World intangible music genre sets Viet Nam's records

Viet Nam Book of Records has recognised a giant artificial musical instrument and a cultural theatre in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Bac Lieu as the country's latest records.


The largest and stylised kim (moon-shaped lute), the province's cultural symbol, receives the honour along with the Cao Van Lau Theatre and Culture and Art Exhibition Centre constructed in the shape of three conical hats.

These two newly inaugurated projects were constructed for the first festival of don ca tai tu (amateur music and songs in the South) to be held on April 24 – 29.

The theatre and exhibition centre, with a total area of over 2,250 sq. metres, is divided into three blocks – round cylinders with a conical hat-like roof made of colourful composite planks. The largest hat is 24.21 metres in height and 45.15 metres in diameter.

Meanwhile, the dan kim, located in the Hung Vuong Square in Bac Lieu City, is made of steel rods and concrete and has a height of 18.6 metres. It sits on a five-petal lotus base made of similar materials.

The art of don ca tai tu officially became a recognised UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last December.