The event formed part of activities marking the 51st anniversary of the liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30 (1975–2026) and the 140th International Workers’ Day on May 1.

International photographers take a ferry across the Cau River to Tho Ha ancient village.

It also reflected efforts to implement Vietnam’s cultural development strategy under Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW.

As part of the programme, around 180 international photographers worked across various locations in Tho Ha, including historical relic sites such as communal houses, pagodas and clan temples, as well as narrow alleys, ancient homes, village gates and ferry landings.

Quan Ho singers offer betel and areca.

They also documented daily life, local cuisine and the traditional process of making rice paper.

A highlight of the event was the showcase of traditional arts, featuring performances by prominent cultural clubs such as Tho Ha Quan Ho Club, Van Ha ward Quan Ho Club, Nhu Nguyet Ca Tru guild and Tho Ha classical tuong (traditional opera) club.

Photographers capture daily life moments of Tho Ha residents.

The smooth melodies of Quan Ho folk songs, combined with the rich colours of traditional art forms rooted in Bac Ninh–Kinh Bac culture, provided vivid inspiration for photographers.

Through their creative lenses, photographers captured emotionally rich images reflecting the ancient charm of moss-covered architecture, cultural heritage and the tranquil rhythm of life in Tho Ha.

An international group of photographers at the communal house heritage site in Tho Ha village.

Each photograph not only freezes a moment but also tells its own story, helping bring the village’s image to a global audience.

Organisers said that through the work of international photographers, the image of Van Ha and Bac Ninh as a whole is being widely promoted, reinforcing the role of cultural heritage as an important resource for connection, dialogue and global outreach.

A photographer captures Tuong (classical opera) performers in costume and makeup.

This contributes to positioning Bac Ninh–Kinh Bac as an attractive, culturally rich destination on the international tourism and cultural map.

International photographers amid the vibrant colours of Bac Ninh’s cultural heritage.

Founded in 1934, the Photographic Society of America is a global organisation dedicated to promoting photographic arts and science for educational purposes. Its members are present in all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 countries and territories worldwide.

Tho Ha communal house, pagoda, and Confucian temple complex recognised as special national relic site

BAC NINH - The Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Van Ha ward, Bac Ninh province organised a ceremony at the Tho Ha communal house on March 9 to announce the decision and receive the certificate recognising the Tho Ha communal house, pagoda, and Confucian temple complex as a special national relic site.

Tho Ha rice paper – a specialty attracts visitors

BAC NINH – The ancient village of Tho Ha in Van Ha ward (formerly Van Ha commune, Viet Yen township) in Bac Ninh province has long been famous for its traditional rice paper making craft. Recently, Tho Ha’s rice paper making craft was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, becoming a source of pride for Kinh Bac homeland and a unique rural gift drawing visitors near and far.

Soong co folk singing, cheo art and Tho Ha rice paper craft recognised national intangible cultural heritages

BAC NINH - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a decision to announce the list of national intangible cultural heritages including Soong co folk singing of San Diu ethnic people, Bac Ninh cheo singing and Tho Ha rice paper making craft. 

Bac Ninh preserves Quan Ho folk singing through digital transformation and tourism push

BAC NINH – Kinh Bac ward has recently issued a plan to preserve and promote the heritage value of Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk singing, further implementing Vietnam’s commitments to UNESCO in a new context shaped by digital transformation and tourism development.

Quan Ho folk singing performed on boats to mark Party congress

BAC NINH - The Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Singing Theatre has staged a traditional Quan Ho folk singing performance on boats at Vua Ba Lake in Kinh Bac ward, Bac Ninh city, in activities marking the 14th National Party Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

A lifetime devoted to quan ho

From the age of six, Nguyen Thi Them accompanied her mother to singing sessions, so Quan ho singing has become an indispensable part of the life of this artisan who was born in Bac Ninh Province in 1959. She is regarded as a nucleus in preserving and safeguarding many ancient and complex quan ho melodies and has successfully passed them on to successive younger generations.