International visitors excited to experience 2025 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival

Unique experiences

Miles Robinson, a US student passionate about Eastern culture, planned his trip to the 2025 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival early in August, right after learning that the site had been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Having explored many historical relics around the world, Robinson said his experience at Con Son – Kiep Bac this time was truly special. Witnessing the hau dong performances for the first time with spiritual rituals blending sacred singing, dance, acting, and traditional ceremonies brought him deep emotions.

“This is not only a religious ritual but also a unique multisensory cultural experience, combining brilliant performing arts, profound spiritual faith, and slices of national history. I feel truly fascinated and eager to learn more about the soul of the Vietnamese people,” said Robinson.

Robinson and many other international visitors to this year’s Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival also enjoyed various traditional art performances, such as cheo (traditional operetta), chau van (spiritual singing), ca tru (ceremonial singing), and water puppetry, taking place throughout the event.

Enthusiastic exploration

Alongside the artistic activities, three new tours exploring the sacred land of Con Son – Kiep Bac launched by the city authorities during the 2025 festival have drawn great attention from international tourists.

Each tour offers visitors a fascinating journey through history and nature, filled with emotion and deep spiritual meaning.

“Walking through a forest of century-old trees, listening to the gentle murmur of the Con Son stream, and feeling the vastness atop Con Son mountain in the cool autumn air were truly wonderful,” said Catalina Coll, a tourist from Spain.

Moreover, international visitors immersed themselves in interactive spaces featuring traditional cuisine and handicrafts. They praised the festival’s display of trade village products, exquisite handicrafts, and OCOP specialties.

Artisans’ live demonstrations of intricate craftsmanship, along with chefs showcasing cooking processes, created a lively culinary experience. Visitors not only watched but also tasted signature local dishes such as bun cha ruoi (vermicelli with ragworm patties), nem cua be (crab spring rolls), spicy banh mi que (baguette), and rustic specialties made from local ingredients, Kiep Bac lotus tea, and Con Son mung bean cakes.

This experience not only satisfied visitors’ palates but also deepened their connection with the culture and everyday life of the local people in the heart of the World Heritage site.

NGUYEN CUONG