Echoes of the Gong: When Cultural Heritage Becomes Vietnam’s Soft Power
In the crisp chill of Da Lat, audiences were immersed in a raw, powerful “feast of sound” where gongs, drums, bamboo musical instruments resonated through the night. More than a performance, the Southeast Asian Gong Harmony Night 2025 became a testament to how cultural heritage can evolve into a form of soft power reaching across borders.
A Voice of the Mountains, a Spirit of the People
The deep, resonant echoes of the gong are not merely artistic expressions, they carry the memory of communities, history and the resilient spirit of ethnic groups for generations.
The evening opened with the sacred Yang worship ritual, a centerpiece of the Central Highlands’ spiritual life. As chants and ceremonial rhythms filled the air, the space fell into reverent silence, drawing spectators into a world where humans commune with the heavens and the land.
When the “Bà Drum” sounded and the gongs rose in unison, it felt as though the forests, mountains and villages were joining together in celebration. Every costume, every step, every vibration of the instruments revealed the raw beauty of life intertwined with nature.
For the artisans of the Highlands, the gong is steadfast and sincere, much like the people themselves. The ensemble from Dinh Trang Thuong brought to the stage a sense of solemnity and deep devotion, echoing their unbroken bond with their ancestral roots.
Artisan Dagout Brice Liêm from Lang Biang Gong Club expressed his gratitude: “It is an honor to join this festival. We learn from each other, and these exchanges help preserve our cultural heritage for the next generations.”
Young artist Ka Sơn Hoa, who has practiced the gong since the sixth grade, shared: “Tonight is unforgettable. Learning from village elders gives me the strength to continue and inspire other young people.”
A Cultural Symphony Across Southeast Asia
Beyond showcasing the essence of the Gong culture, the program opened up a wide emotional landscape for audiences.
Performances from Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia introduced a variety of friendly, ceremonial, and spirited rhythms, reflecting the shared values and distinct identities of Southeast Asian nations.
There were moments reminiscent of the vibrant Cham culture, the winds sweeping across vast coffee plantations, and the ancient spiritual traditions of the region’s temples and villages.
Despite the variety, the night was a harmonious mosaic, where cultural threads wove together into a unified symphony.
American visitor Mark Palmer described his excitement:
“Each group presented something unique, from music to costumes. The blend of traditional elements across countries created a truly special atmosphere.”
in Vietnam
Saadi Salama, Ambassador of Palestine and Head of the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, affirmed the festival’s broader significance:
“This event demonstrates how cultural heritage can promote peace, mutual understanding and strong connections between nations. Vietnam is transforming its heritage into soft power that unites and inspires.”
When Heritage Becomes Strength
According to Mr Dinh Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, the success of this year’s festival reflects the province’s commitment to nurturing traditional culture while fostering international cultural exchange and sustainable tourism development.
Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee
In the mist-covered highlands of Lac Duong, the gentle clang of the K’ho Cil gong flows like a mountain stream, deep, lyrical and tied to the legends of Lang Biang. These sounds do more than delight travelers; they speak of a community’s aspirations for renewal.
that connects Vietnam with the world
The gong, ultimately, is not just music. It is identity. It is connection. It is the enduring heartbeat of a culture that is finding its voice on the global stage.
As its echoes travel further, Vietnam’s intangible heritage stands as a powerful bridge, linking people, telling stories, and carrying the nation’s spirit into the world.