Exhibition to spotlight space of gong culture, Xoe dance
Visitors will have a chance to gain an insight into the space of the gong culture in the Central Highlands and the art of Xoe dance of the Thai people, two UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage elements of Vietnam, at an exhibition to be held in Hanoi on December 1, according to organisers.
Thai ethnic women perform Xoe dance, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Visitors will have a chance togain an insight into the space of the gong culture in the Central Highlands andthe art of Xoe dance of the Thai people, two UNESCO-recognised intangiblecultural heritage elements of Vietnam, at an exhibition to be held in Hanoi onDecember 1, according to organisers.
The exhibition on the intangible cultural heritage inconnection with tourism development in ethnic minority and mountainous areaswill be held by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT)’s tourism information centre in response to the VietnamCultural Heritage Day (November 23) and also part of a project under thenational target programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainousareas in 2023, the VNAT under theMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on November 27.
Apart from displaying the two cultural heritage elements,many other activities will also take place, including introducing tourismpotential and products of ethnic minority areas and offering ethnic groups’delicacies to visitors.
On this occasion, a 30-second video clip on the intangible cultural heritage elements will belaunched, giving viewers a glance at immense terracedrice fields and mountains in the northwestern region, home to the Thai ethnicgroup – owner of the art of Xoe dance.
Xoe, comprising movements symbolising ritual, cultural,daily, and working activities of people, is performed at ceremonies, weddings,festivals, and cultural community events. The art was inscribed on the representativelist of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity on December 15, 2021.
The clip also shows off the beauty of the Central Highlands,where the space of the gong culture forms an integral part of the life of E De,Gia Rai, Ba Na, Xo Dang, Ro Mam, and Ma ethnic groups, among others. Gongs are alwayspresent in every aspect of the daily life of locals.
Thespace of the gong culture in the CentralHighlands was recognised as a masterpiece of the oral and intangiblecultural heritage of humanity on November 25, 2005.
The VNAT said cultural heritage enriches theattractiveness of destinations as it creates valuable experiences for visitors,especially international ones. It is also a strategic resource for the developmentof tourism and the attraction of investment to heritage tourism, helping manylocalities boost socio-economic development and preserve and promote cultural heritagevalues./.
The important role of artisans in the preservation and upholding of intangible cultural heritage values in Hanoi was highlighted at a seminar held by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports on September 27.
Folk dancing performances of Lao ethnic people living in Dien Bien and Dien Bien Dong districts in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien have been recognised as “National Intangible Cultural Heritage”.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung signed a decision on November 10 recognising Vovinam, a traditional Vietnamese martial art, as a national intangible cultural heritage.
On February 24, 2005, the Prime Minister signed Decision No 36/2005/-TTg on adopting November 23 every year as “Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day”. The move aims to promote the traditions and sense of responsibility among those working to protect and promote the value of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
Thai ethnic women perform Xoe dance, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. (Photo: VNA) 
