Gửi bình luận
DNO - Every weekend, the ancient temple complex of My Son Sanctuary in Da Nang resonates with the joyful sounds of traditional time-honoured ‘bai choi’ folk singing.
Staged just outside this UNESCO World Heritage site, the performances have quickly become a cultural highlight, drawing both domestic and international visitors.
‘Bai choi’, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a traditional Vietnamese game combining folklore singing and lottery picks.
Played in bamboo huts on stilts, participants receive cards while the controller sings witty folk verses that hint at card names. Players match the clues to their cards, with the first to complete a set declared the winner.
More than a game of chance, ‘bai choi’ is enriched with music, dance, and storytelling, conveying themes of morality, compassion, and love for community. It remains a vibrant cultural experience that brings people together through song, play, and shared heritage.
For many foreign travellers, the discovery is a delightful surprise. “At first I thought it was just a performance. But when I joined the game, I realized how fun and engaging it was. It felt like I was part of the community,” said Jenny, a tourist from the United States.
She later won a clay statue of the Hindu god Shiva, a memory she described as unforgettable experience during her Da Nang trip.
According to the performers, most of whom are local farmers by day, the reactions from foreign guests are especially motivating.
“Many don’t understand the lyrics, but they connect with the rhythm and atmosphere. Their applause, smiles, and handshakes after each show encourage us to keep sharing this time-honoured tradition.” said lead performer Bui Thi Bich Tuyen.
Since its launch in March 2025, the programme has been more than just entertainment. It has become a form of cultural preservation and a bridge between local heritage and global audiences.
Alongside Cham folk performances, local cuisine, traditional craft demonstrations, and bicycle tours of the heritage site, the ‘bai choi’ folk singing programme at the My Son Sanctuary has breathed new life into the ancient space with its strong sense of community and cultural richness.
It creates a unique connection and dialogue between past and present, and between the Vietnamese and Cham cultures.