Unique Cham and Khmer art in the heart of Hanoi

Amidst the colorful space of the Socio-Economic Achievement Exhibition, An Giang province has dedicated a special space for folk art, where Cham and Khmer artists perform, interact and invite the audience to join in. This is not only an artistic highlight, but also an opportunity for the capital's people to get closer to the culture of the Southern region.

Chairman of An Giang Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Mung visited Cham and Khmer cultural spaces at the exhibition.

The exhibition of socio -economic achievements on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) is taking place at the National Exhibition Center, Dong Anh (Hanoi).

In the space displaying traditional costumes and musical instruments of the four main ethnic groups, Cham and Khmer folk art troupes directly serve visitors with unique music and dance performances, creating a stopover that attracts a large audience.

Special journey to Hanoi

Every day, the Cham and Khmer stage area is packed with audiences. Thousands of people come to enjoy the rhythmic drum beats, the resonant sounds of the pentatonic orchestra and the vibrant Khmer dances. Many children are also guided by the artists to play the drums, play the orchestra, etc., creating interesting moments. In those moments, folk art does not stop at the performance, but becomes a place for exciting live experiences.

Chairman of An Giang Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Mung visited and congratulated Cham and Khmer artisans at the exhibition.

Mr. Chi Soc Hoanh, Head of the Khmer Artisan Group of An Giang Province, said: “Our group departed on August 25, traveled by car for 3 days and 2 nights, and arrived in Hanoi on August 27. The group's luggage included all the traditional musical instruments of the Cham and Khmer people, from the pentatonic set, drum set, guitar, and trumpet. The group consisted of 16 artists, including 8 Khmer and 8 Cham people, performing regularly from 8am to 12pm in the morning and from 2pm to 5pm in the afternoon, until September 5.”

In addition to traditional folk songs, the Khmer artists of An Giang province also performed bilingual revolutionary songs praising the love of homeland and country, along with dances inviting the audience to join in. It was this closeness that turned each performance into a small festival, connecting the community right in the heart of the capital.

Tourists dance with the artists.

Tourists dance with the artists.

Connecting the community in the heart of the capital

Invited to dance with the artists, Mr. Dong Xuan Phu, a resident of Dan Phuong commune (Hanoi), excitedly shared: “I only intended to stand and watch, but when the artists invited me to join the dance, I felt like I was part of the performance. When I tried to play the drum in the pentatonic orchestra, I felt more clearly the sophistication and richness of traditional art.”

Veteran Vu Quang Canh, residing in Tan An ward (Bac Ninh), also expressed: “I experienced war and understand the value of solidarity. When I join the dance circle, listening to the singing of thousands of people, I believe more and more that culture is the thread that connects all generations.”

Performance of pentatonic orchestra, drums… for tourists.

Artist performing a pentatonic orchestra.

Artist performing a pentatonic orchestra.

As the only female artist in the Khmer troupe, Neáng Phol Ly has to practice every day to be able to perform to the fullest. “Every dance move, every musical note is the quintessence of the nation, I always tell myself to preserve it with all my love and perseverance,” said Neáng Phol Ly.

Ro Hi Mah, an artisan of the Rabana Cham ethnic group in An Giang province, emotionally shared: “The first time I went to Hanoi, I saw a large audience of children and adults enjoying traditional Cham musical instruments and art, I was very proud. That shows that folk art not only lives in its small community but is also welcomed by the whole country.”

Tourists enjoy filming and taking photos of the performances.

Young audiences experience playing musical instruments.

Young audiences experience playing musical instruments.

In the space displaying traditional costumes and musical instruments, the sounds of drums, trumpets and Khmer community dances brought a new color to the exhibition. It was not only a performance, but also a testament to the enduring vitality of national culture - a bridge for people across the country to understand, love and preserve the cultural identity of Vietnam.

Article and photos: TAY HO

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doc-dao-nghe-thuat-cham-khmer-giua-long-ha-noi-a427550.html