International tourists learn about traditional drum making at the Temple of Literature

On September 14, the art program "One Drum - One Sound of Drum - Thousands of Years of Civilization" opened in the Hau Vien area of Thai Hoc House, the special national relic Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam. The event is one of the activities within the framework of the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2026.

The event space attracted the attention of a large number of people and tourists. In which, many international tourists spent time learning about drums, observing artisans performing handicrafts and directly experiencing how to create sounds from this traditional musical instrument.

In the display area, visitors are introduced to famous drum making villages such as Doi Tam, Lam Yen, Binh An and the Central Highlands drum culture space.

Artifacts, images and craft tools help viewers visualize the process of creating a drum, from selecting materials, creating tang to processing and stretching the drum surface.

Besides learning about handicrafts, visitors also have the opportunity to interact with artisans. Stories about the origin, drum making techniques and the role of drums in Vietnamese cultural life are shared directly at the event.

For many international tourists, direct experience helps them have a more perspective on a musical instrument associated with community life, festivals, beliefs and school space of Vietnamese people.

Anh Agnes, an Australian tourist, said he was impressed with the drums and musical instruments introduced at the event. According to him, these products have beautiful shapes, are elaborately crafted and have many cultural characteristics.

Ms. Wilding, a Russian tourist, expressed that she and her companion had an interesting experience when participating in the program.

“We are very happy to experience drums. You and I have listened to the story of the formation of drums. That's very interesting,” Wilding shared.

Tourist Max McKibben from the US also paid special attention to cultural experiences in Vietnam.

I came to Vietnam because I have long loved this place. I am lucky to pass by here today and witness and listen to the stories of drums that surprised me and made me want to experience drumming myself," Max McKibben shared.

According to the organizers, "One Drum - One Drumbeat - A Thousand Years of Civilization" includes 3 main activities: thematic exhibitions, drum making experiences and exchanges, and drum art performances.

Through the program, the public has the opportunity to access the values behind each drum, from handicraft techniques to knowledge preserved and passed down by artisans through many generations.

Organized in the space of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the program contributes to connecting the value of traditional handicrafts with cultural experience activities for people and international tourists.

Through direct experiences, drums are not only introduced as a musical instrument but also become a bridge to help international tourists access the history, crafts and cultural life of Vietnam.