Double drums, triple gongs, alongside five-gong ensembles in Xi Thoai hamlet (Xuan Lanh commune) resonate not only during festivals but also serve as a lasting cultural undercurrent deeply woven into daily life among Ba Na and Cham communities. Preserved alongside passed down through generations, this art form is gradually emerging as a foundation for community-based tourism development, opening up new livelihood opportunities for local residents.

Ba Na as well as Cham young women in Xi Thoai hamlet joining the dance in rhythm with gong-drum performances.

In Xi Thoai, these musical traditions feature in most significant milestones of both individual lives and community events. Village elder Ma Niem shared: “Each gong piece, each drum rhythm follows strict conventions; they cannot be performed arbitrarily. Performers must understand rituals and customs, know when rhythms should be fast or slow, and when to pause. Learning drums or gongs therefore also means learning proper conduct within the community”.

For this reason, gong performance spaces are not separated from everyday life but remain closely linked with customary practices and spiritual beliefs.

Since 2015, the performing art featuring double drums, triple gongs, along with five-gong ensembles has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, further affirming its distinctive value and important role in the cultural life of ethnic groups in Xi Thoai in particular, as well as the wider region in general.

Empowering and “awakening” heritage values

Despite the passage of time alongside profound transformations, particularly in today’s era of deep international integration, the performing art featuring double drums, triple gongs along with five-gong ensembles continues to be steadfastly preserved by residents in Xi Thoai.

At present, artisans practising this art form in Xi Thoai serve not only as performers but also as dedicated “teachers”. Training often takes place through simple practice sessions after daily work; yet it is precisely in these moments that drumbeats together with gong rhythms are sustained and passed on. In recent years, younger generations in the village have become increasingly proactive. Many youths are now capable of joining core performance teams, taking on roles such as keeping rhythm and leading musical flow. This intergenerational transmission has created enduring vitality for the heritage.

A performance by the Xi Thoai artisan troupe at 2026 Binh Ngo Spring - Double Drum, Triple Gong and Five-Gong Festival.

In parallel, local authorities have taken concrete steps aimed at preservation. The annual Double Drum, Triple Gong and Five-Gong Festival is organised not merely for performance but also as a communal space for cultural practice. Notably, following implementation of the two-tier local government model, Xuan Lanh commune has proactively reviewed and designated an area of nearly two hectares in Xi Thoai hamlet for developing a cultural space, functioning as a hub for performances, experiential activities along with the introduction of traditional crafts.

From this foundation, a new direction is taking shape: positioning this performing art of double drums, triple gongs and five-gong ensembles as a central axis in community-based tourism development. Visitors not only watch performances but also directly engage by learning gong playing, experiencing brocade weaving and enjoying local cuisine. Integrating heritage with tourism not only promotes cultural values but also generates livelihoods for local people. When each performance, each brocade product and each traditional dish becomes a tourism offering, residents gain stronger motivation toward preserving their cultural heritage.

Translated by HAI LOAN