Da Nang’s ‘bai choi’ (singing while acting as playing cards) has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

A ‘bai choi’ performance (Photo: Internet)

‘Bai Choi’ is a simple folk game.  It is one of Da Nang’s traditional cultural products and it has been indispensable in the spiritual lives of local residents.

The folk game is being preserved and promoted in association with other cultural heritages and historic relics across the city.  It has been widely introduced to local residents and visitors at traditional festivals and other entertainment events, and it has attracted a great deal of interest.

Similar recognition has also been given to another 16 special cultural products from cities and provinces nationwide.  Included are the Kim Bong carpentry and Thanh Chau salangane nests villages in Quang Nam Province’s Hoi An, the Luu Sa Communal House Festival in Ha Noi, the Cua Ong Temple Festival in Quang Ninh Province, the ‘hat trong quan’ (military drum) in Hung Yen Province, and the ‘le hoi tro tram’ (carnival games) in Phu Tho Province.