Spreading Then singing and Tinh lute melodies

Then singing of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups in Vietnam was inscribed by UNESCO in 2019 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Tuyen Quang, Then singing and the Tinh lute are long-standing cultural practices. Since being recognized by UNESCO, these traditions have spread even more widely.

In villages along the western range of Con Linh such as Tha, Ha Thanh, Chang, and Tan Tien of Ha Giang 1 Ward, the Tay communities have been preserving and promoting the cultural value of Then singing and the Tinh lute to support tourism development. The resonant melodies echoing through the mountains and forests captivate visitors, enriching the experience at local community-based cultural tourism villages. During agricultural off-seasons, many elders teach Then singing and Tinh lute performance to younger generations, giving the tradition renewed vitality and preventing the risk of decline.

At the foot of the Con Linh range, in traditional Tay stilt houses, the melodies of Then continue to be preserved.

Then singing and the Tinh lute have become familiar cultural practices and a cherished heritage of the Tay community.

The sound of rattles enhances the rhythmic flow of Then melodies across the mountains.

A joyful Then performer immersed in Tay melodies.

Elders are focusing on passing down Then singing and Tinh lute traditions to children.

Generations continue to echo Then melodies across the forested mountains.

Foreign visitors enjoy taking photos with Then performers.

A public performance by the Ban Mai Then Singing Club of Ha Giang 1 Ward.

Then singing and the Tinh lute harmonize beautifully with the rustic village scenery.

A Then performer with a radiant smile beneath the sunlight.

The cultural tourism village of Tha Hamlet, Ha Giang 1 Ward, is always filled with the sounds of Then singing and Tinh lute melodies whenever visitors arrive.

PV