg incubator and storage machine, and even a generator. Lang Van Khun also plans to invest in a solar power system to serve both his family's needs and his farm. "Solar power will help reduce production costs, and it is also a clean, environmentally friendly production method," said Lang Van Khun.

According to Lu Thanh Binh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cam Muon Commune, diligent individuals like Mr. Vi Thanh Luong and young man Lang Van Khun are increasingly appearing in Cam Muon, creating positive changes in the area. Livestock farming continues to be identified as a key economic sector, and the total number of livestock and poultry in Cam Muon currently reaches nearly 36,000. Economic development models have proven effective, contributing to job creation, increased income, and poverty reduction in the commune. Mr. Lu Thanh Binh affirmed that, thanks to these models, the people of Cam Muon have gradually changed their mindset, no longer relying on nature, and the dream of finding gold to get rich has almost disappeared. The people of Cam Muon have actively protected and developed forests covering over 730 hectares with several high-quality forestry species such as teak, acacia, mahogany, and other types of trees.

Preserving cultural identity

Upon arriving in Cam Muon, the image that impressed us most was that of the women diligently and attentively working with needles and thread, spinning silk and looms on their verandas. Ms. Luong Thi Hoa, Chairwoman of the Women's Association of the commune, said that this is a familiar sight for the women of Cam Muon. Cultivating mulberry trees and raising silkworms has been a tradition for generations. Now, this tradition is not only preserved but passed down through generations; even elementary school girls have learned needlework, become familiar with mulberry fields, silkworms, and looms, creating eye-catching brocade shirts and scarves.

Arriving at Bo village, a village with 88 households and 465 inhabitants, we met Mrs. Lu Thi Long, over 80 years old, sitting on a spinning wheel in front of her house. Her hair was as white as snow, and her bright smile revealed her dark teeth. She said, "Since I was a child, I've known how to grow mulberry trees, raise silkworms, and weave cloth. I don't remember how long ago."

Currently, Cam Muon commune has a recognized brocade weaving village, established in 2015. The village was formed from weaving groups in various hamlets. More than 30 households participate in all stages, from mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing to weaving. Every three months, the group leaders collect the products from the women to organize sales. During these group meetings, the women also exchange experiences and update on new designs, primarily focusing on brocade scarves, belts, skirts, and blankets. Besides serving the needs of local consumers, the brocade products from Cam Muon village are also exported to Thailand and Laos with high-value orders. Ms. Lang Thi Duc from Mong 2 hamlet said that women who work during their free time earn over 2 million VND per month from brocade weaving. Those who work full-time earn over 3 million VND per month. "We're so happy that we women are no longer confined to the fields but can now earn extra income for our families from our traditional ethnic craft," shared Ms. Lang Thi Quan from the weaving group in Mong 2 village.

Besides diligently weaving brocade, Thai women in Cam Muon also play an active role in preserving their ethnic folk songs and dances. In 2018, Cam Muon established the "Lullaby and Xuoi Nhuon Singing Club" in Ban Mong with 32 members. The women enthusiastically practice together, preserving and promoting the cultural identity of their ethnic group in the locality. In addition, the club's activities are also an effective "channel" for disseminating the policies and guidelines of the Party and State, raising awareness among women members and the people in the commune...

Wearing the traditional Thai women's headscarf and an exquisitely embroidered traditional dress, many customers expressed their delight at the natural silk material used to create these unique products. Ms. Vi Thi Than, head of the weaving group in Mong 2 village, said that the women of Mong 2 village, as well as the women of Cam Muon today, have found a way to develop their economy and build family happiness by preserving traditional culture. Peaceful life has returned, unlike the years before 2000. In those years, gold mining was like a whirlwind, dragging not only men but also women and children into the fray, sacrificing peace and happiness for the sake of risk. Now, local authorities at all levels have eradicated the "gold thieves." "The name Cam Muon is now truly a land of 'joyful gold,' with the cheerful changes reflected on the faces of each of our people," Ms. Vi Thi Than happily shared.