The practice is a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Then is an essential practice in the spiritual life of the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic groups, primarily residing in districts such as Luc Ngan, Son Dong, Luc Nam, Yen The, and Lang Giang.

Then singing is a traditional folk art form and spiritual ritual practiced by the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic minority groups.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reported the art form is categorised into two types – ritualistic Then, which preserves the traditional spiritual elements, and recreational Then, adapted for cultural and artistic purposes.

According to Nguyen Si Cam, Deputy Director of the department, in 2021, the provincial People’s Committee approved a plan for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of local ethnic groups for 2021-2030.

This plan prioritises the preservation of UNESCO-recognised heritages, including the specific task of safeguarding Then through phased strategies.

In 2022, Bac Giang launched a document on its implementation of a national action programme to protect and enhance the value of the practice.

Since 2019, the Bac Giang cultural and cinema centre has run classes on Then singing and “dan tinh” (a traditional stringed instrument), attracting nearly 200 participants.

Districts like Son Dong, Luc Ngan, Luc Nam, and Lang Giang have hosted similar classes for local clubs, and schools have integrated the singing into their curricula.

The province has actively supported the establishment of Then singing and “dan tinh” clubs in areas with large Tay and Nung populations.

To date, 20 clubs have been formed, some receiving funding from the authorities for instruments, costumes, and equipment to sustain their activities.

In community-based tourism sites in Son Dong and Yen The, recreational Then performances have been incorporated into tourism programmes, yielding notable success.

In November 2023, Bac Giang hosted the first provincial Then Singing and Dan Tinh Festival, featuring diverse cultural and art activities.

Bac Giang city has supported people’s artists and meritorious artists involving this field. From 2024, they will receive monthly allowances and funeral expense support.

Currently, 43 artists in Bac Giang have been honoured with these titles, including two recognised for their work in Then practice.

Looking ahead, Bac Giang aims to integrate Then heritage into its community-based tourism products while honouring individuals and communities contributing to its preservation and promotion.

Farmers play the violin in Then village

BAC GIANG - Then village in Thai Dao commune, Lang Giang district (Bac Giang) has unique features that no other Vietnamese village has. Coming here, visitors can enjoy the melodious sound of violins from the "farmer band".

Bac Giang to hold 1st Then singing and Tinh gourd lute Festival in November

BAC GIANG - The People’s Committee of Bac Giang province has launched the plan to organize the 1st Then singing and Tinh gourd lute Festival in 2023.

Traditional fire dance festival of Pa Then ethnic group recognised as national heritage

The People’s Committee of Lam Binh District, Tuyen Quang Province, held a ceremony on September 26 to receive a certificate recognising the traditional fire dance festival of the local Pa Then ethnic group as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Unique Lau Then ritual of Tay ethnic people

(BGO) – Then practice of the Tay, Nung and Thai in Vietnam" was officially inscribed by UNESCO in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2019. Bac Giang was among 11 localities housing this form of heritage.

Then singing - special ritual practice of ethnic minority groups

“Then” is an essential ritual practice in the spiritual life of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic minority groups in the north of Vietnam.