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Bai Choi Hoi An: A Journey Through Vietnamese Folklore

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. But beyond the charming streets and lantern-lit nights, lies a unique cultural treasure: Bai Choi. This traditional folk game, a captivating blend of singing, poetry, and card playing, offers visitors a glimpse into the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture.

See more details >>> Hoi An Special Activities during Tet holiday

Bai Choi original

Bai Choi, meaning “singing under the bamboo hut,” originated late 16th-17th centuries ago in the villages of central Vietnam. When people’s lives were seriously disrupted by wild animals, farmers built small huts at the edge of the forest to guard the crops.

While guarding the huts, in order not to be bored, people came up with a game: singing and chanting together the chants and songs. That form is called Bài Chòi. would entertain themselves with this engaging pastime. Over time, it evolved into a sophisticated art form, incorporating elements of music, poetry, and storytelling.

Currently, Bài Chòi has been recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The rule how to play Bai Choi

The special feature of Bai Choi Quang Nam folk song is that visitors can not only enjoy it but also participate in the game. The way to play Bai Choi is extremely easy.

The leader (the person who calls out the songs) starts with Quang Nam folk songs, each game will last from 10-15 minutes.

1. Each card will consist of 3 cards, each card is a letter.
2. The cards that people use are the Tam Cuc of 27 pairs with easy-to-remember names such as Nhat Tro, Nhi Khoe, Ba Ga, Tam Tung, Tu Cang.
3. Half of them will be put into a tube for the announcer (the person in charge), the other half will be divided into 9 huts, each hut has 3 cards.
4. With each card drawn, whoever gets that card will shout out, if they get 3 cards, they will be the winner.

In Hoi An, Bai Choi performances are often held in open-air spaces, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. A group of players gathers around a table, each holding a set of cards depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, history, and daily life. A designated singer begins by reciting a poem or singing a song, often improvising verses based on the cards drawn. The other players must then respond with verses of their own, demonstrating their wit, creativity, and knowledge of Vietnamese culture.

Performance time and location of the bai choi

The bai choi takes place at 7pm every day of the week. The bai choi stage is not as splendid and sparkling as other performance stages. It is just rustic and simple on a large area of ​​land. There are male and female announcers performing.

Location: An Hoi Sculpture Garden (on the banks of Hoai River)
Time: 7pm daily
Price of card: 20,000 VND/card

For visitors to Hoi An, experiencing a Bai Choi performance is an opportunity to delve deeper into Vietnamese culture. It’s a chance to witness a living tradition, to appreciate the beauty of the Vietnamese language, and to connect with the people and their heritage on a more profound level.

So, as you wander through the charming streets of Hoi An, take a moment to seek out a Bai Choi performance. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable evening of cultural immersion, where the past comes alive through the power of song, poetry, and shared laughter.

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