Traditional Khmer cultural arts continue to flourish despite the pace of modern life, thanks to the dedication of artisans and local communities who have passed them from one generation to the next.

From the ceremonial sounds of the Pinn Peat orchestra and the energetic Chhay-dăm drum dance to the masked Rôbăm Yeak Roăm theatre and the intricate craft of mask making, these art forms remain closely connected to the spiritual and cultural life of the Khmer people in southern Việt Nam.

Many of these traditions have been recognised as national intangible cultural heritage, reflecting their cultural significance and the ongoing efforts to safeguard them. Today, young performers are learning alongside veteran artists, helping ensure that Khmer cultural heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.

Traditional Khmer dances are an important part of the community's rich cultural heritage. Preserved and passed down through generations, they help safeguard Khmer identity while enriching Việt Nam's cultural diversity. VNA/VNS Photos

Young members of the Khmer folk theatre troupe in Ô Lâm Commune, An Giang Province.

Traditional Khmer dances are an important part of the community's rich cultural heritage. Preserved and passed down through generations, they help safeguard Khmer identity while enriching Việt Nam's cultural diversity.

Traditional Khmer dances are an important part of the community's rich cultural heritage. Preserved and passed down through generations, they help safeguard Khmer identity while enriching Việt Nam's cultural diversity.

The Chằn dance, also known as Rôbăm Yeak Roăm, is a form of masked folk theatre inspired by the Reamker epic. More than entertainment, it symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is performed to pray for peace, good fortune and protection.

The Chằn dance, also known as Rôbăm Yeak Roăm, is a masked folk theatre inspired by the Reamker epic. Beyond entertainment, it is performed at Khmer pagodas during major festivals to ward off evil and pray for peace and good fortune for the community.

The Chằn dance, also known as Rôbăm Yeak Roăm, is a form of masked folk theatre inspired by the Reamker epic. More than entertainment, it symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is performed to pray for peace, good fortune and protection.

The traditional craft of making masks for the Chằn dance is a unique form of handicraft that reflects the rich cultural, spiritual and theatrical heritage of the Khmer community in southern Việt Nam.

Meritorious Artisan Kim Mạnh, 62, from Tà Cú Commune, Vĩnh Long Province, crafts a traditional Chằn dance mask.

Visitors learn about the traditional craft of making masks for Khmer Chằn performances.

The Chhay-dăm drum dance combines rhythmic drumming, energetic choreography and acrobatic movements. It was recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage for the Khmer community in Tây Ninh Province in 2015 and in An Giang Province in 2025.

The Chhay-dăm drum dance combines rhythmic drumming, energetic choreography and acrobatic movements. It was recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage for the Khmer community in Tây Ninh Province in 2015 and in An Giang Province in 2025.

The Pinn Peat orchestra is a traditional ceremonial music ensemble regarded as the soul of the spiritual and cultural life of the Khmer community in southern Việt Nam. In 2019, it was recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The name Ngũ âm ("five-tone orchestra") comes from the ensemble's five groups of instruments, each made from a different material to create distinct sounds that reflect the philosophy of yin and yang and the five elements.

The Pinn Peat orchestra, the ceremonial music ensemble of the Khmer community, is often regarded as the soul of the spiritual and cultural life of southern Khmer people. In 2019, it was recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.