Vietnam's 17 Intangible Cultural Heritages Celebrated Globally

Discover Vietnam's celebrated UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, beautifully preserving the nation's identity and its unique traditional cultural values.
Intangible Cultural Heritageare invaluable spiritual treasures that reflect the identity, history, and daily life of communities across generations. From folk performing arts and traditional festivals to handicrafts and social customs, each heritage site tells a unique story worth exploring. JoinTravelVietas we highlight Vietnam's top intangible cultural heritage sites to better understand the values that have been preserved and continue to thrive today.
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Top 17 Most Famous Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites in Vietnam
Vietnam boasts numerous unique intangible cultural heritage sites that contribute to preserving national identity and have been honored by UNESCO. Join TravelViet to explore the most famous intangible cultural heritage sites and gain a deeper understanding of the country's enduring cultural values.
Hue Royal Court Music (Nhã nhạc Cung đình Huế)
Year of Recognition: 2003

Hue Royal Court Music (Nhã nhạc Cung đình Huế) Intangible Heritage
Hue Royal Court Music (Nhã nhạc Cung đình Huế) is Vietnam's first intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. This form of court music flourished brilliantly during the Nguyễn Dynasty, often performed during significant ceremonies such as coronations, rituals, and welcoming foreign envoys. With its solemn and refined melodies, distinctive instrumental system, and performance rituals, Nhã nhạc not only reflects imperial art but also contributes to preserving the nation's traditional cultural values.
Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands
Year of Recognition: 2005

Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands is a distinctive cultural symbol of the indigenous ethnic groups living on the red basaltic soil. The sounds of gongs resonate during festivals, religious rituals, new rice celebrations, weddings, and water wharf ceremonies, symbolizing the deep connection between humans, nature, and spiritual life. This unique value led to its inscription by UNESCO in 2005, making it a proud heritage of the Central Highlands culture.
Quan Họ Bắc Ninh Folk Songs
Year of Recognition: 2009

Quan Họ Bắc Ninh Folk Songs Intangible Cultural Heritage
Quan Họ Bắc Ninh Folk Songs are renowned for their call-and-response singing style between male (liền anh) and female (liền chị) singers, conveying simple yet profound verses about love and human connection. More than just a unique folk art form, Quan Họ has been passed down through generations, closely associated with festivals and community activities in the Kinh Bắc region. In 2009, UNESCO recognized Quan Họ as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming the enduring value of this traditional art form.
Ca Trù Singing
Year of Recognition: 2009

Ca Trù Singing Intangible Cultural Heritage
Ca Trù (also known as 'hát ả đào') is an art form that harmoniously blends singing, poetry, and traditional instruments, deeply reflecting Vietnamese cultural depth. Once performed in royal courts, communal houses, and literary gatherings, Ca Trù mirrors the spiritual life, thoughts, and philosophies of many generations. Due to its unique artistic value, this intangible cultural heritage was inscribed by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009.
Gióng Festival at Sóc Temple and Phù Đổng Temple
Year of Recognition: 2010

Gióng Festival at Sóc Temple and Phù Đổng Temple Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Gióng Festival is a traditional celebration linked to the legend of Saint Gióng defeating the Ân invaders, embodying the patriotic spirit and will to defend the homeland of the Vietnamese people. The festival features numerous vibrant procession rituals, offerings, and reenactments of the battle, attracting a large number of participants each year. To this day, the Gióng Festival remains almost entirely preserved, becoming one of Vietnam's exemplary intangible cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.
Worship of Hùng Kings
Year of Recognition: 2012

Worship of Hùng Kings Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Worship of Hùng Kings is a symbol of the 'Uống nước nhớ nguồn' (When you drink water, remember the source) philosophy, expressing the gratitude of the Vietnamese people towards the Hùng Kings – those who founded the nation. This practice has been preserved through many generations, highlighted by the Hùng King Temple Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month at Hùng Temple. Beyond its spiritual significance, this intangible cultural heritage also helps unite communities and strengthen national identity.
Southern Vietnamese Folk Music and Song (Đờn ca tài tử Nam Bộ)
Year of Recognition: 2013

Southern Vietnamese Folk Music and Song (Đờn ca tài tử Nam Bộ) Intangible Cultural Heritage
Đờn ca tài tử Nam Bộ (Southern Vietnamese Folk Music and Song) is a distinctive folk art form that emerged in the late 19th century, inheriting the essence of ritual music, Hue royal court music, and Southern Vietnamese folk music. The highlights of this genre are its improvisational nature, creative performance style, and simple yet emotional melodies. Honored by UNESCO in 2013, Đờn ca tài tử is a source of pride for the people of Southern Vietnam and an intangible cultural heritage of special value within Vietnam's traditional music treasury.
Ví and Giặm Folk Songs of Nghệ Tĩnh
Year of Recognition: 2013

