Lam Dong (VNA) – The Southeast Asian Gong Harmony Night 2025 was held on December 20 evening at Lam Vien Square in Xuan Huong-Da Lat ward, Lam Dong province, drawing thousands of local residents and visitors to a vibrant celebration of regional cultural heritage.
The event was organised by the People’s Committee of Lam Dong province as part of the Southeast Asian Gong Festival 2025. It brought together artisan troupes from three Southeast Asian countries – Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, alongside representatives from Vietnam’s Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, and Phu Tho provinces. Artisans from various localities and representatives of Lam Dong’s tourism businesses also took part in.
Opening the festival, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong provincial People’s Committee Dinh Van Tuan noted that 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands being recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He stressed that this heritage is not only a source of pride for the Central Highlands provinces but also an invaluable asset of the Vietnamese culture and humanity at large.
The gong harmony night was a highlight of the festival hosted by Lam Dong, he said, reaffirming the province’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage, creating favourable conditions for artisans and communities to practice and pass down heritage values, expanding international exchanges, and developing sustainable cultural tourism to enhance Vietnam’s standing on the global cultural landscape.
The programme opened with the traditional Yang worship ritual. The stage recreated a traditional village setting, featuring a communal longhouse, jars of ruou can (jar wine), and a sacred fire glowing amid resonant gong sounds. Performances by local gong troupes from localities such as Dam Rong and Dinh Trang Thuong followed.
From Vietnam’s northwestern mountains, Thai ethnic artisans brought melodies evoking highlands, clouds and endless xoe dances, while Muong gong performances blended drums and communal footsteps to create a warm and inclusive festive atmosphere.
The most anticipated performances came from international troupes. Malaysia’s gong ensemble, reflecting the country’s rich cultural crossroads, delivered lively and rhythm-driven pieces imbued with tropical vitality. The Lao troupe presented gentle and welcoming sounds symbolising openness, harmony, and shared respect for heritage. Meanwhile, the Cambodian ensemble offered solemn and ancient rhythms imbued with ritual significance, recalling sacred temples and the profound cultural depth of the Land of Pagodas./.
