Đắk Lắk – Promoting the Gong Heritage

On November 18, 2025, the People’s Committee of Đắk Lắk Province held a conference to review 20 years of efforts in preserving and promoting the gong heritage (2005–2025) and to set directions toward 2030.

Đắk Lắk is home to 49 ethnic groups, each contributing to a rich and unique cultural landscape. Among these, the Central Highlands gong culture, recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, stands out as a symbol of cultural pride. In 2008, it was further included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The sound of gongs is more than music – it is the voice of the mountains, the heartbeat of the community, and a symbol of unity and vitality.

Achievements Over 20 Years

Since its international recognition, the gong heritage has spread widely and become a sustainable cultural symbol. Today, preserving and promoting gongs is closely linked with:

• Cultural tourism development, creating unique and attractive products.

• Digital applications, including archiving, promotion, and teaching to younger generations.

These initiatives ensure the heritage is not only preserved in its original form but also serves as a resource for sustainable social and economic development. Protecting the gong culture is a shared responsibility of cultural authorities, local communities, and society at large, contributing to the preservation of national identity and enhancing the country’s cultural standing internationally.

Musical and Spiritual Significance

The music of the gongs reflects the exceptional skill of performers, from tuning to arranging ensembles and performing intricate rhythms, even without formal training. For local communities, gongs are priceless assets, representing generations of cultural expression.

Gongs are not just artistic instruments; they are considered the “voice” of humans and spirits, reflecting the belief that all things have a soul. Each gong ensemble is a spiritual and emotional voice, expressing the joys and sorrows of daily life, labor, and rituals. Different ethnic groups have their own styles and repertoires, making each performance unique.

Gong Ensembles

Gongs may be used individually or in ensembles ranging from 2 to 20 instruments, such as the Giarai ensemble. A gong orchestra functions like a full musical ensemble, capable of polyphonic arrangements and complex harmonies. Each performer plays only one gong or flat gong, demonstrating mastery and coordination within the group.

Listening to gong music evokes the spaces of hunting, farming, and festivals, capturing the rhythm of daily life and the spiritual essence of the Central Highlands. Over time, gongs have become a defining cultural feature, enchanting audiences with their beauty and depth.

images: collected

Plan Your Trip with TripAsean Tours

👉 Contact TripAsean Tours: For customized trip planning, hotel recommendations, and expert travel tips.

• • • • • • 📞 Hotline: +84 961 518 918
          • 🌐 Website: www.tripasean.com
          • 📧 Email: info@tripasean.com
          • 📝Let me know your request: Fill out the form here