The first time I had the opportunity to enjoy Then singing on Na Nua Lake, I did not expect that it would be such a wonderful journey. The feeling of sitting on a bamboo raft drifting gently in the blue water, listening to the Tinh zither resounding, blending with the Then singing, really made me feel like I was lost in another world - a space where the past and present intertwine, where people and nature become one.
The trip started from the Tan Trao National Historical Site - a place associated with important milestones of the Vietnamese revolution. Standing in the middle of the land once known as the "Capital of Resistance", I could not help but be moved when imagining the heroic days of the nation. But not only history, Tuyen Quang also fascinated me with its wild natural beauty and unique traditional cultural features.
Then singing on Na Nua lake
Artist Dam Thanh Hien shared: “Then is a popular form of religious singing in the spiritual life of the Tay people, with lyrics containing many mystical elements. In the past, Then was often sung in rituals to pray for peace, to find the souls of the sick, to pray for children, health, bountiful crops or to wish for a peaceful and happy village. Today, the content of Then has been expanded, reflecting many aspects of modern life.”
Then Singing Artist - Dam Thanh Hien
In 2019, Then singing was officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, affirming the great value of this art form in the Vietnamese cultural treasure.
Up to now, in addition to important historical relics, Tuyen Quang is also known for its rich folk cultural treasure, especially the art of Then singing - a representative intangible heritage of humanity recognized by UNESCO. Tuyen Quang has been implementing many activities to promote the art of Then singing, combined with forms of eco-tourism and experiences. The unique highlight is the program "Then singing on Na Nua Lake" - an activity imbued with national identity, helping visitors not only enjoy art but also immerse themselves in the poetic natural space of this land. With only 50,000 VND, visitors will experience sitting on a bamboo raft boat and 80,000 VND combined with enjoying Then singing by artists.
Tan Lap Cultural Tourism Village, Tan Trao
After visiting some historical sites, I moved to Na Nua Lake wharf to start my experience. The bamboo rafts were ready to welcome guests. The guide said that each raft could carry up to five people and all visitors were equipped with life jackets to ensure safety. Sitting on a bamboo raft for the first time, I was a little nervous, but that feeling quickly disappeared when the raft gently left the wharf, drifting smoothly on the water surface.
As the raft moved further into the river, the artist in traditional costume was ready with the Tinh instrument in hand. The narrator introduced that Then singing is a typical art form of the Tay, Nung, and Thai people, not just singing but also having deep spiritual meaning. In the past, Then singing was often performed in rituals to pray for peace, pray for crops, or journeys to heaven to pray for blessings and exorcise evil spirits.
The Tinh lute sounds resounded, each melody reverberated between the river and the mountains, blending with the forests, creating a sound that was both melodious and mysterious. I relaxed my breathing and let myself drift along with the smooth, emotional Then songs of the artisans. What is special is that visitors can not only listen but also interact directly, even try to practice singing or playing the Tinh lute under the guidance of the artisans.
The end of the river journey is a small island, which is being developed into an eco-tourism and cultural resort. The guide said that this place will not be covered with concrete but will remain pristine, using only natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and palm leaves to build the structures.
On the island, visitors can try activities such as rowing bamboo rafts, practicing Then singing or wearing traditional Tay costumes. I especially love the moment of rowing the raft myself, feeling the cool water flowing through my fingers and seeing the scenery from a completely new perspective.
Ecological area at the end of the lake
We returned to the wharf after a memorable experience. But the echoes of Then songs still resonate in my mind. It is not only an art form, but also the soul of an entire land, a connection between people and nature, between the past and the present.
The Then singing program on Na Nua Lake is not only an initiative to preserve and promote the value of national cultural heritage but also opens up opportunities for sustainable tourism development for Tuyen Quang. The combination of folk art with eco-tourism experiences will help visitors gain a deeper insight into indigenous culture, while creating economic development momentum for local people. In the future, with the completion of the tourist island at the end of Na Nua Lake, Tan Trao - Tuyen Quang promises to become an unmissable destination for those who love to explore culture and nature.
