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An "ancient capital" comes alive in the heart of Phu Quoc.
In just 45 minutes, "The Quintessence of Vietnam" captivated audiences with its modern storytelling, combining large-scale performance technology and the participation of over 200 dancers. Beyond simply recreating the beauty of national culture through vibrant theatrical language, this live performance also contributes to bringing tradition closer to contemporary audiences. "The Quintessence of Vietnam" is not merely a visual feast but an artistic statement, where technology and traditional culture blend to create an unforgettable experience for visitors to Phu Quoc.
The Quintessence of Vietnam – a live performance in the heart of Phu Quoc. An outdoor stage spanning over 11,000 square meters.
Stepping through the gates of "The Quintessence of Vietnam," visitors feel as if they have entered an ancient capital, where every detail, from architecture to landscape, has been faithfully recreated. The space is designed like an old village with a communal house, tiled roofs, bamboo hedges, a palace, and a system of main and back gates. The paving bricks are handcrafted, and even the manhole covers are repurposed from old bricks to create a realistic feel. From 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily, the stalls in the "capital city" are bustling with activity, featuring actors dressed as ancient residents, recreating daily life and trade as in real life. "The Quintessence of Vietnam" is a complex combining a live stage, a cultural experience area, and restored ancient architecture, offering a continuous exploration journey from morning to night.
Traditional music guides emotions.
Each scene has its own unique soundscape: majestic with the nation-building ceremony, simple in the village dance, solemn when honoring the top scholar…
Audiences will be treated to talented and unique artistic performances, recreating traditional and folk cultural aspects of Vietnam's coastal regions, such as fishing village dances, fishing rituals, the Nghinh Ong ceremony, and activities related to seafaring and fishing. The "Essence of Vietnam" show is a wonderful experience for those who love art and want to explore the distinctive culture of Vietnam. The cultural narratives are presented through: a stage on the water, movable buildings, ziplines, 3D mapping... along with vivid lighting and sound effects.
A symphony of emotions from folk music.
The main stage, recreating the courtyard of Thai Hoc at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, featured over 200 dancers presenting 12 performances across four chapters: Origins, Life, The Journey of Learning, and The Quintessence of Vietnam. The process of nation-building over more than 4,000 years, with its customs and traditional Vietnamese culture, was fully conveyed in 45 minutes of exhilarating performance.
Chapter I consists of three acts: Lullaby, Roots, and Expansion of the Territory, recreating the legend of "The Dragon and the Immortal" using modern 3D technology. The ceremony of offering gifts to King Hung and folk life are vividly portrayed through 80 dancers. Most impressive is the performance by 50 male dancers with a giant fabric, recreating the vast ocean through interactive projection.
The elaborate stage recreates the folk culture of the coastal region, such as fishing village dances, fishing prayers, the Nghinh Ông festival, and fishing activities.
Chapter II, comprising "The Spirit of Bamboo," "The Dance of the Rice Fields," and "The Flavors of the Homeland," takes the audience through a vibrant rural setting. It opens with artistic bamboo circus acts, followed by graceful water dances, and concludes with a harmonious performance using traditional kitchen utensils – a surprising highlight.
Chapter III, comprising the Moonlit Night of Thai Hoc, the Journey of Learning, and the Doctoral Coronation, combines contemporary dance and modern projection. A giant mechanical moon illuminates the space, while elaborate costumes worn by kings, officials, and soldiers honor the traditional beauty and solemnity of the triumphant homecoming.
Combining modern projection and stage effects, the show delivers a visually stunning experience, bridging tradition with technology.
Chapter IV concludes the program with three emotionally charged performances that evoke national pride.Ten-Handed ChainIt is a medley of 10 instrumental pieces from the traditional court music tradition, combined with traditional dance.Six Offerings of LanternsDeeply imbued with Buddhist spirit, it recreates the artistic values of ancient Vietnam.The spirit of Dong AThe event made a strong impression with the aerial acrobatics of warriors in LED costumes. Finally, the National Festival recreated the vibrant atmosphere of the imperial capital, concluding the program with a dazzling and heroic artistic spectacle.
Besides the sophisticated mechanical system and modern lighting technology, sound is the "backbone" that creates the emotional success of the Quintessence of Vietnam show. From the subtly heroic use of traditional music in the early days of nation-building, the vibrant folk dances, the solemnity of the imperial examinations, to the majestic traditional martial arts performances... all together guide the audience through a range of emotions in a natural and aesthetically rich way.
The elaborate stage recreates the folk culture of the coastal region, such as fishing village dances, fishing prayers, the Nghinh Ông festival, and fishing activities.
The "Essence of Vietnam" show is held at Grand World (Bai Dai Beach, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc) from 8:30 PM to 9:15 PM daily, featuring an outdoor stage spanning 11,200 square meters.2With over 200 performers, 2,920 daytime mini-shows and 365 nighttime shows each year, "The Quintessence of Vietnam" has a regular performance schedule, making it convenient for tourists to experience.
Produced with a multi-million dollar budget, "The Quintessence of Vietnam" is considered one of the largest-scale live performance shows currently available, and was once listed by Booking.com as a must-see experience when visiting Phu Quoc, not only for its unique artistic qualities but also for its prominent role in elevating the image of the pearl island on the national cultural tourism map.
With over 200 dancers, large-scale performance technology, and a spectacular, recreated historical setting.
Speaking at the event honoring Kien Giang province for receiving the Traveller Review Awards in Phu Quoc by Booking.com, Mr. Tran Van Linh - Head of the Tourism Management Department, Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism, said: "The development of high-end, quality products has contributed to enhancing the position of Phu Quoc and Kien Giang on the Vietnamese tourism map. The province is effectively exploiting its natural and local cultural advantages, while promoting the development of new tourism products and pursuing a sustainable tourism model associated with local culture."
"The Quintessence of Vietnam" has a regular performance schedule, making it convenient for tourists to come and experience.