Ví and Giặm Folk Songs of Nghệ Tĩnh Intangible Cultural Heritage
Ví and Giặm Folk Songs of Nghệ Tĩnh are simple, unaccompanied folk melodies created and passed down through generations by the people of Nghệ An and Hà Tĩnh provinces. These songs are closely linked to labor and daily life, expressing love for the homeland, family affection, and the simple philosophy of local residents. Due to its distinctive cultural value, this art form was inscribed by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
Rituals and Games of Tug-of-War
Year of Recognition: 2015

Rituals and Games of Tug-of-War Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Rituals and Games of Tug-of-War are a long-standing cultural activity of agricultural communities, symbolizing prayers for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and a prosperous life. In Vietnam, this ritual is preserved in many localities with unique organizational forms, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and community cohesion. In 2015, UNESCO inscribed it as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as part of a multinational nomination.
Practices of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms (Tam Phủ) in Vietnam
Year of Recognition: 2016

Practices of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms (Tam Phủ) in Vietnam Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Practices of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms (Tam Phủ) are a distinctive folk belief system that honors the Mother Goddesses and expresses the Vietnamese people's aspirations for health, peace, and prosperity. Rituals such as 'hầu đồng' (spirit mediumship) and 'hát chầu văn' (ritual singing), along with a system of temples and shrines, create a spiritual cultural space rich in identity. This intangible cultural heritage reflects a vibrant religious life and was recognized by UNESCO in 2016.
Bài Chòi Art of Central Vietnam
Year of Recognition: 2017

Bài Chòi Art of Central Vietnam Intangible Cultural Heritage
Bài Chòi Art of Central Vietnam is a unique blend of folk games, music, poetry, and performance, creating a lively atmosphere during early spring festivals. The witty and improvisational Bài Chòi calls not only bring laughter but also reflect the cultural life of Central Vietnamese residents. Its artistic value and community spirit have made Bài Chòi one of Vietnam's exemplary intangible cultural heritage sites.
Xoan Singing
Year of Recognition: 2017

Xoan Singing Intangible Cultural Heritage
Xoan Singing originated from the worship of the Hùng Kings and is typically performed in communal houses during spring festivals. This art form harmoniously combines singing, dancing, and rituals, contributing to the preservation of the ancient cultural values of the Ancestral Land region. Following effective conservation efforts, Xoan Singing was removed from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and inscribed as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2017.
Then Rituals of the Tày, Nùng, and Thái Ethnic Groups
Year of Recognition: 2019

Then Rituals of the Tày, Nùng, and Thái Ethnic Groups Intangible Cultural Heritage
Then Rituals are a comprehensive folk performance art form, combining singing, dancing, acting, and the sounds of the 'đàn tính' lute to convey prayers for health, good harvests, and a peaceful life. This is a significant spiritual cultural feature in the lives of the Tày, Nùng, and Thái ethnic communities, reflecting the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. In 2019, UNESCO recognized the Practice of Then as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming the enduring value of Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage.
Xòe Thái Dance
Year of Recognition: 2021

Xòe Thái Dance Intangible Cultural Heritage
Xòe Thái is a traditional dance intimately connected with the cultural life of the Thái ethnic people in the Northwest region. The graceful Xòe circles, accompanied by drums, gongs, and the rhythm of the 'khen' (panpipe), not only create a joyful atmosphere but also express the spirit of solidarity, hospitality, and aspirations for a prosperous life. In December 2021, UNESCO inscribed Xòe Thái as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, helping to spread the unique cultural identity of the Northwest mountains.
Chăm Pottery Making
Year of Recognition: 2022

Chăm Pottery Making Intangible Cultural Heritage
The art of Chăm pottery making is a traditional craft with a history spanning hundreds of years, notable for its entirely handmade shaping methods and open-air firing. Each product bears a strong cultural imprint, reflecting the life, beliefs, and craftsmanship of the Chăm community. This unique value led to its inscription by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding on November 29, 2022, contributing to the promotion of traditional pottery conservation efforts.
Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival
Year of Recognition: 2024

Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival is one of the largest religious festivals in Southern Vietnam, attracting millions of pilgrims each year. Traditional rituals such as the bathing of the Goddess, the statue procession, and offering ceremonies have been preserved through generations, reflecting the cultural exchange among the Kinh, Khmer, Chăm, and Hoa communities in the Southwestern region. In 2024, the festival was inscribed by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming Vietnam's distinctive historical, religious, and cultural values.
Đông Hồ Folk Painting Craft
Year of Recognition: 2025

Đông Hồ Folk Painting Craft Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Đông Hồ folk painting craft has a history spanning hundreds of years, renowned for its woodblock printing technique on 'điệp' paper and colors made from natural materials. Each painting not only holds aesthetic value but also conveys life philosophies and aspirations for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune of the Vietnamese people. On December 9, 2025, UNESCO inscribed the Đông Hồ folk painting craft on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, helping to preserve a precious traditional handicraft facing the risk of disappearance.
Theseintangible cultural heritage sitesare not only a source of national pride but also contribute to promoting Vietnam's image to international friends. Save this list and joinTravelVietto continue exploring culturally rich destinations across the country.
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Update day : 26/06/2026
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