Every Sunday afternoon, Van Lake transforms into a cultural gathering place, where artists from the UNESCO Centre for Traditional Arts showcase unique forms of Vietnamese folk art to visitors.
Traditional melodies draw both locals and foreign visitors, inviting them to pause and immerse themselves in Vietnamese music. More than just a performance, the program helps promote traditional values while serving as a bridge that brings Vietnamese culture closer to the world.
According to artisan Ta Hanh, presenting intangible cultural heritage at Van Lake is more than a scheduled activity, it is a "perfect match" born of passion and dedication. (In the photo: Artist Ta Hanh)
Artists from the UNESCO Center for Traditional Arts prepare their costumes before each performance.
Ta Hanh said that mainting the charm of the two-hour performances requires commitment, from selecting performers and refining scripts to designing the stage.
There are young faces, some in their twenties…
…and artists who have devoted decades to traditional folk art. (In the photo: People's Artist Xuan Hoach and artist Ta Hanh)
Each artist brings a unique style, yet all share a common goal: keeping cultural heritage alive in everyday life.
A standout feature of the program is the collaboration of three generations of artists on one stage. With constantly refreshed, non-repetitive content, each performance offers audiences new and multifaceted perspectives on traditional art.
Artists perform folk melodies in the ancient setting of Van Lake.
Many visitors capture these memorable moments on their phones.
Overcoming language barriers, traditional music at Van Lake has become a bridge connecting people from around the world who share a love for culture. Thanks to the dedication of artisans who continue to ‘keep the flame alive,’ this heritage is no longer confined to the past. It has emerged from the ‘dust’ of time and stepped into the wider world, telling the story of a Vietnam rich in identity and deeply rooted in tradition.