Society - Culture

Let’s experience rhythms of Champa by Han River

Translated by THU LE • 01/09/2026 17:50

DNO -Since August 2026, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture has introduced “Champa Dance”, a regular 30-minute cultural performance designed to bring the artistic heritage of the Champa civilisation to life.

1(2).jpg — The “Champa Dance” programme features Apsara dance, traditional Cham instrumental music and the “Champa Village Festival” dance. Photo: XUAN SON

Visitors to Da Nang now have a new way to experience the ancient culture of Champa, not only through centuries-old sculptures, but through music, dance and live performance.

Set in the museum’s garden on the eastern side, near the Han River, the programme offers visitors an immersive cultural experience in one of the city’s most distinctive heritage settings.

The performance features a selection of traditional Champa-inspired arts, including graceful Apsara dances, traditional Cham instrumental music and the vibrant “Champa Village Festival” dance.

2(2).jpg — Graceful dancers perform the Apsara dance. Photo: XUAN SON

The museum stages “Champa Dance” on the mornings of the 15^th and 30^th of each month, beginning in August 2026, giving both domestic and international visitors more opportunities to include the experience in their Da Nang itineraries.

Performances take place in the museum’s eastern garden, accessible from the September 2 Street entrance. In case of unfavourable weather, the programme will move indoors to the thematic exhibition gallery on the second floor.

3(2).jpg — Artists from the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre perform the “Champa Village Festival” dance. Photo: XUAN SON

4(1).jpg — The performances are carefully choreographed, showcasing the distinctive cultural heritage of Champa. Photo: XUAN SON

The programme attracts a large audience of domestic and international visitors. Photo: XUAN SON

Visitors also have an opportunity to interact with the performers, adding a personal and engaging touch to the experience.

For international travellers, the programme offers a chance to see the cultural stories behind the museum’s remarkable collection unfold through movement and music.

Brazilian visitor Ana Clara said her family had encountered Champa culture at several destinations in Vietnam, including the Twin Towers in Gia Lai Province and the My Son Sanctuary, before discovering the performance at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.

“What they have in common is that the performances take place in spaces with a long cultural and historical heritage, making us feel as though we are becoming part of the traditional culture,” she said.

Le Thao My, a visitor from Ha Noi, said the 30-minute format was particularly convenient, allowing tourists to enjoy a complete cultural performance after exploring the museum’s collection.

For travellers seeking more than sightseeing, “Champa Dance” offers a brief but vivid encounter with the living spirit of Champa culture where ancient heritage meets the energy of contemporary Da Nang.

International visitors enjoy the performances at the “Champa Dance” programme. Photo: XUAN SON

7(1).jpg — Visitors experience the soothing sounds of the handpan at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture. Photo: XUAN SON

Slongside “Champa Dance,” the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is offering a live handpan performance, presented in collaboration with the Handpan in Da Nang community.

The programme will take place from 3pm to 4pm on September 2 inside the museum.

This marks the first time a handpan performance has been staged at the museum, creating an intriguing blend of contemporary sound and ancient heritage.

The handpa, a metal percussion instrument shaped like a round, shallow dish, produces warm, resonant tones that can transform the museum’s historic surroundings into an atmospheric space for music and relaxation.