Vietnam Art Performance – Features & Identities

Vietnamese art has a long-standing history which remains many unique Vietnamese characteristics varying from region to region. Vietnam traditional performance always plays an intriguing role in the local life that expresses the innermost feelings, encouragement, communication, and education for a more prosperous life. Some genres proclaimed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO includes Xoan singing, Quan Ho, Ca Tru singing, Chau Van, Hue’s royal court music, etc.

Why Should You Enjoy Vietnam Art Performance?

Except for breathtaking sceneries, you will have a chance to catch a glimpse of Vietnamese culture and history through performing arts. Simultaneously, you can enjoy unique new sights and sounds as well as explore Vietnam’s diverse musical instruments. Remarkably, it is an opportunity for you to sit back and enjoy beautiful dances and musical performance for entertainment during Vietnam holiday.

Genres of Vietnam Art Performance

Vietnam’s Water Puppetry

Water Puppet not only expresses Vietnam culture but also creates a relaxing space, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Water puppet is shown in a stage as a pool of water. The puppets made of wood and then lacquered play characters in the show. During the performance, puppets are controlled through a pole and string apparatus hidden under the water surface by people behind the stage. While puppets play their roles, singers of Cheo (one kind of Vietnam traditional theater) sing songs to tell the story in words. The theme of the performance focuses on the daily life of rural citizens and folk tales transmitted from generation to generation, giving you the best taste of Vietnam culture.

Where to see: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang Street – Hoan Kiem District – Hanoi
Price: 100,000 VND – 200,000 VND/ per ticket

Hue’s Royal Court Music – Nha Nhac

For a long and rich history of existence from Le Dynasty (1247-1788), Nha Nhac meaning “elegant music” becomes an essential part of Hue Imperial City ‘s extensive rituals as well as Vietnam culture. Recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003, Nha Nhac supplies a means of communicating with and paying tribute to the gods and kings as well as mentioning knowledge about nature and the universe. The performance is shown successfully thanks to large-scale orchestras including a prominent drum section, percussion instruments, and string performance as well as numerous singers, dancers, and musicians.

Where to see: Duyet Thi Duong Theater in Hue Imperial Citadel
Price: 200,000 VND/ per ticket

Ca Tru Singing

Ca Tru found in the North of Vietnam is a complex sung form using lyrics written in traditional Vietnamese poetic forms. Take time to see the performance, you will have a chance to enjoy unique ornamented sounds created by a female singer who uses breathing techniques and vibrato as well as the deep tone of a three-stringed lute and the strong sounds of a praise drum through two instrumentalists. This kind of performance illustrates Vietnam’s musical treasures associated with the traditional festivals, customs, religions, thoughts, philosophy of the Vietnamese.

Tay Nguyen Gong Music

Tay Nguyen Gong Music found in Tay Nguyen region or in communal activities of ethnic minorities indicates religious and artist values. Gong is a special musical instrument which made of brass alloy or a combination of brass, gold, silver, or bronze. It is said that the size and age of the Gong can show a valuable property of a family; the bigger and older it is, the richer the family gets. You can enjoy the show in special events and festivals such as Gong Festival, Elephant Race Festival, Tay Nguyen Spring Festival, etc which symbolizes time-honored culture and communal spirit of local ethnic groups.

Quan Ho Singing

Quan Ho Singing is a folk performing art found in festivals, Bac Ninh Province. Unlike other traditional art performance, Quan Ho song express their emotion like sadness due to separation and the happiness of the love. The most fascinating attraction of the performance is its tune and rhythms as it received all the influences of lullabies, poem recitation, etc.