Dong Thap striving to preserve intangible cultural heritage
The Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap recently released a plan on preserving and bringing into play the art of “Don ca tai tu” music and song and “Ho Dong Thap” (Dong Thap singing), both of which are national intangible cultural heritages, so as to improve awareness and raise a sense of responsibility in the community and the political system regarding the task.
A performance at a folk song and "Ho Dong Thap" festival (Photo: //baovanhoa.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Mekong Delta provinceof Dong Thap recently released a plan on preserving and bringing into play theart of “Don ca tai tu” music and song and “Ho Dong Thap” (Dong Thap singing),both of which are national intangible cultural heritages, so as to improve awarenessand raise a sense of responsibility in the community and the political system regardingthe task.
Not only a national intangible culturalheritage, “Don ca tai tu” music and song was inscribed on UNESCO’sRepresentative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
Evoking people’s lives and work on the land andrivers of the Mekong Delta, it is an indispensable part of spiritual activitiesand the cultural heritage of local people and helps to foster amateur culturalactivities.
Meanwhile, “Ho Dong Thap” is a type of folksinging that reflects the thoughts and sentiments of local residents.
Authorities have worked on studying andrevitalising the art. In particular, training courses have been held in alldistrict-level localities, while classes and extra-curricular activities havebeen organised at all schools province-wide so as to inspire a love among studentsfor the cultural heritage.
A performance of "Don ca tai tu" (Photo: //baodongthap.vn)
Ngo Hoang Viet, Deputy Director of the centrefor culture, sports, and radio broadcasting in the province’s Cao Lanh city,said 47 “Don ca tai tu” clubs with 530 members have been set up around town.
Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap provincialPeople’s Committee Doan Tan Buu noted that local authorities are striving tohave “Don ca tai tu” and “Ho Dong Thap” clubs established in 50 to 70 percentof all communal-level localities.
They are also encouraging each commune, ward,and township to form one club and maintain festivals on the arts annually atthe provincial level and biennially at the district level.
The province is also stepping up communications inthe media to help turn “Don ca tai tu” and “Ho Dong Thap” into typical tourismproducts of Dong Thap./.
The recognition of “gac keo ong” (literally meaning ‘the cultivation of honey bee in the wild’) in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau as intangible cultural heritage has created momentum for beekeepers to develop a sustainable business and protect forests.
Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress) has long been a traditional costume and a typical cultural feature of Vietnam. Through ups and downs with constant changes, ao dai still honours the gracefulness and elegance of Vietnamese women.
The annual Song Doc Nghinh Ong Festival, also known as the Whale Worshiping Festival, was recently recognised as national intangible cultural heritage during a ceremony held recently in the southern province of Ca Mau.
An art programme highlighting cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups took place at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi’s outskirts on April 16 to mark the Vietnam Ethnic Group Cultural Day.
The Tu Linh boat racing festival in the island district of Ly Son, the central province of Quang Ngai, has been recognised as part of the national intangible cultural heritage.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
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.
A performance at a folk song and "Ho Dong Thap" festival (Photo: //baovanhoa.vn) 
A performance of "Don ca tai tu" (Photo: //baodongthap.vn) 
