The Chhay-dam drum of the Khmer people is a single-headed drum, with its shell made from the hollowed trunk of an old areca tree. The drumhead is fashioned from dried buffalo or python skin, and the drum's tail end, which is narrower, is connected to a metal drum stand.

The Cheo tau festival of Tong Goi.

Larger or smaller drums are used depending on whether the performers are adults or children. Each Chhay-dam dance performance typically features 4 to 6 Chhay-dam drums, accompanied by two Cuol (gongs) as well as Chul (cymbals) and Krap (wooden clappers).

“The art of Chhay-dam drum performance by the Khmer people of Tri Ton District and Tinh Bien Town, An Giang Province” is traditionally performed during the Chol Chnam Thmay New Year, Dolta, and Ook Om Bok festivals, or in celebration of bountiful harvests.

“The Cheo Tau – Folk singing while rowing festival of Tong Goi in Tan Hoi Commune, Dan Phuong District, Ha Noi” is a unique form of folk performance in Viet Nam.

The festival was first held in 1683 and, according to custom, was organised every 25 to 30 years when favourable weather and good harvests. Old documents record that the last festival was held in 1922 and was interrupted by war. It was restored in 1998.

Today, the festival is held every five years from the 13th to the 15th day of the first lunar month, attracting large crowds from the local community.

“The forest worship ritual of the Pa Di people in Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai Province” is a distinctive ceremony reflecting the strong spiritual bond between the people and the natural forest environment.

Like many other highland ethnic groups, the Pa Di (a sub-group of the Tay ethnic group) in Muong Khuong maintain a sacred forest, which they strictly protect and revere.

The forest worship ritual is held annually in the village’s sacred forest in the last days of the first lunar month, with offerings made from locally sourced products.

In addition to praying for good harvests and community well-being, the ritual serves as a moral reminder against deforestation, encouraging environmental and water source protection.

“The bamboo weaving craft of the Tay ethnic people in Nghia Do Commune, Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province” is a traditional handicraft passed down through generations.

With skilful hands, Tay women transform forest-sourced bamboo and rattan into refined, distinctive products. These range from household items to souvenirs cherished by visitors.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has also instructed the chairpersons of the people’s committees at all administrative levels where these newly recognised intangible cultural heritage elements are located to fulfil their responsibilities in managing and safeguarding the heritage in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Cultural Heritage.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda Festival opens, Truc Lam three-patriarch statuary recognised as national treasure

Bac Giang – The People's Committee of Bac Giang city and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s chapter in Bac Giang province on March 10 evening jointly organised the opening ceremony of the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda Festival 2025 and announce the Prime Minister’s decision recognising the Truc Lam three-patriarch statuary at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda as a national treasure.

Nearly 600 performers join Quan Ho folk singing contest in Bac Ninh

A Quan Ho Folk Singing Competition took place in the northern province of Bac Ninh from March 2 to 4, gathering around 580 instrumentalists, performers and vocalists from eight community art troupes and 58 Quan Ho villages from both inside and outside the province.

Noodle making craft of Van Cu villagers recognised as national cultural heritage

The traditional noodle making craft of Van Cu villagers in Huong Toan Commune, located in Huong Tra Township in Hue City, has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Silk cotton tree in Lang Son commune honored as a Vietnamese heritage tree

BAC GIANG - The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment has just organized a ceremony to award the Recognition of Vietnam Heritage Tree to the silk cotton tree in Ba Co (spinster) temple located in Tan My village, Lang Son commune, Bac Giang city (Bac Giang province).

Cheo art and An Chau boat racing festival recognised national intangible cultural heritages

BAC GIANG- The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued decisions on the inclusion of Cheo folk art performance of Bac Giang province and An Chau traditional boat racing festival (Son Dong district) in the list of national intangible cultural heritages.

Complex of Tien Luc communal house, temple and pagoda recognized as special national relic

BAC GIANG - On November 26, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long signed Decision No. 1473/QD-TTg to rank 6 relics as special national relics (phase 16), including the architectural and artistic relic of the Tien Luc communal house, temple and pagoda complex in Lang Giang district (Bac Giang).