Features

Cultural heritages preserve the historical memories, knowledge, beliefs and distinctive characteristics of communities and localities, embodying the essence of national culture.

From footage documenting national reconstruction and images brought back from the battlefields to films exploring contemporary life, the National Documentary and Scientific Film Studio has been steadfastly fulfilling its mission for 70 years.

Under the stage lights, amid the applause of thousands of spectators, young singer Thanh Hien closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and silently rehearses the lyrics. At the cue, she takes the microphone and begins her performance at “Tan Da” (Banyan Canopy) – the first professional show of her artistic career.

Nearly 30 prominent heritage sites in Ha Noi have been digitised along thematic routes, including the Four Guardian Temples, Mother Goddess worship and the worship of craft founders, laying the foundation for the “Ha Noi heritage tourism itineraries” platform. Each site incorporates a wide range of materials to serve visitors' needs for sightseeing, research and heritage exploration.

As culture is increasingly recognised as a vital endogenous resource and a major driver of Viet Nam’s rapid and sustainable development, quantifying its contribution has become an urgent priority.

The restoration of Kinh Thien Palace within the central area of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Ha Noi, began on September 29 is the culmination of extensive scientific research, carried out with close cooperation, support and supervision from UNESCO. The project stands as a model of cooperation between Viet Nam and UNESCO, fulfilling the aspirations of the public while promoting heritage values through communication, education, cultural promotion and the development of cultural industries.

Deep in the mountains, where the Nang River flows steadily past Tay villages, the stilt house of folk artisan Ma Van Truc in Ban Hon Village, Phuc Loc Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, still resounds at dusk with the notes of the dan tinh lute and ancient Then melodies. For four generations, the flame of Then singing has never gone out in this family.

Ba Thuoc, a land renowned for its natural beauty and outstanding historical figures in Thanh Hoa, captivates visitors not only with its breathtaking scenery of verdant mountains and mist-covered forests but also with its rich history and long-standing cultural traditions. The unhurried pace of life, the hardworking spirit of the local mountain communities and their warm, hospitality are a powerful magnet drawing visitors to this enchanting destination.

Cam Duong Ward in Lao Cai Province opened the 2026 Doi Co Temple Festival on the morning of October 22 under the theme “Cam Duong Doi Co Temple – Connecting with Our Roots, Building Our Homeland” to honour the historical and cultural values of the heritage site while promoting spiritual and cultural tourism.

On the evening of October 21, at the Young Talent Theatre of the Ha Noi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, William Shakespeare’s classic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” made its debut before Ha Noi audiences, opening the inclusive theatre and performing arts week “Shared Resonance.”

Following the floods in November 2025, a section of the wall of Hue Imperial Citadel, approximately 15 metres long, collapsed. It has since been restored, almost a year later. Along the nearly 3-km-long defensive wall, however, tens of metres still require support from steel frames, highlighting the increasingly evident impact of heavy rain and flooding, heatwaves, storms, and landslides on Hue’s centuries-old heritage sites.

The traditional Tay Fish Festival 2026 was held in Coc Cai Village, Mau Due Commune, Tuyen Quang Province on October 17. The festival aims to preserve and promote the values of this national intangible cultural heritage while showcasing local cultural identity, distinctive products and tourism potential.

Ha Noi presented 34 awards at the ninth Journalism Awards for Cultural Development and Building Elegant and Civilised Hanoians in 2026.

The launch ceremony for the “School Music Talent Search 2026-2027” competition took place in Ha Noi on October 15.

Once mainly seen in festival attire, brocade fabrics from Lam Binh Commune in Tuyen Quang Province are now travelling around the world with tourists, helping spread the local cultural identity far and wide.

The indigenous culture of the black Thai ethnic group in Muong Lo (Lao Cai Province) will be showcased on stage in the artistic programme “ Xoe Thai (a traditional group dance of the Thai ethnic people) — A Complete Circle of Love”, featuring the heritage of “Xong chu xon xang” (Farewell and Advice to a Lover - a famous love poem of the Thai ethnic people), wedding customs, and traditional production practices and everyday activities.

On the evening of October 10, fireworks lit up the sky over Ha Noi, creating a highlight in a series of activities marking the 72nd anniversary of Capital Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2026).

Rare images capturing Ha Noi’s scenery and rhythm of life more than three decades ago will go on display in the exhibition “Ha Noi: Imprints of Time,” running from October 9 to December 9 at Sofitel Legend Metropole Ha Noi.

Cultural heritage can hardly remain vibrant if it exists only in people’s memories or conservation records. At the grassroots level, folk culture and arts clubs are therefore creating spaces where communities can practise and pass on traditions, bringing traditional cultural values back into everyday life.

The Ha Noi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will organise the event named “Heritage roots in the heart of the Capital” at the Ancestor Worship Ritual Area of the Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, Doai Phuong, Ha Noi, from October 9 to 11.